Moving nock-set & tiller to change impact point?

About 6 months ago, after fighting target panic for 30 years, I switched to shooting left handed (non-dominant side). I’m doing very well but have been pondering.

For years my bows always shot in the 180 to 185 fps range, and I MADE my point on be 30 yards. Well, when I switched to lefty I was shooting a foot high at 30 yards. To get back to that 30-yard, point-on “feel” I had to weight my arrows. Now I’m shooting in 165 fps range.

I’ve read a lot of folks, talk about setting their bows up to shoot where they look. I assume that involves moving the plate in or out, and nock-set up and down, etc.

So the questions are:
1) Can I move the nock-set up to get back to my 185 fps 30-yard point-on?
2) How much would changing the tiller +/- have on changing arrow impact?
3) Just how much can a fellow expect to “detune” his bow without experiencing problems?

JC

[aromakr]

Jim:
I too have recently changed from right to left hand. I'm guessing you haven't given yourself enough time to adjust to the change. It does take a while. I certainly would not change tiller or nock point, because as you said it will de-tune the bow. I have always had an excellent release right handed and am now fighting the release like you would not believe, it will just take some time.
Bob

[McDave]

If your point-on changed from 30 yards to 40 yards when you switched from right to left-handed shooting, then your anchor point must have dropped somehow, or maybe your bone or eye structure is slightly different on the left side of your face.  If it were me, I would tune the arrows optimally for the bow, and then see if I could get a new anchor point that would put my point-on at 30 yards again.  I say this because changing your anchor point should be a minor adjustment compared with switching from right to left-handed shooting.

If you increase your nock height, you will drop the point of impact of your arrow somewhat.  If your optimal nock height was 1/2", you can probably raise this to 3/4" without adversly affecting arrow flight.  Your arrows will be tail high, but a little tail high is okay and prevents fletching contact with your arrow shelf.

If your bow has adjustable tiller, like the Dalaa, you might be able to adjust the tiller to eliminate the nock high you will get from raising your nock height.  Normal tillers are either even for shooting three fingers under, or maybe +1/8 for split finger shooting.  I guess I would try moving your nock point up some, and then shooting a bare shaft to see what effect that has on your arrow flight and impact point.  Then change your tiller by 1/8" and see what effect that has on your arrow flight.  If it gets worse, then change it 1/8" in the other direction and see what happens.

Another alternative approach would be to use a variation of string walking.  First, tune your arrows optimally for your bow, without worrying where they are hitting.  Then, set an additional nock 1/2" below your arrow nock.  Your string fingers will go under the new nock.  This should drop your point of impact, and you can experiment from there to see exactly how far below your arrow nock your "string finger" nock should go to put your point-on at 30 yards.

Finally, as far as people setting up their bows to shoot where they look, I think it's generally the other way around.  People tune their bows for good arrow flight, and then shoot them enough to where their brain finally gets programmed to point the bow in the right direction so the arrows hit where you're looking.

[longbowguy]

My view is that you set your nock height and tiller your limbs for perfect arrow flight, not to hit where you look. You can tune your bow to shoot down the line, left-right, in addition to striving for perfet flight. And you can get some arrows cut longer, maybe left full length, to reduce your point on range.

But in the long run, I think you need to retrain your eye and mind to the new circumstances. This happens in the subconscious, and comes over time. You have to wait for it, as patiently as you can. That will take a lot of arrows. But if you are calm and patient you can take a lot of pleasure and improve your fitness and form in all of that shooting. - lbg

[eggomaniac]

I'm deadly curious as to why you switched to left handed (non-dominant side)shooting? < Are you right eye dominant?

Yep, I'm right eye dominant. TARGET PANIC--and a severe case at that.  So far, it's not shown its ugly head on the left side.  I have complete control.

[Dirty Bill]

Hey Jimmie,if you put a clicker on the bow,it will help a great deal,and save you a lot of frustration.I BTDT ol' buddy. TP is ugly. The clicker will kill it.    

Thanks Bill, but I was shooting clickers before most folks knew they existed.  lol lol  

The trouble was, I got to the place where I was anticipating the clicker.  Things really went south from then on. I'm really doing well lefty, but I'm still working of the right side too.  I still have hopes that I can overcome the stuff, but until then--it's lefty for me.

JC

[Dirty Bill]

Well,you ol' dog. I had it bad,but the clicker helped me. Just continue to shoot lefty. I always knew you wanted to be like me...  

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

I am no expert, but a good friend "String Walks" to put his point on at what ever range.. Basically he shoots 3 under , and slides his fingers down the string to get his point on.. Since you are shooting high, you might give something similar a try.