Form?

[SirRobin77]

Ok i was told that at full draw you should put your index finger in the corner of your mouth and rest the string at the tip of your nose is this correct form? I see some people shooting with the bow string tillted away from there face so whats the deal.
Later Matt

[SouthMDShooter]

Well there is all different types of form for all different types of people. You gotta try different styles and see what you like best. Once you find what you like stick with it and practice practice practice until it becomes second nature.

There is no set form in which everyone goes by, also it depends on what style of aiming your using. Instinctive, string walking, gap, face walking and so on.....

[Chris Lantz]

hmmm string on the tip of the nose with your index finger in the corner of the mouth seems like to would be difficult to do. The only people I’ve seen rest the string on the tip of their nose those that anchor under the chin.

I don't think what finger you use to anchor or whatever you're using for an anchor point is all that important as long as what you're doing is consistent. Use whatever method of anchoring you most comfortable with.

[BLACK WOLF]

Consistantcy is the key...as long as you are not consistantly missing the target  

Your form should be based on a number of things.

One is based on your goals and the others are based on your body structure, ability and personality.

To choose the right form for you...it should be based on BOTH your unique characteristics and proven fundamentals.

There is no absolute right or wrong of doing it...UNLESS...it isn't providing you with the desired results.

There are certain choices regarding form that can make consistantcy easier to achieve and maintain.

Tell us more about yourself and your goals and we could better guide you.

Ray  

[SirRobin77]

Im 6'4" tall 375lbs 29" draw could be 30 " easy. I want a humane kill on a whitetail at 20 yards or less, thats my goal as of now.

[BLACK WOLF]

Sir Robin??? Are you sure about that??? Looks more like you should be called Little John being 6'4 and 375lbs.        Talk about huge!

The first suggestion I try to make to anyone wanting to develop good form is to try and imitate what a good target archer's form looks like in regards to shoulder and arm alignment and than make adjustments from there.

Find an anchor point/points that allow you to be consistant so that upon release your drawing hand moves straight back in line with the arrow if it moves at all.

My anchor points or reference points are my index finger in the corner of my mouth and my thumb behind my jaw as a secondary anchor. Having 2 reference points for your anchor helps with consistantcy.

How much the hand moves doesn't really matter. It can be a fraction of an inch or all the way to the shoulder. It can even be a dead release where the hand doesn't move at all...but with most hunting weight bows...most archers will have a dynamic follow through.

Perfect alignment of the arms creates a T image when an observer looks at you from the side.

Your shoulders should be as close to parallel as you can get them with the arrow while your drawing forearm should be in line with the arrow at full draw.

Now knowing how big you are...I'm gonna guess you have a pretty big chest that may keep you from achieving that position so you will have to make some adjustments...such as opening up your stance to help clear your chest and bow arm from the string upon release. ..which will be something you definitely need to consider with hunting clothes.

Look at Terry's form clock if you want to get a better picture of what I'm trying to describe.

Sometimes...pictures are worth a thousand words      

Ray    

[SirRobin77]

Huge? I ve never heard that one before! lol

[BLACK WOLF]

Let us know what you've tried and what seems to work and not work for ya.

Ray  

[Friends call me Pac]

For the last few days I have been really concentrating on my form and getting everything right.  I noticed my groups got bigger.  This afternoon I forgot about doing this and that to perfection and just shot however felt comfortable.  Low and behold my groups shrank.  

I also noticed tonight that I don't actually anchor with the tip of my finger in the corner of my mouth.  Instead the base of my thumb touches the same place on my cheek and I realease when I feel my finger touch my lip.

[BLACK WOLF]

Originally posted by Friends call me Pac:
For the last few days I have been really concentrating on my form and getting everything right.  I noticed my groups got bigger.  This afternoon I forgot about doing this and that to perfection and just shot however felt comfortable.  Low and behold my groups shrank.

When you were practicing your form...were you aiming at the same time...or were you working on just your form at a blank bale or using some other techinique similar to that?

Based on your comments about groups...I would guess you were aiming at the same time you were trying to work on your form.

If you're gonna work on your form...it is best to only work on it specifically with no regards to aiming. The reason for that is...so you can concentrate on one thing at a time as you try to perfect it. Once you have perfected it...you should repeat it over and over for days, weeks or even months...until it becomes engrained within your muscle memory so that with every shot you execute it instinctively without having to think about it.

Than you can gradually start to apply what you've taught yourself while you aim...and since you have engrained it into your muscle memory...you can than focus 100% on aiming without any thought concerning your form.

Ray  

[Friends call me Pac]

I was trying to hit a tiny piece of paper.  That is what I like about this place. I learn something new every time I visit here.