Why Do Archers Let The Bow Drop?
Archery is a sport that requires a great deal of skill and precision. From drawing the bowstring to releasing the arrow, every aspect of the archer’s technique can have a significant impact on their performance.
In this article, we will explore the concept of follow-through in archery, the mechanics of proper technique, and then why archers let their bows drop.
The goal of any archer is to achieve a smooth, repeatable technique that leads to consistent and accurate shots.
Follow through, including letting the bow drop, is one important aspect of this technique that can greatly improve an archer’s performance on the range and in competition.
Quick Answer: Archers drop the bow and allow it to swing forward because they don’t actually tightly hold the bow with their hands. Instead, they grip the bow in a way that allows the tension from pulling back the string to pull the bow into their hands. If they were to grip the bow tightly, it could cause unnecessary twisting, resulting in arrows not having a clean straight release. Therefore, releasing the bow and allowing it to swing forward is a better approach.
Let us first understand about Follow Through which is crucial for understanding the answer to the question “Why Archers Let Their Bow Drop”
The Importance of Follow Through
Follow through in archery
Follow-through is a critical element in archery that refers to the act of continuing the shooting motion after the arrow has been released from the bow.
The concept of follow-through implies that your job isn’t finished after you’ve released your arrow and it’s in flight towards the target. Simply dropping your bow and walking away isn’t an option
This means that the archer maintains their stance and grip, holding their bow arm steady while allowing their release hand to move naturally away from their face as if completing the shot even though the arrow has already been fired.
How follow-through affects accuracy and consistency
Follow-through is essential for ensuring accuracy and consistency in archery.
When an archer releases the bowstring, the energy stored in the bow is transferred to the arrow, which can cause the bow to move or vibrate.
If an archer does not follow through properly, they risk disrupting the natural trajectory of the arrow, resulting in reduced accuracy or inconsistent results.
By continuing the motion of the shot after the arrow has been released, the archer helps to minimize the impact of the bow’s movement on the arrow’s trajectory.
This helps to ensure that the arrow flies true to its intended target and can help increase the archer’s accuracy and consistency.
How top archers use follow-through in the competition
Top archers use follow through as a fundamental part of their shooting technique.
For example, Olympic gold medalist and world champion Brady Ellison is known for his exceptional follow-through, which he has credited with helping him achieve consistent, accurate shots.
In competition, archers are often required to make split-second decisions and execute precise shots under pressure. By focusing on proper follow-through, top archers can help ensure that their shots are accurate and consistent, even in high-pressure situations.
The Mechanics of Follow Through
Mechanics of follow through in archery
Proper follow-through in archery involves a series of coordinated movements that help ensure accuracy and consistency.
After releasing the arrow, the archer should maintain their stance and grip, holding their bow arm steady and allowing their release hand to move naturally away from their face.
Additionally, the archer should maintain focus on their target throughout the entire shooting motion, even after the arrow has been released.
Common mistakes to avoid when using follow through
One common mistake that archers make when using follow-through is failing to maintain their grip on the bow after the shot.
This can cause the bow to move or vibrate, which can disrupt the trajectory of the arrow and reduce accuracy.
Another common mistake is failing to maintain focus on the target after the shot, which can cause the archer to lose track of their aim and miss their intended target.
Step-by-step instructions for archers looking to improve their follow-through technique
To improve their follow-through technique, archers can follow these simple steps:
- Maintain proper form throughout the entire shooting motion, keeping your shoulders relaxed, your feet shoulder-width apart, and your bow arm extended and steady.
- Release the arrow smoothly and naturally, allowing your release hand to move away from your face without disrupting your grip on the bow.
- Maintain focus on your target throughout the entire shooting motion, even after the arrow has been released.
- Hold your stance for a few seconds after the shot, allowing the bow to settle and any residual energy to dissipate.
- Finally, relax your grip on the bow and allow it to drop naturally to your side.
Why Archers Let Their Bow Drop
How Letting the bow drop after a shot is a natural part of the follow-through
Letting the bow drop after a shot is a natural part of follow-through in archery. As discussed earlier, follow-through involves continuing the motion of the shot after the arrow has been released.
By allowing the bow to drop naturally after the shot, the archer completes the shooting motion and ensures that the bow does not interfere with the arrow’s trajectory.
How dropping the bow can help prevent injury and improve accuracy
Dropping the bow after a shot can help prevent injury by reducing the strain on the archer’s bow arm and shoulder.
