Some people might ask, “Is there a wrong way to follow though?’. To that, my answer is YES! Following through, after releasing an arrow, is one of the last and most important steps in shooting an arrow. It might sound like: “Oh it’s just letting go of the bowstring, I’m gonna move on to my next arrow.” But it’s more important than that. When following through it can reflect how you shoot, whether it’s good, bad, or decent. It can also make patterns when you are shooting, horizontally, vertically, or arrow groupings that are off on the side.
There is some things you need to prep before you release your arrow and follow through. First, your anchor point. When anchoring, your hand should be hooked at the corner of your mouth, some people say, like your a fish on a hook. This gives you a solid point that you always release from, and it’s consistent. When going to release, make sure that you are focused on your aim point and not somewhere else.
Now to the main point. When you are following through you want your hand flat and straight then go back in a swift motion, that will keep your arrow in a straight line. There are wrong ways you can follow through as well. If the hand goes straight out to she side instead of straight back, that is what you call plucking. Plucking can cause your arrow to go side to side. If you can see a consistent pattern with your arrows in a horizontal line, this might be your problem.
Another thing, if you see a consistent pattern of your arrows going vertically it might be your breathing. Before you release your arrow make sure you pause your breath. When breathing there is small movements, up and down, that might cause the vertical path of your arrows. Following through can be the main reason in your arrow patterns or grouping placement. If this happens to your friends to, give them a helping hand and show them that it’s okay to have a bad habit, we just need to correct it. If that’s the case, make a new habit, a good one to. Make sure you are following through the correct way!