anybody draw this short???

[dumluck]

howdy, i know all u guys are probably tired of getting bombarded with questions from new guys like me. but there really isn't anywhere to find knowledge about traditional archery unless u know somebody. so thank all of u for being so generous with your expierence and knowledge.
so now the problem, i shoot a really short draw.i tried using a clicker but really struggled getting it back to 24 inches. not with the wieght so much, just consistency. well it broke, so i started shooting without it. groups are really good at 15 yards and gettin better at 20. but i'm only drawing about 23 inches. thats from valley of knock to the front of bow. or the side farthest away from me while drawing. i'm average height 5'9" and in good shape, draw a 70 pound compound bow with no problem.and shoot the same on light or heavy bows.does anyone else have this problem? i had JD at whiperstik build a bow that was heavy to try and pickup some speed and energy. its 60# at 24 inches. haven't chronoed it but its pretty quick. and i shoot about a 550 grain arrow.does anyone shoot that short of a draw? i'm anchoring in the corner of my mouth and hit where i'm aiming but that seems really short compared to everyone else.any help or input at all would be great.

[Greg Owen]

I am no expert but I used to shoot my compound with an open stance (more facing the target than perpendicular to it). This shortens your draw considerable. Make sure you are standing with your shoulders in line and pointing at the target. Also, 60 pounds seems like a lot to try learning with. Make sure your bow arm is not collapsing. You want it slightly bent but much. I am trying to learn and have found a 47# draw too much for me to develop form but my 72# compound is no problem.

[xtrema312]

What was your compound draw length, and did you use a loop and release?  I shot release off the string with 28.5" draw length.  I read a lot and was told my draw length would be shorter.  I shot ok at 28", but had times of being off.  I shoot trad now at 29 1/2".  I am 5'-10".  At 29.5" my consistency it much better.

Here is what fixed my form and set my draw length.  I couldn't get my arm back correctly with a corner of the mouth anchor.  It just didn't work for my face shape.  So I anchor with the thumb knuckle in the back of my jaw bone under the ear lobe.  See the form clock above.  Check yourself in a mirror standing perpendicular to the mirror with you shoulders in line and your draw arm inline with the arrow and your bow hand.  Shoulders should be parallel with your arrow/bow hand/ draw arm forearm.  If you are 24" with that form then that is that.  You can also post overhead pic's, video, or even from the back or front shots for people to check your form.  I bet you are all of 27" or more.

I am also 5'9" When I shot target bows with target form my draw was 28.5" when I shot recurve, canting the bow etc. my draw dropped to 27.5.  I started shooting longbows, straight grip at 27", but soon found that my eye was not over the arrow and the longer draw limited my shooting positions somewhat.  I naturally drew shorter when sitting or laying the bow flat shooting out of a tree stand, so I shortened my draw to 26&1/4".  I can easily shoot that draw in any position and nothing is out of whack for my alignments.  If you are getting as short as you are I would check to see if your shoulders and neck are not compromising your shooting,  That bow arm shoulder should point fairly near to the target.  If it is off a ways or you are goose necking or not reaching an anchor it would be to your advantage to fix these things.

[dumluck]

thanks for the advice guys. i strung up my lighter longbow and tried anchoring like xtrema312 mentioned and got about 25 and half inches of draw like that. may play around with that a little more. i started shootin traditional about 2 years ago while bowfishing. i guess leaning over the edge of a boat in the dark isn't the best way to learn proper form. thanks again for any help.