HELP with my form

[Gerardo]

I have notice that I raise my elbow at final draw and anchor, is this okay , does it affect my overall shooting , I seem to shoot fine , but want to improve

 

[Wapiti Bowman]

Gerardo said:

 

I seem to shoot fine , but want to improve

The single problem I've seem with shooters using that 'high' elbow position is torquing the string downward, and applying pressure to the top of the nock. This can result in the arrow hopping, or bouncing up when it strikes the arrow rest upon release.

If that's not happening upon your release, you're comfortable at full draw, and you're satisfied with your consistency, there may be no need to make changes.

However, proper alignment exists when the tip of your elbow is in a direct line with the tip of your arrow. Do you have proper alignment.

Also, a good release and follow through requires that you use back tension to hold your draw wt at full draw. I tried elevating my drawing elbow to the position indicated in your pic; and I cannot achieve back tension with my elbow in that position. Can you??

Trad archery is a never ending quest for improvement, IMHO!  

[moebow]

Wapati is right.  Do you see the downward bend in your arrow?  That is indicative of the high elbow placing pressure on your index finger.  Also your bow arm and elbow look to be over extended and not relaxed at all.

[Gerardo]

Wapiti , thanks you hit it right in the spot , I do feel my arrow sometimes jumps, I am trying but can not get that proper alignment do I need to bend my knees?

moebow, yes in the picture the arrow seems to bend , I had not looked at the arrow, and it is very clear thank you

[moebow]

Gerardo,  I might suggest that you look at my shooting video I posted a couple months ago.  It is the thread at the end of page two (4th from the end) that is titled "shooting form".  It may give you some ideas.

[Terry Green]

IMO....when your elbow approaches 10 O'Clock....problems can start to evolve...and you are close to that point if not there already.

An elbow a little high is no big deal as long as you have proper alignment....but you are pushing it a bit.

[Wapiti Bowman]

Gerardo said:

 

I am trying but can not get that proper alignment do I need to bend my knees?

Archery, as with any sport, requires a firm foundation/stance which requires that your knees be unlocked and flexible, but not necessarily bent to any appreciable degree.

As for achieving proper alignment, if you can stand with your arms extended shoulder height, straight out from your sides, as if an airplane wing, I would think that you could attain proper alignment, at full draw, barring any shoulder injuries. However, you may have to relax your drawing shoulder so that it is on the same level/plane as your bow arm shoulder.

Good Luck, and Have Fun!

[roy easom]

loosen the grip

[zetabow]

Originally posted by Terry Green:
IMO....when your elbow approaches 10 O'Clock....problems can start to evolve...and you are close to that point if not there already.

An elbow a little high is no big deal as long as you have proper alignment....but you are pushing it a bit.

 
Now this is crazy angle and he still managed to become European Field champion a few years back, it's a 50# Longbow and he manages to shoot conistently good scores in both Field and 3D

[moebow]

zetabow

The human creature is capable of many accommodations to make something work.  Is the European Field champ still shooting??  The tremendous tension in his bicep to hold that angle must put extreme strain on that elbow.  I see no bone support for the weight of the bow and his force-draw line is non existent.

There is no arguing success but I certainly wouldn't want to teach it that way.

[zetabow]

Originally posted by moebow:
zetabow

There is no arguing success but I certainly wouldn't want to teach it that way.

Yep he still shoots and I agree, I would never teach anybody to have such a high elbow.