Archery Practice Loop: Tool of a Thousand Uses

One of the most useful training tools for archery that I have every come across is basically a piece of string.  By taking a simple loop of parachute cord and hooking up a release to practice with, the diligent archer can learn all sorts of great things about form as well as practicing form skills until they are solidly imprinted on the mind.

I have gone through several versions of the practice loop.  My first version was made from standard nylon rope with piece of string loop attached.  This worked quite well but the rope just dropped limp at the shot and didn’t give much feedback.  Another version was made from just parachute cord and it gave great feedback while practicing back tension, but cut into my hand after much use.  The current version (pictured below) uses a section of braided paracord with the main part of the loop as a single strand with a bit of extra length for adjustment.

Because the paracord is thin enough, the release can be hooked directly to the loop without anything else.  What is nice about this is that as the bow hand settles in, the release can float anywhere along the loop making it easy to play with small changes in form.  It is also very easy to change the total length of the loop making small adjustments to the simulated draw length quick and painless.

So why use a loop and does it really help?  A loop is great because it can be used to practice anytime and anywhere. However, for me that isn’t even the best reason to use one.  For me, their are two other great reasons to practice with a loop.  The first is that it makes it very easy to experiment with form changes in a quick and easy manner; these changes can be made at “full draw” without the fear of the bow going off.  Secondly, it’s a good way to imprint your form into your subconscious.  By using the loop everyday, even multiple times throughout the day, a lot more practice shots than possible on the range can be made (at least in my case.)

I can also practice with the loop while concentrating on other things such as watching TV.  This may seem counter intuitive at first, but when you realize that to make a good shot, the archer must concentrate on aiming while the shooting; form should be automatic.  By practicing good form while concentrating on something else, the imprinting process can be sped up and perfected.

Practicing in front of a mirror or camera/screen can be done and adjustments on the fly.  Without the weight of the bow or the pull of the string, you can look at the mirror/screen and really scrutinize the form.  Making little movements, changes or adjustments is possible while seeing your live image or reflection.  It’s amazing how easy it is to see defects in form and experiment with changes this way.

Of course nothing can take the place actually  shooting a bow and arrow, but the practice loop is another useful tool to improve shooting and expand practice time.  I used to think the loop was good for rainy days and itchy fingers, but I’ve found that it can be an incredibly useful tool when used often and properly.  Give it a try if you haven’t!

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