Instinctive Archery - Having a proper release in traditional archery.

This is a short video I made on utilizing a second anchor point in shooting traditional archery. I thought this technique might help some that may be having difficulty with maintaining a solid and consistant release and consistancy with their groupings on target.
This does work because it keeps your release hand on the same plane as the arrow, effectively creating a smoother loose of the arrow as you continue to pull back through your back tension on the shot.

[@daveware4117]

I love that at the end of the video, jeff says "thank you for your time" No jeff, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. Humble man, i love it!

[@TheZzoommbbiiee]

man, I am from Australia, but if I am ever in your neck of the woods, can I come by and get a first hand lesson from you?I would pay well for the privaledge! I don't know what your doing in life now, by the look of the video your a farmer? That's a great life, hard but its honest. I have family who farm. YOU should teach archery and get paid for your ability to teach. Your vid was amazing over the net, I can just imagine how much better your wisdom would be, shared in real life sir :). Consider it sir, getting paid for something you love doing, I would pay for your years of wisdom! and Iam sure many others would also. Great video, you have a sub

[@durizoyo2330]

same here Australia nsw

[@JeffKavanagh]

I am so glad I was able to help you. I recently made another video which just goes into the release with a bit more detail if you are interested. You will find it under my youtube account. It is entitled "Release in Traditional Archery. Cheers Jeff

[@JeffKavanagh]

Thanks. I hope some of the suggestions I mention help some people. We are all a bit different and in the end we have ti discover what works for us as individual shooters. It's so great that you and your daughter are shooting together, It is a great way to spend some great quality time together and in the end that is what it is all about. I am fortunate to be able to spend time like this with my son and daughter.

[@joseyreeves8961]

You and grizzly Jim are probably some of the best teachers on KZbin for traditional archery. It’s hard for me to try to master these techniques you guys advise, but when I’m shooting I have your voices in my head. I know this video is way older than my comment, but you are the one person I stumbled across that really made me want to pursue trad archery with an instinctive style. I love all your videos. I wish you still posted more but I understand you’ve probably put enough out there that you don’t have any more to post. Just wanted to say thank you for your wisdom you’ve learned and tried to pass on. I’m about to start my first deer season with my bear grizzly and I hope I can keep it together for the sake of the animal. You’re truly an inspiration.

[@UncleDansVintageVinyl]

Great video: very helpful! I also like your quiet, friendly demeanor.

[@CoffeePoints]

This was by far the most helpful video on archery I've seen, thanks!

[@robertcourtland3605]

Probably the best archery advice I have every heard. Really applies no matter what style of archery you practice.

[@veridia_]

Long story short: this position of the hand after the release really works!!!! I can confirm it!!! The whole story: Hi. I began archery some time ago but have up since I wasn't improving in like several months. I began watching videos on yt on how to improve my skills, but with no success. I watched this video though for the first time about a week ago. And I was like many of you thinking about how funny it was that he was teaching in 10 min how to hold your hand AFTER release. I thought it was just another of those useless, professional Tipps wich never help as a beginner. But I am back here to say that I tried this out in my desperation and it works wonders!!!! I got my best shots in months!!!! I am here to thank you and to recommend this to ANYONE who does archery!!!!

[@Andluth]

A second anchor point for your release! I had never heard anyone put it that way. Genius. Thanks for sharing

[@robertbellett8098]

I love watching & listening to people who know what they are talking about. I now realise that the errors mentioned here have been a contributing factor to my inconsistency. I now plan to use this most vital information into my archery. A very big thank you Jeff

[@knottsav]

I appreciate all your videos, and your effort, discipline and passion in your archery. Thanks for sharing with us. I am a late bloomer to archery - started with a compound but am looking at a Samick Deermaster TD at 40lbs to head toward traditional. My daughter is inspired by yours and I hope we can share archery as you do.

[@earlfultz8603]

Jeff you are the best teacher I've ever seen with traditional archery

[@gradyk100]

Thanks for the videos. Great shooting and great instructional. Your videos have helped me improve my instinctive shooting 100%. When I want to learn something I pick my teachers by how well they perform and yes your shooting does speak for itself. God bless

[@thehookinproject]

Definitely going to put your second anchor point technique into practice. Now I can't wait to get out to shoot! -J

[@seafreedom334]

Well, speaking as a qualified and professional kayak coach, but an archery beginner, I thought that was a brilliant coaching video. It's made things much clearer to me and I can see the logic behind your excellent advice. Many thanks

[@smentina]

Well, this, I've got to say, is a really good video and, it explains a lot. First of all, before the guy talks, he made some shots, so people could see, he is a great shot. No diploma, no titles, no other needless stuff. And then a simple, and easy explanation.

