-McKenna Montgomery- Consistency is one of the main parts of archery that will help you improve. When shooting, even the smallest detail matters. Archery is such a detailed sport your form should be something that you do the same way, every time.
The reason consistency is so important in every part of archery is because if you have one little part of your form different from the last arrow, it will impact your accuracy. When you shoot your arrows in a close group, it shows you that you are shooting with consistent form. If you are not shooting close groups, it shows you that you are doing something different each arrow – this will make finding your correct aim point difficult.
Breathing is an important thing to keep consistent to help improve your shooting. It may seem less important compared to other parts of shooting, but it affects you just as much. While you are at full draw your goal is to be as still as possible. If you are breathing while at full draw that cannot be accomplished. To make sure you are holding steady on your aiming point, inhale while at pre-draw and exhale while drawing back. Doing that it limits movement and helps create tighter groups.

An inconsistency some archers have is dropping their bow arm when they release. Instead of dropping your bow when you release, hold your bow arm up. It will keep your arrows from dropping and is an easy adjustment to make.
Not only is consistent form important, practicing consistently is also important. Shooting often will help you learn good form and help you from starting bad habits.
Although consistency is hard to master, once you do, it can help you in so many ways.
McKenna is a 2022 student contributor. Find her previous contributions here.