Trad Gang
Main Boards => The Shooters FORM Board => Topic started by: cwbyengraver on April 07, 2010, 06:44:00 PM
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I have been shooting about 6 weeks at 15 yards. I got to where I can keep all the arrows within 10". I cant seem to get the group any smaller. I shoot instinctive I cant the bow a little. I shoot about 1 hour everyday is this normal or should my groups be smaller. I want to hunt this year.
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I might get guys all over my case for this, but I find that I have more success using the gap method until I am satisfied with my groups and then transition to instinctive. Work initially on consistent form. establish a comfortable anchor point that you can repeat exactly. accuracy will come.
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Sounds like a very honest assessment of where you are, which is probably about normal for 6 weeks worth of shooting. It is possible to hone your skills to the point that you are getting 4" groups at 20 yards, but how long it will take you to get there depends on your own inate skills and whether you get some good instruction.
To reduce the size of your groups, you need two things: well-tuned equipment and good form. Well-tuned equipment is the easier of the two, and you just need the knowledge of how to tune your arrows so they match your bow. Good form comes one step at a time, and is not gained so much by plunking away at a target for an hour every day, as by getting some expert instruction, which you might be able to pick up from DVD's, such as Masters of the Bare Bow, or better by getting some hands-on training.
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Should I stay at 15 yards until the groups get smaller. Or should I move to different yardages.
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i would continue to shoot at 15 yards and focus on mastering that distance, then work your way to 20 and 25yrds if your form and shooting is consistent.
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id even sugest coming down to 8/10 yrds. this is good distance for form practice. shoot at doll rod s or golf tee,s .
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My groups at 15yds tend to shrink after I've been shooting at 20-25yds.
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I would look into the Masters of the Barebow video series, in particular the 3rd video. I would also look at buying Byron Fergusons "Become the Arrow" and another book or two on form for trad archers. McDave had an excellent point that professional training is a great idea. It can take years off your form improvement efforts.
Focus on form and get that down. By the time hunting season hits you should be good to 20 yards.
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I shoot instinctive and for years used a foam target with an 8" bullseye painted on it. I had come to accept 8" 15 yd groups as normal and limited my shots to approx that distance. I recently switched to a homemade burlap bag target.I made a dot on it about the size of a quarter. My groups shrank imediately. Howard hill said it years ago- aim small, miss small
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I shoot the same groups at 20 as I do at 15, so I don't mess around with less than 20. I can't explain that except it must be a result of aim small miss small. I suppose I aim at the same size spot, which is smaller at 20 yd than at 15. Or my subconscious realizes I have challenged myself more, so it focuses harder at 20 yd. Same concept I guess.