Mastering Uphill and Side-Hill Archery Shots: Conquering the Slope

Taming Uneven Terrain

The Six-to-Nine Rule for Uphill and Side-Hill Archery

Archery requires precision and focus, and that can be especially true when the terrain throws you a curveball – like an uphill shot or a tricky side-hill slope. Here at Nock On Archery, we’re passionate about providing archery education, and know that conquering these challenges can be a rewarding experience for archers of all levels.

This article, and the video below, as part of our commitment to providing the best free archery lessons, will guide you through John Dudley’s simple yet effective technique called the “six-to-nine rule” to ensure accurate shot placement when faced with uneven ground.

The Six-to-Nine Rule: Precision on Uneven Ground

Imagine your peep sight as a clock face. The “six-to-nine rule” revolves around using this analogy to achieve a consistent sight picture, regardless of the slope you’re navigating. Here’s how it works:

1. Draw and Peep: As you draw your bow and settle into your anchor point, focus on achieving proper peep orientation. Ensure it’s perfectly centered, eliminating any cant (tilting) that might throw off your shot.
2. Six, Nine, Pin: With a centered peep, perform a quick visual check. What you want is a perfect eclipse of the peep sight hole and the outer ringer of your front sight. To get perfect alignment, look through your peep and focus on the six o’clock” position on sight (the bottom). Slightly adjust your head so your peep and sight housing are perfectly matched at “six o’clock” then move to “nine o’clock” (the side) and double check the alignment. This ensures your sight is perfectly cornered in your peep.
3. Level Check: Now, bring your focus to your level (a small bubble level attached to your sight) and confirm it’s centered.
4. Six, Nine, Pin – Revisited: Repeat the initial “six o’clock” and “nine o’clock” checks with your peep sight to reaffirm its alignment.
5. Lock onto Target: Finally, center your target within your sight picture and place your aiming pin exactly where you want the arrow to hit.

The Power of Repetition

The “six-to-nine rule” might seem like a lot to remember at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. Repetition is key! Try incorporating this technique into your regular practice sessions, even on flat ground. This will build muscle memory and ensure you can execute it flawlessly when faced with an uphill or side-hill shot.

Understanding Gravity’s Influence on Your Aim

Uphill and side-hill shots introduce the additional challenge of gravity and its effects on your bow being level. Here’s a simple trick to keep in mind: gravity wants to pull your bow’s top limb (the part farther away from you) downhill. With that in mind, many times if you raise the bow with it level while on a side hill it will continue to tip downhill due to gravity. Since the arrow follows the direction the top limb is leaning, this can cause your shot to veer if you’re not careful and not properly leveled.

The Slight Tilt Advantage: Adjusting Your Aim for Uphill Shots

To counteract this gravitational pull, address it subtly as you draw your bow. Here’s the secret: start with a slight tilt towards the uphill side. This may seem counterintuitive, but as you relax your grip on the bow hand, the bubble in your level will naturally rise to center without any forceful adjustments. This slight initial tilt counteracts gravity’s influence, ensuring a straighter shot.

Level Up: Mastering Challenging Shots

Mastering archery on uneven terrain takes practice and the right techniques. By incorporating the “six-to-nine rule” into your routine, understanding how gravity affects your shot, and seeking out continued archery education, you’ll be well on your way to conquering those challenging uphill and side-hill targets. Remember, archery is a journey of continuous learning, and here at Nock On Archery, we’re here to support you every step of the way!