Traditional Archery Tips - how to shoot a recurve bow

Here are some tips on how to shoot a recurve bow accurately. We'll talk about developing proper shooting form, as well as discus how I aim and shoot a longbow and recurve bow. In traditional archery, proper archery form is critical. Here are a few tips to help you achieve good form and alignment to get you one step closer to grouping your arrows well.
Also be sure to check out some of my other videos on traditional archery:
• Traditional Archery Ti...
• Gap Shooting with Trad...
• Traditional Bow Huntin...
• How to make a longbow ...
• How to make a Longbow ...
• How to make a Longbow ...

[@waynestaines2674]

I'm just getting into recurve archery and watched this video on basics and found that I had an immediate major improvement in accuracy and felt like I was starting to know what I was doing. Thanks for the good advice.

[@EgbertWilliams]

Every "instinctive" shooter really does aim; they're just not as conscious of it. Others need to bring a more formal awareness to the process. Also, kudos to this guy's approach to instruction. He's casual but clear and doesn't adopt the hyper showboating of so many here. He should learn how to do everything and make every KZbin instructional video.

[@clayhayeshunter]

***** Thanks, putting together a good video takes some time, but anything worth doing is worth doing right.

[@2RayneR7]

***** Well of course you aim. You just aim with your own imaginary crosshair. You don't aim by the arrow or by the sky or by a rabbit.

[@jeremylong6229]

EdD5 sorry but your wrong guys have shot in total darkness with a lit target which proves they are using nothing on the bow to aim with

[@LimbDrivenTV]

YES. Just did this last night with a glow stick. Pure instinctive. Wish I could post the pic.

[@richardsneed9042]

yeah except I dont. I dont use the technique this guy is talking about. What I do is more like how you learned to throw a baseball as a kid. just alot of experimenting with it. Although, i have seen some terrific shooting from 'gap' shooters etc, so I think Im going to try it out.

[@stephenzellers9736]

Clay, your videos have helped me immensely. Watched my groups improve and my range increase. Just got my first 8 point buck with a recurve! You are the man!

[@williamschultz9999]

I've taught many Traditional Guy's and the one tip I've given them that seems to help a lot is "Think pulling your elbow back, not your hand. It works very well. Nice video.

[@waltwalters4144]

This helped so much! The way you explained back tension makes so much sense. Been practicing this for 30 minutes and have drastically improved

[@clayhayeshunter]

Nice

[@thomasgreenwald6857]

Clay, You have the best explanation for aiming I have ever heard. I have been inconsistent, especially frequently shooting to the left, but some times on. I just watched your “Traditional Archery Tips- Part 1 for the 2nd time. I get it! I am 71 years old. I retired last year, but thankfully I am in good enough shape to enjoy outdoor sports. I will use your lessons to improve and increase my joy of shooting longbows and recurve bows. Thank you! Tom G

[@clayhayeshunter]

Great to hear Tom

[@Rossmancer]

This man cut my grouping size in half.

[@emilyhofland8219]

Now, get your mind exploded. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHaqXp-vbtmEfc0

[@emilyhofland8219]

@Joseph Underwood he inspired me to get another recurve. I was middle School, last time I had one.

[@bethanyhadelman514]

Kramer Ammons wow Kramer

[@draven3838]

He helped me tighten my group to an orange at 40 yards

[@thehood6067]

@@emilyhofland8219 which recurve did you get?

[@kiwisdad1]

2:22 Now that is the best Trad Angle camera shot I have seen on you tube.... nice touch!

[@cliffbrown4217]

Your tips on obtaining back tension is priceless and so is your suggestion to put an object behind the strike plate and under the arrow rest, I can't believe the difference, I can't believe how much my accuracy has improved, I am very grateful thank you very much, Your #1 in my book.

[@yugen]

These vague statements are a problem in many hobbies and sports. Like in jiu jitsu I've literally heard coaches screaming"HIPS, HIPS, HIPS"... wtf does that even mean? It's completely meaningless. "Back tension" can mean so many different things... When in reality you just want your draw side scapula to reach full retraction or abduction.

[@labtrainer09]

Hi, Cliff. Did I miss something? I didn't see or hear anything about "putting an object behind the strike plate and under the arrow rest." Could you tell me at what point Clay demonstrated these modifications? Thanks, Chris

[@cliffbrown4217]

@@labtrainer09 It is not there in this video , I think I watched a lot of Clayes videos in a row on that particular day and got them mixed up , I am only human lol. in one of his videos he does suggest placing a small object behind the strike plate and the arrow rest but I can't remember which one , I found Clay, Jimmy blackmon , Jeff kavanaugh, and Arne moe to be great resources, Arne moes form video was packed with useful information . good luck to you.

