Shaky bow arm (Video Added)

[TexasStick81]

Hi All,

I'm hoping for some feedback.  I've been working on my form in various ways (blank bale, form master drawing, and shooting my 3D pig with a focus on picking a spot) and I've become more aware of my bow arm shaking mildly.  I'm shooting either 49@29 or 53@29 which I don't feel is over bowed for me at all.  I'm in good shape and I'm able to draw with relative ease even with the form master that isolates my rhomboid.  I hear folks mention "bone to bone" alignment with the bow arm and I'm curious if I'm accomplishing it.  I have found that I start with a relatively straight bow arm rather than a push and pull method.  I have been particularly focused on keeping my elbow turned out as well.  I have transitioned from more of a medium high to medium low grip that I feel allows for more contact with my palm and a more solid grip.  I attempt to have a relaxed bow and draw arm ( as well as neck).  It's not a factor of getting tired, it's something I notice on all shots, though it's not extreme.  Any thoughts on the minor quiver in my arm?  

Thanks in advance

[moebow]

Texas,

Pretty hard to give any guesses from your description -- really need to see what you are doing and experiencing.

As far as "bone on bone" is concerned, that has a lot to do with your posture.  The most important (IMO) is keeping your bow arm at 90 degrees to your spine.  Many folks tend to drop the bow arm so the bow hand ends up well below the shoulder which makes the shooter apply more than needed muscle to the shot.  This often happens to a shooter that is shooting at a target on the ground and they mistakenly just lower the bow to target rather than maintaining the 90 degree angle and bending from the waist.

This is just a guess, as I say, really need to see.

Arne

[TexasStick81]

Thanks Arne.  I'll try to get some video in the next few days but I'll definitely pay attention to the angle relative to my body on the shot.

[Nativestranger]

I second the 90 deg bow arm to spine angle mentioned by Arne. Look into the mirror as you anchor at full draw. An anchor point that's too high makes you raise the bow hand too far above the level of your shoulders. This will weaken the bow arm and create unnecessary muscle tension to keep the bow pointing straight. Especially if you are shooting a heavy draw weight bow of light physical mass.

[mike g]

Are you holding at full draw for a long time....?
If so, try shooting quicker....

[TexasStick81]

The only thing about these vids different from my typical form is that I was probably just a bit sped up.  Felt like I was worried about the vid being too long.  So you can see it's not a noticible shake really but I notice a slight tremor.  My draw elbow has always been on the higher side but I think it's within an acceptable range but curious if others think differently.

Side angle:
 

[TexasStick81]

From behind and above:
 

[TexasStick81]

From directly behind:
 

[moebow]

Tex,

Your shot is pretty good!! BUT! Look at the first video and look at your bow arm and spine angle.  Your bow arm is significantly down from 90 degrees to the spine.  When you release, your bow hand drops sharply down. That is because of the angle and that makes you hold with muscle rather than bone.

Try to draw on the horizon,(keep square!!) then bend at the waist to lower to target. As long as your bow arm is down like that, you will get that reaction.

Arne

[NBK]

Nice form!
More knowledgeable guys will chime in, but there's a couple of things I see.
Your string arm alignment from behind looks real good.  However, your  bow arm from the side view is pointing down in relation to your torso.  Compare yourself to Terry's "magic T" and you'll see that the line from the arrow through your bow arm through your draw arm should be perpendicular to your body.  Notice that yours is canted downward?  Your target is lower than your body so try drawing straight out above tha target, then bend at the waist to get on target.
That's all this neophyte can see.
Overall your form is looking solid and if your trying to be spot on, your close!

[NBK]

Sorry Arne, you posted while I was typing!
At least we aren't contradicting each other.    

[moebow]

LOL Mike.  Great minds...

Arne

[TexasStick81]

LOL, two responses unaffected by one another converging on the same feedback.  That's pretty good.  Thanks guys.  I'll out some work into it and see how it goes.  Is the elbow looking to high to you all?

[moebow]

Your string elbow is slightly high but I wouldn't stress over that.  Get that bow arm square and I think the string elbow will take care of itself.  Many times it can be surprising what fixing one thing, that seems unrelated, will do to something else.  One thing at a time.

Arne

[TexasStick81]

I've been using the form master and drawing at 90 degrees then angling down at the waist.  Tonight was the first night shooting with the new focus.  The release was much cleaner and what was very noticible was how much less torque there was in the bow.  It feels a bit awkward still but the shot itself feels much better.  I'll give some updates down the road with vids.

[moebow]

Texas,

All new form items will feel "a bit awkward" at first.  Stick with it and after a month or so you'll wonder why it felt strange.

Glad to hear your shot feels better!

Arne