What is the correct draw technique for a traditional bow?
A. Most traditional archers in the UK use the `moroccan’ draw, with two fingers below the arrow nock and one above. In certain tournaments this draw is compulsory. In North America, it seems more common to draw with three fingers below the arrow. Potentially this draw allows the arrow nock to rest closer to the eye, which should allow for easier aiming. Mongol/Magyar bows were traditionally drawn with the thumb. With traditional archery, as in any form of archery, it is vital to draw the arrow back to a consistent place. Most traditional archers draw so that one of their finger tips touches the corner of the mouth. There is some evidence that the most `authentic’ draw for an English longbow is to the ear, but average arm lengths are probably three inches or more longer now than in the mediaeval period, and if you’re over six feet tall it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to find a longbow which will tolerate such a draw. I believe that only Japanese traditional archery still favours drawi
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