Beginner Mistakes That Slow Progress — And How to Fix Them Fast

rimayaarchery
Nov 25
3 min read

Archery looks simple from the outside, grab a bow, pull the string, and release. But beginners quickly discover that accuracy comes from consistency, technique, and the right mindset. The good news? Most early frustrations come from a handful of common mistakes that are easy to fix with the right guidance.

Here are the top beginner mistakes that slow progress and how to correct them before they become bad habits.

1. Gripping the Bow Too Tight

The mistake: Beginners often “choke” the bow because they’re afraid it will drop after the shot. A tight grip twists the riser and sends arrows in random directions.

The fix: Use a relaxed, open-hand grip with the bow resting between your thumb and index finger. Let it sit naturally. If you’re nervous about dropping it, a finger sling or wrist sling helps build confidence.

2. Drawing With Your Arms Instead of Your Back

The mistake: New archers tend to pull the string with their biceps. This leads to shaky shots, early fatigue, and inconsistent anchor points.

The fix: Focus on using your back muscles, especially your rhomboids. A quick mental cue:➡️ “Squeeze the shoulder blades together.” This creates stronger, smoother shots and prevents strain.

Another tip would be to focus on the direction that you're pointing your elbow. Pulling with your elbow facing the ground will utilize your biceps; which you don't want. Raise your elbow to keep your forearm flat, then drive your elbow back like your trying to elbow something behind you. That elbow drive will help you utilize the right muscles.

3. Inconsistent Anchor Point

The mistake: Anchoring “somewhere near the face” instead of a precise location makes every shot slightly different.

The fix: Choose one reliable anchor point and repeat it every time. Examples:

Corner of the mouth
Under the jawline
Side of the chin
Nose touching the string

Consistency = tighter groups.

4. Collapsing During Release

The mistake: Letting the bow arm drop or pulling the head back at release destroys accuracy.

The fix: Follow through by:

Keeping the bow arm extended
Staying in your stance until the arrow hits the target
Allowing the string hand to move back, not away

Think of “finishing” the shot, not escaping it.

5. Shooting With Poor Posture

The mistake: Hunched shoulders, leaning back, or twisting the torso causes unnecessary tension.

The fix: Stand tall with relaxed shoulders. Key cues:

Chest open
Shoulders down and back
Feet stable and balanced
Head level, looking straight at the target

Good posture not only improves accuracy—it prevents long-term injury.

6. Ignoring Equipment Fit

The mistake: Using a bow that’s too heavy, arrows that are too long/short, or a draw length that doesn’t match your body.

The fix: Get fitted by an experienced coach. A proper setup can instantly improve accuracy and comfort. For beginners, lighter draw weights help you focus on technique instead of fighting the bow.

7. Rushing the Shot

The mistake: Speeding through the shot sequence leads to sloppy form and chaotic groups.

The fix: Slow down. Shoot deliberately, not quickly. Follow a shot routine like:

Stance
Grip
Set
Draw
Anchor
Aim
Expand
Release
Follow-through

Consistency beats speed every time.

8. Not Practicing Enough (or Not Practicing Smart)

The mistake: Beginners either shoot too little to build muscle memory or shoot too much without correcting mistakes.

The fix: Adopt a smart practice routine:

Short sessions, 2–4 days a week
Focus on one or two skills per session
Record yourself to spot form errors
Get feedback from a coach regularly

Deliberate practice leads to fast, clean progress.

9. Neglecting Mental Focus

The mistake: Letting frustration, fear of missing, or overthinking take over.

The fix: Treat every shot like a reset. Before drawing, take a slow breath and mentally repeat:➡️ “Smooth and steady.” Archery is half physical, half mental. Calmness creates accuracy.

10. Comparing Yourself to Others Too Early

The mistake: Seeing other archers’ accuracy and feeling discouraged.

The fix: Progress is personal. Celebrate small wins—tighter groups, smoother form, better consistency. Every great archer started where you are.

Final Thoughts

Mastering archery is about building small habits that stack over time. When beginners fix these common mistakes early, their progress skyrockets. If you’re serious about improving, focus on consistency, technique, and proper equipment, and don’t be afraid to ask for coaching guidance.