[@labtrainer09]

@@cliffbrown4217 Hi again, Cliff. I found the footage you refer to! It's part of a great Clay video entitled "How to set up a Traditional Bow, Longbow or Recurve." The tip about arrow rests and strike plates starts at 5:52 minutes and ends at 8:10 minutes. Any recurve shooter (like me!) who's not yet set in his/her ways should look at this. Creating a small "bump" in both the arrow rest and strike plate make perfect sense--at least to me. Best, Chris

[@cliffbrown4217]

@@labtrainer09 Have you watched the Form video by Arne Moe or how about the form video by Jimmy Blackmon. Great resource, I learned to shoot by watching these two , Jeff Kavanagh and Wolfie Hugh are also worth studying. It took many years for me to learn how to shoot a recurve on my own. I was to stubborn to quit . Very rewarding when you get there.

[@johnpratt6578]

As a semi-experienced compound shooter, I totally overlooked the importance of consistant "back tension" with a recurve (because compounds sort of take care of that issue for you). I became aware of my back tension as I shot my recurve and my accuracy almost instantly improved. Thanks!

[@kevalexander7415]

Very helpful tips. Especially the tip on back tension. As a visual learner, the verbal illustration was just what I needed to help me SEE what I need to do. I can't wait to try it at the range tomorrow

[@clayhayeshunter]

Good luck

[@conorcorderoy9207]

Just tried your technique. Every single arrow in the bullseye. My deepest gratitude. You have transformed my shooting.

[@lacky903]

Clay, thank you so much for explaining back tension in a way that finally made sense. Instant 50% reduction in group size!

[@familycromwell]

Back tension postures the bow to follow through for greater accuracy, as it does for the shooter. Love the channel Clay, keep up the good work!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank ya

[@lindseyhammond9576]

This video was absolutely incredible! I've been shooting traditional for about a year now and applying your tips, such as adjusting my head position and my anchor point, to my shot process has really improved my accuracy and tightened my groupings! Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing more of your videos. :) Thanks!

[@bareknuckleteam]

I took some of this into consideration and man, it helped me. Especially when learning where my "arrow to target" length of shot is. Worked like a charm and helped me to a better understanding when shooting. Thanks man! Keep it up, love your work.

[@danelawson5077]

Just bought my first recurve... 50lb... Absolutely am in love with the history and tradition I feel connected to every time I pick it up. I keep getting a helluva time from my buddies shooting compounds... The instinctive shooting and your videos have instantly made my shooting way better!! Thank you brother! Keep em coming!!

[@basse9914]

50 lbs?!?!?!

[@danelawson5077]

@@basse9914 should it be more? Less? ?

[@basse9914]

@@danelawson5077 I read less

[@thehood6067]

Can you outshoot them from a distance? Bet you can shoot a lot faster too

[@joshuabean5944]

Great video! I got my first bow this weekend and figured out a lot of this on my own but it definitely helps explain why I was hitting left. Thanks for the insight!

[@TexasSlinger]

great explanation for back tension too. I also use a form of 'gap' shooting because I am right handed and left eye dominant

[@TheSquiblitee]

haha nice, i actually shot left handed for this exact reason

[@Red-rougeP]

@Texas Slinger, I'm left eye dominant, do you think I should swap to left handed shooting, I'm new to it btw!

[@Divinitus9]

Also cross eye dominant myself. I shoot my firearms left handed for that very reason. Trying to find a method that works shooting bow right handed with left eye dominance. A challenge thus far

[@brandongay1315]

@@Divinitus9 I’d get a left handed bow and give it a try if I were you. I’m left eye dominant but was taught to do most things right handed. I re-learned throwing and shooting motions left-handed as an adult and am more accurate than I ever was right-handed.

