Righting the Ship?

[Big O]

I'm just wondering when your form or sequence wanders what you reference to get it right again besides the Bale? For me my holy grail is " Al Henderson's book" & I also have alot of Len Cardinal material. I'm curious if I'm missing out on some other good reference materials? I've heard good things about Masters of the Barebow series & Rick McKinney's book?

[Pat B]

G. Fred Asbell's first book, "Instinctive Shooting" is what got me into instinctive shooting and it has served me well since 1988 when I first got and read the book. I still have that book and go back to it occasionally for a refresher.

[Terry Lightle]

What Pat said
Terry

[nek4me]

I have AL Henderson's book but haven't looked at it in years. Maybe it's time to review it again.

Another good one it Jay Kidwell's Instinctive Archery Insights - Accelerated Learning Through Applied Psychology. For anyone not familiar with it, Jay is a Ph.D psychology professor with an interest in traditional archery and bowhunting. The revised edition has a chapter on target panic.

[nek4me]

I also have Fred Asbell's original book and had the winning bid on his Stalking and Stillhunting book in the PBS auction. Looking forward to seeing what it has to offer.

[indianalongbowshooter]

I just shoot and work thru it.

[Pat B]

The best thing to do is find the author that represents your style the best and stick to just him. Just like in shooting, consistency is the secret.

I watch John Schulz and Howard Hill videos, then go out to a big open field and shoot at the sky, way over there, or passing jet airliners or clouds.  When I shoot at close range bales for form I always end up aiming at arrow holes.

[beendare]

A few of the top pros give Rod Jenkins credit for helping them to shoot better.

[Red Beastmaster]

I've never got a thing from books except screwed up. Too many styles that mess with my head.

I know how to shoot, but sometimes I forget. Closed eyes shooting lets me feel what's wrong and it's soon fixed. Only takes a minute.

If I get the yips shooting at targets I'll take a Judo for a walk and all is well again. Roving can cure most ills.

[mahantango]

As much as I respect G. Fred, his instinctive shooting book screwed me up for years, and I suspect I'm not alone. It obviously works for him,as I've seen him shoot, but I feel it really hinders the development of good form. On the other hand, I think the videos by Arne Moe and Jimmy Blackmon are the most valuable resources available to traditional archers. JMO, flame away.

[meathead]

When I have those issues I just hang the bow on the rack and go fishing for a week. The break usually solves the problem.    

[Stumpkiller]

Larry C. Whiffen [Sr.] Shooting the Bow

[McDave]

There are several distinct styles of shooting out there, and I have tried three of them: Asbell, Jenkins, and Welch.  Welch worked the best for me, but other styles have worked better for other people. I feel fortunate to have been able to attend classes put on by each of them, and I know everybody doesn't have that opportunity. But if you do get the chance to attend their classes, or classes of other people who may be just as good that I haven't mentioned, it's probably the best thing you can do for your shooting.

[Big O]

My sequence is also similar to Jenkins & Welch which is taken from Len Cardinal. These guys have modernized Lens teachings adding a few new ideas. Lens teachings have always worked for me!

[Pat B]

Meathead, you've got the right idea. If you are well practiced just a change of scenery can work miracles. When I find my shooting off I put the bow up and find something else to do. If I'm frustrated or angry, I put the bow up and find something else to do. When I come back with a clear head my shooting has improved.
 Mahantango, I shoot with a very loose, fluid style and Fred's style fits me to a tea. It might not be right for others but it works great for me.
Beastmaster, trying to learn from many different folks will screw anyone up. Consistency is the trick. Once you start with a style that works for you, stick with that and don't read the other guy's books.