Beginning Archery - Lesson 4: Holding Hand Placement

Place the bow hand into the grip of the bow with the centerline of the vee between thumb and index finger in line with the centre of the bow as shown in the top view. The base of the thumb muscle should rest on the centerline of the grip. During the draw, the pressure should be taken on the thumb muscle and directly into the wrist (Low wrist position). The thumb and fingers should remain relaxed. If a finger sling or bow sling is not used, then the tips of the fingers are curled around until lightly touching the bow. This will stop the bow falling out of the hand on release. A consistent hand position on the bow grip is necessary

Beginning Archery - Lesson 5: Pre-Draw Position

Push out with the bow arm to set the hand position into the bow grip, then raise the bow arm and drawing arm together, up to the position shown in the picture on the left. Keep the front shoulder in its normal low position (The shoulder must not be allowed to rotate up or back as this shortens the draw length). Keep the elbow of the drawing arm high, as this will help bring into action the back muscles needed to draw the bow to full draw.