Post by: Ron LaClair on April 18, 2019, 03:24:07 PM
Many good shooters when they release, their hand comes back and touches the shoulder. This is a good style but like any style of shooting it must be performed consistently to result in consistent shooting.
Over the years I've tried just about every style of shooting that came down the pike. The style that I stayed with and works the best for me is the "Dead Release" Howard Hill described it as "both hands do nothing".
Many years ago I watched a man named Jim Pickering shoot at the International Indoor Open in Detroit Michigan. Jim shot with the Dead Release style while nearly every one else was shooting what was called back then, "Power Archery". The Power Archery style was an explosive release with the hand flying back along the shoulder.
I watched as Jim shot arrow after arrow. When he released nothing moved except the limbs of the bow. His release hand stayed on his face, his head never moved and his bow hand also remained stationary with a loose grip on the bow.
Back then this was almost an unorthodox style for a serious target shooter but on that day Jim Pickering beat everyone there.
So what is the best proper form for shooting a bow?....the form/style that works best for you.
Post by: Ron LaClair on April 18, 2019, 03:26:04 PM
Look at my head after the shot in line with the trees in the background, nose in relation to the dirt pile. Hand against the face, bow arm extended, loose grip on the bow letting it do it's reaction after the shot
Post by: McDave on April 18, 2019, 06:32:44 PM
Post by: Bisch on April 18, 2019, 06:36:18 PM
Bisch
Post by: BWallace10327 on April 18, 2019, 06:44:58 PM
Post by: TradBrewSC on April 18, 2019, 06:51:32 PM
As you said though I think it is personal preference and simply what works best for you as an individual.
I too have tried so many different styles/tactics and bow types..
I wanted to love Hill style shooting and ASL's at one point but at this point just dont think its for me..
I tried getting into ILF's, string walking, just all around high tech trad shooting and it wasn't for me either.. I was just thinking way too much into things.
I just enjoy shooting all sorts of recurves and DR longbows, and love a beautiful wood bow!
My shooting style has evolved or changed over the years for sure, but still consider myself to shoot "instinctive." I know instinctive is a controversial topic, but regardless of arrow length I pick a spot and shoot, whether or not I am subconsciously referencing the point who knows, but broad heads, FP's or blunts don't seem to effect me.
I shot split finger for nearly 15 years and it worked for me! A few years ago I tried 3 under and haven't looked back... It put the arrow closer to my eye and allowed my "instinctive" style shooting to perform better at a little longer range as I could "sense" the trajectory better if that makes any sense??
Owen Jeffery taught me how to shoot starting as a child.. He made me the hunter I am today, and really made things simple. He himself was one of the best shots I have ever seen! He shot split and "instinctive.." He didn't emphasize follow through to the shoulder or anything like that but just taught me how to shoot a bow like I was shooting a slingshot and I killed a lot of critters! He taught me to not pluck the string, which in my opinion this the most important beginning lesson to any archer.
However, over the last few years I have really been paying attention to PUSH podcasts, Tom Clum Sr., Joel Turner, etc. and what a difference it has made for myself. No I don't necessarily think there is one right way to shoot a bow, but dang if their style of instruction didn't work to make me a better more consistent archer! I'm not a clicker shooter, but use the feather to nose as my "trigger." Not everyone is like me but in my mind keeping a low bow arm and expanding with your back on the draw arm (ie. Followthrough) just works, and made my groups tighten 3 times.
Post by: Gator1 on April 18, 2019, 07:07:24 PM
Thanks for posting very interesting topic.
Post by: Ron LaClair on April 18, 2019, 07:51:27 PM
Post by: Ron LaClair on April 18, 2019, 07:54:17 PM
One person in particular that comes to mind is Jim Caspers. When Jim reached his anchor he would pump his drawing arm up and down. I always assumed it was his way of pumping up back tension Jim had found the "proper form" that worked for HIM.
Instead of trying to totally emulate another's style, experiment to try and find what might improve your shooting. When you find it you will have found the proper form for YOU
Jim Caspers in the 60's
Post by: Terry Green on April 18, 2019, 07:57:52 PM
I have never understood how some people can't except how other people shoot..... And I'm talking about the ones that are dam good at it!!!
I would like to thank Ron for giving me the missing link in my repertoire back in the day...... This missing link was the final thing I needed to put it all together.(Ron Probably doesn't even remember)... From there I went on a tear.... And I'm still on one.....
Many thanks Ron!!!!
Fair warning ...this thread will be moved to the Shooters Forum shortly as that's where it belongs..... :campfire:
Post by: TradBrewSC on April 18, 2019, 08:09:54 PM
Catlin, it sounds like you're making good progress in your quest for better shooting. It's a lifelong journey that never ends. Unfortunately for me time to discover a method that makes me a better shot has ran out. At 83 years of age I'm content and happy to still be able to shoot and hunt with my traditional bows.
Thank you Sir!
That is the thing about shooting a stick bow, the learning curve never ends! Once you think you have one thing figured out, something else pops up!
Regardless Mr. LaClair, you are truly an inspiration and we are all indebted to you for what you have done for the sport! You have been an innovator that has shaped us to where we are today. You sure look good for 83 years young and just pray that I am able to do the same! I by no means was trying to put down anything about your style of shooting, but was simply meaning to state my personal evolution and to where I currently am.
Post by: limbshaker on April 18, 2019, 08:13:43 PM
I’ve always said that there is no right or wrong in archery. Only consistent and inconsistent. If you can do it with consistency, you are probably pretty good!!!
Bisch
Best way I've heard it put. I've always felt the same. :notworthy:
Post by: TradBrewSC on April 18, 2019, 08:18:51 PM
I'm not sure why someone would start off their post "controversial".... That almost sounds like they're baiting for controversy when there is none there to start with.
I have never understood how some people can't except how other people shoot..... And I'm talking about the ones that are dam good at it!!!
I would like to thank Ron for giving me the missing link in my repertoire back in the day...... This missing link was the final thing I needed to put it all together.(Ron Probably doesn't even remember)... From there I went on a tear.... And I'm still on one.....
Many thanks Ron!!!!
Fair warning ...this thread will be moved to the Shooters Forum shortly as that's where it belongs..... :campfire:
Terry, I did not mean "controversial" with any negative connotation. I was just pointing out that with such a broad/open ended subject that there was going to be many different "biased" responses. Form and shooting style has always inthralled me especially since it seems that most peoples is constantly changing or evolving to some degree.
I by no means was trying to start any "controversy." :thumbsup:
Post by: Terry Green on April 18, 2019, 10:50:27 PM
Post by: Chumster on April 18, 2019, 11:15:06 PM
I could not agree more Mr. Ron,
Post by: GCook on April 18, 2019, 11:46:53 PM
I’ve always said that there is no right or wrong in archery. Only consistent and inconsistent. If you can do it with consistency, you are probably pretty good!!!Wisdom.
Bisch
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Post by: pavan on April 19, 2019, 02:28:40 PM