What makes a good archer?

Question

I'm a girl and would like to give archery a try.

What are some natural characteristics that make someone a good archer (other than lots of hard work)? Like, what kind of people are best suited to this sport?

Oh, also I am left-handed, should that matter?

Answer 1

accuracy and experience, i dont think being left-hadned makes much of a difference.

Concentration is also the key

Answer 2

Strength will come to you with practice.  What it takes to be a world class archer is discipline above all else.  Then after discipline you need to be good at visualization, able to focus your concentration and at the bottom of the list, physical ability.  Of the many physical ability, the most important is good motor skills.  You need to have good physical awareness and finger dexterity.  

I've coached archery for 8 years now, watching the difference between elite archers and your average archer, it usually boils down to the shot execution.  This again boils down to mental ability and finger dexterity.  A good archer have the courage to commit to the shot without second guessing him/herself.

Btw, if you're using good form to shoot, you don't use your biceps at all.  Actually the muscles used in archery are seldom used in day to day activity.  

Being left handed doesn't matter, actually being left handed doesn't translate into being a left handed archer.  You'll need to be tested to see which of your eyes is the dominant one.  You'll usually use the dominant eye rather than the dominant hand, there are some exception to the rule however. Give it a try, who knows you might make it to the Olympics one day.  And most of all, have fun!

Answer 3

Left or right handed will not matter.  When you are preparing to shoot, very slowly control your breathing, remove everything from focus except for the target.  Imagine the arrow striking the target where you are aiming.  You will be surprised how easily it can come to you.  My friend and I practiced raising the bow and arrow above where we intended to shoot, taking in a deep breath, and letting it out slowly as we came down.  There is a momentary pause at the end of the breath, and in that small time we would site in on the target quite accurately.  We got it down to hitting the bottom of a Pepsi can at 40 yards with regularity.  It took about a month of regular practice twice a week.

Answer 4

ballance and aim

Answer 5

good breathing strong biceps and steady arms