Simple but Important: How to Draw Your Bow

An often overlooked, but very important piece of the puzzle. Drawing your bow the right way will prevent injury as well as help your shot execution.
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@Inside_Out_Precision

[@melissacook6676]

Crazy story I got my first compound bow 4 years ago. I shot it for one day at a target woke up the next morning with a lump under my arm. Long story short I went to the doctor had stage 3 breast cancer. It most likely would not have been caught in time if it was not for my new compound bow. I spent the next couple years fight cancer and I won. But I pick my bow back up for the first time a month ago. I have been watching all your videos and they have help me so much. The way you explain everything I can understand and other than that one day in December of 2016, I am completely new to archery. I am doing great thanks to your videos, I understand how and why things are done or need to be done it a certain way. Just wanted to say thank you for giving me the confidence to pick my bow back up and try it again.

[@Sonny2299]

Holy shit, I read this wrong and thought your bow GAVE you breast cancer omg. Scared the shit outta me lol. This guys vids are perfect for new hunters/shooters it’s good your watching them. Have a great day.

[@nymetsfan912]

Wow that’s one hell of a story! It’s about a year later since your comment and I’m hoping you’re healthy and happy and still shooting!

[@Daddywood2230]

glad you are healthy and shooting again.

[@captainblue2344]

Congrats on kicking cancers ass! Enjoy slinging arrows down range!

[@cheesychester9647]

Good sh**!

[@barnmonster888]

im 66 and been shooting target bow for 55 years and just love to go outside and shoot my 20 yard range and i have my bow set at 36 pounds just right for me

[@5throwdown]

THANK YOU!! Its about time someone makes a video stating the proper form so there is no question. Nice job man! I agree 100%.

[@cindycindy4536]

Had the bow set up at a pro shop. It performed just fine kzbin.infoUgkxQEKUoxLWwayEDZR0NKB-5limn4MBU-2L . And I would say this is a good starting now that I could pass down to my son when he is older.But the package was missing the release and a nock was missing from one arrow.Dealing with customer support was terrible. They suggested I buy a new release rather than correct their own quality control issue because it’s to expensive for the. to ship it out from China.Update: manufacturer got back to me and resolved the issue. I retract the above statement.

[@thehumblepundit9790]

Man, what a great tutorial. I just started learning to shoot, and have a bunch of previous shoulder injuries. I practiced this on the weekend, and it made a HUGE difference. 27" draw length at 51Lbs. No pain. No soreness. Had to stop after about an hour. Don't know how many arrows. Thanks for great content!

[@JodyGallaway]

just started archery. thanks for the helpful tips.

[@kneeknyper]

Thank you for this tip. I am new to archery, and was starting to develop the habit of a low elbow. Your suggested technique is SO much better.

[@chrismatthews228]

The reason I enjoy KZbin is because I can revisit awesome videos such as this. Now I can visually check my form to ensure I haven’t creeped into bad habits over the past couple of years!

[@justinrobichaud7908]

This video helped me out a lot, I really appreciate the "lever" analogy, I'll literally always think of this when I draw my bow until its automatic.

[@tempestanellestelle685]

Thank you! Working on some massage homework trying to figure out what kind of injuries a person can get from archery, and the muscles involved in form. Very helpful tips and I'm glad you're putting some good info out their to help people avoid these injuries, bc once they happen they can cause irreversible damage

[@brandonmorgan4871]

Dude, thank you so much! I got down a rabbit hole with all things archery today and came across this video. I immediately broke out my bow and tried what you said and….DAMN! Immediate noticeable improvement in target acquisition and no aches in the shoulder. Can’t thank you enough. Keep up the good work.

[@ghstz7191]

Thank you. I picked a release with the help of your release aid video. I did a little archery from 3-8yrs old. I'm returning now at 38, and this is my first lesson in proper bow draw.

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

I have always been at 65 - 70 pounds draw and always assumed I was drawing it correctly. After watching this video I confirmed that I was. Straight back in a triangle form using both arms to push/pull. Nobody ever taught me that either and I just adapted to it because it was easiest and comfortable. I have been shooting that poundage for over 30 years though.

[@bz7547]

Awesome video, thank you. Shot fingers for a lot of years, had successful hunts, then I broke bilateral radius/ulna bones, and was out for 20 plus years. Wife bought me a setup including release, struggling with my injuries but this video showed excellent technique. Confident I can get back into it, thank you.

[@MrScaramanga16]

I only have a 36 pound bow and whilst I'm plenty strong enough I was still having trouble with the draw, your video and using this technique pretty much solved all of the issues I was having

[@vlacula]

If I can, I would give double like to this video. I am 42, having a previous injury on my right shoulder (string arm) and started practising archery always worried for that. Just now I am thinking about seeing a coach but two days ago I did that torso thing and after doing warming, training and stretching routines I feel ok. Will reduce the poundage and start going to the gym again. Better to slow down a little. Thanks a lot!!