[@BlueLobster92]

@@Red-rougeP just shoot with dominate eye closed

[@labtrainer09]

Your explanation of back tension and how to use it is the clearest, most practical I've ever heard. Thanks, Clay.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mark2727]

Hey Clay, what your talking about is developing "muscle memory." Just as a golfer develops a swing with a golf club, an archer through practice develops the form and muscle memory to instinctively shoot the arrow at the spot where the eye is focused. I just bought my first recurve bow after several years of being out of archery (due to theft of my equipment), and I am going back to the basics that I learned with my first bow that I had when I was a kid. You have given some great tips here however, I would like to suggest that we all take a look at the master- Fred Bear; his form and technique is flawless because it worked for him. Each archer must develop a technique that works for that individual. Some of us may never get a "robin hood" arrow stuck inside another but, we can develop techniques that work from coaches like yourself. "Put me in Coach, I'm ready to play."

[@pruszkowskiucznik7981]

Clay, I never said thank You, so I said it now. This info, tons of practice and my own "bow feel" makes me champion in my country. I told this to many archers and every single one increased his scores about 30%+. Keep doing this!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Excellent!

[@ninjafruitchilled]

Very interesting, thanks! I actually know nothing about shooting with western bows, but I've been doing Japanese kyudo for a few years now and actually a lot of what you describe sounds like it works just the same. Which is a little surprising because to me the western draw techniques look really weird, however, once you get to full draw then things seem to become very similar again. Especially they way you describe using your back, expanding through your shoulders, pushing forward with the left arm, having a relaxed forearm on your draw hand, this all sounds exactly the same.

[@the.reel.mccoy.]

One of my absolute favorite bow shooting videos. Translates very well to compound aswell.

[@Hitokage]

Very useful advices, thanks

[@clayhayeshunter]

You're welcome.

[@keough-rc6552]

I’ve been shooting archery my whole life and I’ve struggled to get a constant grouping. I’m defiantly trying this next time I shoot! Love your channel. Thanks so much for the great tips!

[@benjaminh.984]

You've got an excellent way of explaining form and technique. Thank you for your videos, brother!

[@clayhayeshunter]

you''re welcome

[@dennismajor1]

I’ve watched a lot of KZbin videos on various topics and this video has to be one of the best instructional or educational videos I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching. I knew early on in the video when Clay recommended using a light weight bow to get your form in place before moving on to a heavier bow that the remainder of the video’s content would be good and it was. Surprisingly, for myself that is, I knew his recommendation to be a fundamental principal for Kettlebell exercises especially important to avoid injury and yet I didn’t bring that principal over to developing my bow shooting skills. Really grateful for having been twigged to this important aspect of improving one’s bow shooting skills.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Dennis

[@murigius1]

Very clear and instructive!! Nice job!

[@clayhayeshunter]

+Ed Murphy Thanks Ed

[@briananuvattanachai1400]

+Clay Hayes could I use a hay stack as a target?

[@kayliecompagnucci6272]

Brian Anuvattanachai that's what I do

[@savagepete1983]

You're an excellent teacher and I like the way you edit the videos to explain the concept in depth verbally, then you jump to a very slow and deliberate visual of what you just explained. Thanks again, Clay!

[@clayhayeshunter]

You're very welcome!

[@ozziejim8472]

I’ve watched this quite a few times. Thanks Clay

[@yuurishibuya4797]

I have been searching for this one shot 8:16 all over. Finally found the perfect video explaining what archers see when they are aiming. Will go Experiment it out this weekend.

[@sevrinunruh9291]

the biggest tip that i would give is am at something realy small like another hole left from another arrow and just focus on that it helped me alot

[@patc1649]

Sevrin Unruh The Patriot taught me “aim small, miss small”

[@brentfrank7012]

Clay I’ve been watching most of your videos over and over, didn’t have a bow and never shot a bow. Learned a ton from you. Finally purchased a long bow and some arrows, set it all up, started practicing what you coached am I’m shooting really well in the first week. I’m actually shocked at how well this going…..having a lot of fun. Thank you sir.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Good for you Brent, keep flinging those arrows!

[@95aubie]

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.

[@justintempus7406]

Your description of back tension eliminated the fliers that have kept me from being comfortable hunting for several years. I would get a random arrow 6-8" out of my groups about a time in 10. I"m now consistently shooting 5" at 20 yards "instinctive" (kind of a misnomer). I have never lived somewhere with access to a good stick bow teacher, thank you so much.