When an archer holds the bow steady after the shot, they are placing additional stress on their bow arm and shoulder, which can lead to fatigue, soreness, or even injury over time.
By allowing the bow to drop naturally after the shot, the archer reduces this strain and minimizes the risk of injury.
Additionally, dropping the bow can help improve accuracy by minimizing any residual movement or vibration in the bow after the shot.
When an archer holds the bow steady after the shot, they risk disrupting the natural trajectory of the arrow, which can reduce accuracy.
By allowing the bow to drop naturally, the archer ensures that any residual energy in the bow is dissipated without interfering with the arrow’s flight.
You can execute a smoother follow-through technique by swinging the bow. This action clears the arrow’s path and significantly minimizes the risk of contact that may cause the arrow to veer off course. Give it a try!
How archers use this technique in competition
Top archers frequently use the technique of letting their bow drop after a shot in competition.
For example, Three times Olympic gold medalist and world champion Ki Bo-bae of South Korea is known for her distinctive follow through, which involves dropping her bow naturally after each shot.
In competition, archers are under intense pressure to perform their best and execute precise shots.
By using the technique of dropping their bow after a shot, archers like Ki Bo-bae can help ensure that their shots are accurate and consistent while minimizing the risk of injury or fatigue.
Common Misconceptions About Letting the Bow Drop
There are several common misconceptions about why archers let their bow drop after a shot.
- One misconception is that dropping the bow is a sign of poor form or lack of control.
- Another misconception is that dropping the bow is a way to show off or demonstrate skill.
- Finally, some people believe that dropping the bow is unnecessary or even dangerous.
Why these misconceptions are inaccurate
These misconceptions are inaccurate for several reasons.
- Firstly, dropping the bow after a shot is not a sign of poor form or lack of control. In fact, it is a natural part of follow-through and an important technique used by many top archers.
- Secondly, dropping the bow is not a way to show off or demonstrate skill, as it is a common technique used by archers of all levels.
- Finally, dropping the bow is not unnecessary or dangerous, as it can help prevent injury and improve accuracy, as discussed earlier.
Additional information
it’s important to emphasize that this technique should be done in a controlled manner.
Archers should not simply let go of their bow or drop it recklessly, but rather allow it to fall naturally and smoothly after the shot has been completed.
Additionally, archers should ensure that their bow is not damaged or scratched by the ground, and should take care to avoid any obstacles or hazards on the range.
It’s also important to note that letting the bow drop is not the only way to complete follow-through in archery.
Some archers prefer to hold the bow steady after the shot, while others may use a different follow-through technique altogether.
Ultimately, the most important thing is finding a follow-through technique that works best for each archer and helps them achieve consistent, accurate shots.
What Do Archers Say Instead Of Fire?
In traditional archery, archers would not say “fire” to signal the release of an arrow.
Instead, they would use commands such as “loose” or “shoot” to signal the release of the arrow. The word “fire” is often associated with firearms rather than archery.
However, in modern competitive archery, the command to shoot is often replaced with a sound signal, such as a whistle, to eliminate the possibility of verbal miscommunication or distractions.
Do All Archers Drop Their Bows?
No, not all archers drop their bows after releasing an arrow. Dropping the bow is a common practice among traditional archers who use a bow grip that allows the bow to swing forward after the release of the arrow.
However, modern archers who use different bow grips and shooting styles may not drop their bows after shooting.
Some archers prefer to keep a firm grip on their bow to maintain control and stability, while others prefer to hold the bow loosely without dropping it.
Ultimately, whether or not an archer drops their bow after shooting depends on their personal preference and shooting style.
Do Compound Bow Archers Drop Their Bows?
Compound bows are designed to transfer much of the tension from the archer’s muscles to the bow’s mechanical system.
Unlike longbows, when a compound bow archer releases the arrow, the unique design of the compound bow reduces the need for follow-through.
As a result, compound bow archers do not need to let their bows drop after releasing the arrow.
Check: Importance of Bow Wrist Slings, Finger Slings
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the concept of follow-through in archery, including its importance and mechanics.
We have discussed how follow through affects accuracy and consistency, and provided examples of how top archers use follow through in competition.
We have also explored why archers let their bow drop after a shot, and addressed common misconceptions about this technique.
It is clear that proper technique is essential for success in archery. Follow through, including the proper mechanics and use of letting the bow drop, can greatly improve accuracy and consistency.
It is also important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to archery technique. Each archer must find the techniques that work best for them and their unique style.
