Mastering Your Shot Cycle: A Deep Dive into the NTS/KSL System
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Welcome back to our ongoing series on applying the NTS system—also known as the KSL shot cycle—to your archery practice. Today, we’re breaking down the process into clear, repeatable steps and highlighting a few crucial concepts that can easily be overlooked. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build a solid foundation or an experienced archer wanting to integrate a consistent system into your shooting style, these fundamentals are for you.
Who Is This For?
This guide is designed for anyone interested in applying a structured system to their archery form. It’s especially helpful if you’re:
- New to the NTS/KSL System: If you’re just starting out, these steps will help you build a reliable baseline.
- Looking for Consistency: Even advanced archers can benefit from a process that brings clarity during pressure situations.
- Focused on Improvement: By emphasizing the basics, you can avoid developing bad habits that are hard to unlearn later.
The Seven Essential Steps
At the heart of the system is a series of steps that, when followed consistently, create a repeatable shot cycle. Remember, these aren’t rigid stages but snapshots—each representing a moment in your shooting process.
1. Feet First
Your foundation is everything. Begin by:
- Establishing Your Stance: Stand with one foot on each side of your shooting line.
- Choosing Your Stance Style: Whether you prefer your feet parallel to the shooting line or a slightly open stance, consistency in your foot placement is key.
2. Set Position
This is the moment when:
- Your Feet Are in Place: You’ve established your stance.
- The Bow Is Held Steadily: You’re holding the grip and the string, eyes on the target.
- It’s a Snapshot: Think of this as a still frame that captures your readiness.
3. Set Up
Before drawing the bow, lift it into a ready position:
- Prepare to Draw: This step bridges the gap between your set position and the full draw.
- Keep It Fluid: It’s not a pause; it’s a smooth, preparatory movement.
4. Loading
Now, you’re drawing the bow:
- Reach Maximum Draw Length: Draw back until you’re just before your anchor point.
- Focus on Tension: Maintain a controlled, steady pull.
5. Anchor
This is where consistency really matters:
- Establish a Consistent Touchpoint: Whether it’s under your chin, at the corner of your mouth, or another defined spot on your face, hit that point every time.
- Lock In Your Position: A proper anchor prevents unwanted movement and sets the stage for the next phase.
6. Transfer & Expansion
As you transition into aiming:
- Transfer Your Focus: Shift from the physical draw to starting your aim.
- Slightly Increase Your Draw Length: This “expansion” is subtle—almost mental—ensuring you’re at full draw as you prepare to release.
- Never Lose Draw Length: It’s vital to maintain or slightly extend your draw length; losing it can lead to inconsistent shots and a collapsing release.
7. Follow Through
The final, often-overlooked step:
- Keep the Tension Going: Instead of stopping abruptly after releasing the string, let your arm continue its motion.
- Ensure a Fluid, Strong Finish: A proper follow through stabilizes the shot and is key to consistent performance.
Key Concepts to Keep in Mind
Maintain Your Draw Length
One of the most critical points is to never lose your draw length as you progress through the steps.
- Why It Matters: Losing draw length—whether during the transition from loading to anchor or while transferring—can cause a collapse in your release.
- The Goal: As you move from one step to the next, aim to maintain or slightly increase your draw length until the very end.
The Power of Mental Cues
Consistency isn’t just physical—it’s mental, too.
- Talk Yourself Through It: Use cues like “set, set up, load, anchor, transfer, expand, follow through” to guide your actions.
- Build Your Own Rhythm: Personalize these cues so that they resonate with how you feel each part of the shot. Over time, these cues will reinforce muscle memory.
Follow Through Over Release
While releasing the string is necessary, it’s the follow through that truly defines a good shot.
- Don’t Stop Your Motion: Allow your movement to continue naturally after the release.
- Maintain Tension: Keep that tension and let it guide your follow through for a smooth, controlled finish.
Join the Conversation
Have you integrated these steps into your shooting routine? What mental cues or adjustments have made the biggest difference for you? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let’s continue to learn and improve together.
Happy shooting, and here’s to a more consistent and confident you at the range!
Best,
Kaminski Archery Team