[@huntn8581]

Very informative!! Thanks for sharing your experience my friend. Greetings from Saudi Arabia

[@kevinford5603]

I did a whole circle through the archery world. I'm coming back to traditional bow to manne it fun again. This video helped to pt me in the right frame of mind to use a real bow again. THANK YOU for this video

[@clayhayeshunter]

Welcome back

[@jerrycox2058]

Years ago, I found that I was just shooting at the object, my focus sucked. So I began shooting at tiny objects at just a foot or so from my feet. I was shooting blunts in pretty rock free ground. You can use dried beans, they are cheap and small. I shot so close until I could hit it every time and then began shooting at beans about a foot farther out and so on until I could hit them easily. I did this out to twent feet or more and finally had my brain tuned into focusing on a tiny spot. We had a feral tom cat coming in and killing our cat's kittens. I set up my treestand in the tree in the front yard for an evening/night hunt. with my longbow, it was the easiest shot that I had ever made up to that point. Everything from birds up were in trouble from then on. I also set up a moving target on cable from the top of a 2 story house down to the ground forty yards away. The target was a two foot 2x4 with a tennis ball hanging from it. this helped me tremendously on moving shots. Shot a lot of moving squirrels etc, as well as fish. Deer were like shooting a bull after that, confidence out the roof

[@strider5474]

Using this as part of my training plan

[@JaredHempfield]

Impressive!

[@bretthannan32]

I almost gave up on archery because I could not shoot consistently. I watched your video earlier today, headed out into the garden and tried what you said to do and after a dozen shots was shooting better than ever. Your explanation of back tension works perfect. Thanks for a great video.

[@clayhayeshunter]

+Brett Hannan great to hear!

[@MrIdasam]

Well shit, I recently went out and purchased a 50 lb. longbow. Oh well, gotta' make the best of it.

[@ManThatsANiceBanana]

Ragemutt You probably got used to it didn't you? Because I did the same you did, at first it was hell, I wasn't used to it, but as I practiced I became "stronger" and my aim just went along with it

[@michaelosuna1784]

Ragemutt me too lol

[@rickmiller8720]

Oh you're just getting started....lol Watch pawn shops and flea markets, you can pick up some nice bows.

[@zBMatt]

Rick Miller while it’s not a traditional if your ok with spending $100 more but the leader accessory compound, or the samick sage, you can adjust the poundage so you can go from training form to hunting big game with it

[@s.sradon9782]

go to gym, it'll just make you feel better overall, IK this advice is late but to anyone in a similar situation: do pullups and unless you are a small woman or an elderly person you should gain strength to pull back 50lb within a short span of time provided you actually workout properly.

[@DavidHBurkart]

This is a very helpful video. Thanks for the reminder of checking important steps as it relates to peak draw vs. full draw. I found the G. Fred Asbell "baseball theory" very helpful when I started my traditional journey back in the late nineties. It changed everything for me at the time, at least as a starting point. Other things, like holding three-under rather than split-fingered, which (unconsciously at the time for me) gave me a better line of sight at all hunting distances, developing a bit of a cant upon my draw, shooting from the shelf as a "V" rather than from a reverse "L" hold were all things which helped me maximize my accuracy, efficiency, and consistency. Each of these are things that may or may not work for everyone, but are examples of how everyone needs to try different things that have worked for others in order to find what best works for them. No doubt you have truly helped archers with the improved consistency they are looking for. Blessings!

[@daveengstrom9250]

I wish I had watched this a year ago. I think you just solved my problem.

[@Glader08]

Been shooting instinctively for 5 years now, haven't hunted with it yet but I plan to. I've never gotten the consistency that I'm seeing you have in this video. I gave that up to the idea that, maybe I'm just not that great of a shot. I ate these tips up and I'm definitely going to employ them the next time I string my bow up. Excellent quality, and absolutely clear instructions as always, bud. Thanks!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glader08 Glad to help.

[@njgl2010]

I've gotta ask, can u throw a baseball accurately? That's kinda the mentality I've used to teach myself to shoot. Pure baseball/rock throwing Instinct!

[@clayhayeshunter]

+Squeaky Reed good for you!

[@njgl2010]

I'm sure I need a lot of work, but it works most of the time. Hitting a paper plate at 30 yards 3 outta 5 times. Working on the paper cup at short distances now. Really enjoy your vid!

[@Popemaster09]

Wow, the one person who actually explained back tension in a way that makes sense. I tried this and my shots instantly felt better. Thank you. All about that alignment, like you said.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Good for you!

[@DIYSportsman]

Thanks for the tips. I think my aiming style thus far has been similar to yours. Look at the target but subconsciously use the point in the peripheral vision.