[@rrr40]

Thank you very much Jeff. i am a new shooter not even a month in yet. thats the best advice i received yet. watching all your videos now . anybody new to archery has to watch your videos cant thank you enough.

[@TheRavensCall81]

Such a great video with an important lesson. I don't ever expect to be at your level Jeff, but your videos have taught me so much already! Thanks for making these and I hope you keep on sharing your expertise.

[@MegaDavidmclean]

What good fortune to come across this excellent bit of timely advise. Sometimes I go for periods of time where I can't miss the target and then other times where I struggle. Lately I have been struggling and I have been aware that I have been commiting all the same mistakes that you mention in this video and have been trying to figure out how to cure it. Your advise and technique is brilliantly simple and on target. Thank you!

[@rabidpanda88]

I recently purchased a bow to get into traditional archery and have been watching different youtube videos to get an idea on form, especially anchor points. This is the only video I've come across that really goes in to consistent release. Thanks for the tips! I'll use it to increase my consistency

[@MsBess100]

Your videos are so helpful! Not that my release is perfect all the time, but I feel I have gotten better just by studying your videos. No instruction near me so teaching myself.

[@marianneoberle]

I love watching your videos. I learn something new every time, and my shooting is becoming more consistent. Thanks!

[@robertjr.flores3018]

Jeff, What a great lesson on this fundamental component. Your sincerity and obvious experience comes through genuine. Even an older goat as myself, appreciated and learned from it. Thank you for sharing and coaching the right way.

[@jupiter8404]

Out of all the archery videos I have seen this one was the most useful. Some excellent points. Many thanks. Ron

[@321Cedar]

Excellent video. Clear, concise instruction with outstanding shooting. Thoroughly enjoyed the lesson

[@jaimeleondelaparra3877]

After practicing Traditional Archery and Instinctive Shooting for over ten years and thinking I was hot stuff, you humbled me and schooled me as well. Thanks to you, Jeff, my accuracy and shot patterns have tightened up dramatically. We all owe you a huge amount of gratitude for sharing your wisdom, skill, and knowledge with us. I salute you, sir!

[@JeffKavanagh]

Very happy this video has helped.

[@DQNguyen91]

I'm just getting into traditional archery and I got my first bow. It's a Bear Grizzly 45#. I just wanted to say thank you for making these videos, your tips are really helpful. please keep making more. your video on the bear grizzly is what made me finally decide to get one!

[@TheThreeLeggedChair]

I'm totally new to instinctive archery and everything about it, You made me become better and most importantly, I'm enjoying it and having fun more and more. Thanks a lot for sharing your experience. I hope more people get to view this and really know what's important.

[@sol31957]

Thanks so much for you're videos, it's some of the most REAL, actual,useful tutorials out there

[@A75849]

Thank you so much for posting this. Within 2 minutes of watching this, my arrows are flying straighter than ever before. Keep the videos coming.

[@gibrannicholau3447]

Really love the advice. I think using the water bucket as an example of the release is a goof way of explaining a good release to my friends.

[@rubydraconis6020]

Thank you for making this video, I kept asking if my release hand was supposed to have a second point to go to because I think that's the one thing I have a bit of an issue with is my release, sometimes it's good and then other times I'm plucking the string and this has definitely helped! Thanks a lot!! Shooting smooth now!

[@tigerking2179]

Stuff like this is what I like to see. Superb! I think this will really help my shooting. Getting the basics down is key if you wish to be proficient, proficiency is key if you wish to move forward with anything. So keep up the great video and keep them coming! Great work and thank you.

[@lorenfreeman4308]

Mr Kavanagh I have recently gotten back into traditional archery after about 18 years off. I have to say thank you for your down to earth, simple, yet informative instruction. You are re-solidifying good habits that I forgot I knew. Thank you so much. Loren

[@Traveler2112]

I enjoy watching many different shooter's styles, thoughts on techniques. As a new archer I think its good to do so and then adapt those parts of the different styles and techniques into something that is unique to yourself. Nice vid. Thanks.

[@lorenzoarroz3688]

Thank you Jeff for all the tips you offer in your videos. I am new to archery and have developed a passion for shooting. The release has been my worst flaw and I find it tough to make consistent. Thanks again, Larry

[@edwardsdeacon]

I really enjoy your videos. They are great learning tools. Very informational, and very practical. I wish you great success in your future archery endeavors. Thank you for posting these videos.

