# Compound Bow

Part of the Archery Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/archery/guide/index.md)

*5. On the Shooting Line*

> **5.** Working under the supervision of a certified USA Archery Level 1 Instructor or a certified long-term camp staff member (i.e., a National Camping School [NCS] Range Activities Director; or a Rangemaster over age 18 who is trained by a NCS Range Activities Director or by a USA Archery Level 1 Instructor), do ONE of the following Options: **Option B—Compound Bow**

## Req 5a — Parts of the Compound Bow

> **5a.** Name and point to the parts of the compound bow you are shooting.

A compound bow looks more mechanical than a recurve, and that is because it is. Here are its main parts:

- **Riser:** The central frame of the bow. On a compound bow, the riser is typically made of machined aluminum or carbon and holds the grip, arrow rest, sight mount, and stabilizer mount.
- **Upper Limb and Lower Limb:** Shorter and stiffer than recurve limbs, compound limbs store energy through a cam-and-cable system rather than by bending dramatically.
- **Cams (or Wheels):** The round or oval pulleys at each limb tip. These are the defining feature of a compound bow. The cam system creates a mechanical advantage called "let-off" — once you pull past a peak weight, the holding weight drops dramatically (often to 20–15% of the peak), letting you hold at full draw more comfortably while aiming.
- **Cables:** Steel or synthetic cords that connect the cams and limbs. The cables work with the cams to create the let-off effect.
- **Cable Guard/Cable Slide:** A rod or roller system that routes the cables away from the arrow's path so the fletchings do not hit them during the shot.
- **Bowstring:** The string that the archer pulls to draw the bow. On a compound bow, the string wraps around both cams.
- **Nocking Point:** The marked location on the string where the arrow clips on, just like on a recurve.
- **Arrow Rest:** A device on the riser that supports the arrow. Compound bows often use drop-away rests or whisker biscuit rests that fully contain the arrow.
- **Grip:** The handle section of the riser. As with a recurve, a relaxed, open grip is essential.
- **Sight:** Many compound archers use a pin sight — a bracket with one or more aiming pins set for specific distances. (Note: a sight is optional for merit badge work, depending on what your instructor provides.)
- **Stabilizer:** A weighted rod that extends from the front of the riser to reduce vibration and balance the bow during the shot.

> **Did You Know?**
>
> The compound bow was invented in 1966 by Holless Wilbur Allen of Billings, Missouri. He filed the patent in 1969, and it revolutionized archery — especially bowhunting — by making it possible to hold at full draw for much longer while aiming.

## Req 5b — Care and Storage

> **5b.** Explain how to properly care for and store compound bows.

### Care

- **Leave the compound bow strung.** Unlike a recurve or longbow, a compound bow is designed to stay strung at all times. The limbs and cams are engineered for constant tension. Do not attempt to unstring a compound bow yourself.
- **Inspect the string and cables** regularly for fraying, worn serving, or separated strands.
- **Wax the bowstring** with bowstring wax to keep it in good condition.
- **Check the cams and axles** for wear, alignment, and smooth rotation.
- **Inspect the limbs** for cracks or delamination.
- **Never dry fire** the bow. Dry firing a compound bow is even more dangerous than dry firing a recurve because of the higher forces involved.
- **Check all bolts and screws** periodically — the vibration from shooting can loosen them over time.

### Storage

- **Store in a hard-sided or padded bow case** to protect the cams, cables, and accessories.
- **Keep in a cool, dry place** away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- **Store vertically or horizontally** — either is fine for a compound bow, as long as nothing is pressing against the cams or cables.
- **Do not hang by the string or cables** — use the riser or a proper bow hook.

![Close-up of a compound bow's cam system showing the upper cam, cables, and bowstring, with the limb and riser visible](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/archery/guide/compound-bow-closeup?v=1e572b51)

## Req 5c — The 11 Steps of Shooting

> **5c.** Demonstrate and explain USA Archery's eleven "Steps of Shooting" for the bow you are shooting.

The 11 Steps of Shooting are the same sequence used for both recurve and compound bows. The core principles are identical, but a few steps have compound-specific details:

1. **Stance** — Same as recurve: feet shoulder-width apart, body perpendicular to the target.
2. **Nock** — Place the arrow on the rest and clip the nock onto the string at the nocking point.
3. **Set Draw Hand** — If using a finger release, same as recurve. If using a mechanical release, clip the release aid onto the string loop (D-loop) or directly onto the string.
4. **Set Bow Hand** — Same open, relaxed grip in the web of the hand.
5. **Pre-Draw** — Raise the bow and begin the draw.
6. **Draw** — Pull through the peak weight using your back muscles. You will feel the let-off engage as you pass the "wall" — the point where the cams roll over and the weight drops.
7. **Anchor** — Bring the string to your anchor point. With a release aid, this is often the corner of your jaw or below your ear. With fingers, same as recurve.
8. **Aim** — Align your sight pin with the target. The reduced holding weight at full draw gives you more time to aim steadily — this is one of the compound bow's biggest advantages.
9. **Release** — If using a release aid, squeeze the trigger smoothly with steady back tension. If using fingers, relax and let the string slide off.
10. **Follow-Through** — Hold your position. Keep your bow arm up and draw hand in place until the arrow hits.
11. **Feedback** — Evaluate the shot. Was the release clean? Did the pin stay on target?

