Left and right shots

[critman]

What single act most effects shot placement making shots go left or right? I tend to do both at times. Maybe just getting tired? Not focusing? What's your opinion?   :confused:

[moebow]

Inconsistent string hand location at anchor/release is my thought.

[critman]

I was really hoping you would respond moebow, thanks. That's what I think too.

[mahantango]

That and short-drawing, causing the arrow to act stiff.

[manitou1]

According to a cetain very good archery instructor, if the arrow goes right... you usually plucked.  If it goes left,... you have your bow arm too straight and it is "swinging" left upon release, instead of recoiling forward as it should. A right hit may also be caused by releasing while providing back tension simultaneously, instead of pausing after achieving back tension.
Low left... you probably didn't achieve proper back tension, or lost it.
Low right, lost or failed to achieve back tension and poor release and/or letting string hand go forward while releasing.  Try these things and see if it helps.
Try saying this out loud as you practice: Anchor, back tension, pause"... you shouldn't have to say release as it should be automatic when your bow arm is liined up and your brain's computer unconsiously releases. Try pausing AFTER achieving back tension for about a half second to let your bow arm settle.  It's okay... say it aloud for a while until it comes automatically.  See how you do.

[critman]

Thanks manitou1, went out and shot some today working on form. I find that when I hold for a second, focus, release, the shot goes straight. Oh what a feeling!

[Boester19]

Im glad I read this thread tonight, had a frusterating 3D shoot today. My form has been getting really sloppy and inconsitent. looking forward to trying out the "Anchor, back tension, pause" tomorrow. I think I tend to over think when I shoot and that might just be the solution to keeping it simple!  

[manitou1]

Good to hear critman.  If I do the back tension and pause, I am almost guaranteed a kill.  It's amazing, huh! Another exercise that is good if you start getting into the habit of not "squeezing" your back tension and try using your arm instead... or if you neglect back tension:  Stand with a tree, corner of a building, or a post behind your string arm elbow.  As you draw to and anchor, press your string elbow, or just above it against the post, tree, or building corner.  Focus on pressing just a tiny amount of pressure against the immovable object as you pause, focus, then release.  Your first couple of shots will likely be off a bit as you will be focusing behind you on that elbow... but after a couple of shots you will be amazed at your release and the feeling of back tension.  I have to refresh every now and then using this method just to remind me what everything is supposed to feel like.  Just a few shots every now and then gives me a tune up.
Hope this helps out,
Rick

[manitou1]

Yeah Alex... when I over think I usually concentrate on one or two steps in my form and neglect something else. ( The reason for saying the steps aloud when things get sloppy) Gotta find a balance and relax... let it happen and trust your bow arm. Trust your brain's computer to make the release and the shot.  Get that back tension and pause down and I believe you will be pleasantly surprised. I know if you negelct the pause... the easiest step to forget or rush, you will loose accuracy... usually left/right since you didn't give your brain a chance to settle that bow arm in.  It is  almost unnoticeable, but it is happening. Don't force the shot... let your subconcious take over and let it happen when it does. If that makes any sense!  Happy shooting,
Rick

I shoot right handed and any time I shoot to the right I can isolate the cause to either a creep or collapse, which will most often result in a pluck.  Simply put… it’s a loss of back tension.  If you continue to engage the back (keep pulling), thru conclusion, you can’t creep.

When I shoot left, it’s usually a case of not pushing my bow hand toward the mark thru conclusion.

[Sirius Black]

I was shooting recently, and grouping just a bit left. I added maybe 1/4" to my BH, and the arrows moved right on target. I got this idea from a Rick Welch dvd. Tune to get the arrows to hit right where you are looking- makes sense.

[manitou1]

Yup... If you consistantly group left you can add a softer side plate and it will bring your group to the right 3-4 inches@20yards. Amazing stuff, what a little texture or thickness of the sideplate makes. Opposite... if you are grouping right, add a firmer or leather side plate.

[Atennishu]

all good tips, I notice once and while I will get an arrow that kicks left, and its almost always my release,

[FatherOfGnute]

Great thread!  I was struggling with this for a while as well - still do when I get sloppy/tired.

The dynamics of shooting a recurve/longbow are really fascinating to me.  The mental model that works for me (yer mileage may vary) is to think of my back tension as the lock or concrete of my form.

As others have stated above, draw, anchor, lock, release, follow through.

So many dynamics at work thru the shot... no wonder all the great shooters here harp on CONSISTENT form.