Barebow has become one of the most technical disciplines in modern archery. While it may look simpler at first glance, it actually requires full control over technique, equipment, and consistency.

In this guide, you will learn how barebow really works, what the official rules say, and how to improve your accuracy step by step.

What is Barebow?

Barebow is a recurve archery discipline regulated by World Archery, where archers shoot without a sight or aiming aids.

  • No sight
  • No clicker
  • No long stabilizers
  • Stringwalking is allowed
  • Marked tab is allowed

Important: Marks on the string for aiming are not allowed.

Stringwalking: How It Really Works

Stringwalking is the main aiming system in modern barebow.

It consists of changing finger position on the string to adjust arrow trajectory:

  • Lower fingers → arrow hits higher
  • Higher fingers → arrow hits lower

What is allowed

  • Changing finger position
  • Using tab references
  • Memorizing crawl positions

What is NOT allowed

  • Marks on the string for aiming
  • Aiming devices

Barebow Technique

1. Stance and Alignment

A solid foundation is essential for consistency.

  • Stable foot positioning
  • Balanced center of gravity
  • Low shoulders
  • Straight shoulder–elbow–arrow line

2. Back Tension

The shot must be driven by back muscles, not the arm.

  • Scapula engagement
  • Continuous expansion
  • Elbow aligned with the arrow

3. Anchor

The anchor must be repeatable and consistent.

  • Finger at mouth corner
  • Clear facial reference
  • Consistent alignment

Aiming Methods

Point-on

The most commonly used method in competition.

Gap shooting

Based on visual gaps between arrow and target.

Instinctive

Less common in modern competitive barebow.

Equipment Tuning

Tiller

Usually close to zero, depending on stringwalking style.

Nocking Point

Typically higher than Olympic setups (8–15 mm).

Arrows

Spine depends on multiple factors:

  • Bow weight
  • Arrow length
  • Point weight
  • Stringwalking usage

Button

Controls lateral arrow movement and is critical in barebow.

Riser Weights

  • Improve stability
  • Reduce vibration
  • Adjust balance

Shot Physics

Archer’s Paradox

The arrow oscillates before stabilizing.

Stringwalking Effects

  • Changes dynamic tiller
  • Alters limb load
  • Affects arrow launch

Trajectory

The arrow follows a parabolic path, requiring crawl adjustments.

Common Mistakes

Collapse

Causes low impacts due to loss of tension.

Inconsistent Crawl

Leads to vertical grouping issues.

Torque

Causes horizontal deviation.

Poor Alignment

Results in wide groups.

Barebow Training

Blank Bale

Short distance shooting without aiming.

Crawl Chart

Essential for consistent aiming.

Distance Training

Practice multiple crawls and distances.

Mental Training

  • Shooting routine
  • Breathing control
  • Visualization

Barebow Competition

  • No sight
  • Stringwalking allowed
  • Marked tab allowed
  • Equipment size restrictions

Typical distances:

  • 18 meters (indoor)
  • 50 meters (outdoor)

FAQ

Can you mark the string in barebow?

No, string markings for aiming are not allowed.

What is stringwalking?

An aiming technique based on finger placement on the string.

Is barebow difficult?

It requires high consistency but is very rewarding.

Conclusion

Barebow is a discipline where every detail matters. Without a sight, accuracy depends entirely on technique, tuning, and repetition.

If you want to truly understand archery, barebow is one of the best ways to do it.