[@clayhayeshunter]

DIY Sportsman Yea, it works well for me.

[@jacobg2081]

I am learning so much from Clay.. never met the guy, but I get better every time I focus on a point he makes in his new videos

[@worshipleader5933]

Thanks...I've been getting so frustrated, looking forward to trying your method

[@clayhayeshunter]

Let me know if it works for you.

[@austinsonger388]

I've been shooting a compound for about ten years now. I just picked up my first trad bow. Wow what a challenge. Thank you for all the help ful advice. And killer shooting man!

[@77BuickBoss]

It seems that going from compound to traditional is tough and the other way around is definitely easier.

[@marcbridle3718]

Fantastic information. Did anyone else feel nervous when he aimed the bow right at the camera?? XD

[@Lorenzo-vb1so]

No, those 3 fingers are locked up untill he lets go

[@toddandangelbrowning2920]

I was glued to the tv watching you on alone. I was rooting for you from day one. I’ve been thinking about traditional bow hunting. I shoot compound, and a tenpoint crossbow during season.

[@yzlover7428]

Thank you sooo much! I'm eleven, and I am shooting a 45 pound anthem recurve bow

[@clayhayeshunter]

Excellent! Stick with it!

[@Thespinningwoman]

THAT is what I needed to hear about back tension! That cue about nudging someone's hand really works for me, and I am finding that it adds that bit of extra tension that makes sense of my hand going back as I release. Thanks!

[@clayhayeshunter]

+Thespinningwoman great to hear

[@brown80reb]

May I ask what are those on your fingers? Sorry new ta archery

[@carsonhaven1014]

Raymond Brown a shooting glove that protects his fingers from the bowstring

[@clayhayeshunter]

Finger stalls

[@pickin4you]

I was glad to hear you say at the beginning about instinctive shooting, and that you do have to aim. I have shot instinctive most all of my live, and most who think they can, really can't. Like you, they aim, but they still call it instinctive. Kudos to you for explaining it so simple and really understanding the differences in instinctive shooting and aiming.

[@clayhayeshunter]

pickin4you you're welcome. Instinctive shooting is really attractive, but it ain't for me...

[@Porsche924S]

8:11 dont hurt me :(

[@ofishal1503]

The best archery aiming tips ove found on KZbin. Explained everything perfect

[@damon2692]

09:06 thank me in another life....

[@byrongreen2167]

Clay…from your very first shot ,I knew you were spot-on on how to teach someone else to shoot a bow…you did it exactly how it’s done properly!!!!!! Xoxoxoxoxo thank you!!!!!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Byron

[@NendoCrescendo]

i instinctually shoot with a compound but it has no sights and your basic arrow rest i'm not the best but i can turn 180 and shoot straight all in two seconds soo...

[@jereumby5691]

Me too

[@NendoCrescendo]

+Jere Umby i can jump shot too and while in air pull it back and shoot but the target is sort of close (20yards)

[@jereumby5691]

+Fackincreeper4 me too

[@SharkClarkLeon]

But can you 360 no scope?

[@NendoCrescendo]

Actually, yes i can.

[@paulalexander5516]

Incredibly helpful! Noticed immediate results after applying these techniques.

[@norseman1137]

That's the best explanation of aiming and alignment I've seen .... And I've been looking for days

[@big2mylou]

As someone who is new to shooting I completely agree with this video. I find my aim is significantly better when I take the time to focus on my mechanics

[@cjcj4197]

Great help for an old time recurve shooter. Shot a Bob Lee bow for years and want to get back into the recurve thank you, very helpful info.

[@JustinoElArtista]

I literally just shot a recurve bow for the first time today. I started out more instinctively to get a feel for the power (it's 45#) and my aim is generally good. However, taking a moment to look at my form and actually line up my sights properly let me hit bullseye consistently rather than everything around it. This video has been extremely informative and helpful.

[@clayhayeshunter]

+JustinoElArtista thanks and glad it helped.

[@JaredHempfield]

I just got into archery since I have to drive two miles to shoot my guns and I like the reverence to this traditional style. I picked up a 60 inch Kingfisher to eventually go bow fishing with, great advice, thanks!

[@zackf5120]

Thank you kindly for this video. I was into compound shooting as a youth but am now middle aged and have started back into archery with a recurve a month ago. I was wild. After implementing your suggestions today I now have about a 6" group at 10 yards. I know I have a long ways to go but I have a lot more confidence to get there.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Great!

