Bow Stance



Here can be seen the perfect way to shoot your bow, just like the Elven archers or Legolas (My following text is about the Elven Archers so when I say 'them' or 'they' I mean the Elven archers):



[Erestor]'s tips on using a bow:

Stance: Glorious, at least when they have a moment to set there feet. Straight, the whole body parallel and arm in line with the arrow, shoulders over knees, eye very focussed and looking right down the shaft.

Tilt: Without an arrow rest, the bow needs to be tilted at a slight angle to keep the arrow securely resting on the knuckle.

Head: They don't turn there head much, but turns just enough that they can use both eyes to aim.

Arms: The parts that should be straight are straight, they are braced against the tension without straining, and joints are locked but not so stiff that they are going to jerk when they let go. There bow-hand isn't bending inward due to muscle fatigue. The forearm that's drawing is nicely aligned with the arrow-shaft. Instead of tilting from the hips, they sometimes raises his arm to aim high, which can shorten an archer's draw. That will change the arrow's release and require him to adjust his aim, but so long as he can compensate, the only drawback is that it shaves some yards off his maximum range.

Anchor: Usually fixed and consistent; it looks like they are always pulling to a particular tooth. Anchor is where consistency is most vital. Unless you draw to exactly the same place, the arrow won't leave the bow at the same speed and angle, and you'll have to aim mostly on instinct rather than by visual cues. When moving, they sometimes draws under there chin.

Mouth: Closed. Minute changes in jaw position can shift face muscles enough that they disguise any reference point you're using on your face to anchor. A lot of people are never taught this.

Eyes: Many archers have trouble keeping both eyes open, but they seem fine with that. Normally there sights straight down the shaft, unless they are moving and can't do so without risking poking an eye out.

Release: They must let go smoothly even though it feels to them like they are holding the leash of a determined labrador retriever with his fingernails; a millimeter of wobble at release translates to inches or even yards depending on target range.

Safety: You need to make sure that you use sutible clothing when firing your bow, not with baggy arm that your bow may catch on. Also if you are wearing a short sleeved shirt then make sure you wear protection such as a arm-guard or some gaunlets, something to protect the flights from catching on your wrist at first. Also if you really feel uncomfortabley then wear a finger guard that will prevent the finger that you are pulling the string with from being cut. When you are more experienced the procautions may not need to be taken.



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