15 shots – that’s usually my routine. Except for a longer shooting session on the weekend, for the most part my archery practice consists of 15 shots a day. Monday through Friday I shoot my bow early in the morning, usually around 5am after I finish my morning run. Shooting at that hour means I am doing so in the dark, and while that isn’t ideal it certainly is doable with the use of a spotlight and illuminated site pins on my bow.
So, is 15 shots per day enough? That will depend upon who you ask. Compared to bowhunters who grab their bow a month before season to begin shooting, 15 arrows a day year ’round is way better. What about the guys who shoot hundreds of arrows per week? I wish I had the time for that, but I don’t. However more isn’t always better… 15 good shots per day is more effective than heavier volume if one allows form to get sloppy and concentration to lag in a longer shooting session.
The benefits I realize from shooting 15 shots per day include the following:
- Make ’em count. When you only have 15 shots, concentration is at its peak and I work hard to make sure each one is executed properly.
- Time. For me it’s all about time. 15 good shots take me no longer than 10 minutes to execute. Who can’t find an extra 10 minutes in their day?
- Clear my head. Nothing clears my head better than a morning run followed by archery practice. The intense focus required causes me to block out everything else and focus entirely on the process of the shot and good execution.
15 shots a day. For me, it works. It’s enough to provide me with a daily connection to a sport I love and to also maximize the effectiveness of my archery technique, form and execution. I’d be lost without it and I’m very thankful that I am able to do it!
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