swing draw vs bow arm out

if the form is right the big muscles of the back power up automatically.  I think some do it artificially and it shows in the release. If the fingers come forward of the anchor point at release, the back tension failed.

[forestdweller]

Pavan I agree. Maybe it's just that the archers that are really good like Peter, Byron, and Hill have shot so much to the point where it's automatic for them and they don't have a clue what the term is supposed to mean?

I know for me personally I can easily feel both of my rhomboids contract really hard when I am not even holding a bow and just mimic the motion of the draw.

Is that back tension?

Either way my right forearm and left forearm is still doing a lot of work as are the triceps and shoulders. The right forearm specifically has to be very strong because it is the only muscle group attached to your fingers on the string.

[KeganM]

Another who shoots straight to avoid movement. In truth I don't pay much attention to my draw, I just do what feels comfortable/natural.

[TSP]

If you watch others shoot for awhile (3D, various types of practice shots, even hunting or tutorial vids, etc.) you're likely to see that what they 'think' they do for form isn't quite what they actually do, lol.  

Most good hunters, for instance, will use a variety of different stances/draws based on the situation, even if they don't realize it at the time.  And this makes sense.  Shooting with only one static/never-changing straight arm, or straight up, or swing-it-up approach is not only impractical, it's pretty self-limiting and self-defeating in the real world.  

As for the term 'swing draw'. I believe it is as missed-used as the terms 'traditional' and 'instinctive'.  VERY few people use a full-blown swing draw (from thigh to eye level draw) when shooting, it's simply not needed or not practical for most situations.  Most folks that 'swing draw' have the bow up (off the thigh) about a third to halfway to start, with a bent bow arm.  It promotes focus on the target rather than the bow, better rhythm once the draw starts and still manages to produce limited movement ...a very effective combination overall.  Straight-arm drawing, although having a little less movement to start with, is more restrictive regarding how much bow weight can be handled safely (beware those shoulder/elbow problems) and can actually result in MORE movement if the shooter needs to let down before taking the shot (the elbow rotates outwards more on letdown, more so than with semi-swing arm).  So, I think that comparing what is better, swing or straight drawing, really isn't an apples-to-apples thing.  There are just too many variables between theory and what folks actually do.  If I were to guess how most folks usually draw my guess would be a semi-swing arm...because it makes the most overall sense.

As far as how well the terms 'traditional' and 'instinctive' work today, well I'll just say they're an archery version of Rodney Dangerfield and I'll leave it at that, lol.

'No respect, no respect at all.'

[Trenton G.]

I find that swing draw is easier for me to adjust for longer distances. Inside of 10-15 yards I usually shoot straight arm just because there isn't enough arrow drop to worry about adjustment. Once I get to a distance where my arrow starts dropping, it is easier to just bring the bow up and let it go. Sometimes at really long distances it helps if I actually swing draw to a point higher than needed, then lower the bow to where it's needed again before releasing.

[Terry Green]

Now there is no versus....both work ...

you should learn both and be able to utilize both when the opportunity arises..... or whichever method calls for it

[Draven]

Both work, it depends when you swing - because to have the hand up and draw after, you still have to swing somehow. Timing for initial swing is everything when you hunt, how you follow after is not important imo.