switching right hand to left.

[Matthew Bolton]

I've been flirting with the idea for a while because I'm left eye dominant and sometimes I cant really focus on a spot sometimes.

Well today I finally got a left handed bow that is about 46# at my draw (40@28) because that's what I could get at the time. While trying to overcome the awkwardness of it, I found I have an awful hard time getting to full draw. Now I have never done anything with my left side in terms of shooting so these muscles aren't in the best shape. Will my muscles acclimate to this in a week or two?

[moebow]

Yes, you could acclimate but it won't be very easy.  You are going to learn the mirror image of what you already know and it will be as strange as can be for a while.  If you can get a light weight stretch band that would help you learn the motions you need for your left side.  It is NOT a question of strength, it is learning a new way of moving and that is best done with light resistance at first.

Find a light thera band or thera tube and practice the drawing motion until it feels more comfortable; work in front of  a mirror so you can see what is going on too.  Then try your bow.  It will still feel heavy but with the practice from the band should be easier  than it may feel now.

Arne

Arne

[Stumpkiller]

I injured my right hand (snipped a finger tip off in a tractor fan - now reattached) a month ago and have had to switch to lefty.  Boy, does it make you concentrate on form.  I bought a 41# LH bow (a Red Wing Hunter) that I draw to about 45#.  At 15 yards I am shooting a dozen shafts daily and trying to get so it feels narural.  So far it does not.  But it is improving.  The draw weight has not been a problem; but the focus and anchor sure has!  

The "rotational draw" mentioned hereabouts is what previously we had called "full draw".  I'm 6'3" and pull a full 30" and have a relatively upright, target stance as that was where I got my start (single-pin 18 & 25M target archery in college).  

I have been working on one thing at a time: bow arm, draw elbow, anchor, release (I do mostly static), stance, etc., etc.  It has been an excellent exercise.

[joe skipp]

Started shooting LH last Feb due to shoulder injury, which will require surgery in Jan. I started out just pulling back a 30# bow every day. Awkward at first but after awhile it becomes easier.

Next I began to draw an arrow back. I needed to find a comfortable anchor point and learning not to curl my fingers too much causing the arrow to bounce off the shelf. Again, took my time until I was satisfied I could nock an arrow, draw and hit/hold at my anchor.

Month later I began shooting in my shop at my pillow bag...5 yds. Here I concentrated on my form and release. "Upon release, both hands do nothing." Finally, making sure my split vision method was working LH. Every now and then my right eye took over and arrows flew off the mark. I always kept both eyes open.

Finally....started shooting outside at 10-15 yds with a 43# bow. I made sure I shot the same way LH as I do RH. I gradually built up bow weight where I find 52# at my 27" draw is very comfortable. When September rolled around, I was very confident out to 35 yds. Take your time, develop your muscles and work hard on the form. You'll be fine..


 


 

[Matthew Bolton]

Bit of an update. I spent today working on my draw, bow hand, and playing with the brace height. Well I can gladly say that I'm getting it down. My main goal was to get my bow hand situated after I got the brace height figured. I got my hand finally situated where its comfortable and repeatable.

Next I worked on using my back muscles and form. It feels and looks like I'm getting there but not quite yet. After a bit of work I can do really well at around 4 yards shooting.

The biggest thing I've noticed is how much easier it is to pick a spot now. Its almost effortless which I am A-OK with.