Need guidance - shooting video included

[Cameron]

Hey Gang,

I've been reading and occasionally posting for 2 years.  I have been shooting my longbow for two years and really love it.  My shooting has steadily improved over the last 2 years but recently has taken a sharp downturn.  This year I have had 3 shots on deer from 15 yards in.  One gut shot, one clean miss, and one strange hit that I thought was good but we never found.  Bummer was it was a legitimate GREAT buck.  

Anyhow I shoot a 50# Mantis longbow and ash arrows with 125 heads.  MY draw is 28" and I'm 6 feet tall.  I have days when I can shot pretty well and hit within 6 inches at 17 yards (which is where I want to be deadly at).  However recently I can't get it back.  My shots are all over the target and I am really fighting a left miss that misses 10-12 inches left.  The shot feels great, the sight picture is just what I'm thinking is perfect, but it's bad.  

I don't know if I'm not getting back, if my release is off, or if there is some hitch in my form I'm missing.  I love golf, shooting basketball, bowling, and other sports where form is essential so please give me anything to try.  I love form issues and really want to have really good form because I really want to be a really good shot.

I am including 2 videos, I know they are not the best.  PLease tell me if you want a different angle or something else and I'll make more videos.  This is killing me and I really want to get this done.  

TVoskamp, who posted last week with his video is my hunting partner and good friend so we compare notes.  

Cameron

 http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/BowTudor/?action=view¤t=Shooting2.flv

 http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i249/BowTudor/?action=view¤t=Shooting1.flv

[Tvoskamp]

Cam,

I could not pick up much from the behind shot but I did see some stuff on the side profile. It seems to me that when you get back to anchor your head is moving around a fair amount trying to get settled in on the arrow and your release goes off during the middle of that head movement. It seems to me that if you can get that head set before the release it will ramp up the consistency, while a release during a moving head might provide inconsistency. Just my thoughts.

Keep at it bud,

Travis

[Todd Hathaway]

I also, noticed nothing major from the back. Your bow arm is rock solid, and your release looks very clean and not forced.

However, from the side I noticed your drawing elbow is quite low compared to the arrow shaft. It should be in line or slightly higher. If you nock under a nocking point, you could actually be lifting the arrow slightly with undue finger pressure from the bottom. If you nock above, it could be making the arrow slide up the string.

Pause that second video when you are at full draw and note the angle difference between the arrow and your forearm.

The only other thing I would suggest is less grip on the bow. Relax the bottom three fingers more and turn your knuckles at about a 45 degree angle. You look like you are getting a pretty firm hold of that grip and it could cause torquing of the bow and erratic arrow flight (you might notice a clacking noise every once in a while if this is the case).

Good luck,
-Todd

[BLACK WOLF]

I have to agree with Travis. Your body just doesn't quite seem settled or solid like someone who is confident with their form or shooting skills.

It could be you don't feel confident with your aiming ability and that's carring over into your form.

I will say...your anchor does look solid...it just seems like you might be rushing the shot to get it off as soon as you hit anchor.

2 suggestions.

1. You don't have to release the moment you hit anchor. You can release the moment you feel solid and on target, which can be a split second to a few seconds. It really depends on the archer but your joints and muscles don't seemed to be locked into position the moment you release. You can practice on making your form more solid by doing some blank bale work. I also find that shooting at a vertical line also helps with becoming very solid.

2. Try a different aiming techiniqe such as Gap or Split Vision.

Ray  

[Cameron]

You are all so right about the head movement.  It has frustrated me for the entire time I have been shooting trad.  That's one of the reasons I changed anchor points from mouth to side of the nose, because it is cleaner.  I will definetly work on a still head, that should clear up a little of my shooting, but I know there is a lot more.

Blackwolf:

I do prefer to hold for a second at anchor - I shoot better that way.  Since I changed my anchor I have been trying a dynamic release but I can't get comfortable with it.  I'll try going back to a settled release and see where it goes.  

I am also frustrated at how uncomfortable I look in the videos.  That may be what bugs me the most, I want to be comfortable and confident, I'm just not sure what's holding me back.

Todd:

Wow, drawing elbow too low, never thought of that.  I have always tried hard to keep it low because when I was a wheelie bow shooter people were always harping on too high elbows.  I have felt my elbow trying to creep up sometimes but I've always suppressed that.  Maybe I'll revisit that.  Thanks!

You guys are giving me such great advice, I'll try to get it on video and let you tell me what you think.

Thanks

Cameron

[Cameron]

ttt