In which step of shooting does the archer pull the bowstring back toward their face?

The step where the archer pulls the bowstring back toward their face is known as the draw. This key phase in the shooting process involves the archer using their back muscles and arms to smoothly and steadily pull the string into the correct position, generally close to their chin or mouth. The purpose of this action is to set up for a consistent anchor point, which is crucial for accuracy in the subsequent steps of the shot process. Proper drawing technique ensures that the archer maintains stability and control, leading to better overall performance.

In this context, while the stance is important for foundation and balance, and raising the bow is necessary for positioning, these actions do not include the actual movement of pulling the string back. Additionally, the release is the final action of letting go of the string to send the arrow toward the target, which happens after the draw has already been completed. Thus, the specific act of pulling the bowstring back is uniquely defined during the draw phase.