About the shot sequence

[Tdaniels]

hello . I’ve been a stick shooter since the mid 80’s . Mostly longbows . I’m now shooting a Toelke Whistler at 51@28 . I was a snap shooter in my other life . I was pretty consistent,I had a split finger high anchor ( ring finger in the corner of my mouth )  I touched my anchor and away it went, also with a swing draw . I had shoulder surgery ( not from archery ) , and also had to use glasses . After the surgery I decided to change it all . I went from the high anchor to middle finger in COM,slowed everything down , set bow arm , slower rotational draw ,  solid reference (anchor ) . The problem for me is the “transfer to hold” movement . I go through my shot sequence methodically , draw to my reference , settle on target and start expansion until the shot goes off . My hand is behind my ear after the shot . I’m not “feeling the back “ take over . I’m shooting 20 -30 arrows very disciplined ( I think ) at a session , one at a time . No fatigue or sore rear delts . Doing things right and not knowing it  ? Any advice is appreciated Thanks

[McDave]

This video by Moebow (Arnie Moe) was very helpful to me in drawing the bow effectively, and getting into the back muscles.    While it may not be possible to start using the back muscles at the very beginning of the draw, the secret is to start using them at the earliest moment possible.  For me, that means when I’ve drawn the bow no more than 2-3 inches.  As you near full draw, the drawing elbow should stop the backward movement and start to form an arc around the backbone.  Viewed from above, the movement of the elbow would describe a “J” shape.  This isn't something you try to do, it is the result of using back tension rather than arm muscle tension.  I've found it helpful in teaching people to have them stand in front of a flagpole or something and have them press against the pole with the back of the elbow, to get the feeling of using the back muscles.  I don't think it is possible to do that without using the back muscles.

[Tdaniels]

 Thank you sir .

[McDave]

One thing I forgot.  If you are drawing correctly using your back muscles, you will reach a place at the end of the “J” where you can't draw anymore.  If you reach this spot, you're probably using your back muscles.

If you practice drawing the bow with the back of your elbow pressing against a flagpole or something similar at full draw, it will also help you to become aware of your back muscles, as I said.  Now when you reach the end of the “J” in a regular shot and can't draw any further, press back against an imaginary flagpole the same as you would if there were a real flagpole there.  Keep up the pressure until after your shot is released.  Do that every time you shoot and you probably won't have anymore problems with back tension.

[Tdaniels]

Thanks Mc Dave .I will be trying the advice first thing in the morning !

[BillyfromSuperior]

This guy knows his stuff! Look at his draw arm elbow! (*perfectly In line with the arrow!)
This is good stuff.

Follow this guy! I will!

[BillyfromSuperior]

Sorry: Tdaniels, It was such a good thread I lost my manners.
Shoot often and long.

[Tdaniels]

Hey Billy , I’d look but there’s no link . Happy Holidays