Form question from the newb

[watchamakalit]

Ok after reading Terry's clock thread I decided to go out and sling a few to see what I might have wrong with my form.  I find that my draw elbow is a little high.  But if I try to lower it to where it "should" be my shots become very erratic.  So my question is should I concentrate on fixing the problem of should I continue with "bad" form since I shot alot better?  Is it wrong that my elbow is a touch high?  It is probably about 9:15-9:30 according to the clock diagram.

[moebow]

You probably are OK.  The elbow should be between 9 o'clock and not higher than 10 o'clock for most  body shapes.  9:15 - 9:30 is perfectly OK.  I suggest that you take a look at the Thread "shooting form" toward the bottom of this page.  Terry's stuff is great and my video may give you just another view of form.

When you try new form changes, your shooting will invariably deteriorate for a while.  You need to give changes enough time to become familiar (most will say about 20 practice sessions) before you discard or accept them.  Just trying it in one session and then rejecting because "it doesn't work" is not fair to you or the form change.

Never continue with bad form when you have the opportunity to fix it.  You have to give it a fair chance.

[moebow]

Here is a picture that shows one way to determine proper elbow position at full draw.

The "force draw line" is determined by drawing a line from the drawing elbow to the center of pressure of the bow hand.  (see the thread about grip in this forum.)  If the force draw line passes through the nock of the arrow, your elbow is in the correct position.  You can't look for yourself.  Either video, take a picture or have someone watch you.

The force draw line can be used for many alignment issues but this is one of the best uses for it.

 

[Terry Green]

Doesn't sound like your elbow is too high....not really a problem till it gets above the 10:00 O'clock position....then problems can arise...

Here ya go...a couple of pics...and also note that Byron Furgeson's elbow is also at this same position.  He had a pic I use to use on his web site of him but he's redone his site and its no longer there....

   

Me....

   

[watchamakalit]

Ok sounds like I wasn't too high after all.  Glad to hear.  gotta get the girlfriend to snap some pics of me so I can verify what I think is pretty decent form.