Archery Basics: How to get started

[@TheElvenArcher]

If you are looking for a beginner bow and want to go for a new bow rather than buying used, here is my recomendation: amzn.to/2RbyHoV This bow can be purchased in right or left hand and from 25 to 60 pounds. Ordering through this link goes to help support the channel.

[@WelshmanSudios]

Thank you, I’ve always wanted to do this, I’m d]so nervous about going to my archery club, but thank you.

[@TheElvenArcher]

Heh, especially now, although I suppose staying 6 feet apart would be too big a hassle at the range. Archers and climbers I always find to be really open people, most are glad to see new people getting into the sport and are more than willing to offer a few pointers.

[@kevalexander7415]

I love archery. I've been teaching myself for the past 2 or 3yrs and feel pretty good about my progress. Watching this young man go through the basics from top to bottom made me feel like a student and it was awesome. After watching his tutorial I feel motivated to go out and implement some of his lessons into my shooting. Thanks ElvenArcher. 👍

[@patrickcousino7246]

Very well done, young man. I like the tidbits about buying a new bow! As a former police officer I think I’ll find that the concepts of maintaining a solid shooting posture and being aware of your sight picture will translate well into archery (of which I’m a complete noob). As I don’t have a dedicated archery shop in the area, I do see several archery clubs on FB, (and we have quite a few open ranges) so I’ll take to learning from folks that have some clearly established GOOD habits and consistency. Thanks for the motivation. Let’em fly!

[@colbys1257]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been looking high and low for a video just running through the basics. This is the first comprehensive one I've found, and it's the most likeable and least creepy (yes, some are actually creepy) one out there. :D

[@crowking1761]

Thank you so so much, I have started archery for 3 weeks now and I am self taught and I didn't realise how many mistakes I was making and I really like the way you teach, thank you again!!

[@PatSporrerMusic77]

Good video man! I just bought my first recurve bow after wanting to get into archery for the longest time and your video is the most comprehensive one on archery for beginners on youtube. Thanks man! =)

[@OfficerBlowFish]

Dude hanging upside down while shooting was funny as hell lol.

[@robertdeocampo5002]

I love the video bro. Your editing, equipment knowledge and sense of humor made it worth while. Thanks R-

[@TheElvenArcher]

Thanks man. I'm glad you liked it!

[@mickruhdorf9916]

thank you for a very informative video ,well done . cheers from australia

[@snorman1951]

An excellent beginner's tutorial! Thanks, maybe I'll try a recurve again. (Had one as a kid) I was self-taught and had no idea what I was doing, but had fun anyway.

[@TheElvenArcher]

Being self-taught isn't necessarily a bad thing. I was pretty much self-taught until a couple of years ago. Taking some lessons will definitely help you improve and build good shooting habits though.

[@jadahoob99]

Well done! You provided lots of examples, demonstrations, and good info. and you kept the film moving and entertaining to boot! You really know how to make a good video! Thanks!

[@dilawaramin2536]

Thanks so much for this video!! Better than any other guide I've seen on KZbin, and entertaining at the same time. I just bought a practice bow not too long ago and I'm now confident in this hobby. Cheers!

[@johncooper7242]

thanks buddy thats an excellent explanation and has covered all the questions I had about starting out in field archery with an English longbow

[@mikewernham76]

Brilliant! Very well made video. I've only just started shooting. I'm left eyed which made it even better. Subscribed!

[@-----itsaspear4322]

this is an excellent video that every new archer should watch man, good job

[@TheElvenArcher]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@sebhuehn7680]

I made myself a longbow and it’s reeeeeeeeeaaaallllyyyyy powerful

[@TheElvenArcher]

nice, I remember my first board bow ended up as 70 pounds, I thought I was some master bowmaker at the time but looking back it ended up that way because I had no idea what I was doing 🤣. lucky the thing didn't blow up in my face.

[@khoango9241]

I greatly appreciate the red arrows

[@skcubrats100]

One of the best videos I’ve seen so far. Thx!!

