I have been shooting longbows and recurves for over 40 years, and used to have great form....now I have developed a "Floating Anchor" somehow, and dont know where it came from....I dont reach full draw, and my string hand is sometimes in front of my face or floating to the side...

any suggestions on how I can get my "groove" back???

Draw and let down 3 times without loosing an arrow. The 4th time release. Practice this for a while when at the bale. Helped me.

WHAT wapiti said also see target panic thread below.you wont beleive how quick it will help

Thanks Guys.....

Get up close to your target and THINK about your anchor, and if possible, use a double anchor.  I slide my thumb base knuckle along side my face.....my middle finger reaches the corner of my mouth 1st, then as I continue to draw, my thumb base knuckle drops in behind my jaw under my ear.

Think about your anchor, and release.  No aiming.  It will take some time and repetition for you to burn that in.  After a week or so try and aim at something at a short distance and see if you are grooved in....if not, go back to the target up close and focus again only on your release for another week.

That's what I would do if it were me.

Come over and visit Scott. I'll get you fixed up.

It seems that my first few arrows after a brief rest(few days) sem to be better. Some times if I shoot too much my form goes to crap.

If your form falls apart after a few arrows, you may be overbowed.  I would suggest trying to slow down your release with a 3-5 second hold.  If that is difficult you need to develop strength or shoot a lighter draw weight bow.

Scott:  You won't shoot early if you can't see the target.  Try closing your eyes during your draw until you have your anchor locked in.  Then open them, aim and the release will happen.  Might also develop a mantra for yourself that you repeat before each shot that includes the word(s) "anchor" or "anchor tight" or something like that.  Wouldn't do either of these hunting, of course, but they may help work things out on the practice range.  Good luck.

Terry has another great point. Multiple anchor points helps a great deal. I use 2 but 3 would be better.  A cheek bone or corner of the mouth can be inconsistant for many as they are prone to movement. Use them with 1 or 2 more points and your anchor can't really vary unless the shot collapses on release.

All of the above may help you but being you have been shooting a bow for quite a while you might want to count your steps as you go through the process of shooting.I found that bad habits creep in subtilely and by the time you become aware of a problem it is somewhat ingrained and can be very frustrating.I have found that this method helps me. I use a count down. I count each step while shooting.I count rythmatic to keep the process smooth.I do this periodically even if my shooting isn't suffering just to assure myself that everything is on line and proper.This may work for you. Good luck!

I invented the floating anchor and have a patent on it.I may have to sue your a-s.
Deerslayers Sunday,Howard plans on being there - Ray.

QuoteOriginally posted by Ray:
I invented the floating anchor and have a patent on it. Ray.

Is it really Ray......or is it AL?            

Ray, if you check the fine print in your paper work, I believe you will find the no anchor/almost made it to anchor patent. I'm quite certain that is what your invention/patent contains....totally different from what Scott is describing..legally I belive he is safe from lawsuits in this matter

     

My lawyers are looking over the infringement pollicies as we speak(need money for new bow).
Scott get a lighter bow in a hurry and nip it in the bud quick.I have one you could use for awhile if your interested,let me know.

Larry thanks for the "clarification"...Ray, you hold several patents, I understand, especially the " 2.5 minute HOLD" prior to each shot...I think I will stick with my inconsistant anchor, and you can work on shortening that draw time  :D  

Terry~ Thanks for the pointers!

The frying pan to the head works egually well for both problems.In fact I may have to get a patent on this frying pan idea ( I may make a fortune ).

Ray~
Bring the skillett to Sawmill, we'll try it out  

Won't make sawmill this year,my boss is getting married and I GOT  an invite.(Dang)  

I use my thumb behind my cheek bone and the cock feather right on the tip of my nose. It is amazing on how my accuracy has improved since I have started to do this.