consistent draw - how?

[targets3D]

I am having trouble with grouping my arrows vertically. I anchor consistently (at 2 points -index finger to side of the mouth and knuckle to the jaw) with a side-of-the-face anchor. Yet there is a quite a discrepency in shots due to how much I am drawing the bow in an attempt to keep back tension.

My question is can one draw consistently without a clicker (as trad recurves don't have them)

Thanks
K

[Terry Green]

Originally posted by targets3D:

My question is can one draw consistently without a clicker

Yes....absolutely.

[targets3D]

Originally posted by Terry Green:
 

Originally posted by targets3D:

My question is can one draw consistently without a clicker

Yes....absolutely. [/b]

Any tips on how to develop that?

[targets3D]

I was told there are techniques used by barebowers to detect drawlength? anything come to mind?

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

Not to sounds glib, but practice.  I mostly shoot broadheads and can tell when they are touching the front of my finger, but there are other things.  I think it depends on the individual.  What sort of range aiming system are you using?

[targets3D]

Originally posted by Northwest_Bowhunter:
Not to sounds glib, but practice.  I mostly shoot broadheads and can tell when they are touching the front of my finger, but there are other things.  I think it depends on the individual.  What sort of range aiming system are you using?

Right now I am using a recurve sight (while I learn proper form before switching to complete barebow aiming such as gap shooting)

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

I personally feel you should abandon the sights, work on proper alignment and can't your bow slightly so you can look right down the arrow.  Check out Terry's (Terry Green) website and watch his video of his shooting to get the alignment part of it down.  Also the tradgang video has a couple good bits on alignment, as does some of the “Masters of the Barebow” videos.

Oh yeah, and stand really close to your target to start with, and only back away as you start really nailing your shots.

[Paul WA]

I use the feather touching my nose as my release point and yes you can use a clicker on trad bows...PR

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

I still have no idea what a clicker is.

[waiting4fall]

Despit the OTHER mistakes I make in this video, I thik at least my draw is reasonably consistent. Anyway, if this will help you in some small way, that will be good.

 

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

waiting4fall, 2 questions... is that really slowed down or did you really practice that slowly?  Why do you tap your chest before you start your draw?

[Diamond Paul]

A clicker is a device that audibly "clicks" when you draw to a certain point, letting you know to release the arrow.  Olympic archers use them because they must have an absolutely precise draw length (point at which they release the arrow) to be competetive.  They are trained, like Palov's dogs, to release the instant they hear the click, no matter what.

[Winterhawk1960]

Northwest_Bowhunter,

I can answer the question that you asked about why he taps his chest before starting his draw.

It evens the end of your fingers as well as makes sure that the end of your fingers are all the way in the end of the glove stalls.

Winterhawk1960

[s_mcflurry]

With a clicker, you can be sure of consistent draw length.  Without a clicker, it really is just a matter of continual practice and developing muscle memory.  A consistent anchor is really only half of the game.  The other half is consistent bow arm too.

Consistent bow arm actually has a lot of components.  These include, but are not limited to: angle of your wrist (where the pressure of the grip is on your hand), bent versus locked elbow, angle your arm makes with your body, and low or high shoulder.  Play with each of these to see where it most comfortable, maximizes alignment (which will delay fatigue), and where it can be repeatable for you.

[Terry Green]

Sorry Target.....yes...you can try using a 2nd anchor...or 'double anchor' to make sure you get consistent, repeatable back tension.

[Pete Darby]

I can tell you what I do which gives me a very anchored shot.  I learned it from Bob Wesley who learned it from HH.
1. fingers on the face, wherever is most comfortable.
-- This gives you a reference point between your arrow and eye so you are always looking from the same spot.
2. thumb knucle behind the jawbone.
-- Keeps the string hand and elbow lined up so back tension is correct and plucking is very hard to do.
3. String touches the eyebrow or bottom of glasses if worn.
-- This ensures your bow arm is correctly extended and the arrow is always drawn to the same length.