[@DasCube01]

Great video, exactly what I was looking for, thank you :)

[@JesseG085]

Nice video! I found your channel searching for carbon vs SS Morakniv and now I'm going to the local archery shop tomorrow.

[@thearcherintraining496]

My first good traditional bow was a bear recurve (by good I mean one that is a nice, higher poundage bow). It is a great bow, the only thing i should have done is test the bow compared to other bows. I love it and it works great, but really I just should have. Edit: my first bow I got at like 5 and was like 5 pound draw.

[@alaricsnellpym]

A great introduction, thanks!

[@rimerdijkstra5826]

Dude that lotr bow you have is so awasome!

[@TheElvenArcher]

Rimer Dijkstra thanks, I painted it myself.

[@rimerdijkstra5826]

TheElvenArcher really awesome ! Just fantastic! It looks great!

[@eqlzr2]

Big thumbs up, man. I found this incredibly helpful. My recurve Sage should be here in a few days. Thx. And, finally, a story. I've been to the Taos, New Mexico pueblo on a couple occasions. It's extremely interesting, and many/most of the residents there live a quiet, reserved life respectful of nature and all it's facets. They also have a lot of artisans there, some of whom make and sell native American items including among other things fantastic musical instruments, pottery, and jewelry items. One year, there was a young guy set up who was making simple but effective bows, arrows, and stone headed hatchets. I asked him to make me a bow that was a little different than what he had on display, and he agreed to have it ready the next day. However, when I went back, neither he nor his sales stand was anywhere to be seen. I don't know for certain, of course, but suspect he was given the boot because of the nature of his "art" which didn't quite fit in thewith rest of the paintings, pots, flutes, and necklaces. ;-)

[@moenajdi5527]

That or he stole your money 😂 On a side note I think traditional archery is really fascinating. It's a shame you never got to shoot one.

[@jimbernard8964]

That was really good. Thank you.

[@joehalford5698]

subscribed, best video I have ever seen for archery.

[@Archferumphis]

Extremely helpful! Thanks!

[@greywolfwalking6359]

Good vid, good info for many as just gettin' started! Been shooting since 1957! Soooo thanks for sharing! ATB👍😎👍!

[@kato2531]

Thanks for all info . Very nicely done .

[@gizmonomono]

Nice. All you need to know to get started.

[@joseph291]

Thanks mate. Just started myself.

[@cliffbrown4217]

Good Presentation. Professional job.

[@joshuagrapher]

Glad this video is back up. 🤙

[@TheElvenArcher]

took me long enough...

[@willborn66]

Well done i'am a archer a long time but I like you're explanation 💯👍🏻 keep on the good work

[@Orion53T]

GREAT VIDEO !! Great tutorial ! Excellent !

[@PeterSolerom]

very good tutorial for beginners, good job.

[@amynilsson4307]

where do you get your cool leather arm guards?

[@TheElvenArcher]

Local shop called rocky mountain specialty gear

[@banzailabs]

Excellent video.

[@traditionalirishmusic9550]

Very interesting, I am thinking of taking up archery, was going to do clay shooting, but due to damage it can do to hearing, and the hassle of licences I may go with archery.

[@TheElvenArcher]

Its a great sport, a lot cheaper to get into than skeet shooting as well.

[@colb715]

Excellent thanks

[@Venomballin251]

This was a very helpful video thank you

[@michaelplant4635]

Great video, very entertaining with good info 👍 good work sir

[@DrunkScout]

Great video man, thank you! Learned a lot.

[@crabmans13]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Definitely go me a little bit more interested in the sport :D

[@ObelixCMM]

At 1:28 your D-loop is tied wrong (unusual) Both knots are on same side of the string, one should be on the left and one on the right side to prevent spinning of the string.

[@TheElvenArcher]

I got the bow set up at a shop when I first got it and that was how they tied it. if I ever get the D-loop replaced I'll keep that in mind.

[@ObelixCMM]

Check out this video by John Dudley kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmi1ZYF_jKtohNU on how to tie D-loop. This video is part of series no how to set up compound bow.

