How to Shoot a Recurve Bow – Faux Bow Style

Step-by-Step Instructions for Shooting the Faux Bow PRO Recurve and Protégé

Whether you're new to archery or just picked up a Faux Bow PRO Recurve or Protégé, you're in for an awesome ride. These bows look and feel like a traditional recurve but are designed for safe, instinctive shooting with soft-tipped Faux Bow Impact Arrows. If you’re ready to learn the ropes (or should we say, the string), here’s your step-by-step guide to mastering the Faux Bow way.

Step 1: Gear Check

Before anything else, make sure you’ve got the right setup:

• Faux Bow PRO Recurve or Protégé
• Faux Bow Impact Arrows (only use these arrows—they’re designed specifically for safety and flight balance)
  • Protégé Impact arrows can be used by Protégé bows
  • Ranger Impact arrows can be used by the Protégé, PRO Longbow, and PRO Recurve bows
  • PRO Recurve Impact arrows (including the LARP variation) can be used by PRO Recurve bows. 
• Open space, either indoors or outside, with a soft target like cardboard, empty soda cans, or our Faux Bow Playbale.
• Protective gear optional (no sharp arrows, but eye protection is always smart!)

Step 2: Stance Like a Pro

A solid stance gives you the control you need.

• Stand sideways to your target, feet shoulder-width apart.
• If you’re right-handed, your left shoulder faces the target (and vice versa for lefties). Faux Bows are ambidextrously designed for both users with no setup to switch.
• Your body should form a “T” shape when the bow is drawn.
• Stay relaxed but balanced.

Step 3: Nocking the Arrow

Time to load up.

• Hold the bow straight up and down (vertical).
• Snap the arrow’s nock (the little groove at the back) onto the string above or below the marker on the string.
• Make sure the soft tip of the arrow is pointing away from you and rests just above your arrow rest or grip.
• Your arrow should sit level and snug against the string.

Step 4: Grip the Bow Correctly

Don’t over-grip!

• Hold the bow lightly with your non-dominant hand.
• Your hand should cradle the grip—not squeeze it.
• Think of your hand as a shelf: steady but not stiff.

This helps the bow stay straight during release.

Step 5: Draw the String

Let’s get that power loaded.

• Use three fingers (index above the arrow, middle, and ring below) to hook the string.
• Pull the string back smoothly toward the corner of your mouth or the side of your face—this is called your anchor point. Ensure that you pull with your back, not your arm. 
• Elbow should be high and in line with the arrow.
• Keep your shoulders down and your back engaged.

Step 6: Aim Instinctively

Here’s where Faux Bow really shines.

• Faux Bow PRO and Protégé don’t use sights. You’ll be instinctively aiming, just like traditional archers have done for centuries.
• Focus your eyes on the target (not the arrow or the string).
• Your brain and body will naturally start to adjust as you get the feel for distance and trajectory.
• Keep practicing—your aim will improve over time through repetition.

Step 7: Release Smoothly

Let it fly.

• Relax your fingers and let the string slip away.
• Don’t “snap” it or jerk your hand—just a clean, smooth release.
• Your draw hand should naturally move backward after release (called the follow-through).

Step 8: Follow Through

After the arrow leaves, your body still plays a role.

• Stay in your stance.
• Keep your bow arm extended and steady.
• Let your draw hand finish its backward motion near your shoulder.
• This helps with consistency and control.

Tips for Faux Bow Success

• Practice regularly—your body builds “muscle memory” with each shot and the strength to make each shot easier and more powerful. 
• Start close to your target, then gradually increase the distance.
• Keep your shots fun and relaxed—no need to overthink.
• Focus more on form and consistency than perfect accuracy at the start.

Final Thoughts

Shooting a Faux Bow PRO Recurve or Protégé is about fun, feel, and flow. With instinctive aiming, it’s less about gadgets and more about developing a natural rhythm with your bow. Whether you're plinking at a backyard target or introducing friends to archery, you’re building real skill, just with a soft and safe twist.

Need a printable to keep by your Faux Bows?  Find one >>here<<

Need activities to introduce more play for your Faux Bow archery?  Find them >>here<<

Now get out there and shoot like a pro—Faux Bow style.