Aiming a Traditional Bow: Three Key Techniques

In traditional archery—whether shooting a recurve or a longbow—there is no sight to aid in aiming. Yet, the archer must still hit their target. So, how is this done? Based on my experience, I’ll demonstrate three common aiming techniques. While none of these is the only correct method, I hope they help you refine your shooting skills.

1. Instinctive Shooting

This method involves focusing intently on the spot you want to hit while letting your body naturally adjust the bow’s position. Through repetition, you learn how to hold the bow so the arrow lands where you’re looking, regardless of distance. It requires significant practice to develop muscle memory and consistency.

2. Split-Vision Aiming

With this technique, I maintain awareness of my arrow tip’s position relative to the target without fixating on it. Instead, I rely on instinct while ensuring proper alignment based on the arrow’s point—effectively splitting my focus between the target and the arrow. This hybrid approach balances visual reference with intuitive shooting.

3. String Walking (Hard Dedicated Aiming)

This is my preferred method for target shooting. I place the arrow tip directly on the spot I want to hit, then adjust my tab’s position on the bowstring based on distance—a technique known as string walking. The farther below the arrow I move my tab, the closer the target is.

To streamline my process, I mark a reference point on my string for 30 yards. Regardless of the actual distance, I anchor my tab at this fixed position and adjust my arrow tip up or down. This eliminates the need to fumble with string placement, especially in low-light conditions.

Understanding String Walking

Unlike gap shooting (where adjustments are made based on the arrow tip’s position), string walking modifies trajectory by moving the release hand along the string. The arrow tip remains fixed on the bullseye while the archer "crawls" their hand down the string for closer shots, altering the arrow’s angle upon release.

A fixed crawl simplifies this method—using string wraps or a tied nock as a consistent marker for a specific distance. This ensures repeatable precision without guesswork.

The Instinctive Approach

Pure instinctive shooting eliminates any visual reference to the arrow. The archer focuses solely on the target, relying entirely on feel and experience. While not common in competitive target archery (where consistency over many shots is key), it excels in dynamic hunting scenarios. We’ll explore this style in greater depth in a future article.

Final Thoughts

Archery is deeply personal—there’s no single "right" way to shoot. Whether you prefer instinctive shooting, split-vision aiming, or string walking, the best method is the one that aligns with your style and goals. That’s the beauty of the sport: it adapts to you.