[@andrewmoore8635]

Outstanding

[@VaansWorld]

Dude.... awesome video!

[@johnny6148]

great video. i learned a lot. very funny too!

[@jenjaone]

How about coffee? The Rangers will appreciate it!

[@TheElvenArcher]

Maybe I need to get terribly hung over first but I don't drink coffee.

[@loydhelmick9682]

nice job! Very helpful

[@patriciamaka7802]

How far away from target do you need to be

[@TheElvenArcher]

Start close, five to ten yards max. That way you will miss fewer times which is both less frustrating and makes it easier to find arrows. some people will say to never stand closer than ten yards for fear of bounceback. The only target I have ever seen send arrows back is my own because it uses tightened ratchet straps which bounce off arrows. If you have a soft target then you don't have to worry about bouncebacks.

[@Ozarkwonderer]

Good vid. Nice cover on the basics. How did you turn upside down with out dumping your quiver

[@TheElvenArcher]

it is a pretty tight quiver and i have about twenty arrows in it so they all stay in. thanks for watching

[@TheNockingPoint]

Nice. What is your local archery shop?

[@TheElvenArcher]

It is called Rocky mountain specialty gear (RMSGear.com)

[@TheNockingPoint]

I thought that may be the case. That is a fantastic shop. I have purchased a Bear Kodiak takedown from them online. Very few are lucky enough to live so close to an archery shop like RMS. BTW you have a nice channel. It inspired me to make a video letting my viewers know about it.

[@bomnitoperro9422]

What should i do if there is no archery shop on my country :c

[@TheElvenArcher]

there are very few places that cant get deliveries for online orders, and if all else fails, making your own equipment is always an option.

[@Jeffery00cox]

Dude! You are freaking Hawkeye!

[@Dusty357]

A enjoyed that a have ordered my first bow samick polaris, yesterday so now swatting up on as much info as a can were a live in the UK there isn't anyone to teach me so am going in blind you mite say BUT how else would you learn lol also subbed to your channel. Take care mate. Liam 😉

[@TheElvenArcher]

I learned a lot of what I know from videos and books. I didn't get any instruction until I had been shooting for almost seven years which i would not recommend. I'm glad to know this is helping you get into the sport!

[@james_fg1667]

what recurve bow would you recommend for someone who's just getting into archery?

[@TheElvenArcher]

view my pinned comment, that's the one I recomend.

[@AlexJCross]

How do you decide bow weight to choose?

[@TheElvenArcher]

Start light and work up, 20-30 is usually good for an adult to begin with.

[@AlexJCross]

@@TheElvenArcher so much respect for you answering this appreciate the video I'll be taking a lesson once I'm back home! Is bow weight just for arrow speed?

[@TheElvenArcher]

@@AlexJCross essentially, the higher weight you go the faster your arrows will fly which helps them fly along a flatter trajectory and cut through wind easier. It's a bit easier to be accurate especially over long distance with a bit heavier bow as long as it's still a comfortable weight for you which is the most important thing.

[@rimerdijkstra5826]

Really useful vid thx! But I have a few questions .. What about aiming with two eyes? And what are good/normal distances to shoot ?

[@TheElvenArcher]

Shoot with both eyes open. Shoot any distance you want, most people start at 10 or 15 and work up from there.

[@rimerdijkstra5826]

TheElvenArcher thx really much I already experienced better results with two eyes open but didn't know if it was correct to do so but thank you really much for confirming it.

[@TheElvenArcher]

You defiantly are correct. You may see some people close one eye especially when using a sight but nearly every top shooter in archery and firearms shoots with both eyes open. In traditional archery its especially important because you need depth perception to judge the distance to the target.

[@spydertyler7572]

Question, the flitchings (not sure if I'm saying this right) at the end of the arrow, do you feel them slide through your finger once you shoot the arrow?