[@randym3351]

Excellent advice. I'm a former competitive weightlifter and when I started bow hunting I experimented with exercises that would help me draw my bow smoothly and efficiently. Barbell rows were a great help. I was already strong enough to pull 70 but that didn't mean I was pulling correctly so my goal was to develop the muscle memory along the correct path. So when I did the barbell rows, I would pull the bar to my chin as opposed to the sternum, where most people pull to. That approach focused on the anterior shoulders and the upper back muscles. The upper back muscles are larger than the shoulder muscles and provide much more pulling power. These can be done with a dumbbell as well.

[@MINIHAHA1]

Man as usual this is another video that helped me improve as a newbie. I bought my first bow back in September and made drastic improvements from the help of guys like you and a seasoned bow hunter buddy of mine. Keep up the good work and thank you for the free education once again👍🏻👍🏻

[@JoeLicata07]

Drop the poundage, that's the key. Everyone thinks they need 70-80 lbs. When you should match your draw weight to your strength. Simple, yet effective! Thanks for the video!

[@davidrozanek9429]

DANG! I'm 50 and all this time I've been pulling my bow back with my teeth. Thanks guy! I wish I found this video years ago before I needed dentures.

[@jonsimm4174]

Dang...dentures at 50? You need to cut back on the meth. Just kidding!

[@robertthompson5018]

?

[@drunknnirish]

As someone who is looking at getting his first bow soon I found this very helpful. Thank you!!

[@K1ngKaye]

I just got my first bow a d learning

[@popaabert]

Outstanding. you have cleared this up for me and we should always have a guide monitoring .New people to compound bows.

[@30cpe]

I've watched several "how to draw your bow" videos, and yours is the best I've seen. Using your torso (core) muscles will reduce the chance of injury, which as far as I'm concerned, is the most important aspect of drawing the bow. As you pointed out, it can also minimize movement and improve accuracy, which is certainly a plus. I use this rotational draw technique for both my traditional bows and my compound. Unfortunately, it took shoulder pain to get me to discover the rotational draw. You earned a subscriber!

[@InsideOutPrecision]

Awesome! Thanks for the support!

[@brandtjustsayin]

I went to a shop today. Slung a few arrows trying out a couple bows for the first time in years. My shoulder is stiff as heck, sore, and I'm pretty sure tomorrow is gonna suck. I'm thinking I screwed up bad on the draw. Sure wish I had seen this yesterday. Lol. But, pain IS usually the best motivator and teacher.

[@muddymuz7266]

Hey! I'm the bowman that left the comment below. After watching this, i hit the range the next day and realised I was cramping my left shoulder and was chicken winging out my right elbow, exactly like you said. I lengthened my draw an inch, started my draw with my hips towards the target and before long I had the mechanics of using your hips to draw to anchor pretty smooth, which gave me longer to sight and aim. I not only shot twenty more arrows, my grouping from 30 metres improved to the point I nearly did a little archery dance! I owe you a beer, mate!

[@TheWhiskyExplorer]

Just bought my first compound bow and this video helped me out. Thanks man!

[@2ndhl782]

Love your tutorials and equip. up dates, keep'em coming brother! Thank you, Old new archer, finally got my dream bow PSE EVOKE 31 and all the bells and wistles yeehaa

[@billjones9708]

Great video, and I'm glad you touched on the sky drawing. I draw my bow very similar to the lever method you show and agree it is one of the most efficient ways to draw a bow.

[@ken244]

noob here ,Thanks for the great tutorial. The torso twist thing makes a lot of sense.

[@donovanstockton44]

Your videos are really insightful. This is without doubt an important video for archer hunters to watch. I have to admit I was a low across the chest drawer. Didn't realize it until watching this video. Feels a little weird to draw it back at eye level but for sure it's much easier on my upper arm. Not sure about going from #70lbs to 60 though. I will experiment with it and it should be easy to test with my Vertix.

[@effekt4]

Ive been shoting compound bow for about a month now, im drawing 62lb easy with this technique and it feels like butter. Highly recommended

[@ghstz7191]

Thank you. Just injured my draw arm a bit. I was drawing parallel to my shoulders and then bringing release up under my jaw. I see how efficient and intelligent what you demonstrated is.

[@robertvillafane5308]

I had shoulder and neck surgery a year ago and trying to start back from the basics. This video will help me to stay healthy and injury free.