[@drogoredsmith4854]

Took archery when i was young yet this video helped me more than those lessons. Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I enjoyed it immensely

[@dinoquintana4319]

Congratulations on your recent win on alone .you certainly worked hard for it.mostly I just want to thank you for sharing your knowledge on bowmanship,woodcraft and all the other things you share finally it great to see a real American mom and dad .you can see that you and your wife do a great job with your boys thanks again

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Dino

[@cbud7637]

Thank you for the tips on shooting. As you mentioned, I have good days and bad days when shooting "Instinctively" I think you laid out a great recipe for a repeatable technique. I used your tips on alignment with target and getting the arrow directly below my eye, added a second anchor point (my ear) and the results are great! Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@clayhayeshunter]

C Bud Thanks C Bud, glad it helped.

[@DinoPimp]

I find myself coming back to this video every few months.

[@des2liveslarge]

Clay speaks my language. Your videos have improved my aim and helped to reconnect with the simple joy of shooting traditional archery. Thanks for that!😁

[@clayhayeshunter]

Awesome

[@Stormdrop1]

Hey Clay, really good video! I started shooting barebow some years back, and I've been trained by a UK gold medalist (chucked the sights off the bow during my warm-up when it wasn't working for me) - got my first gold on my first comp with a trainer bow. I think what you said about training with a lighter bow is so important, going back to basics, and just refining your form is so important, and going back to shorter distances. Also, the only movement when you're at full draw is those 3 fingers on your right (or left) hand is the only movement you should make. Also, the arrow deflects off the bow up, and left (or right if you're left-handed). The deflection of the arrow from the bow, when presented with a new distance and target, is something to think about. So, at some ranges, rightly as you say, you get the point where you can just shoot and it will hit the gold, but at shorter/longer ranges, this doesn't work - hence the whole instinctive shooting, where you look at the target alone and don't use point-of-aim, ie, looking down the arrow or using a frame of reference with the tip of arrow. Really cool to see someone who can explain this though personal experience! Would love to shoot with you :)

[@blakewilliams5580]

All things I’m aware of but said very well and made me realize the things I need to work on. Especially the explanation on back tension. Thank you

[@clayhayeshunter]

You're welcome Blake

[@kenzierade91]

My recurve bow comes in tomorrow. Never shot in my life. This was very helpful. I’m excited. :)

[@Davidow1]

Your tip about "hand in your pocket" made a HUGE difference for me! Thanks a lot! :D

[@jimfrattaroli4500]

Well done Clay. Just good solid, simple tips. Sometimes we traditional shooters over think it. Keep it simple son!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Jim Frattaroli Ain't that the truth...

[@bobsimmons2623]

Thank you for the awesome advice. I have tried several methods to increase consistency with varying success. I watched a couple of your tutorials last night and had a chance to try the techniques out today. It took me about an hour to iron some things out but following your advice has me shooting tight groups out to 20 yards with both my longbow and recurve.....which has NEVER happened before. I also appreciate the laid back direct way you present the material. I will definitely share your video on facebook and tell my friends. I enjoyed your trad elk hunt as well but probably not as much as the tight groups...lol Thanks again and keep up the good work!

[@clayhayeshunter]

+bob simmons good to hear Bob, I'm glad it could help.

[@jakek7176]

Dude this guy is a beast. Such clear instruction and descriptions make perfect sense. Can't wait to get out there and try out some of these techniques!!!!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Jake

[@rsgiii1]

Just wanted to say thank you. After watching your video and using you're tips about stance and lining up the body. Also lining up the arrow to the pupil of the eye I saw instant improvement in my grouping. Keep up with the videos. Again, Thanks!

[@clayhayeshunter]

+ruben garcia you're welcome

[@deldridg]

Thanks Clay all the way from Oz. Your explanations are very clear to me and you've obviously put some decent thought and effort into this vid. I look forward to using your tips when working on my alignment - the string hand being pushed back and the bow hand being 'extended' towards the target make instant sense. Cheers from Sydney - Dave

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Dave, I hope it helps.

[@brysonsharry3625]

Holy crap. I tried all ur tips and first shot dead center. U are a legend i got a good grouping and shooting the bow feels smoother

[@clayhayeshunter]

Awesome!

[@caseylewis2835]

I have recently thrown away all my compound bows and I'm going to recurve. I'm not as good as I was hoping for yet but these are great great tips! Thank you very much Clay that above video showing you line up is great!