[@TheElvenArcher]

You always take your finger away before you loose. I don't recommend shooting off the hand like I do as it puts your hands in a bit more danger from fletchings (you almost had it) and broken shafts. Even if you are shooting off the hand you shouldn't feel much, if the arrow is making hard contact with your knuckles it means you are knocking too low.

[@daveb1149]

Nice video kid. I like the t-shirt.

[@bazkrekkerirl]

My brother left me a cheap bow that is basically a long plastic stick with a grip. As a beginner can I still use it or should I get a new one?

[@TheElvenArcher]

I started learning with a bit of pvc and a string, as long as it doesn't break when you draw it back you can start learning. though you will have better initial success with a proper bow.

[@bazkrekkerirl]

@@TheElvenArcher ok thanks a lot 😃merry Christmas

[@Polymath9000]

What arrow Res you use for plastic vanes.

[@TheElvenArcher]

I would start by not shooting plastic vanes 🤣. Unless your shooting compound stick with feathers. A whisker biscuit is great for vanes but I had a simple two prong rest when I was shooting compound, worked really well.

[@MW-qo9de]

Hey could you possibly send a link to the cheaper bow? (The one with the elvish words on it.) I’m looking for a cheap bow to start out with :) but if you can’t find the link that’s fine as well.

[@TheElvenArcher]

These bows aren't made anymore so I can't really give you a link (plus I painted the designs so a new one wouldn't look like that). the stock bow was a third or fourth hand 'Shim bo' made by shakespeare archery. but I haven't seen any others for sale. I just look around at thrift shops and garage sales for deals. If you want a good beginner bow I would go for the samic sage, it's a nice takedown and you can often find them used. You might also want to check out www.mandarinduck.net they have a bunch of reasonably priced bows.

[@MW-qo9de]

TheElvenArcher Okay, Thank you!

[@maaikejosephine6729]

no sassy teenager poses!

[@TheElvenArcher]

Absolutely none of those.

[@Wingman115]

Great video. Well done.

[@upursanctum]

are you shooting the bow left handed? also does it matter if i draw the arrow on the left or right side of the bow?

[@TheElvenArcher]

It does matter which side the arrow is on. shooting with the arrow on the right side (for a right-handed shooter is a more eastern style that is generally, but not always, done with a thumb draw. shooting with the arrow on the outside of the bow (left side for a rightie) is usually done with a Mediterranean three-finger draw. Try both methods as they both have advantages and disadvantages. And as for why I'm shooting left-handed, I aim to pay tribute to the great god LÉft by shooting in his image, also I'm left handed so it works out well.

[@upursanctum]

@@TheElvenArcher thanks. Just wanted to know so I know that I need a right hand bow. Is your bow ambidextrous? I'm right handed and my son is left. So a bow like that could be useful

[@TheElvenArcher]

@@upursanctum It is ambidextrous, lot of old bear and Ben Pearson bows are.

[@upursanctum]

@@TheElvenArcher I'd like a traditional longbow because I like the history. But is there any bow you can recommend. I'm completely new. Should I go for a Re curve? If so which is good? I'm assuming a traditional long bow is going to be very expensive

[@TheElvenArcher]

@@upursanctum I recommend the Samick Sage recurve to almost everyone getting into the sport, that or the mandarin duck black hunter (which comes as a longbow or recurve) though I recently picked up a couple old Ben Pearson bows from eBay for under 100 bucks. most any bow you can get your hands on will serve until you're reddy to upgrade. just don't overestimate your draw weight, a 30 pound bow is going to be pretty comfortable for most adults while a 45 or 50 will be way too much for a new shooter.

[@justatrombonist2299]

Do you hold the bow or draw the string with your dominant hand?

[@TheElvenArcher]

If you shoot compound with a sight, some prefer to go with their eye dominance which doesn't necessarily align with your hand dominance. But in genneral you draw the string with your dominant hand.

[@ella-nq5zt]

I don’t have a local archery shop😭

[@TheElvenArcher]

A lot of sporting goods stores have a range where you can try out bows and worst comes to worst, Amazon has a lot of good bows a really forgiving return policy if you dont like the one you get.

