How to Shoot an English Long Bow

Steps

1. Take arrow and knock it on string with the cock (odd colored feather) facing out.
2. Bend your arm at the elbow (wear an armguard of hardened leather) so that the string doesnt get under the armguard and bite you (this is so you don’t hit your arm).
3. Use your index, middle, and ringfinger, knocking the arrow between your index and middle finger.
4. Hold your bow firm and pull back with your fingers. Draw the arrow to the corner of your eye and aim down the shaft.
5. Focus your attention on the smallest spot you can find and let nothing else distract you. Pull back and hold until that spot becomes clear and all else around it becomes a blur. This should be about one second after drawing the bow. Relax the fingers of your right hand to let the string slip past them. This prevents the bow from jumping or lurching which will throw off your shot.
6. Hold your stance until the arrow hits the target.

Warnings

* Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it! Arrows, even from low-poundage bows, can be deadly.
* Never point straight up; it is just plain stupid.