Built a Formaster.....have questions

[dbishop]

I built a formaster this evening and started using it.  It does seem to help me to feel what I think is back tension(nobody has ever showed me so I'm not completely sure).  I can tell after using it a while my back is definitely more tired between my shoulders than usual. Is this a good sign? I kept after it until my draw hand did not want to follow the string foward upon release but rather stayed still or tried to recoil back some.
  Immediately afterwards(so as not to lose the "feel"), I shot about 2-3 dozen arrows just to see how I did.  I definitely grouped them better than normal(about a 4"-5" group at 18-20 yds consistantly).  I did notice however that I tended to group to the left a little more than usual.  The first group was actually about 6"-8" left of center.  It seemed like I naturally started getting back to center as I shot a few groups though.  
  I could tell that when I shot the first group it seemed a little more effortless than usual and the string seemed to slip off my tab easier but I was suprised at how far left the arrows grouped.
   I also noticed that the string would sometimes contact the left side of my chest upon release once in a while(not hard enough to hurt).  Could I be trying to get too much back tension and moving my bow hand back too far to my left?
  I think maybe this device will help me but I am worried about my grouping left.  Is there some trick to using this device and is there a reason for me instantly shooting off center after using it?  If it matters, I am right handed and hold the bow in my left hand. I know that good form is the key and I want to make sure I use the best form possible in my practice.  I don't want to start bad habits and have to correct them later if I can help it.

Thanks for any help.  I hope to get better at this eventually    

Dave

[moebow]

yes, your back WILL get tired faster in the beginning and it IS a good sign.  Shoot a lot of arrows using the form master and get that string elbow so it always resists the strap and your string hand stays on your face!

Do not worry about where your groups are located yet it is way too soon.  The most common tendency in my experience is that when you take the strap off and shoot,  you think about the elbow and string hand but still let the string hand fly away from your face on release.  This will always cause left hits for a right hander.

String on chest question:  Use an open stance, and don't apply too much pressure on your bow side back muscles.  Your bow arm should be "pressed" toward the target but it is more of a thought than a muscular effort.  There is a video that was done showing the use of the form master.  I think a search here would locate it.

Be patient, it'll come!

[bowslinger]

I second moebow's advice about not worrying too much about aiming yet.  Worry more about form.  He is alos correct about pulling your drawing arm/hand away from your face causing a left hit foir a right-handed shooter.

I also recommend using a more open stance.  A closed stance is where you stand with feet about shoulder width, with the toes on both feet about even, while your body is perpendicular to the target.  To open up your stance, pull your left foot back a little, and maybe point the toes on your left foot a little toward the target.

Good luck!

Mike

[dbishop]

Thanks for the tips guys!  I will keep after it and hopefully will be able to see more results in the near future. I'll let ya'll know how it goes.

Thanks again
Dave

[chopx2]

If you have access to Masters of the barebow III Rod Jenkins gives a brief intro on how to use it.

[dbishop]

Chop,

Funny you mentioned that.  I just got off the phone with Cabela's here in Austin trying to find Masters of the Barebow III.  They have I and II but not the last one.  I guess I will just order it online.  Are the first two worth getting?  If so, I will stop by there this evening and pick them up.

thanks
Dave

[moebow]

dbishop,  One and two are interesting -- show a lot of different styles.  For really learning shooting form and Rod Jenkin's approach, three is the one to get.  Rod also told me that there will be a "four" around Christmas time.

[dbishop]

Thanks moebow! I will probably go ahead and just order #3 for now.

Dave