Archery Accuracy Tips

At 60X, we’re always hearing customers ask how they can shoot better or how they can tighten their groups. While we believe that equipment is crucial to better aim, there are some basic form checks that will result in arrows that go exactly where you want them to. Check out our archery accuracy tips here to get advice from the experts!

1. If It Fits

Our most important archery accuracy tip is to ensure your bow fits you. You don’t want to try shooting a bow that’s too heavy or one that has too long of a draw length. These are detrimental to the smooth draw you need to control the trajectory of your arrows. To test if the bow is right for you, try and hold it at full draw for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have any problems, then you’ve got the right fit.

Make sure you’re drawing from your back and holding constant tension to keep everything steady. If you’re drawing back correctly, most of your stance will automatically fall into place.

2. Get a Grip

A relaxed grip is essential for accurate aiming. While some shooters confuse an open hand for a relaxed grip, it could still be holding far too much tension. Try to cradle your bow in a way that allows it to move forward during your shot. Do your best to repeat the same grip in every single shot, as this archery accuracy tip improves your consistency.

3. Your Stance

Making sure your feet are wide enough and you’re standing perfectly upright could be more complicated than you think. Check your stance by having someone give you a little shove. If you can’t maintain your balance, then your feet need to be spread wider. A good benchmark for foot width is that they are as wide apart as your shoulders.

You also don’t need to be standing with your upper body perfectly perpendicular to your target. Open your stance and turn your body slightly to explore how your aim changes.

4. Anchoring

Anchoring is an essential archery aiming tip that helps you keep your arm and peep sight steady. Some people prefer the corner of the mouth, the tip of the nose, or under the chin. Depending on your style and training, your anchor preference will change, but make sure you anchor at the same spot every time.

5. Release

Your release is probably one of the most important factors in accuracy. If you’re anticipating your release, you may find that you flinch or jerk and throw the arrow off target. Try to release as part of your draw, making it as natural and smooth as possible. In the photo below, note how the archer is using an archery release tool to eliminate the chance of the string being thrown off by skin contact.

6. Release

It’s no surprise that aiming has made its way into our list of archery accuracy tips — it’s the whole point of this blog! In addition to your grip, anchor, and stance, you have to consider your pin. Our archery aiming tips encourage you to let it float as you concentrate on the bullseye instead of holding it in the middle until you’re ready. Straining to hold still may result in punching the trigger and jerking your arrow, leading to a messy release.

Patience and Practice

You’ll need to have a lot of patience with yourself as you strive to recreate the right stance and grip every time you shoot. Practice as much as possible to increase your chances of doing the exact same thing every time. Take note of which changes make the biggest difference and add them to your checklist every time you draw a bow.