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Our NASP team is getting ready to shoot at State tournament this weekend. We are ranked I believe fifth in the state and my daughter is third as individual. Only our fourth year and I have sent your video to all of them and noticed instant improvement. Keep it up

[@clayhayeshunter]

+Riverbendlongbows.com That's great, good luck with the competitions. ch

[@AyubuKK]

This is great. A lot of bow-and-arrow videos I’ve seen are using bows that already have areas where you “attach” the arrow to the bow to shoot it. And I wanted to know how a regular bow-and-arrow without any mechanical add-ons is shot. Thanks for making this!

[@wayneashby5030]

I have always shot instinctively but suffer from the same inconsistency frustrations you mentioned. I'm going to try your hybrid method -- the concept really appeals to me. Thanks for your explanation and for showing an eye's view of how you line everything up -- that made the method very clear!

[@clayhayeshunter]

+Wayne Ashby Thanks Wayne

[@ossu.entertainment5761]

Hi Clay! I used to do a lot of archery here in Austria... No hunting but lots of 3D tournaments here in the mountains. Built some bows and always shot traditionally. Also always made my one arrows from PO cedar, carbon and alu for roving and plains style quivers and such from buckskin. Went through some wonderful bows, mostly from bamboo with glass like a turkey creek longbow and a wonderful Hornes bow. Always wanted to stick with "instinctively" really bad and never got that consistent. I'm not coming from compound shooting and it's not what I understand as archery but I am aware of different those of aiming like Mr. Fergusons. I walks subconsciously see my arrow in my peripheral vision and will concentrate more on how you teach it. I'm not having a gold aim throwing things so going purely "blind" was never really for me! You got a great form and way of teaching. Thank you!

[@clayhayeshunter]

OSSU.Entertainment Thanks

[@JCW80]

This is great! I'm about to long-term borrow a recurve from my dad to get back into shooting, and am concerned about good form so I don't immediately start creating a bunch of bad habits. I will be taking a lot of this advice and watching more of your videos! (That "imagine a hand on the back of your elbow" tip - so great!!)

[@beepot2764]

I've recently been having issues with aiming so I decided to come back to basics and watch this video. Great video Clay.

[@clayhayeshunter]

+Hannah Brower Thanks Hannah

[@TheZanzibarMan]

I recently picked up Archery as a hobby, due to the pandemic, and it's a very fun and relatively inexpensive activity to try out. Give it a shot!

[@cheybiggbenson7655]

I'm here because I watched "The Push." Both Clay (here) and Matt (from 'The Push') know what they are talking about. They both have helped me shoot more accurately and consistently.

[@ROLLINGTHUNDER33A]

Thank You for this video, I have struggled with instinct shooting for a long time and have never been totally happy with it, I took all your advice and I have never been a better shot than I am now with my longbow.... Really is going to help to go hunting with a lot more confidence now. Thanks Again!

[@clayhayeshunter]

you're welcome and good luck in the woods.

[@Matro_R]

Dude thank you so much for the advice, it all makes sense, and it has helped me go from a Compound bow to a Recurve relatively painless.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Nice 👍

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Just wanted to say your video has helped my actions into words to help kids understand proper form.

[@clayhayeshunter]

+Riverbendlongbows.com awsome

[@jamesdurrett3827]

A very pragmatic approach to improving the technique.

[@b0lobattali0n78]

Been binge watching your videos. Groupings have definitely gotten better thanks man!

[@whitetailpoet4243]

Thanks for defining the concept of back tension Clay. Very clear, and it removed the confusion for me.

[@clayhayeshunter]

you're welcome

[@ebutuoy2062]

Clay, thank you for making this video. Watching your form and procedure really helped put it all together for me after many months of improving to the point of leveling off.. Prior to seeing this, I would shoot well and hit bulls-eyes, after shooting a few arrows to warm up. Copying/Incorporating your form into my shot routine now has me hitting the bulls-eye with my first several arrows.. Also, I was adamant not to slant my bow, as it seemed counterintuitive in chasing down aiming faults, until I tried it after seeing how you do it... Adds a whole new perspective, AND I also added about 1.5" to my draw length. THANK YOU!!!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Great!

[@ddblu]

This was very informative and presented in your usual straight-forward,concise and clear manner.It is refreshing and a major reason I subscribe.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Doug Mayo Thanks Doug.