HELP WANTED grouping high

[Dawnpatrol]

I could really use some help with a consistent shooting issue. Am having a really tough time figuring this one out. It's been several months now and I'm still not over it. So, looking for some good advice.

I'm consistently grouping high 4-6" on the target at distances from 15-25 yards. I'm putting a tight bundle of arrows directly above the spot. I shoot split finger and noticed that my bottom string finger has a well-developed callus on the lower side. Maybe that is a clue, so thought I'd mention. I'm shooting an ILF. Can I tighten one limb more than the other to make the arrow drop into the zone? Is this Is this a tuning issue, form, release?

Here's the one other thing, which I think I got figured out, but would also like some input. Occasionally, I'll do something odd and an arrow will jump high left 12". I'm thinking that is a pluck off the face. I'm a right handed shooter.

Help a brother out.

[Jasper2]

I'm sure that you've already tried this but just in case, have you tried raising your nock point?  You said that you shoot split finger, how do you anchor? Maybe try a higher anchor?  I'm sure the experts will be along shortly to help  

Take care,
Jason

[moebow]

DP,  At this point, I wouldn't recommend changing your limb tiller.  You may want to play with your nocking point a little to see if that helps BUT, with your description of the callus on the bottom of your ring finger -- here is what I would look at first.

If you can take a video or second choice a photo of you at full draw, look at the relative height of your string arm elbow.  Sounds like it might be a little high.  Calluses are indicators that something isn't as good as it should be and especially if the callus is other than on the pad of your finger.  Another thing to look at is how much tension you have in the string forearm and wrist.  Be sure you are as relaxed as absolutely possible and especially in the wrist.  That will allow the weight of the bow to line up your hand and fingers for you.  Don't try to do that yourself, let it happen.

As far as high groups are concerned,  just start close 5 yards or so and shoot at that distance until you can "see" what is needed to hit the spot.  Then back up a little - not more that another 5 yards (less would be better) and shoot at that distance until, again, you start to "see" the alignment needed to hit there.  Keep going until you get to distances you want.

Remember that with what ever you finally "label" your aiming system (instinctive, gap, split,etc) that MOST of them will have the arrow tip below the target.  If you insist on placing the arrow tip ON the target to be hit, you will always be high inside your point on range.

Yes, it sounds like your occasional high Left is a release issue.  We all get that once in a while -- some more than others.

Arne

[BobCo 1965]

Is the callus unusual for you altogether? Or is it from excessive shooting?

Finger pressure distribution inconsistancies can sure cause havoc on the shot. But what is causing it can also be difficult to determine. Personally, I usually let the index finger start with the most initial pressure in the hook and let things settle themselves out through the draw without thinking much about it.  In the end, I like 40% index, 50 middle, 10 ring. If I do think about it much, things can get bad fast. .

[Dawnpatrol]

Arne-
Good points regarding high elbow, callus points, and  relaxing the wrist/hand. I'll focus on those next session. Am thinking that you are probably right that it is an alignment thing with the back elbow. After the shot my bowhand drops a few inches, every time. Am thinking that is also a symptom that my elbow is high.

Alex

[Dawnpatrol]

BobCO-
The callus location is somewhat unusual. I shoot almost every day, twice a day for 10 minutes (about 50 arrows per session). The callus appearing on the side of the ring finger is odd, although calluses in general are not unusual for me.

I've been playing with redistributing finger pressure upward toward my index and middle fingers. Seems to bring the arrow down slightly as well as getting better arrow flight. However, as you pointed out, concentrating on finger tension distracts me from what I should be focusing on, which is the target.
Alex

[Dawnpatrol]

Thanks everybody for the input. Will put it to work.
Alex