New Year’s resolutions often start in the gym, but for serious archers, the indoor range is where we build a stronger shooting foundation. Now is the time to rebuild a better you with a bow!
This season of School of Nock kicks off with a fundamental yet challenging training approach: the Power of Four technique. While seemingly straightforward — shooting four arrows per end instead of the traditional three — this method builds the stamina and mental fortitude you need for both competition and hunting scenarios.
Understanding the Power of Four
The Power of Four isn’t just about adding an extra arrow to your practice routine. It’s about pushing past your comfort zone.
When you shoot three arrows, finding your rhythm and staying comfortable is easy. But you haven’t built a reserve tank.
That fourth arrow is where the real training happens. You’re building in your insurance policy. Your form gets tested, your mental game faces its biggest challenge, and your true shooting habits emerge.
Working with four arrows per end builds physical stamina by extending your shooting session just beyond your comfort zone. It also reveals any form inconsistencies that might surface when fatigue sets in. Most importantly, it develops the mental toughness you need to execute quality shots even when you’re tired.
For the best results, structure your Power of Four practice sessions with these parameters:
- Set up at a comfortable distance (20 yards is ideal for indoor training)
- Plan for 10 ends (40 total arrows)
- Use a larger target face initially to focus on form rather than precision
- Aim to make your fourth arrow just like you did on the first arrow
Quality is just as important as quantity. If you’re struggling to be steady and consistent on that fourth arrow, take a little extra break to build up again. Your main rest will be between ends when you’re pulling arrows, but you can also take an extra breather between those later arrows.
My personal goal is to reduce rest time each week as I progress through this discipline.
Executing the Technique
When implementing the Power of Four, start with your foundation.
Using the release of your choice, focus on a clean execution rather than pursuing tight groups. This is especially important as you build stamina.
The key is knowing you need four good shots. The shorter your rest time in between, the better you become.
Your accuracy might not be perfect at first. That’s okay. Focus on maintaining consistent form through all four arrows.
I sometimes feel weak and shaky on that fourth arrow, but I’ve learned to LET IT DOWN when it’s not right. Don’t force your arrows just for the reps — we need quality in addition to quantity. Instead, strive to perform as well on your final arrow as you did at the start. Sometimes, that means letting down, taking a quick rest, then making that perfect fourth!
For your equipment setup:
- Start with a larger target face to reduce mental pressure
- Use your regular hunting setup if you’re primarily a bowhunter
- Maintain consistent anchor points and release technique
- Rest your bow between shots to conserve energy
Your success depends on your approach to that fourth arrow. Rather than rush through it, use positive self-talk and focus on proper form execution. When you get fatigued, particularly around the third and fourth arrows, don’t force a poor shot. Let down and reset.
Building Stamina and Mental Toughness
As you progress through your Power of Four training, you’ll notice patterns in your shooting, particularly with those third and fourth arrows.
This is valuable feedback about your form under pressure. Watch for common issues like:
- Front shoulder rising during the hold
- Release hand tension increasing
- Little to no follow-through
- Rushed shots when tired
This training method is progressive by nature. The first week might be challenging, with noticeable fatigue by your third and fourth arrows. But stick with it, and you’ll build not just physical stamina but also the mental fortitude to execute quality shots even when you’re tired.
As I progress through the weeks of this training, I minimize rest time between arrows and ends. The 40-arrow total becomes quick and efficient practice. Once the 40 are easy, I add extra ends each week to increase the total but not the tempo.
My New Year Gear
I start every new training season with these key features:
- My Silverback Release. I use a tension-based release to eliminate any bad habits I’ve learned over a long hunting season. Getting in the range with my Silverback forces proper technique and patience on target.
- Lower Weight. I reduce my bows’ pulling weight during the off-season at the start of the year. This allows me to really focus on the process, not the prize! By reducing my pulling weight, I maintain better Power of Four progress.
- The Right Spot. During winter, I like to train at 20 yards indoors. I pick a target face with larger high-contrast spots, so I feel less anxious about floating around on the target and less shaky at the last ends. I use our Mid Range Self Mending Archery Target.
Getting Started
Begin your Power of Four journey with realistic expectations. Your groups might not be as tight as your typical three-arrow ends, and that’s okay. Focus on these key aspects:
- Maintain consistent form through all four arrows
- Get enough rest between ends
- Stay mindful of your shot process
- Document your progress to track improvement
This training method is about progress, not perfection. Pushing yourself to execute that fourth quality shot builds the foundation for consistent shooting under pressure, whether you’re in the woods or on the tournament line.
Start your Power of Four training today, and be strong and proud on that fourth arrow. Your future self will thank you for putting in the work today.
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