NOMES ON TECHNIQUE

Naomi Folkard explains head alignment

Having a consistent head position makes it possible for you to make consistent shots, and if you have a consistent string alignment in combination with consistent head position, it is possible for you to get consistent groups.

String alignment

Recurve archers do not have a physical back sight to ensure the arrow points at the same angle every time. We do however have a string which we can line up on the riser which eliminates left-right variables so long as the head is still, and we have a contact between the finger and jaw, sometimes with the aid of a ledge on the tab, which eliminates the vertical variables, again this principle stands providing the head is still!

Although the string is blurry, as the focus of the eyes is on the target, we can use string alignment quite effectively. Ideally you should have string alignment somewhere on the riser – the left edge is best as it is within the immediate area of the sight which makes it easier for the string alignment to become a automatic part of the aiming process.

You may find that you need the string to be a contrasting colour to the riser to help it stand out, but I don’t find it necessary. It is OK to have the string on either side of the sight pin but be aware of what will happen if you move the sight windage.

When the string at full draw is seen far away from the riser or sight, either to the left or right, it is impossible to make a reliable string alignment check, this can cause horizontal errors on the target. It can also create problems with sight position, an archer with a wide string alignment will have (assuming sensible tuning) a sight pin position far in to the bow so that the clicker can lie across the sight pin. If the sight pin lies so far in that it is slightly behind the riser, then the 'wrong' eye can take over.

Fixing a string that's too far to the left

Experiment with a really light bow of the same length as your own (so it has the same string angle). Come to full draw and gently move the head until the string moves to where you want it, if the archer has been struggling the head will probably need to tip to the left, especially if the string has been sneaking down the left side of the nose and turning the head to the right may also help so long as the nose does not get in the way.

You can fix a string that's gone too far right

in the same way as described for a string too far left, except this time you may find you need to tip your head over to the right and turn the head to the left so it is squarer on to the target. If this is still not helpful, then perhaps the anchor is too far down the side of the jaw.

You can see in the pictures below that the position of the string reference at full draw will need a different head position. I have always shot with the string in the middle of my chin and I have to hold my head over at a small angle to get my string alignment on the edge of the riser. (If you are wondering why my sight is at a weird angle to my riser, it’s because I slightly cant the bow so I have to off-set it with the sight when I shoot field).

Common mistakes – and why they are a problem

There are two very common errors which often come hand in hand and I must put my hand up and say that these are recurring errors for me! The first error involves moving the head forwards to meet the string, the underlying cause is likely to be an unconscious “careful” instinct to prevent the clicker from going too early. The second error occurs at full draw, the head moves back to enable the clicker to go. These two errors often occur together, but can occur on their own. Although an archer can get away with these errors as they don’t tend to cause significant changes to the angle of the arrow, they will usually cause problems in determining a draw length and clicker position, shot execution errors can occur because the clicker timing is inconsistent which can then unconsciously encourage more care and therefore more head movement.

If you have a gap between the string and your nose at full draw you are missing a vital reference point and are therefore much more likely to have an inconsistent head position in multiple directions. This opens up the possibility of having inconsistent and larger groups than if you have that reference.

Head movement to get through the clicker

can also come from turning the head away from the target causing wide groups and dipping the head down causing errors in height on the target; the latter usually coincides with some head turning.

If you move your head during the shot and you want to keep it still, then I suggest you work with an instant replay camera with a screen – a tablet with a 'delay replay' app is ideal. Position the camera about two metres in front of you on the shooting line, draw reference lines on the screen or use something in the background so you can see where and when the movement is happening. Make attempts to eliminate the movement with the instant feedback from the camera. You may get it right very quickly, or it may take a lot of work over a series of training sessions to get it right. You will probably have to adjust your clicker as your head becomes more still.

Conclusion

Ultimately, you should aim to achieve a comfortable, still and repeatable head position with a relaxed neck, in conjunction with consistent reference points between the string and nose and string and chin/jaw; this also relies upon a reliable full draw position between your hand and jaw. Getting and maintaining alignment will take both practice and experimentation.