Been teaching archery in NYC since 1994. Here are the 5 mistakes I see beginners make every single week:

1. Death grip on the bow. Your bow hand should be relaxed — like you're holding a bird. Too tight and you torque the bow on release. Every shot goes left (or right for lefties).

2. Anchoring in a different spot every time. Your draw hand needs to hit the same spot on your face — corner of mouth, under chin, wherever works. Consistency is everything.

3. Peeking at the target on release. You drop your bow arm to see where the arrow went. The arrow hasn't left yet. Now it's in the floor.

4. Overdrawing. Pulling back farther doesn't make the arrow go straighter. It makes your form collapse. Draw to your anchor and stop.

5. Starting with equipment that's too heavy. A 50lb compound bow looks cool until you can't hold it at full draw for more than 2 seconds. Start at 20-25lbs. Build up.

If you're in NYC and want to actually learn proper form, we run beginner sessions at our indoor range in Ozone Park. 30 lanes, air conditioned, open 7 days. $28 gets you an hour with equipment and instruction.