[@2Imperius5]

Mr. Kavanagh, it almost seems criminal that I get such incredible on-point advice and technique for free by watching your videos. I did subscribe so there is that but still, wow! I'm about to dust off some long dormant bow experience and I was set to get the GameMaster 2 at 50#. I'm very glad you mentioned that was a counterproductive idea (read: stupid). Saved me from looking ridiculous at the point of purchase and worse, the practice rooms at Dick's and Bass Pro Shops. My humble thanks, sir!

[@JeffKavanagh]

Thanks for the kind words Steven. Just trying to help people out if I can.

[@GerryTheProdigy]

Thank you so much for educating me with proper form. Archery is something I've always wanted to learn, I just got my first bow yesterday.

[@JeffKavanagh]

Glad I could help.

[@TorchwoodLuthiers]

I must say I have watched some of your videos and I am impressed. My compound just failed me last week and I have been a wreck ever since!!! I am going back to the recurve and after watching these videos it really makes me want to shoot. Cheers my good man.

[@Doanza154]

Thank you for doing these videos. just bought my first bow and your tutorials are very helpful.

[@Xanubi]

I just started archery, and I am amazed at the clip of you shooting the targets tossed in the air! Someday I will get there!!

[@kyleblacq7694]

Jeff, having been through easily several hundred videos to study technique and tips on archery, this is hands down the most concise and helpful bit of information I have read. Thank you for the "second anchor" concept, and being straight to the point about your lesson. Your taking the time to share is valued, and appreciated.

[@yauki1312]

This is exactly what i needed. Couldn't figure out why my arrows are left and right of the target. My release sucked. I like the bucket release part. Thank you Jeff.

[@maxtrax3258]

Hi Jeff, I practised your idee for more than 3 hours. And know what? Each and every arrow went straight to the target! I am absolutely enthusiastic about that. It feels very natural to me too. Many thanks and greetings from Switzerland Max

[@CapoeiraBoricuaAyala]

This bit of advice has radically improved my consistency. Thank you so much for sharing all your amazing wisdom!

[@hopheadmike1012]

Thanks so much this made my group go from 4 inch to under a inch. U are a great teacher

[@dvrn86]

Switched from my #50 down to a #35 and it's helped my form so much. Luckily I can change the limbs out cheap enough. Thank you for the great wisdom and advice!

[@barnabasdb]

Thanks a bunch. I was taught about the relax-release but the second anchor point makes it much more consistent. My bunches are tighter now.

[@ldn0224]

Awesome! Thank you! I have been working on my release and I've been all over the place. Great teachings.

[@orver1]

Being conscious of this "second anchor point" has measurably improved my shooting. Thanks.

[@JoachimderZweite]

This is really good. Thanks! It is good to see the old ways still survive.

[@SallyDinyaGRILL]

Great video! Appreciate the insight Jeff. This will be a long journey, and videos like this will go a long way to improving my overall shot!

[@outdooreddie2954]

I'm self taught and been shooting several years now. We shoot a little different but I've learned a lot watching your videos and applying things over the last 3 or so years. It seems like I learn or think about something new every time I rewatch one. Your advice on some aspects is just amazing. Thank you.

[@michaelwarwick9930]

Hello Jeff, You have certainly helped me. I went shooting today for the first time in 25 years (and then it was only a week at an archery club) and I loved it but made many mistakes. The main one was release. Swatting at flies? I'm in North Yorkshire, UK, autumn burgeoning, and although the flies have gone, you wouldn't have thought so today. I love your bowmanship and your knowledgeability, but above all your politeness and affability. Your video was a pleasure to watch. Thank you. Mick

[@comfusedWorldpassanger3399]

This tips has helped me so much fine tuning my form, arrow grouping, and more. I was very suprised* how efective this tips is. I would say that my form has all to do with follow dave`s tips. My form would not be as good if it wasn`t for Dave. So thanks alot bro, for all your good videos. Thank you for making and sharing these videos.

[@RDH12775]

Thanks jeff. My shooting has improved so much after watching this video. You are the man.

[@Networkengie]

first time visiting this channel; recommended from another channel on good consistent releasing, and having watched only 4 minutes of this, I agree with everything thus far. I always knew how important it was to have a good consistent release as an instinctive archer and knew that any influence on your bow string during the final release and follow thru phase can change the mid flight mechanics of your arrow, but really never knew how to properly deliver this in a good solid technique. I think this will help me out tremendously and can't wait to try this out. very impressed with your moving target shots. thank you for the upload.

[@eladiomendez1031]

This is a great video. The two anchor point method you describe really helped. Thank you.