[@FishingWithYakPak]

Came here in hopes to learn a few things because I’m just getting started bowfishing... absolutely was not disappointed. Keep up the great work 🤟🏼😁

[@geminidream4347]

Thank you again for a great video. Having shoulder problems, this is another tip that will help me overcome this as I do the first style when holding my bow practicing without pulling just mimicking that I have an arrow in it. I love how you clearly explain things, like an arrow going flying skyward and the dangers that could happen not only to you but where the arrow comes down! I am a safety first person in all that I do and I se you are too. However I did not get this great advice when I watched other videos like yours. So please keep this up for us newbs.

[@jeremiahmckinon1909]

I appreciate you for passing on your knowledge to us rookies. I bought a 60# bow last August. I could always pull it but it seemed uncomfortable. After viewing your video I can draw it back with ease 👍🏾. Thanks again

[@Stranded-N-Paradise]

It took 2 shoulder surgeries repairing tendons, before someone showed me the proper way, this is a great video.

[@ericwarren0015]

This is actually something I’ve changed this year. It’s helped a ton with acquiring my target more efficiently. Like always we appreciate all you do.

[@InsideOutPrecision]

Good stuff! Thanks

[@blakemckinley2328]

Thank you. Your tips fixed an error that had resulted in a minor shoulder muscle strain.

[@MegaBastt]

You are definitely one of the best archery channels on KZbin. Keep up the good work! Love your videos, thank you for all the good information!

[@MINIHAHA1]

Great video! I just bought my first bow and this is very helpful. Thanks

[@ARTCHILD]

Oh man thank you so much! I have a messed up shoulder and have been trying everything and this by the laws of physics makes so much sense!...I actually thought about doing something like this but my mind was conditioned by the keep bladed system...really looking forward to giving this a shot, I have a good feeling and will report on how it goes...all the best.

[@swiftbear]

Thanks for the info, definitely was a "sky" drawer type until I had a misfire / early release drawing and launched and arrow into the ether, I have no clue where it went but it really scared me and glad none got hurt.

[@markcarroll9943]

Seems that every time I watch something on you’re channel it’s down the rabbit hole for an hr or so.....great,clear,concise info in bitesize videos. Keep up the great videos....if I wasn’t in Australia I’d be in you’re shop

[@charlesoleary3066]

Cheers mate, that helped. Went down to 55lb and now have the right form :)

[@jerseyjoe1677]

Absolutely brilliant! Good job

[@justinjonesj2]

This is great information. Thanks for making this!

[@agallardo70]

Great insights; great advice; thanks bro!!

[@ejobourque3]

From Malcolm in the middle to bow shooting advice... I love it

[@EricQuinn]

That technique is what I use. I had an accidental discharge before I could get to my anchor point. The arrow still hit my block target because I was already pointing at it, just not aiming. I was learning to use a new thumb release very sensitive.

[@middle-fork]

Lots of info in your videos, no macho BS. Thank you.

[@adamhenderson7951]

3 years new here, and I noticed that if I focus on the right muscle groups I can draw more weight appropriately. I'm not saying go big I'm just saying that your form is correct and how I got to that form was by engaging my bicep into the draw with my back muscle in motion. Staying away from my deltoids as much as possible. Great video for sure, I just think it will help people out there if they learn a little about the muscular anatomy behind the right form. And I could be wrong but it feels right.

[@billybobb1448]

3rd time I've watched this video. I keep learning/re-learning with each view. Thanks!

[@shimata17]

I teach Olympic recurve to beginners and seasoned archers. Your video is very helpful. The part where you draw the bow at eye level and have the pin close to on target as you anchor is gold. Just the efficiency alone is essential to hitting the target over and over again. You also describe turning your torso to help pull the string back. We teach using back tension in much the same way. You turn your torso while using the upper back muscles to help pull the string back into anchor, much like trying to elbow someone behind you. Great video.

[@InsideOutPrecision]

Thank you! I have a lot of respect for recurve shooters. It's a lot more demanding than compound!

[@nugzila4170]

Torso twist is what I’m missing! Thank you!

[@sprmn62]

Great education, thank you!

[@johnfretz1938]

Thanks for the tips. As a new archer that was really helpful.

[@h2olove]

Good stuff. Especially as a guy with a history of shoulder problems, I find this will be really helpful. Thanks.

[@brettmciver432]

Thanks for the tip, I had wondered for a while about the mechanics of drawing a bow and this helps a lot 🍻

[@JimmyBeanz13]

I bat and play hockey lefty, but you are right. Drawing a bow lefty while being right handed is a pain. Love your channel

[@phantomcruizer]

Very helpful video. Thank you.