[@steliosdrz8570]

What if I don’t have a shop anywhere near me?

[@TheElvenArcher]

Get bent I suppose.

[@thesoapeaters3497]

I have a Montana and it’s not a self bow it’s made out of 4 pieces 2 pieces of fiberglass and 2 pieces of maple in the center they also don’t mass produce self bows but all the other info is good

[@AoyagiAichou]

Hey, has anything changed for you since this video?

[@crabmans13]

A progress/Follow up video would be pretty cool !

[@rayunseitig6367]

nice.

[@TylerMayotte]

“Buying your first bow” what if you don’t know how to shoot one? Any pointers on how to buy a bow with literally 0 knowledge?

[@arcticdragon104]

Good video thanks

[@campingandotherstuff8617]

I didn’t have a big backstop when I started. Me: I have never had a backstop

[@TheElvenArcher]

Might want to get on that...

[@notapplicable531]

Handle? The word everyone I know use is "Grip".

[@TheElvenArcher]

I consider 'grip' as more of a firearm term but I have heard it used to refer to bows as well. I suppose it just depends on where your from.

[@notapplicable531]

And I probably could have/should have done a little more checking/research before commenting. Fact is, "handle" is used by a number of respected people devoted to archery or so I've found. Sorry for being a little (?) out of line. That's how I feel at the moment. Best and may the arrows fly true.

[@TheElvenArcher]

You're not out of line at all, there are so many different practices with different terminology and it can be hard to get them all straight. Best of luck to you as well.

[@ObelixCMM]

Usually if it can be removed it's called handle, and if it's the part of the riser it's called grip.

[@davidharrison6615]

i would be upset for months if i dropped my bow like that .

[@yicketyyackety]

Dude, time for a new target.

[@TheElvenArcher]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJTRp3qKeLSlsLc

[@dominatorandwhocaresanyway9617]

So i bought elven (basically english ) longbow with 30 pounds

[@TheElvenArcher]

Nice, 30 pounds is a good starting weight for most people.

[@aless4872]

More like how to be Hanzo

[@astralmew]

hanzo main has joined the chat

[@josephpapale7087]

Do you have fun leaving your arrows like 4 inches too long.

[@TheElvenArcher]

I do actually, they are still spined correctly and if i break the end off of one I can still cut it down and use it as a field arrow.

[@josephpapale7087]

@@TheElvenArcher True you can do that but now your arrow is over spine and to heavy to fly properly. Just try one see how much more speed you will pic up. Again to each his own.

[@TheElvenArcher]

@@josephpapale7087 I only have a 100 grain point on these and they are light arrows to begin with. they actually aren't over spined, they are spined correctly for this bow. I know I would get a bit more speed but its more worth it to me to save a bit of money since I don't shoot in competitions.

[@TylerMayotte]

Tbh none of this explains how you actually get started in archery you explained it all as if I knew something already but I don’t. What the actual first thing I need to know please break this down for dummies

[@mortenjacobsen5673]

first of all safety; stand 8 feet from target, arrows hitting at wrong angels or something hard will bounce back . And you got instruction you say .... yet you don't seem to know what a predraw or follow trough is and you neglect posture and balance in stance, twisting the string ??! read up on hooking , bending the arm to avoid the string is bad biomechanics and the arm guard is an insurance hitting it not ok and =random shots you avoid the string with grip , posture and alignment

[@TheElvenArcher]

Wow, lots to go over in this comment... First off, I personally have never seen or heard of an arrow bouncing dangerously off of a soft target. I can't see how it could come in at such an angle as to turn 180 degrees and hit the person who fired it. You mention hard objects, but clearly the target was large and soft so it's a mute point. redraw and followthrough. maybe you didn't watch the whole video (I don't blame you its kinda long) but while I may not have used that terminology specifically i defiantly covered the technique. I talked for several minutes about posture so I'm not sure what your on about there... I did not say to twist the string, only to lay your fingers in at an angle so that the arrow does not fall off the rest. perhaps I didn't explain this as well as a could have but I didn't say to bend the arm per say, merely to not lock the elbow. 'You avoid the string with grip, posture and alignment' All things that I mentioned.

