Drawing the bow from above head height?

[doublewhopper]

I am getting way better back tension from drawing my bow from at my head level and pulling the bow string from head height and bringing it down to my jaw.

Does anyone have success like this and if so how did it work for you in the field on tree stand?

[ChuckC]

Another way to try..... do it first with a really light bow to get the feel, is to draw the bow as normal, but bring the arrow hand across the top of your chest, between the chest and chin.  This keeps your elbow a bit lower and engages the back  For ME, it is the best way to fully engage and use my back naturally.  This allows ME a smoother release with my arrow hand going straight back.

I keep saying ME because it may or may not work well for YOU, since you are not ME !    

This works very well anywhere, including in a tree.

Other than that, whatever works best for you is the best way for you.  ( I think......)

[moebow]

I think it depends on what you mean by "head height."  I like (and teach) to start your draw with the LEVEL arrow (arrow horizontal to the world) at ABOUT nose to eye level.  Then when you draw, you have room for BOTH hands to SLIGHTLY move downward.  This can allow you to really set good tension in the back.  Open the bow with the strong muscles in the back and not the weaker muscles in the arm or across the top of the shoulders (base of the neck).

Arne

[McDave]

I've seen Japanese archers, the ones who shoot the bows with the really long upper limbs, start their draws even higher than that.  I wonder if there is any reason for that, or if that is just a part of their tradition?

[moebow]

I believe it to be part of their tradition, Dave.  I am not at all knowledgeable about Yumi archery.  But I did talk to a Japanese student here a few years ago that indicated that what we often see is basically a "kata" that they follow.  Kind of like a dance with very set form steps.

I don't know how their accuracy is or what weights they are using. You just read about everything I know about it.

Arne