JILLLIAN MCCLANAHAN February – The 11 Steps to Archery Success are, stance, nock, draw hand set, bow hand set, pre-draw, draw, anchor, aim, shot set-up, release, follow through and reflect.
I remember when I first started archery I tended to overlook “reflect” but recently I have learned it is one of the most important steps to improving as an archer. Giving yourself a minute to think about what you just shot, what you did right, and what you can do to improve next time, is very important. Sometimes it’s hard to focus with other archers around you but let me tell you some of the positive ways to practice reflection.
Firstly, don’t compare yourself to the archers around you. Everyone has different strengths and different goals. I know the very first thing I used to do when I shot with my teammates was look around to see how everyone else had done (because I’m nosey).
But, that’s really not doing yourself any favors. I have learned that it is best to just focus on yourself.
Secondly, stay positive even when you don’t shoot up to your expectations! One of the things I struggled with when I first started shooting was getting so caught up not shooting all 10s. Well, spoiler alert, that’s not realistic especially when you’re just starting out. Don’t focus on “getting all tens” just focus on simply doing better than your last round. Last round you got five 7s, this round you got two 7s and three 8s? Good job!
Even that little bit of improvement is so important! Setting little goals is the way to go. Big drastic goals are not the way to make improvements.
~Jillian McClanahan is a 2023 student contributor~