arm slap

[bowmaster12]

i know this has been asked before. Im having huge trouble with the string of my recurve slapping my arm on every shot im a first year trad shooter never had a prob with compound i shoot a recurve 28 inch with a cant and a slightly bent bow arm any ideas or help thanks.  ps the string hits the same spot every time

[longbow1]

Try opening up your stance a little. Take your rear leg, (rh shooter-right leg) and bring it forward a little. Don't shoot with your body perpendicular to the target as much.

[Brently]

check your brace height of the string, a too low brace height will slap ya.

[reddogge]

Or a combination of the two methods mentioned will work for sure.

[Soilarch]

I've already found that when I'm getting slapped the the string its my grip that's the culprit. (shooting longbow with aobut a 6.5" brace)

Move my grip around, even a little, and it's gone.


Just one more thing I've having to practice...a repeatable grip.  Repeatable as is day-to-day not just shot-to-shot.

[Tilzbow]

As previously mentioned opening your stance and increasing brace height might work.

In addition if your hitting the middle of your arm or above that your arm position may well be the culprit. The elbow on your bow arm should be pointed out to the side rather than down.

If you're hitting lower on your arm it could be your grip. Move your bow hand out on the grip a bit and try that. If none of these suggestions work make sure your bow arm shoulder isn't pushed too far forward which will move your arm into the string path.

It's hard to explain all these things without pictures but if your form is correct you should never hit your arm unless your bow simply doesn't fit your build. I've got one bow I have to be extremely careful with or I will slap my arm while all my other bows are fine and I never hit my arm unless I really screw up a shot.

[scriv]

Originally posted by Tilzbow:
In addition if your hitting the middle of your arm or above that your arm position may well be the culprit. The elbow on your bow arm should be pointed out to the side rather than down.

The best way  have seen to check this is to extend your bow arm as if there was a bow in it.  Now bend your arm at the elbow and bring it back towards you.  If your hand comes to your chest-all is well.  If you hit yourself in the head, the angle of your elbow is wrong and you will slap your arm all day long.  How many of you just tried this?  

[jrchambers]

ive never had a problem with arm slap but with that check i hit my head, for me to hit my chest i have to roll my shoulder and wrist, feels uncomfortable but will have to try it while shooting, interesting

[scriv]

Originally posted by jrchambers:
 have to roll my shoulder and wrist, feels uncomfortable but will have to try it while shooting, interesting

Yep it does.  After awhile it will feel natual and your shooting will become much more consistant.  Little trick I learned from the Olympic recurve crowd. It will take a bunch of pressure off your left elbow as well.  As you become proficient your shoulder will relax.

[longbow fanatic 1]

Dave,

I have struggled with this and I want to be sure I understand. I should be rolling my elbow out? In other words, my elbow is parallel with the ground instead of perpendicular to the ground?  Is this correct?

[CCWhitetail]

Good info here.