[@tragedy866]

Hope all is well Jeff! I'm just starting to get into archery finally and your videos have been very helpful. I can't wait to practice what you preach. Thank you!

[@tomfairbanks5567]

I just want to thank you for our videos I just found them and you are a very inspiring archer I have played with instinctive archery a while just recently took sights off my compound and am going all out instinctive you videos are awesome

[@ElaCAGreek]

Just started shooting a re-curve bow and got hooked with the first free lesson at my local archery club in Los Angeles. My shots are still developing but at least hitting the board :). Thank you for your tips on proper release, will try your technique next time at the range. Fellow Canadian.

[@MrKelso159]

Great video Jeff ! Your right about the release, just like shooting a gun, if you jerk the trigger you miss the shot. I have been shooting a bow 35yrs now. I own 7 bows all Bear recurve's, but all different poundage from 30# to 65#. Love those Bear bows. I have gotten sloppy over the years and your video has got me back on track now. Thanks ! Your a great shot by the way !

[@markh.2899]

I'm so glad I watched this video on the very first day of Archery. I'm trying to learn proper form and best-practices from the beginning to minimize the development of bad habits - thank you!

[@divineserpent]

thank you for a good video. I appreciate your time and humility. I just got back into archery after 20 years. got my 11 year old daughter into it as well. shooting barebow with 40lbs. I practice occasionally in my garage with my daughters 20lb bow for form. going to spend more time on my release after watching this. that is impressive shooting by the way.

[@recless8667]

Watching your video, I first scoffed at the movement to your second anchor point; the string hand did the vast majority (95%) of it's travel long after the release. Watching the explanation of WHY you use that second anchor point completely changed my mind on the matter. I know exactly what you're talking about with the "swatting flies" thing. When I thought about my form, I noticed that I was doing much the same thing, but less exaggerated; I keep my fingertips stationary on my anchor point, and move my hand back. Thanks so much for helping me to look at my follow through. I'm in the process of transitioning to Kinzhalnaya, and I couldn't figure out what was wrong with my form. In Kinzhalnaya the back of your string hand is against your face, so my anchor point was my middle finger's second knuckle to the corner of my mouth; opening my hand to loose meant my fingers were traveling forward. Thanks again, I think this will really help with my practice.

[@dennismowery2378]

I thought that the KZbin presentation by Jeff Kavanagh was excellent. I liked the establishment of a second anchor point after the release. I've been practicing to accomplish that since I started four years ago to varied degrees of success. I will now practice the release with the second anchor in mind. I currently shoot barebow/stringwalking with a 40# bow. I'm going to practice the second anchor with a lighter bow. Thank you.

[@wookieman777x]

Thank you so much for showing this video, I have been trying to find some help on my finger release for ages now. thanks again.

[@MrPaladin4751]

Thank you for this video. I just recently started archery as something my daughter and I could do together. She has a compound bow and I chose a recurve. After watching your video I realize that I am one of those plucking fly swatters. Thanks for showing the correct way to release the arrow.

[@SamuelTheArcher]

Thank you so much for your time sir. Your videos are extremely helpful! You've made my practice a lot better, and you can imagine what that's done for my accuracy! Thanks again, Sam

[@JERRYR708]

Just got into archery 2 days ago. I have so much to learn and this video will be a great start.

[@rlepola]

than you mr Kavanagh, I have up to now paid really little attention in releasing properly the arrow and your advice will help me improve my shooting as I am now aware of how inconsistent my release has been. Thanks again and good shooting!

[@mitchecful]

I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I recently joined traditional archery from the compound group. Between yourself and the Grey Archer I appreciate both the technical skills you provide and the philosophical skills. I purchased the Bear '59 which I love in a 45 lb. and It is a joy to shoot but I am not anywhere near as accurate with it as I was my Parker compound. Slow to learn but I am a sponge. Keep the advice coming. Love it. Both you guys are amazing. Sincerely

[@tiedemann8225]

I`ve start archery (recurve ) about a year ago, and I am so glad that I found your vid. soon after I get my bow. And, what you are talking about here, is what that has help me the most. Thanks Jeff. Keep up the good work.

[@gman8648]

Very helpful video. I've been shooting my Bear Grizzly 45 pounder since I was 14 and no one has ever helped me get a consistent shot. I'm going to give this 2nd anchor point a try. I definitely pluck with my release...just opening my fingers and I can hear and feel the string vibrate. Thank you so much for providing a potential fix for my issue. Take care.

[@natewood4731]

Thank you very much. My shots have always had a tendency to fish-tail which is why I was looking for help on the release. Time to go practice!

