Longbow: Anatomy, History, and Shooting Form

A longbow is a bow defined by its length, narrow width, and gentle curves. Traditionally made from a single piece of wood — typically yew, ash, or elm — it can measure up to six feet long. When strung, the limbs form a characteristic D-shape, and the string touches only the grooved limb tips, never the limbs themselves. That clean, self-contained construction separates it from more complex modern designs.

Parts of a Longbow

Understanding longbow anatomy starts with four core components:

• Upper limb — the curved section above the grip that stores and releases energy.
• Lower limb — the mirrored section below the grip.
• Bowstring — connects both limbs and propels the arrow. The distance from the deepest part of the bow grip to the string is the brace height — a key tuning measurement.
• Grip — fairly straight with little hand shaping, the section the archer holds during the shot.

Brace Height and Tiller

Brace height — historically called fistmele — directly affects how the bow shoots. A higher brace height generally increases forgiveness and reduces vibration; a lower setting can add arrow velocity at the cost of noise and bow stress. You adjust it by adding or removing twists in the bowstring.

Tiller refers to the relative bend between the upper and lower limbs at full draw. A positive tiller means the upper limb bends slightly less than the lower — a common setup that balances the bow because most archers grip below its geometric center.

A Brief History

Longbows appear across cultures worldwide but are most closely associated with the English longbow of the Middle Ages. It played a decisive role at the Battle of Crécy and the Battle of Agincourt. By the 16th century it had faded as a military weapon, yet it endured as a hunting tool and sporting bow. Traditional archers today often favor longbows for their direct connection to archery's roots.

Shooting a Longbow

Consistent form is essential. The archer stands feet shoulder-width apart, holds the bow with the non-dominant hand, and draws to the corner of the mouth or chin. Back muscles do significant work — a challenge for beginners. Because longbows carry no sights under competitive rules, archers rely on instinctive shooting or gap shooting for aim.

Longbow vs. Other Traditional Bows

Compared to a traditional recurve bow, the longbow has less limb curvature and a narrower profile, trading some speed for a lighter, simpler carry. A related design, the flat bow, shares similar origins but features wider, flatter limbs. For bowstring sizing, the AMO length standard applies to longbows just as it does to recurves — if your bow is 68 inches, select the 68-inch string option.