Best practice method?

[SaMbO2]

Ok I recently changed my anchor point from about a 27 1/2'' draw to about a 29 1/2 '' draw. Pretty much wasnt reaching the draw length that i should have been, So now how do I train my self to only do this anchor point? whats the best practicing method to do this?

Thanks and God Bless.

[Wapiti Bowman]

SaMb,

For my money, the quickest way to ingrain a motor memory skill is by using "blind" bale practice. It's an accepted fact that the mind can concentrate on only one idea/concept at a time. So, get up close to a target butt, so as to have no missed shots, line up, close your eyes, and draw to your new anchor point, focusing all of your attention on how it feels. You can either carry through with your release, changing your focus to your back tension, or some other aspect of your form, or you can let down and start over. I prefer to follow through with my release, switching my focus to my back tension.

If you'll begin each practice session with a few minutes of "blind" bale practice, you'll find that your new anchor has become automatic in no time.

Above all, keep it fun!  

[Greg Dearth]

Wapiti Bowman is right on target. Use the bale to create a new mucsle memory, that over time on the bale will become automatic.

[Davesea]

It appears that many trad archers don't utilize the potential power stroke of the bow with a shorter draw than could be realized.  

Sam, good move.  where was your anchor and where is it now with an additional 2"?

[SaMbO2]

Davesea, my old anchor was middle finger to just barely touch my lips, and i was a snap shooter witch i mean by that as touch my anchor let go, now with my new anchor its cheek bone on top of my knuckle joint and thumb under chin to lock it in. With this anchor I cant get it a lot more consistent.

Thank you guys for your comments and time.

God Bless.

[Jake Diebolt]

SaMbo2, I used to have a shorter draw, too, then started really focusing on anchoring in the corner of my mouth rather than just my lips. I've found that holding the arrow for longer (ie five to ten seconds, rather than 1 or 2) helps ingrain the anchor point. Try that in combo with blank bale.

[BobCo 1965]

Just a word of caution, I would move into this new position gradually shooting much less arrows at first then previous and gradually working your way up patiently to avoid injury. 2" is a big change.

[dcmeckel]

Absolutely blind bale practice.If you notice,when you open your eyes after SHOOTING SEVERAL ARROWS with your eyes closed,your accuracy is much improved;for a little while!Don't shoot a whole lot of arrows,shoot just one,retrieve it and focus on just THAT shot.When your arrow starts to wander,stop shooting for an hour or two.Then start your routine all over again.Hope this helps.
David;Jasper Bows

[Caleb Andes]

Dcmeckel you couldn't have said it better yourself. I often cuss myself always having to walk and get my single arrow but I know i'd be cussing more if I was shooting terribly by trying to shoot 5 arrow groups.. That said, Blind bale has helped improve my release ten fold!