The master archers used to instruct their pupils to place a small lead weight (1) in the middle of the palm and to clamp their fists over it; if the weight slipped from anyone’s hand, he was promptly disciplined, and they boasted of maintaining so strict a standard. They further enjoined them never to loosen the qaflah (2)—the three fingers of the right hand on the string—nor the qabḍah, the left-hand grip on the bow, until the shot was finished; once it was finished they would lower the bow and open their palms (3). In the same vein, a man should not alter his sitting posture unless he notices a flaw that needs correction.

Keeping the fingers of the right hand tight in the qaflah (4) and those of the left hand firm in the qabḍah sends the arrow off faster, makes the shot more destructive, gives it greater force, and allows deeper penetration.

Most of an archer’s faults arise from the right hand; the steadiness of the shot lies in the left, its grace in the right. Fine shooting may be achieved both seated and standing, accuracy depends on keen sight, and the key to all of this is perseverance and constant practice—for neglect is a treacherous foe.