string hitting chest

[Bear Heart]

I have been shooting a three piece 66" longbow all summer without issue.  Recently I have made two changes. Added clothing for the colder weather and a bolt on quiver. I am getting string contact on my chest unless I lean over a bit. Never had this promlem with shorter bows. Ideas on how to fix this?

[moebow]

Would really need to see to help Bear Heart.

Arne

[Bear Heart]

[moebow]

OK, Not too bad but here is what it looks like is happening.  Watch your bow shoulder and spine line as you draw to full draw.

Do you see how high your bow shoulder is rising?  this combined with a lean back at the same time is moving your chest into the string.  Look at your shirt button line.  See the lean?

You can fix by keeping the bow shoulder down MUCH more.  As you start to lift the bow, lift with your arm but keep that shoulder DOWN. Next work on keeping your spine straight on top of your pelvis.  If it helps to SLIGHTLY lean into the target do that BUT DO NOT hunch forward, just a slight forward bias.  Slightly wider foot position will help here too.  Can't see your feet but judging by your legs, they are too close together.  A wider stance will help keep you spine more vertical.

If you can do that, the string at full draw will be in front (target side) of your shirt pocket and will not be dragged back so far.

Your shot overall looks pretty good, you just need to fix the shoulder and your posture.

Arne

[Bear Heart]

I will work on that this week and post another video when I feel I have made progress.

[moebow]

Sounds good.  One other thought for you but I can't tell for sure from this video angle.  You look like you MAY be arching your back a little too much.

A fix for that is the think "shorten my stomach."  Don't do a "belly crunch" just tighten your stomach muscles a little and that will straighten your spine front to back. Think, "my chin over my toes."

Arne

[Bear Heart]

I have some serious back injuries but I will try to focus on my shooting posture head to toe.

[Bear Heart]

I can really feel the difference when forcing my shoulder to stay down. I think I will change over to my lighter but otherwise same spec limbs to work through this form flaw.

[moebow]

Yep, that's a good starting place and will help with the lean too.

Keep us informed.

Arne

[Sarah]

Moebow is right on, as usual.  

I posted with the same issue a while ago and hadn't even realized how my form had deteriorated.

Locking my bow arm into place throughout my entire draw solved the issue immediately. I can really feel it now when all the bones are in a strong alignment. Groups got better, confidence went way up.

Good luck!