Follow-through

After the release, keep on aiming until you hear, or see, the arrow impact.

The expansion process will create a tendency for your release hand to move backwards, away from the target, and the bow hand to move forwards towards the target.

Due to the rotation around the shoulder of the release hand, the hand will tend to end up behind the archer’s head, or over the shoulder. Similarly, the pressure forward by the bow hand will have a tendency to cause the bow to go forward, towards the target.

A good follow through is the result of a good, strong shot and the result of constant pressure buildup in the bow through expansion by both reaching forward straight to the target with the bow arm and pulling away from the target with the release hand.

You cannot fake a follow-through without resembling a ballerina or looking like you’re drawing an imaginary rainbow, normally in front of the shoulder.

A consistent follow-through, especially during a “bad” short, is crucial as it’ll prevent further negative directional input into the bow.

Do not introduce attempts at correcting the shot as part of the follow-through (“Bow Kwan Do”), as this can become an issue with anticipation.

Do not grab the bow on release. Using a finger sling, or preferably a wrist sling, can assist in reducing the urge to grab the bow.

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