Alignment

[Friend]

Perfect alignment is the objective at full draw.

What kind of range in draw length at full draw could one expect to still maintain proper alignment?

I am confident that there is much variation between individuals.

[Wapiti Bowman]

Friend said:

Perfect alignment is the objective at full draw.

What kind of range in draw length at full draw could one expect to still maintain proper alignment?

So we're all on the same page: "perfect alignment is a straight line from the arrow tip straight through the bow arm, shoulders, and drawing arm to the tip of your drawing elbow". While an elbow outside the line, i.e., elbow moved outward, away from the body, can lead to collapsing and therefore creeping, as well as string plucking; an elbow inside the line, elbow closer to your spine, is acceptable, and can prevent collapsing as well as enhancing the use of back tension and providing conditions for a good release and follow through.

I think you're suggesting that once a shooter initially reaches full draw with a proper alignment that he could could continue to draw back some additional length of arrow while still maintaining good alignment??  

Certainly,FITA shooters do this when getting through the clicker, although the increased length pulled through is minimal. So, while I would agree that one can maintain good alignment while continuing to draw back, I would believe the additional length would be minimal, unless the shooter also started to lean his head back, away from his vertical line. It is common to see compound shooters, particularly release shooters doing this. Of course, a very flexible person may be able to rotate his elbow well inside the line, toward his spine, which could add additional draw length; but I don't know what that would accomplish.

The short answer: I would think that any additional draw after reaching proper alignment, while also maintaining an erect posture, would be minimal.JMHO  

[AllenR]

WB, I don't think you defined the alignment exactly as I learned it.

There are two alignments to consider:  One is from the tip of the arrow through the draw hand, to the draw elbow.   The other is from the bow hand to the bow shoulder, across the back to the draw shoulder.

Most agree that the first one is more important to get straight, but you'll see Olympic archers also achieving the second one.  Very few traditional archers will have a straight line for the second alignment across the shoulders.  It brings the string too close to the body for heavy hunting clothes.

Once you reach full draw with your alignment set, your back muscles engaged and immersed in aiming, there should be no change in your draw length or anchor point.  Do not soften your back muscles at all.  This leads to creeping.