Form Evaluation

[PennDude]

I'm looking to improve my shooting and have never had any instruction or mentoring.  Pretty much just picked up this bow and starting shooting it.  I've watched a few YouTube videos on form but it's hard to duplicate if you can't watch yourself.  So, I was looking for some critiquing on my shooting form.  

I have always shot off the tips of my fingers and I'm trying a deeper hook on the first finger joint in this video.  Try not to pick me apart too badly!


 

[moebow]

Christopher (Chris?),

3 things I'd have you work on if we were working together.

1.  Close your bow fingers to the back of the bow before you ever even lift to draw.  You are catching the bow at release.  Catch if BEFORE you shoot, relax that hand with the fingers lightly on the back of the grip.  Don't stick them out like that.

2.  You are drawing as you are lifting the bow. That puts the "back tension" (if any) across the top of your shoulders (base of the neck) AND leaves your bow arm lower than 90 degrees to your body.

Lift the bow, then draw (open) the bow with a SLIGHTLY downward movement with both hands (keep the bow arm 90 degrees to the spine/body!!).  That will do 3 things.  Bow arm at 90 degrees (strong!).  Tension lower in the back (down across the shoulder blades) and not across the top of the shoulders. And, help with the string hand motion by lowering the string arm elbow a little.  Think draw on the horizon, keep square then IF shooting at a target on the ground bend at the waist -- MAINTAIN the 90 degrees!! Archer's "T"!!!

 3.  Your actual release (finger motion) looks OK at this point.  But learning that "deep hook" takes MORE than just a couple times.  Think instead, a MONTH or TWO!!  The string hand needs to come straight back to a point in the air behind the ear; not down to nearly your right shirt pocket button.

You don't say how long you have been shooting.  You aren't doing too bad at this point but these 3 things MAY help you.

Arne

[PennDude]

Thank you so much for the pointers.  I've been shooting a compound for 9 years and a recurve sporadicly for 2 years.  I'm going to work on these points in my practice sessions.

[ThePushArchery]

Where at in PA are you?

[tracker12]

Catching that bow like Arne mentioned will really effect the arrow flight.  You start to catch the bow on instinct as soon as you release introducing torque.  Bad habit I developed from my compound days.