Got a bow...........and questions

[3spop]

I purchased my first trad bow, a recurve, from a trad gang member. Couldn't help myself and took it out back and shot this afternoon. Lots of fun. I was shooting with a glove. I started out shooting split fingered. The arrow kept coming off the rest when I was drawing. I read somewhere on here about what caused that. What was it that I was doing wrong? I then shot 3 fingers under and the arrow didn't come off anymore. Looking at the arrow sitting on the rest while trying to hold the bow towards the target, it looks like the arrow is aiming off to the left. Is this normal? Here are some pics of the rest and the arrow sitting on the rest. Please delete if pics are too big. I tried to shrink them.
 
 

I based my shooting form on videos I have watched on here and a few guys I have seen shoot recurves. I actually think I did pretty good for my first time. I kept the arrows inside about a 12" square at 10 yards. I have been reading on here about anchor points, smooth releases, bow hand falling, collapsing, and alignment. It was alot for me to try to focus on. Keep in mind I'm just winging this on my own. Seems like when I just drew back and let loose I shot my best. This bow is 45# at 28" and I think I'm drawing around 27 or so. The weight is no problem for me so far. Anyways, I'll appreciate all tips and advise for a new traditional shooter. Thanks.

[sendero25]

3spop,
The arrow is coming off of the rest when you draw because as you are drawing, and the weight of the bow increases, you are "clinching" or gripping the string and arrow too tight. That causes your fingers to rotate in and left, dragging the arrow off of the shelf.
The arrow will probably be pointing off to the left (for a right handed shooter) when the bow isn't cut to center, and the diameter of the shaft keeps the center of the arrow away from the riser by 1/2 the diameter of the arrow.
(if that makes sense).
It is normal and no cause for alarm.
There are a lot of folks here from Mississippi and there are probably some near you that would be glad to help with your form.
Just ask and I'm sure they will show up and let you know when shoots are in you area.
Good luck! I hope I helped a little.
John

[R H Clark]

Yea,for a new shooter there is a lot of shot sequence parts to think about.Just stay close to your target 5-10 yards for now and try to concentrate on one part.Don't even worry about aiming,just work on that one part untill it becomes automatic.Then work on another part.When you get all the parts down then start aiming.

A very fine shooter finally got it through to me that the worst enemy to a great shot is trying to think about hand placement,back tension,proper anchor,follow through,or anything else when you should be aiming in total concentration on the spot you want to hit.