Need some shooting help!

[Warchild]

I am no beginner when it comes to instinctive shooting. I have been doing it since 1994 and have always been a better than average shot, especially on animals. I don't know what I started doing wrong but last year I started shooting to the left consistently. One group may be an inch or two left, the next will be six to eight inches left and they will be good tight groups with perfect elevation. It is the strangest thing, it seems like I could simply hold my bow hand farther left but that does not fix the problem. I can purposely shoot way right by doing that but if I concentrate on hitting center and naturally hold and shoot, the arrow will go right back left. I NEVER shoot to the right (makes for a strange looking target, left side of the bullseye is tore up, right side of the bull is still like new). I have tried to grip the bow differently, doesn't help. I shoot all of my bows and will have the same problem with each bow. The bows are also of differing weights so it is not an over bowed situation either. It is the damnedest thing. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[ChrisM]

Overspined? Or short draw causing overspine?

[McDave]

It sounds like you know how to shoot, so maybe the best solution is to mechanically move the point of impact to the right.  Assuming you are a RH shooter, if you use a softer side plate it will move the point of impact a few inches to the right.  I was used to shooting a recurve, but became interested in shooting a longbow that wasn't cut as far to the center as the recurves I was shooting, so my arrows impacted to the left.  Rather than change my whole style of shooting, and then have to change it back again when I went back to the recurves, I just changed the side plate.  I took off the leather side plate that came with the bow and put on a Martin Rug Rest.  That was enough to move the arrows back over to the right more or less where my recurve shots had been hitting.

[Terry Green]

Can you post a video of you shooting?

[moebow]

I agree with Terry!  Post a video of your shooting.  IF you were shooting OK last year AND IF you have not changed your arrows or bow setup something in your form HAS changed.  Leave your equipment alone and look to your form!  A video will help us help you as there are many possible reasons you have started shooting to the left.

[BowsanAiros]

X3 on a video.
 But you can try changing the way you address the target with the position of your feet..
If you address the target with feet in the perpendicular position, move your left foot out until
 your back on target. (this charges the position of the waist) Do this at 3-5yds.

Here a pic. to better explain what I mean by foot placement  

#2 is the one I referred too.

[Warchild]

Thanks for the tips guys! I will open my stance and try to concentrate on pushing the bow more. I have many bows with many different rests so I don't think it's an issue. I started shooting this way last year and couldn't straighten it out. I changed my heavy Schafer limbs out and went to my lighter set and at first I thought that maybe I was over bowed but as days went by, the issue returned. I also lock my bow arm after watching a Rick Walsh video and think maybe that has something to do with it. I ll go shoot before it gets dark and see if I can incorporate some of your advice into my form and see what happens. THANKS!

[Warchild]

Shot last night, opened my stance and immediately shot to the right for the first time in 2 years. After a couple of rounds I got it dialed in. I opened my stance and concentrated on pushing the bow. I also am trying to ensure that I keep my release hand tight to my face. I normally anchor close to but slightly to the right of the very front of my mouth. Thanks for all of the tips guys!

[Terry Green]

Please remember,....having the same stance during your 'back yard' shot is fine.....however, do not forget that form is from the waist up and if you are consistently properly aligned your stance will have no bearing.

What I'm trying to say is that your problem is not with your feet.

[JamesKerr]

I agree with Terry I shot in the bowhunter's stance as described by G. Fred Asbell and it doesn't matter how your feet are planted as long as you keep your form from the waist up the same.

[BowsanAiros]

In order to get the proper alignment again, the foot movement was necessary. It made it possible
for you to change and feel the proper position of the waist.
Once you've drilled and felt that position, (made it consistent) it won't matter where your feet are
 later on.. (This is a beginners basic movement for proper alignment) in my book.

[Terry Green]

Yes Bows...that's why I stated 'back yard shot'....get it all down then it wont matter.    

[BowsanAiros]

Yeah. I posted that for shooters that might be wondering how foot placement affects the waist position..

[larry]

I'm going to bet your bow arm is not as solid as it used to be

[arrow flynn]

go to the bale you may be droping your bow arm on release concentrate onkeeping the bow arm up until the arrow hits had the same problem but who knows have someone watch you