rotational drawing

[The Night Stalker]

I have been shooting and hunting with a bow for 35 yrs. Over the years I went from short drawing to target panic. Last year I went to Rick Welch clinic and I started shooting three under and pulling my draw hand back to my ear lobe then easing my hand forward to anchor. I really can not touch my nose with my feather due to glasses and my facial features. I thought I had been using my back muscles with this method but always had pain in my anterior shoulder. Over the years I went from 65lbs down to 60, down to 58 down to 54 and now I shoot around 47bs. After reading the rotational drawing post and watching the video by Moebow, I gave it a try. I shot for ever with no pain and was amazed. My target panic issues are better. I kept it close at about 15 yards and was able to hit a target the size of a 50ct piece several times. Sometimes I would throw an arrow but I guess I have not used this method long enough and will get better with time. I like it because my pain is gone.
      Some of you guys can let me know your thoughts. In another post, I read everyones anchor is different and your true anchor is with your back. I usually anchor with the top of my cavalier metal tap to my cheek bone below my eye. For you guys that have tried this or have went to Ricks school can tell me how your shooting is doing. I am going to try to email moebow later and some others that have specific questions.
   I still do not get the part about your elbow being higher than your shoulder. The point in the video where he says around and down. Does it mean your draw arm and elbow should be level with your shoulder then come up to your anchor when you feel your back engageing?

[moebow]

TNS  I'm very glad that the technique reduces your pain in the shoulder!  That is a very good thing.  When you are experimenting with the technique try to lift the bow hand, arrow and drawing arm (it is all one package)up to your nose level.  This will seem VERY high at first.  What this will do is give you the room to rotate your drawing elbow around your spine and allow room for your elbow to travel in a SLIGHTLY downward direction when COMPARED to your shoulder LINE.  This movement will help you pull the bow with the lower back of your shoulder and the strong muscles on and around your shoulder blade.

Doing this, you will PROBABLY end your draw SLIGHTLY below your anchor point so then just lift your string hand to your face references.

If you watch the video carefully, you can see the slight downward direction of the movement of the elbow and then the little lift to anchor.  Also, if you haven't, you may want to look at the video "shooting a Hill bow using the BEST system" for still more views of the technique.

I always RECOMMEND that you do not draw past your face reference points and then let the hand move forward to anchor.  That forward movement disconnects your back tension and it is difficult to get back without starting over.

Feel free to email me with questions.  Again, I emphasize that this is one of many ways to shoot a bow and is only offered as a SUGGESTION to try.  NOBODY has to do it this way!!!!!

[The Night Stalker]

I already have been lifting my bow hand. I look right down the self at the target. My arrow is pointing to the left like in the video. As I pull, should my elbow be at 90% or slightly lower. My tendency is to pull with it slightly lower. I will study the video some more.
As I pull around, my arrow lines up with the target as I lift to anchor. My top metal part of my cavilier tap hits my cheek bone as my C part of my hand follows the contour of my jaw. This is very comfortable for me. I concentrate for a second or two with the arrow lined up. I look at the spot but I can see that the arrow is lined up in my secondary vision. Tonight was my second night of this rotating draw technique. I shot around 10 to 18 yards. First couple of arrow were off but then I tuned in and was shooting within a couple of inches everytime. The last shot, I backed up to 25 yards on the range and missed to the right at about an inch. My tendency to quick shoot is better. It is definately harder the further away from the target as far as the quick release goes. I will check out the other video (shooting the hill bow) The best thing about all this is that I can shoot pain free for a long time.  Tim

[The Night Stalker]

looking back,it looks like your elbow is at 90%, the video is easier to follow now.

[mahantango]

Outstanding. Moebow's videos should be required for anyone learning to shoot a stickbow. Proper body mechanics go a long way towards preventing shoulder injuries.

[The Night Stalker]

Tonight, I shot and worked of form and alignment using the rotational draw and Terry's clock alignment. Before, I was not really conscious of the alignment. Everything is slowing down and I can hold forever. I also ordered the masters of the barebow 4 for another look at Target Panic. I am going to sit in the woods tomorrow and if something comes by, I am going to use this method and try to slow down and pinpoint the shot. I usually shoot them so fast, I do not remember the shot.