String arm alignment pics.

[SpikeMaster]

I have a couple of pics I would like opinions on. The first is me from behind pretending to draw a bow. I have my hand at my anchor point and I'm pulling my right elbow back as far as possible. I'm not holding a bow in my hand.

 

The next pick is me actually drawing my longbow, anchoring in the same place and pulling my right elbow back as far as I can.

 

You can see a big difference in each picture. Does this mean that I'm over-bowed? I'm pulling about 52 pounds in the second pic. If I dropped down about 10 pounds of draw weight could I get my alignment closer to what it is in the first picture?

[moebow]

Spike,

It's really tough to tell from just static pictures.  But, compare the string arm shoulder position in both photos.  See how much farther to the rear the first picture shoulder is compared to the second?  I would appear to me that if you were to pull that shoulder back more ( don't worry so much about the elbow but concentrate on that shoulder), your elbow will come around more.  Working on this with a lighter bow will help at least at the beginning.

Notice too how much more you are "hunched over" in the second picture.  Remember to pull with your back, not the biceps.  An arm draw will almost always make your elbow move outside the arrow line.

You may also want to do this in a mirror, you will be able to see your own alignment which may help you.

[SpikeMaster]

That's the thing, I'm pulling with my back as hard as I can. I've been shooting with bad alignment for so long my arm muscles are so much stronger than my back muscles. I just don't think I'll be able to get them strong enough this year to get good alignment with this bow. I'm putting together an ILF bow (I've got the riser, string is on order, just need to get limbs) that will be lower in weight.

[moebow]

You might want to check out this video that I posted some time ago.  It shows the movement of the shoulder that may help you.

 

[LoreVa13]

Nice video and advise!

[BobCo 1965]

Correct back tension and position takes time (a lot). I would not expect anything to happen overnight.My recommendation is feel the draw side scapula down and toward the spine to start with. This should help get the shoulder in the correct position.

Take  look at this young guy shooting a 30 pound barebow recurve. Notice how the draw side shoulder position is down and back. Keep in mind that everyone has different flexiblibilty and frame types (including myself) so the exact positioning will differ from indivual to individual.

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvwInZmcCqM&list=HL1330358314&feature=mh_lolz

[Rossco7002]

I had huge problems with this issue, my advice - watch moebows vids on rotational draw and Ranger B's ones on form and the strong hand. Using the knowledge here I was able to obtain correct alignment AND added a good 1.5 inches to my draw length.

Amazing resources those videos, we're lucky that guys have taken the time to post them.

[swampthing]

I notice that the bottom pic does not have your neck jutted out as far. Looks better for her.  Necks naturally curve and are not straight, jutting it out ai'nt a good idea especially under a load.

[SpikeMaster]

Thanks for the responses. They were very helpful. The videos in particular. Moebow I used a bungee cord to get the feel of the draw you were demonstating with the rubber bands. The thing is when I tried it with my bow I couldn't get anywhere near getting the bow drawn. I think I'm definately over-bowed. Going to a lower draw weight bow. Again, thanks.