[@TheElvenArcher]

Also, you seem like you know a bit about archery, how about you make a video on your technique. I'd love to see it.

[@mortenjacobsen5673]

we have arrows bounce back from straw bosses , when arrows hit knots or points that have broken off , not every beginner will pay for a large bag target . you are using a basic stance, but the balance shout be on the balls of the feet ,when you shoot you have no follow trough, proving you don't understand it . the follow trough is an reaction not an action,there for a result an not a technique and all you said about grip was to make it loose , no angel of the knuckles 45 degrees pinky back thumb out and maintaining a pressure point , if you angel the fingers on the string it rest on the pad and not in the grove of the joint where it supposed to be angeling the fingers also weakens the wrist and fore arm and will induce more paradox

[@mortenjacobsen5673]

am using my interpretation of the B.E.S.T system and working out the kinkcs like the best way to apply "back tension, forearm tension and torque and if the grips of bows are even design right , are the techniques conformed to the bow design and therefore not optimal ? is the human reaction to forces faster than an arrow ?

[@TheElvenArcher]

Ok. I see that you have a fairly different technique. But listen for a moment, you do not have the end all be all of archery technique. I don't either, nor does anyone else. There is no perfect technique only lots of different ones that each have their benefits and drawbacks. This is mine and I made a video to share it with others because it works for me. (That being said I did not go over every aspect of my stance and shot sequence fore length and clarity reasons.) You have a different technique (one that seems more centric on competition style shooting) that works for you. If you want to share then make your own video, that would probably benefit a lot more people than you telling me about it in the comments of my video.

[@clockwise7391]

yea but you wear ur watch upsidown so ion know if I could trust you :p

[@josephpapale7087]

If your bow is hitting your arm the bow is to long as in your case.

[@TheElvenArcher]

The bow is too long🤣? do you mean the string is too long?

[@josephpapale7087]

@@TheElvenArcher Oh im sorry I was trying to say is that when you draw the bow your over extending your arm causing yourself hyper extending your arm. Your bow arm is suppose to be more curved when i pull mine back im making a slight C so you also don't hurt your elbow.

[@TheElvenArcher]

@@josephpapale7087 i get that its a long video but I addressed that, the string doesn't hit my arm because I roll my elbow up and bend it slightly, thats why I don't need to wear an arm guard.

[@josephpapale7087]

@@TheElvenArcher Your not understanding what I'm im saying, your not suppose to hyper extend your arm when your shooting although the string does not hit your arm does not mean you are not doing it correctly. Suppose to be a C, when shooting, a relaxed position not turning your elbow so it fits you. Dude I'm just trying to help you. You don't want any help just say it.

[@TheElvenArcher]

then were both misunderstanding 🤣, my arm is not hyper extended. my elbow is just slightly bent with the elbow rolled outward just a few degrees to take lower part of my elbow out of the way. if I bend my arm any more the shot would be less stable and I would lose drawlength. (look at a picture of Byron Ferguson, thats what I'm trying to emulate when I shoot) I get not locking out but bending your arm past that seems counterproductive.

[@josephpapale7087]

Dude you don't want help continue to do it wrong

[@TheElvenArcher]

I dont want *your* help. You are condescending and the method of shooting you are describing is something that I have never seen anyone use. Stop trying to say that your method is the only correct one, its obnoxious.

[@TankToChest]

hell yeah do that arrow flippy thing with some broad heads.

[@TheElvenArcher]

Ok, its been a while since I made this video so I don't entirely remember what you are referring to. If you drop a time stamp I can probably explain my thinking.

[@TankToChest]

Lol was a joke bud. When you flip the arrow out of your quiver onto your bow.

[@TheElvenArcher]

I don't know, personally I like my quiver to be in shreds after a practice session.

[@TankToChest]

TheElvenArcher no no I was just saying I would poke my eye out doing that lol.