Bareshaft low mystery solved...I think

[olddogrib]

As one who is fanatical about tuning, I keep a bare shaft in the quiver to periodically check that the "statue quo" hasn't changed. I occasionally shoot a tournament with a bare shaft to force myself to concentrate on form.  I've been totally frustrated of late to see a pronounced nock high kick well downrange. The arrow will generally flatten out and stick in the target perfectly horizontal, spine slightly weak (as I prefer) but way low. Even though I've measured and nothing's changed and no rest wear, I tinkered with nock height to no avail.  Finally drew in front of a mirror and noticed I've crept into a nasty high elbow on my draw arm.  Brought the elbow back down in line (which feels unnatural I've done it wrong for so long), and the order of the universe is restored! Still don't know what caused me to change. I've had two arthroscopies on that shoulder's rotator cuff and assume I just started "fudging" or dropping my head to meet anchor somewhere along the way.  Just thought I pass this tidbit along and save some foreheads, mine is bloody enough for all.

[Orion]

Thanks.  I don't bare shaft much, but every now and then I get some arrow porpoising that I can't explain.  I usually attribute it to vertical torque from not applying enough drawing force and/or applying it in too much of a downward direction, with my index finger, vis-a-vis the rest of my fingers.  In fact, that's probably the case.  The reason, however, seems to be a high elbow.  It doesn't happen when I keep my elbow in line.  Thanks again for the reminder.

[Car54]

Boy do I need someone to remind me,  one of my biggest problems. Elbow down!

[Gooserbat]

Thanks for the scoop.  I'll check and see if that my problem.

[jwhitetail]

I need the reminder to... just tuning some arrows to a new LB and kept getting nock high... rememebred that the bowyer told me to drop my elbow when he saw me shoot the bow... I thnik thats my problem.  Now I need to blind bale for a while with a low elbow as it feels strange.
JW

[Flying Dutchman]

Bareshafting is a good way to show form problems....