Teaching someone to shoot a bow

[302w 83]

I'm having issues teaching my girlfriend how to use a bow.

 

She cannot hit the target for the life of her, most of the time it is six feet over. Last week we went indoors to dunkelbergers which was 25 yards indoors. Backstop was about 5' high and more often than not she hit the wall above it or the ceiling.

 

Yesterday we spent some time shooting about 18 yards away in my yard. Despite any adjustments I make her POI doesn't change.. Always high and to the left. Standing close to the target she is still well over. I haven't shot it in a little bit, but it shot a little low and a little left for me before I got extreme with the sight adjustments.

 

Biggest problems are cheap arrows and the person teaching her (me). She is using a Barnet Vortex youth bow at IIRC 26" draw length with about 30lbs weight because that's the most she can pull.

 

Does anyone know why she is shooting so high? I'm having her use the top reticle on the bottom of the target it it is always over.

 

It's either a user error, or I have something other than the sight messed up.

 

Thanks!

[NJGF 375]

You might want to try a lighter weight pull. There are relatively inexpensive bows for beginners.

[SmittyMHS 603]

 

 

She should work snap shooting in one fluid motion and be very close to the target to get a feel for it.............

 

Is she shooting a recurve or compound?

 

If she is shooting a recurve is she snap shooting or trying to hold etc.

 

I agree with NJGF, lighter pull to start out and ensure she has the proper form and both eyes open.

 

She should work snap shooting in one fluid motion and be very close to the target to get a feel for it.............

 

 

I use to instruct kids at 4H and we would have them right up to the target. When they hit the bull, take a step back. Its like instant gratification. 

[T Bill 649]

Try this, works for the Boy Scouts.  Sometimes it pays to start all over again.  I have use the BSA shooting sports MB pamphlet to teach new shooters of all ages.  Works every time.  

 

http://be4real.com/ScoutingStuff/MeritBadgeBooks/archery.pdf

[Guest]

sounds like she might be shooting right handed and left eye dominant

[302w 83]

Thanks for all of the help guys. I have a bit of homework to do and I will try next weekend.

 

It is a youth compound, and I was wondering if she was cross eye dominant.

[mipafox 438]

Thanks for all of the help guys. I have a bit of homework to do and I will try next weekend.

 

It is a youth compound, and I was wondering if she was cross eye dominant.

You know how to check, right?

[Teky0101 6]

The shot might be thrown off due to the dominate eye. I have your girlfriend check out this video. I hope this helps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1octhtJQfC8

[SW9racer 262]

Get some large spongy tips for the arrows. Both you and her nock, and take 20 paces, she will hit you first.

For my childs, I had them in front of the target and back up a step after each shot. I found instinct is better for bows. If you watch the making of Avatar, they came up with a flipped wrist method for firing a bow, even a master archer was surprised.