Anyone who is looking to get better with a crossbow, you have come to the right place. Being able to use one properly is key in order to get the most out of the experience.

Before we get into how to increase accuracy, we need to discuss what a crossbow is.

What Defines a Crossbow?

A crossbow has a stock that is similar to a firearm, and it shoots shorter arrows than conventional archery equipment. These shorter arrows are sometimes referred to by the medieval term “bolts.”

• Safe use of a crossbow requires following the safety rules for both firearms and bows.
• Like conventional bows, the crossbow is limited to short-range shooting. For most crossbows, 30–40 yards is the maximum range.
• Always unload your crossbow by firing it safely into a target or into the ground.

Always practice these crossbow safety rules:

• Keep your fingers below the flight groove.
• Beware of objects around the bow's limbs.
• Never “dry fire” a crossbow.
• Keep the rail properly lubricated.

Aiming Perfectly

There are many basic ideas on how to increase your aim when using a crossbow such as relaxing your arm and grip, focusing on the spot you wish to hit, and breathing slowly. But there are several more in depths suggestions that may help a shooter have better aim at their target. Total relaxation and steadiness and a surprise release on the trigger are some of the suggestions for increasing your aim.

A shooter should have every muscle in their body completely relaxed in order to have a more precise aim. A precise aim begins with a relaxed stance and the correct positioning. If a shooter's legs are tense that will affect the rest of the muscles in the body. The entire body should be in a comfortable and relaxed state including the legs, abdomen, shoulders, bow arm, and bow hand. A shooter will need to practice on the strength to completely relax to have a precise aim when using the crossbow. Practice makes perfect, and it is suggested to practice as often as possible with relaxation techniques at least two months prior to the start of season. Once crossbow season has begun, a shooter should continue to practice on their relaxation techniques to be sure they continue to improve on their aim.

Another technique that will increase the aim of using a crossbow is to go easy on the trigger. If a shooter holds the bow tight when it's at full draw with no intention to shoot, it makes it difficult to have a precise aim. The shooter should learn to have a surprise release to make a more accurate shot. In order to do this, the shooter should try to keep their mind off of when they want to release the bow. They should not focus on when the timing of the shot but focus on relaxing and deep breathing. The shooter should pull the trigger of the crossbow back slowly and focus on the shot, not the pin. 

If this technique is applying, the aim will follow through and be a clean and precise shot. A shooter can also add a scope to the crossbow to help take the stress off of trying to find the precise location. These sight scopes will allow for more accurate shooting.