Muscle memory?

[Mudd]

If I think I've finally got all the right points down for having the correct form and start focusing on "doing it right", How long before I can expect some muscle memory to start forming? Thank you!
God bless,Mudd

[BLACK WOLF]

With each draw of the bow you can create muscle memory. How quickly an archer picks it up and maintains it really depends on the individual.

When you no longer have to consciously think about it and you are in your correct alignment is when you really begin to master it

Ray  

[laddy]

One thing I know for sure, if you flinch 90 arrows out of a hundred you have practised flinching.  That is the mistake i made,

[Scott J. Williams]

When we teach a new form or technique in martial art, we tell the student that they must execute the technique or movement at least 34 times before it becomes a part of the mental process to the point that it can be recalled with little effort.  

This rule holds pretty much true for the average person. We also tell the student that the technique or movement must be exeucted with total focus for 300 times before the mental and the muscle execution becomes one.  That is the point where the activity becomes nearly automatic, or instinctive.  Additional practice is always desired as one progresses to an even higher degree of proficency.

I guess if the rule is in effect for martial training,   I see no reason why it should not be just as effective for shooting a bow. If one was to practice 300 sessions, not arrows, with total focus to the execution of the activity for which the person is attempting to master, he or she should began to experience what you call muscle memory. One must remember that it is a gradual process, and like all things you get better with practice.  It is not a mystical thing that says you put in 300 and now you are the second coming of Howard Hill! Progess will be gradual, most often with peaks and valleys.  You will have times of great increase in skill, while the further you go up the skill ladder, you will not see those great jumps, but will continue to move higher, in smaller increments. Don't get in a hurry, it is not the destination that we should always desire as the goal.  Sometimes the lessons are learn in the journey.

One word of caution, as stated above, it is much like a computer,  junk in junk out.  Put in the best you can muster, and you will receive the fruit of your labors.

I would suggest a regular session, such as 40 well shot arrows. Of course it could be broken down to practice on what you need to work on, such as working on your release by shooting at the target with your eyes closed at two or three steps. This will allow for the feel of the shot, the back tension, the pull through.

[BLACK WOLF]

laddy and Scott,

You boys got it! I also often use martial arts to describe the similarities with instinctive aiming and defending one's self.

Ray  

[Scott J. Williams]

Thanks Ray,

     In fact, the shooting of a bow in war is considered Martial Art, and is still taught as the discipline in Korean, Japan, and China.

[AllenR]

The number that I've heard for un-learning an old technique and learning a new technique is 2,000 to 3,000 arrows.  If the old technique is solidly ingrained in your subconscious it may take many more than this.

Of course this will vary depending on many factors.  

One thing that I've learned will shorten this a little is to shoot a fewer arrows several times a day rather than a single long session.  It seems that the first 10 to 15 arrows are giving the most benefit.

[Scott J. Williams]

Allen,

     If you read my response correctly, you will see that the method calls for continued practice. I train police officers, and armed forces personel, these people are ready to do what they do within the time alotted above.
While it is important that they continue to train and refine their techniques, there is a level of acceptable execution.  

      If you feel that 2,000 or 3,000 arrows is where it is at, go for it.  However it is not the number of arrows that is important, it is the number of sessions.  By the way, what do you think 34 times 300 equals.....NUFF SAID!!!!

[John 4]

I used to shot a 70lb Jerry hill wild cat.
It's been 10 years but my muscles still remember that.

[Wldhorse]

A word of caution, Practice makes permeant; so make sure that the proper fundamentals are second nature to you. Your Target will tell you when you are doing it right.  Pete

[AllenR]

Scott, I agree with you much more than I disagree.  In fact the only thing that I disagree with you is that it usually doesn't take 10,200 repetitions to practice a technique to the level that we are doing it subconsciously.  This is both from long time coaches and personal experience.   Perhaps if someone isn't able to properly focus on the change they are trying to make, it may take that many.  But I definitely agree that the 34+ FOCUSED repetitions per session will make any change a permanent habit.

An archer will be better with 10,000 arrows if they are working on the right things, but to change one thing such as anchor point, 2,000 arrows will be more than enough do it if properly focused.

I definitely agree with you about continued practice and refinement.

Best regards,
Allen

[Blackhat]

Perfect practice make perfect.  At least that's what all my instructors have been preaching for years.  When you start getting sloppy quit, if not before.

[BLACK WOLF]

Excellent statement, Blackhat....that's exactly right. Practicing sloppy techinique is only going to engrain sloppy techinique, which is exactly what an archer or any other athlete doesn't want to do.

Ray