Many of my younger students shoot with equipment of which they have no basic understanding. This is normal and why parents and coaches have to keep an eye on things, as well as teach basic equipment maintenance.

When students come in with equipment, we will give it the once over to make sure it is appropriate for the student. But, things can and do change over time. Assuming the student has not outgrown the equipment, here is a list of things on which to check from time to time.

1) Brace Height. It should be checked regularly. Make sure your student knows what it is and how to check it with a bow square. An improper setting may cause arrows to fly crookedly, or perhaps cause the string to slap the archers arm

2) Nocking Point. Many believe this is a one and done placement. They do move from time to time. So know where it has been placed, how to measure it (with a bow square) and check it from time to time.

3) Plunger Position. I have seen plunger positions become so different from initial settings that the plunger becomes a hindrance rather than an aid. Understand where the initial placement was (tip of the arrow just to the left of the center line, for a right handed archer) and make sure it has not changed.

4) Arrow Rest. Firstly, make sure you have a spare. Now make sure the arrow rest is properly positioned on the plunger. (Center of the arrow on the center of the plunger) The initial setting of the rest should have a slight upward angle, so the arrow stays on the rest and have as little wire as possible protruding from the arrow. (Less chance of clearance issues)

5) String. Give the string a cursory glance from time to time and make sure the serving is in good shape  and no excessive wear exists.

6) Clicker Position. Not only should you mark where the clicker is on the bow, or sight extension, you should take a measurement of its position relative to the plunger position.

Your archers can shoot beautiful groups with a bow set up that pays attention to these details. Bow tuning should be set aside until an archer reaches a fairly high degree of skill. If you have ever tried to tune a bow/arrow combination for an archer who makes a different shot every arrow, you’ll know what I mean