aiming?

[runningbird]

I just started shooting a long bow after 35 years of shooting a compound.  I always shot with a site. I always shot right handed even though I am left eye dominant.

Now I am shooting left handed and am looking for help at aiming or just shooting.  I am really struggling.  It seems like if I just walk up to about 15 yards and draw and shoot with out thinking that I am dead on for the first three shots or so.  after that I'm all over the place, and I mean 8 to 12 inches off. At that point I some times try to aim with the tip or even the whole shaft of the arrow.  And again I may be close sometimes but not consistent at all.

I do have  the DVD masters of the barebow 3 and have watched it many times.  But If I had a choice I would like to shoot instinctively, Just focusing on my spot.  

Not that there are may similarities but with the compound I am at 2" groups at 50 yards.  I practice hard and often.  Love shooting my long bow just want to start out right.

Any help, thoughts, constructive criticism is welcomed and appreciated.

[Rossco7002]

Try lit vision aiming (a la Howard Hill). Generates good results quickly and becomes 'instinctive' with good practice.

I feel that aiming is the smallest factor in shooting accurately and consistently though. Repeatable form is the first must have so maybe some blank bale work is in order first?

[moebow]

rb,

8-12 inches off in what direction?  For bare bow shooting, work on your form and get good groups at first at very short distances.  3-5 yards.  Then work out very slowly.  You are looking for groups and not bull's eyes at first.

Form is consistency, aiming or hitting specific points is later.

Arne

[slowbowjoe]

" Try lit vision aiming (a la Howard Hill)." Generates good results quickly and becomes 'instinctive' with good practice.

Can't say for sure, but I think what Rossco means is "SPLIT" vision aiming. Combines instinctive ( focus on target) with gap, using the arrow for alignment, but not worrying much about elevation (that's the instinctive part). "Become The Arrow" , by Byron Ferguson, is a fine reference for this style.

[runningbird]

my misses are usually to the right and high...I have shot thru paper and am able to get perfect tears.

[runningbird]

also I have tried the bare shaft tuning method but I am not consistent enough to use that method yet.

[conedoggy]

hey runningbird , i dont think i am qualified to be giving instruction on shooting . but for me i have improved my shooting and my groups considerably in the last month or so . for me i have a few different bows . i would say i started out using the arrow to aim with .. i reach my anchor point and make sure the string is lined with the arrow and the target ..  this really helped me with my accuracy left and right (as long as my grip is relaxed and my release is clean) and doing this over and over again ( i went to my lightest draw weight bow, 45# @ 28 bear cub ) it is a very comfortable draw weight for me . well after shooting so many arrows over the last few weeks it is getting like second nature to have everything lined up right . as for distance i believe i started aiming using the distance in the gap from arrow tip to target . ( i still use this method to a degree ) but after an hour or so i find myself just concentrating on the spot i wanna hitand just let the arrow fly. and it has been working very well for me .. i noticed you said your arrows are usually high and right . i was completely opposite . my arrows always seemed low and left. (moebow , who replied to you helped me improve my grip, making sure my thumb knuckle is on the right side of my grip ) keeping my grip much more relaxed and keeping my arrows flying straight., .

anyway , i am not much of a typing kinda guy, nor do i have the experience of many fella's on here but i hope i helped you in some way shape or form ..
Rob.

[runningbird]

conedoggy,

Thanks for the help....that is some useful advice.  I have never thought of lining up the string with the shaft. My grip seems very good.  I'll work on alignment today.  thanks!

[NBK]

Originally posted by moebow:
rb,

8-12 inches off in what direction?  For bare bow shooting, work on your form and get good groups at first at very short distances.  3-5 yards.  Then work out very slowly.  You are looking for groups and not bull's eyes at first.

Form is consistency, aiming or hitting specific points is later.


Arne

X2.  Aiming can only come after consistent form, otherwise you'll have no repeatable groups on which to judge such aiming.  If you really want to expedite the process, get yourself a good coach, or post vids of yourself shooting and let some of the guys here give you some more advice.

[runningbird]

I had a lesson last night.  Big difference!  prior to the lesson I was unable to find a consistent anchor.  Now I have a better understanding.  This fella gave me one lesson about 20 years ago when I had developed target panic. At that time he gave me the tools to take care of that problem.  So I started nosing around and came up with a number for him.  He came to my place and spent about 1 1/2 hours with me. right now I will just be shooting at 2 yards to develop consistent good form.  wish me luck and thanks for all the help!
Mark

[moebow]

That sound great rb!  Nothing like a "hands on " session to get going in the right direction!!

Let us know how it's going from time to time.

Arne

[runningbird]

Arne
you are right, he gave me so much help and stuff to work on in a couple hours it's amazing.  after the lesson is spent about 45 minutes writing notes.  

He is also a level 4 coach,  his name is Mark Penaz if anyone in AZ needs help.