STL All Sports

After the novice has been shown how to string his bow, the following acts of shooting are necessary for him to master if he wishes to become a successful archer: the standing position, gripping the bow, nocking the arrow, drawing the bow, aiming the bow, and releasing the arrow.

Stringing the Bow. - The following is the procedure used in stringing a bow:

1. Take the bow in the right hand by the back side of the handle with the top limb uppermost.

2. Stand with the feet apart with the left foot slightly in advance of the right.

3. Place the lower nock or horn to which the string is tied, in the instep of the right foot. Be careful not to let the ock touch the ground, otherwise the downward pressure may cause an uneven pull on the lower limb or ock, causing serious damage.

4. Put the heel of the left hand on the flat side of the upper limb near the ock, with the index finger and thumb pushing the top loop of the string forward to the nock.

5. Bend the bow by pulling up with the right hand and pressing down slightly with the heel of the left hand, at the same time working the upper loop into the nock with the fingers.

When the bow is strung the string should be at least six inches away from the handle of the bow, or one "fistmele," which is the distance measured by closing the hand and raising the thumb.