002. Foundation Series - Stance
How long has it been since you’ve practiced the basics? I don’t mean bringing the bale back to the 10 yard line. I mean work through the shot process step by step as if you’re back in an intro class. If it’s been a minute, then now is as good of a time as any to hit the reset button. Welcome to the Foundation Series. Over the next 8 weeks we’ll be highlighting each of the basic shot positions and pairing a drill for you to take to the range. The goal is to reconnect to the position and understand why each step of your shot process is vital to the whole and how slight variations make such drastic impacts to the accuracy of your shot.
First things first, check your feet. Build your shot from the ground up, whenever you reset take a glance down and make sure your feet are in the right spot. To summarize a standard stance you’re position should match the following:
Feet shoulder width apart
Back foot perpendicular with the target & the front foot aiming approximately 30 degrees towards the target
Stand tall, knees are locked and back is straight
Balance around 3/4’s of your weight on the balls of your feet rather than your heals
Now, depending on the position of your lead foot, there are 3 variations to this stance open, neutral, and closed. Begin by placing the ball of your back foot perpendicular to the target line. Next, move your lead foot shoulder width apart onto the target line. Again, the lead foot is the driving factor of the type of stance you’re performing.
Most archers gravitate to either an open stance (where the toes are on the target line) or a neutral stance (where the ball of your foot is on the target line). However some gravitate to a closed stance (where the ball of the lead foot is past the target line). Once your feet are in the proper position, it’s time to prepare your bow for the shot.
A solid stance will set the tone for the rest of your shot. It’s important to feel balanced and connected before moving on. When you’re at the range next run through all 3 stances. Use the drill below as a guide and get connected to your base.