3 Steps Back

 

Another thing I learned in martial arts that applies to archery is the concept of three steps back. In Iai (Japanese Samurai Sword Arts) if you mess up a move, the reason you messed it up was was because of something you did three moves back that forced you out of place to execute the move planned.

So, how does that apply to archery. Simple, if you shoot an arrow and you miss, you then think about it and place the blame on a bad release. But if you continue to look deeper into that shot you will find out more often than not that the real reason you had a bad release was because of something you did a move or two before the release. It might have been your stance, your front shoulder was not in the correct position or how you drew the arrow, maybe you did not use your back. Doing anyone of these can affect your shot, for they take you out of your routine and any change in routine will be seen in your arrows flight. The release was just the result of you doing something different before then. Next time you shoot, instead of blaming it on a bad release, look further back and you will see the real culprit.