Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Become a Better Archer: Eye Dominance

Did you know that one eye is dominant over the other? I didn't either until I read an article about it. And it completely changed my archery training.

Here's the best trick you'll learn today, and you'll want to show it to your friends too!

Step 1: Hold your hands out in front of you, palms facing away.
Step 2: Form "L" shapes with both hands, and touch the pointer fingers and thumbs together, forming a triangle shape.
Step 3: Hold your hands at arms length at the level of your eyes.
Step 4: Pick a shape or object across the room that appears within the center area triangle made by your hands, and close your right eye.
Step 5: If the object jumps away or disappears when your right eye is closed, then you are LEFT EYE dominant. If it remains in the center of your triangle then you are RIGHT EYE dominant.




Right eye dominant people should shoot with their right arm drawing back, and the opposite is true for left eye dominant people. If you are a left eye dominant person, you should try using a left hand bow. It is possible to learn to shoot with the traditional right hand bow even if you are left eye dominant, but it will not be as natural for you to aim and may take extra time to learn to adjust.

For more archery training tips, visit www.MyArcheryClasses.com today!

Learning Archery Basics

This blog is meant to assist those who are interested in archery basics. Archery has been making a big comeback thanks to movies and television that feature heavily on this traditionally old-world sport. Movies like The Hunger Games, and TV shows like Arrow have increased interest in archery all over the country. This is a fun, challenging sport, but it is important to be knowledgeable about it in order to enjoy it safely.
 


Here are some basic rules for those who are in the process of learning to become an archer:

1. Find an experienced mentor - While it can be fun to learn a new skill with someone who is also new to it, archery is not something you can gamble on just figuring out with time. When you have a bow and arrow in your hands, you have a weapon. Plain and simple. You wouldn't want to leave figuring out how to fire a gun to chance, the same applies to archery. Find someone knowledgeable, or a center for archery classes in your area.

2. Rent first, buy later - As you learn about the sport, you are still working out whether or not it is something you would like to make a serious hobby. Any place that you can get archery lessons from should also have equipment for you to rent. The thrill of buying your own bow is a bit like what you can imagine Harry Potter felt like when he bought his first wand. However, you should wait to buy until you are sure that you will continue to practice. It will save you money in the long run, and give you time to save up for the perfect bow!

3. Fundamentals above all - There are 12 steps to learning how to make the perfect shot. In order to be an accomplished archer, you must master the fundamentals. While it's fun and very stress-relieving to shoot, without the fundamentals you will be shooting blindly, never getting any better or more accurate, which partly defeats the purpose of archery.

4. Patience is a virtue - Be patient with yourself, and with your instructor. No one becomes a master over night. Part of the joy is the process of learning.

5. Have fun - Most of all, do this because you enjoy it. Revel in the feeling of a great shot, the sound of the bow striking the target. The sound is just as sweet when you don't hit the bulls-eye, and the act itself is a great method of stress relief for many.

6. Know when to call it a day - For many, myself included, learning archery is exciting. The desire to keep shooting can be strong, but you must learn to read your body and know when it's time to quit. You risk over-exerting yourself, and getting frustrated in the process. Take your time, strive for excellence, and have fun.

For more archery for beginners tips, lessons, and to find a training center near you visit www.MyArcheryClasses.com