How long at full draw

[Outrigger]

How long would you recommend that a split vision archer maintain full draw before releasing the string?

[quail]

Speaking from what works for me....you should not try and force your shot into a certain time frame. What I mean is this: Develop a shot sequence or shooting routine that involves walking yourself mentally through each critical step of your process.   When I have completed all the steps in my shot process,(stance, bow grip, draw, anchor points, etc.), my last step is to focus on my target/sight picture as I am building back tension till my shot goes off. If I think anything like "release now" or "shoot" aka commanding my shot to go off consiously, bad things happen. Sometimes that takes more time than others, depending on the shot. Focus on the spot or your sight picture (depending on how your aiming method works for you), and when it's right, it will happen. Everyone is a little different in how they approach the mental side of shooting an arrow. Find a shooting routine that allows you to be consistent and accurate, and the timing will come. If you need to speed up or slow down you can practise for that, but not until you have a solid routine planted firmly in your mind. Hope this is helpful and makes sense!

[McDave]

What Quail said is good solid advice.

There is more than one way to skin a cat, and you have to find the way that works best for you. Howard Hill originated the term split vision, as far as I know, and he released the arrow as soon as he reached full draw. Rick Welch is about as good a shot as Howard Hill was (though not as famous) and he enforces a two second hold. Both are/were natural good shots who didn't require any formal archery training, although both offer(ed) classes to others.

Shooting naturally is a good technique for those who shoot naturally well. For the rest of us.... we might need to struggle through learning to do things that feel unnatural at first so we can shoot better later. I know which category I fit into, although I obviously can't answer the question for you.

[RecurveRookie]

I agree with these guys.  I shoot best with a 2-3 second hold, when it looks right, the arrow almost releases itself.

[njloco]

Whatever time it takes for my form to line up and my eyes to pick up my sight window/spot, 1-2 seconds, arrows gone.