> **Tip**
>
> The "wall" on a compound bow is the point at full draw where the cams have fully rotated and you cannot pull the string any farther. When you feel the wall, settle into your anchor and aim — do not try to pull past it.

## Req 5d — String and Cable Replacement

> **5d.** Explain why it is necessary to have the string or cable on a compound bow replaced at an archery shop.

Unlike a recurve or longbow, you **cannot** change the string on a compound bow by hand. Here is why:

- **A bow press is required.** To remove or install a string on a compound bow, the limbs must be compressed using a specialized device called a bow press. This safely releases the tension on the old string so it can be removed and the new one installed.
- **The cam timing must be set.** When new strings or cables are installed, the cams must be synchronized — if one cam rotates faster than the other, the arrow will not fly straight. An archery shop technician uses precise measurements and adjustment tools to time the cams.
- **Incorrect installation is dangerous.** If a string is installed wrong or at the wrong length, the bow can derail (the string slips off a cam), which can destroy the bow and injure the archer.
- **Draw weight and draw length may need adjustment.** New strings can change the draw weight and draw length. A pro shop technician will verify and adjust these settings after the replacement.

> **Safety First!**
>
> Never attempt to disassemble, press, or re-string a compound bow yourself unless you have been properly trained and have the correct equipment. The stored energy in a compressed compound bow is powerful enough to cause serious injury.

## Req 5e — Marking the Nocking Point

> **5e.** Locate and mark with dental floss, crimp-on, or other method, the nocking point on the bowstring of the bow you are using.

Setting the nocking point on a compound bow follows the same principle as on a recurve — the arrow must leave the string at a consistent angle every time.

Many compound bows use a **D-loop** instead of a traditional nocking point. A D-loop is a small loop of cord tied onto the bowstring above and below the arrow nock position. The release aid clips onto the D-loop rather than the string itself, which protects the serving and provides a clean, consistent release.

Whether you use a crimp-on nock set, dental floss, or a D-loop, the process is the same:

1. Attach a bow square to the string to find the correct height relative to the arrow rest.
2. Position the nocking point so the arrow sits slightly above perpendicular (typically 1/8 to 1/4 inch).
3. Secure the marker in place.

Your instructor will help you determine whether a traditional nock set or a D-loop is appropriate for your bow setup.

## Req 5f — Shooting a Scored Round

> **5f.** Do ONE of the following:

For the final part of Option B, you shoot a scored round with a minimum score. Choose **one** of these paths:

### Path 1: Shoot a Scored Round (Choose ONE)

Using a compound bow and arrows with a **finger release**, shoot a single round of one of the following and achieve the minimum score:

| Round | Minimum Score |
|-------|---------------|
| NFAA field round (14 targets) | 70 points |
| Scouting America field round (14 targets) | 90 points |
| World Archery/USA Archery indoor round | 90 points |
| NFAA indoor round | 60 points |

Note that the minimum scores for compound bow are higher than for recurve, reflecting the compound bow's mechanical advantages.

### Path 2: Shoot at a Five-Color Target

Shoot at an 80-centimeter (32-inch) five-color target using the 10 scoring regions and make a minimum score of **160 points**, accomplished as follows:

- 15 arrows in five-arrow ends at **10 yards**
- 15 arrows in five-arrow ends at **15 yards**

This tests your ability to maintain accuracy as the distance increases.

> **Be Prepared! Preparing for your compound bow scored round**
>
> The compound bow's let-off gives you more time to aim, but it also demands patience and discipline:
>
> - **Settle into the wall** before aiming. Do not rush the shot just because holding is easier.
> - **Focus on a smooth trigger pull** (if using a release aid). Punching the trigger is the most common mistake compound archers make.
> - **Warm up thoroughly.** Shoot at least 10–15 practice arrows before your scored round.
> - **Trust the sight.** If your pins are properly set, put the pin on the target and execute a clean release. The bow will do the rest.

[Archery 360 — Getting Started with Compound Bows](https://archery360.com/getting-started/): Beginner-friendly resources for compound bow archers from the Archery Trade Association, including how to choose your first bow.

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