Trying a new approach any help is appreciated

[shot2high]

I have been shooting a longbow for about 20 yrs. Sad to say up till about 5 months ago I shot no better than I did 20 yrs ago. I got a new bow, at a more comfortable weight, and I have already shot one rug off of the shelf. In the past I tried the swing draw with little if any success.

Now I have gone to pointing my bow arm toward the target and then I sort of look down the shaft to be sure I am pointed correctly. Next I draw and come to anchor then let it rip. When I am at full draw I have started forcing myself to "hold" my anchor a split second before I release, I have in the past released before a good solid anchor because of the too heavy bow.Even with the slight hold I do not remember ever seeing or paying attention to the arrow.

Also,I have been reading alot about using my back and squaring up to the target so I have closed my stance considerably to involve my back more.

I have committed myself to shoot from one spot the next week and a half working on form and trying to group the three arrows I practice with. The distance is about 8 to 10 yrds.

Finally, after years of split finger shooting I have gone to 3 fingers under, this alone improved my scores in the first two 3d shoots I was in this year.

Guy's I might have shot for 20 yrs, but I have just now became fed up with the way things have gone. PLEASE offer any suggestions, or feel free to make corrections.

Thanks!!!!
S2H

[TSP]

Jimmy, it looks like you REALLY want to improve, and thats a great place to start.  But changing your entire shooting style all at once might not be the best way.  And, copying another style because someone else shoots it well might not be the best fit, either.  

Without being long-winded (or preachy), best advise I can offer is to check past threads here about form and technique, then make some decisions about what fits you best and test those form components.  Understanding why certain things work helps alot in finding the 'right' style for you.  Patience and some good coaching along the way will also help.  Good luck.

[jhansen]

It sounds to me like you are on the right track.  All good shooters "aim" in some fashion.  After a while you don't remember seeing the arrow as you aim and then you can claim you are shooting "instinctively".      

John

[R H Clark]

What weight and what draw length are you shooting now?If you don't mind my asking where in Alabama are you?

[shot2high]

Now I shoot 50# at 29"... I live near Clanton.

[mike g]

shot2high....
    Stick to the basics, Bow arm like a rock, good anchor and smooth releaase, and most important, shoot like shot2high.....

[R H Clark]

Clanton is about 3 hours south of me.Are you going to the state shoot at Tannehill?

Like Mike said, best to stick to the basics.I don't tend to listen too much to shooting advise untill I see someone shoot.Even then some things work for some people and not others.The best thing you can do is find some folks that can shoot and learn all you can.Try whatever they say but keep only what works for you.

How are you doing at 10 yards? I will be at the Tannehill shoot and will be glad to help all I can if you are going.I am no archery coach but I can show you what works for me.

[cvarcher]

OK dont despair. First of all your draw is not correct. Do not hold your bow on target and then draw .Have your bow at rest by your side and position yourself with your bow holding shoulder facing the target and feet perpendicular.A slight lean in like a shotgunner and you start the draw as the bow rises towards the target. When the bow gets lined up you should have about half the draw done and all you have to do now is come straight back to anchor.One smoooth motion .Start with a light bow and dont set up any target.If you need to aim at the horizon in a large field.Bow arm should have a slight bend in it .Do not lock the elbow out .Keep it naturally comfortable. After you release, with both hands do nothing as if someone was taking your picture. And please cant the bow.You cannot shoot right with a bow vertically straight unless your shooting far distance. By the way-- MR Hill was over 6ft 2 and he kept his draw down to 28" . Unless your larger than him if your shooting 29" your locking out too much.

[shot2high]

Thanks for all the advise!!!!  Tonight I was stacking 2 at 20ish yards with the third not far off(most of the time). At ten yards I have got where I can touch all 3 arrows with one hand!!! I sanded the throats of my nocks and I really think it has helped with arrow flight, does anyone else do this?

I plan on being at the 'Bama State Shoot and would like to meet ya'll. THANKS AGAIN!!!

[R H Clark]

shot2high, I would rather serve the string with smaller serving or get a string with fewer strands if that won't work. I am very particular about consistancy and I wouldn't think I could sand nocks well enough to suit me.Also I would be afraid I would weaken them too much and might cause a dry fire.

Hope to see you at Tannehill,I'll be the big guy wearing a red Carbon Express cap,shooting a Dalaa.

[Thorson]

Originally posted by cvarcher:
And please cant the bow.You cannot shoot right with a bow vertically straight unless your shooting far distance.

Why cant?

I am trying to understand the point of this. I am new to traditional archery, and I have heard many people talk about this. I personally shoot much better vertically, but much better in my case may not be that good anyway.  :D

1. Why would vertical bow shooting work on long distance shots but not with short distances?

2. When shooting compound (yes, I realize this is a different animal) it is bad form to cant the bow, why would it be considered good form to cant with traditional equipment.

3. What does canting the bow provide the shooter, that a vertical bow does not) other than a better rest)?

[styckbow]

shot2high sounds to me like you are on the right track and all the advise you have recieved is excellent. There is a great book out That I learned a lot from even being a Fairly experienced trad shooter by Brian Sorrels called a Begginers guide to traditional archery. 3 rivers sells it and I refer to it again and again and it would help any one become a better shot.Thorson Canting seems to be a personal thing I know several people who shoot verticle and they are far better shots than I but I also know some who cant 45 degrees and they too are remarkable shots so shoot whats best for you in other words if it aint broke don't fix it good luck and have fun Delin

[cvarcher]

Canting cuts the angle of deflection on your line of sight in half as well as tilting your head.So now the arrow is closer to your shooting dominant eye and you dont have to correct as much. It also opens your sight picture where holding the bow vertical splits the picture.Its like asking why anchor down under the chin when you can anchor up at the side of your mouth. Less correction,thats why. Do you follow this? Its not my teachings, it all came from the greatest archer --Howard Hill. Now if you just shoot target your style is ok but it wont work as well if your in the woods and you have to get an arrow out into an animal fast. You system will not hold up.