How to Stop Hitting My Arm with the Bow String

[Ray091]

I haven't shot a bow in a couple of years but always had trouble keeping my elbow in the proper position. Now that I have started shooting again I am hitting my arm with the string at least 90% of the time. Is there an easy method to train myself to put my elbow/arm in the proper position without always hitting it?

Or is there some sort of mechanism that I can make or buy that will help me train myself to always put the elbow/arm it the correct position?

Most if not all of my grand-kids that have shot a bow have never had a problem with this and I don't understand why I do.

Thanks for the help.

[mahantango]

Your bow arm elbow should be pointing to the side, not down - around 8-9 o'clock for a right handed shooter. Another way to do this is to hold your bow arm out as if holding the bow. Now bend your elbow so that your forearm comes horizontaly across your chest. Extend the arm again. That is the proper elbow position. Do it again, but this time bend so that your hand comes up and hits you on the forehead. This is the WRONG elbow position, and will get you whacked every time. Also remember to keep a slight bend, don't lock it out, and arm guards are your friend. Good luck.

[hart2hart]

Mahantango...Great point to use with beginners ...the forehead thing.
Mike

[RecurveRookie]

Try extending your bow arm and grabbing a corner or door post in your house, then roll your elbow (clockwise if that is your left arm), to train the muscles. I consciously do that as I get "set up" before I raise my bow to draw.  Arne Moe probably has a video on it

[Bladepeek]

I still hit my arm with my ultra-light weight "D" type long bow (31#) but not with my 47# bow of the same configuration. I think the tension at brace height is not enough to keep the string from bouncing back and forth a few times. For that one, I have to wear an arm guard.  For the rest of my bows I can get along without one.

The big change for me was in learning to support the bow only with the base of my bow hand thumb. Rod Jenkins explained it as putting your arm and hand out in the "stop!" position which automatically rotates your elbow out. Sure made a big difference for me.

[Hawk2]

Just don't get your hand into the bow grip so far and the problem will go away. I had the same problem till Rick Welch showed me to just get the bow in the web between thumb and forefinger and the main part of hand out a little so the bow is pushing on the life line of your hand! I no longer even wear an arm guard anymore no matter which bow I am shooting. I would have never done that before, to many owwee's.  Hawk

[moebow]

Ray,

I just posted the first video I've done in years and it is about this problem -- partly.  See if it gives you any ideas to help with the arm.

 

Arne

[Producer]

Make sure your brace high is high enough. Assuming your form is correct that could be the answer.