Self Analysis (open to suggestion)

[rwbowman]

Had the most obvious idea come to mind to try to diagnose why I often end up with scattered shots in practice-record and review.
Very open to suggestion and criticism.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbooMCvJqb0

[moebow]

Rory,

Ya, you have a very inconsistent "flip" of your string hand.  This is the reason for your "scattered" shots.

This is very often caused by too much arm and not enough back.  Try to have your forearm and biceps as completely relaxed as possible.  This is something that will take a little (lot) practice.

One thing you might try to get the feel is a "form master" if you have one or can make one.

As you start to draw, try to keep that arm as relaxed as possible -- think "draw with the elbow only."  That will help you draw more with your shoulder and back and not so much arm.  See if that helps.

Also, look at some video demonstrations and see if they help.  You Tube "TheMoebow1." for starters.

Arne

[rwbowman]

Thanks Arne. I was hoping you'd catch a peek at this. Is the form master a strap that goes around the wrist?

[moebow]

No, the form master has a pair of straps that go around the elbow and then attach to the bowstring with a cord.  They are available commercially or you can make one. There have been threads in the past about how do do a home made one. You might find those instructions if you do a search.

The form master is not a "fix it all" thing but will give you the feel of drawing the bow more correctly and how it feels to relax the arm.

Arne

[rwbowman]

Thanks again!

[njloco]

What Arne said, you'll notice in your video how your hand is flipping outward away from your face, what you want is for the hand to end up moving back towards your shoulder and actually end up on it. Or glue your hand to your face upon release, it will still move a little, but the trick is to move as little as possible when you release, this naturally includes the bow arm.

Let us know how you make out.

Good luck.

[rwbowman]

Well, I've been doing some heavy form work over the past few weeks and I think I'm getting to where I need to be. I've completely changed (or finally dedicated to) my shot sequence. It has been an eye opener to learn that one can include the back muscles more by only a slight adjustment of squaring the shoulders before drawing. As far as releases are concerned, I think I'm there now, but I'll have to wait until it cools down a bit to get some more video to confirm. I can literally feel the difference in where my string hand ends. I also learned that holding the bow arm dead still for a three second count after release also helps consistency (no brainer).