Brace Bow: Several methods are used for stringing, or bracing, the bow. One method involves using a bow stringer device made of a 5-foot (1.5 m) rope with a leather cup on each end. The cups are put on both ends of the bow with the string hanging down toward the ground in front of the body. After placing one string loop in position, place one foot on the center of the bow stringer and pull the bow straight up with one hand. Use the free hand to slide the free string loop into place. To unstring the bow, reverse the process.

Another stringing technique is called the step-through method. Start by placing the bottom string loop in position. Then put the bottom curve of the bow across the top of the right ankle, and step between the string and the bow with the left foot. Use the left hand to bend the bow against the left thigh until the string loop can be moved into place with the right hand. Be sure to keep the face away from the bow tip.

Extend and Draw: The bow should be held horizontally in the left hand, and the nock (or butt end) of the arrow should be placed on the nocking point (a small knot in the string that ensures that the arrow will be parallel to the sight) of the string. The odd-colored feather should face away from the bow. Use the index finger of the left hand to steady the arrow on the arrow rest.

Anchor Hold: The string should touch the nose, lips, and chin, while the index finger touches under the center of the chin. The anchor point should be the same for every shot.

Nock Arrow: The bow should be held horizontally in the left hand, and the nock (or butt end) of the arrow should be placed on the nocking point (a small knot in the string that ensures that the arrow will be parallel to the sight) of the string. The odd-colored feather should face away from the bow. Use the index finger of the left hand to steady the arrow on the arrow rest.

Aiming: Target archery has two basic methods of aiming—point of aim and bowsights. The beginner should probably use the point-of-aim technique, which involves finding a spot somewhere on a vertical line drawn above, through, and below the middle of the target. This point of aim will vary according to the distance from the target. To locate the point, align the eye and the arrow with an object on the vertical line through the center of the target. Shoot several rounds and then adjust the point of aim up or down accordingly. A mechanical bowsight can be mounted on the bow and used by aligning the center of the target through the aperture (a scope or opening to view down range). The aperture is then adjusted up or down, or left or right, depending on the pattern of the arrows for that shooting distance. The aperture position is then noted for each distance and is used in the future.

Release and Afterhold: As the arrow is released, the back muscles remain tight while the string fingers relax. The relaxed drawing hand moves backward slightly along the neck. The bow arm and head remain steady until the arrow hits the target (afterhold).

Archery appears to have been invented in Africa as early as 50,000 BC. Investigators discovered the first stone arrowheads in Africa.  They believe the bow and arrow were invented there in conjunction with the invention of the spear thrower.  A short bow would be a better hunting weapon to stalk animals in wooded areas, rather than carrying around long spears.