[@koekie7003]

when i started shooting i was drawing completely wrong and absolutely messed my shoulder up on one of my draws, couldnt shoot my dang bow for almost 2 months this advice is really usefull when you start out and unfortunately i didnt have it haha

[@X-QuisiteHomes]

I’m new to archery and this helps a lot! Thanks for making this video!

[@DerWiNG33]

thank you thank you thank you so much for the advice, this video gave me a very clear understanding and technique on how to draw a bow as a beginner.

[@acadiangrower9113]

Thanks for the video. Got my son a cheap 40$ bow to learn how to hunt. I’m learning also, never owned or tried till now 46 and have been having fun with hobby. Someday will have to take a course and get a real bow.

[@greatwhitenorth762]

Hey Kellen, thanks so much for the top notch videos! I don't know what your sub numbers were back in May 2019 when this vid was uploaded, but here i am now at end of 2021 and the number says 39.6K. I hope your channel has grown lots since this vid was released and continues to, because imo it's absolutely one of the very best....for content, clarity in explanation, audio, video, just everything. I usually find myself seeking out your videos to watch; on whatever the archery topic. Super stuff, much appreciated, and i really want to see your channel keep growing. It deserves to.

[@InsideOutPrecision]

Thank you sir!

[@jeffray3143]

I am so glad we have people like tou around..i drawn my ducking bow fine for 63 years gfy

[@BeetleBuns]

Lol and I bet 4" groups at 20 yards is fine too...

[@mattboast]

Learning more every day 🙌🏻

[@kevintoews5656]

Fantastic video! Thank you for providing insight to rookies like me.

[@jessienath1973]

THank You so much... what needed an understand about drawing your bow... All about using your torso as well. Made a huge improvement in my movements an my saved my shoulders! I thank You good sir!

[@wildbwad]

Thanks, great reminder of building solid habits

[@chadandveronika]

Great info. Dude, keep it up! When I return to the states, I am definitely coming to see you

[@andyolson1751]

Just went from a junior bow to a flagship target bow, and had been having horrible problems drawing it at almost the same weight. When I do it like you say, it's easy. When I don't ... Thanks! Otherwise I wouldn't have had a clue what was going on.

[@robec62]

Simple and clear. A good help thanks.

[@Paulattheranch]

Fantastic intel, brother!

[@davidsantoro9489]

Thanks man great video I hit the like button

[@MickyMouseLimited]

This is really good video. Your explanation is really clear because of the examples that you add. Thank you .

[@joshsclease5810]

You’re the best man

[@sparky1348]

Thanks for the great tips!👍😁

[@vaportrail226]

Another great video. Thank you!

[@InsideOutPrecision]

Why thank you!

[@luiscrespo9902]

Thanks for the advice! Very helpful.

[@V.a.n.d.e.r.s]

Great tips, appreciated.

[@Wafflecakes89]

You set my hoyt up for me, I have been shooting alot working on my draw. I have an old shoulder injury from a dislocated clavicle and shoulder and have been trying to get out of bad shooting habits now that i'm mostly pain free. This video was extremely helpful!

[@InsideOutPrecision]

Oh hey! Glad you got something from it

[@1william89]

Just tried this, drawing what I call “chicken wing” my shoulder felt great. I injured it years ago in quad runner accident and it’s never been the same. This technique helps with the pain of drawing across the chest, thanks

[@jonpatterson5668]

Very nicely done ,great info..

[@jerrystringer8190]

your the MAN

[@dougdiplacido2406]

Great video. You are a very thorough teacher.

[@jeffreyccv]

Excellent advice !

[@nymetsfan912]

I just learned I’ve been shooting wrong this whole time. I’ve never had anyone to teach me so here I am searching the net for tutorials. I always drew the bow with the bow pointing at the ground and as I drew the string I would raise it to my target so by the time I was fully drawn I’d be pointing at the target. I dont know where I learned that from but it’s how I’ve been shooting for the last year since I got into shooting.

[@mohammadshah3496]

Thank you!

[@mathewnottingham1006]

I’ve been pulling 70 for many years but recent health events, along with being age 68, make it difficult to do anymore. I will be dialing it down a bit this year. The old shoulders aren’t what they used to be!

[@geoffhunt1]

This was really helpful. Thank you!🙂

[@pneuamtics1]

Thanks for helping

[@zacsharrow9493]

Very good explanation! Thanks

[@jerrycox5700]

I like to be able to sit down point at the ground and draw my bow back I think that's the draw weight my opinion keep up the good work love the videos

[@sorincomsa]

Good stuff as always!

[@garywooters9705]

Great advise.

[@ruelfunelas9389]

Thanks man! Good vid!!

[@joshuasuriner7605]

sweet video mate!!

[@arpitasondhii]

Thank you so much!!

[@alexmarston9835]

Great videos and tips!