[@57blain]

I'm fairly new to archery and have just started to concentrate on my release and this has done it for me. The second anchor point gives me something (else) to aim for after the release and so makes it the same (after another 20000 shots) every time. Thanks. A tip I got from a friend is to practice at close range (5') and close your eyes just before you shoot to concentrate your thoughts on the release. These two things have my shooting alot. Again thanks for the best tip yet!

[@JeffKavanagh]

Great stuff Blain. What you are referring to there is called blind bale shooting and it is great for helping to ingrain something into your shot sequence.

[@martinpettinger]

Big thank you Jeff for all your help and advice... much appreciated best regards Martin

[@Digitaltiger123]

As a tranditional beginner archer this video teached me a lot!! Ive completely improved my aiming Thanks

[@LouisNavor]

So that's why my string was making so much noise. I shall practice with your anchor point. Thank you for the pointers!

[@GregLionProductions]

ultra helpful. i went out for my 3rd session today. it was a blast! I felt like the release was a big problem today, much improved from my first 2 times out but not there yet. that bucket analogy makes perfect sense. today, just as you mentioned here, even if my anchor point is consistent , my hand after release was probably never in the same place twice. Looking forward to trying this tomorrow. thanks!

[@gfads1]

WOW!!! awesome videos Jeff!! Very informative and you all have great personality and character that shines through ALOT especially in your most recent videos, Cant wait to learn more from y'all

[@attackofthehog]

Very informative video! I've been trying to teach myself to shoot for years, but I have only ever made minimal progress with my accuracy. Going to remember this and adjust my technique accordingly. Many thanks for the time you've put into putting this together!

[@scaniadave]

Wow what an incredible archer. I'm putting your release technique into my recurve shooting. Thanks.

[@solukhumbu911]

Jeff, such a great informative video specially for someone like me that is self teaching how to shoot tradiontional bows. so much knowledge here for those seeking to improve the details. Also you seem like a very cool person to go on a shoot with or a hike.

[@paoloUAE]

Excellent videos, Howard Hill style release summarizes the whole concept. Good point.

[@Evandiego16]

Wow. Some awesome words to take to the range. Thanks for the great explanation.

[@MrKillb8]

Thank you for this video. I was taught differently and have been practicing the wrong way so you've done me a real service here. Secondary anchor, genius! Why did I not think of that?

[@duieb]

Jeff I just wanted to say a BIG thank you! Ever since I started using a second anchor point my accuracy and consistency improved A LOT!!!

[@mathiascaspersen1606]

Thanks man! This helped me so much, i have always been told that when i release i should pull my hand backwards, but never that i could have an ancerpoint, it helped me a lot. Thnaks again! :D

[@Placeholder25]

Dear Jeff, I want to thank you to the biggest extent I can. I just bought my first bow this week and went with a recurve. I've scoured the Internet and found some okay things, but this video was exactly what I needed! If you know of any other video makers or websites to read that would be great. Thanks, again.

[@Ashhhhtube]

Your a great teacher and an awesome shot, excellent video! My grizzly arrived today, definitely a beautiful bow.

[@2ndgen12v]

awesome video..i picked up trad archery a few weeks ago. ive been shooting a compound for awhile but its up for sale now after shooting my longbow for the past few weeks. shooting a omega longbow right now and am in the process of getting a morrison gen 2 riser with trad tech extreme limbs.. ive been mainly instinctive shooting because thats the funest for me. and today i noticed my release being everywhere. i will try this next time i shoot thanks for the video!

[@sagarasouske]

Thank you for the valuable tip. You truly are helpful and a skilled master archer.

[@jtuddha1]

Dear Jeff, I am a bow-maker and archer and do all the traditional stuff, selling bows to who want to shoot "Injun Style" and give them a few pointers on the difference between compound and what I refer to as "stick and string." You are a true archer and I've a few trophies on your behalf. You are the real thing! You've helped. Joseph. Write back if time permits.

[@kamolaras]

Dude you are amazing. You explain concepts logically and you seem very genuine in just wanting people to be better. Thank you kindly and now to apply your teachings!!! ^_^

[@rknerr3]

Great video, anxious to try this. Been having trouble dialing in my shot and being consistent. Thanks for putting this together

[@iniggy86]

Thank you Jeff..! :D Your videos really help me a lot especially this one. :) You're one of the best and consistent instinctive archers I've seen. Please do more informative videos like these for beginners like me.

[@incarceron1]

Thank you very much ! I’m just starting archery, and any help is welcome - your video was very clear and well explained. I hope I can get anywhere as good as you with training.