Making the switch! RH to LH

[silvertip73]

I posted earlier about being sad about the deer season ending here in MN.  I have decided that it is the perfect time to try and make the switch to left handed.  I have always shot everything right handed but a few years ago I found out I was left eye dominant.  I have fought the change thinking I shoot good enough right handed but in the back of my mind it always bothered me thinking I could shoot better.  I have a 4X4 block in my basement and am going to make a full blown try at a switch with daily shooting and a litle reprograming.  I am also switching to three under since I am reprograming anyway, I have always shot split but played around with three under a little and liked the idea of it.  Anyway, just thought I would see if anyone else out there might be thinking the same or has any suggestions.  Thanks!

[slivrslingr]

I'm like you and will hopefully fully switch one day.  Right now I'm still working on consistency.  The hardest part is the first couple times you shoot it will feel incredibly awkward, but after a few sessions you'll be used to it.  My only suggestion is to start close, get your form down, then start working in some distance.  Winter is a great time to do it since you can shoot in your basement.  Oh yeah, you might want to have a BIG backstop behind your target for a while!

[Mountainboy]

I switched when I started shooting recurve-only and never looked back.  My shooting definitely improved.

[GRINCH]

I hope it works for you,let me know when those unused right handed bows go up for sale.  

[GRINCH]

I hope it works for you,let me know when those unused right handed bows go up for sale.  

[billy shipp]

I switched from right handed to shooting lefty 25 years ago. It was awkward at first, but you come around pretty quick.

I noticed that when I shot a lot....100 arrows a day, my bow arm got very tired. I am naturally right handed, so my right arm is  stronger than my left arm, and shooting right handed I held the bow with my weakest arm....the left one. I still shoot right handed, but I'm definitely better shooting left handed.....shooting instinctively, I personally don't feel the dominate eye is a big factor in my shooting accuracy.

Try it and see....it won't take long to get the hang of it, and you may like shooting lefty better.

[Big Ed]

I am probably switching to. Severe damage to my right hand and fingers. Just got to wait for some healing to take place. Look forward to the challenge!!

[Bowwild]

I switched to lefty in 1996 after shooting RH since the mid-60's.  It was the best move I ever made, I was on my way out of archery due to mental shooting problems.

1. Get light equipment.
2. Make a loop of string that replicates your draw length and perfect the shooting process with it.
3.Focus on re-learning how to shoot. Shoot blank bales at close range (5-7 yards) until you master it.
4. If you could attend a NASP Certification class, MN is one of the top 5 NASP states, Kraig Kiger is your MN DNR Coordinator, you would find it immensely helpful. Many left-eyed adults have switched to LH shooting during NASP training.

Stick with it.  The state 4-H and NASP coordinator for North Dakota switched from RH to LH back in 2006. He had shot RH for 32 years. In two days he announced he was shooting LH better than he had ever shot RH.

There is a DVD called "Beyond NASP" you can buy at  www.archerhyintheschools.org  that teaches the "Eleven Steps to Archery Success". It teaches how to make the string bow, mental aspects of archery, etc.  If you'd rather have a 100% traditional focus, the same author, Tim Strickland produces a DVD about shooting Traditional --www.stricklandsarchey.com

Good luck and good for you!

[ChetterB]

I am right handed and left eye dominate -- made the switch from right hand to left hand several years ago very glad I did. Today I am very confident of the accuracy of my left hand shooting. Couple pieces of advice: Find a light weight bow, practice at close range, only concern yourself with good form -- vow to let down before you shoot an arrow without good form. Your muscle memory, and confidence will build fast, good luck Jerry.

[jfelkins]

Bowwild,

Would expound on #2 please?

[ks_jon]

Very cool, I'm doing the save thing asap... I even have a nice fella on here sending me a loaner bow. Tradgang is awesome.