Using Rotational Draw, Is It Possible to Overdraw?

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

If not, then where the heck do I anchor? Arne? Need some help here!

Working on form, today I started playing with true draw length by setting my scapula down and back where they don't have any more motion, then moving my string hand to my face, and I've gone from this:

To This:

[moebow]

I had this exact problem back when I was learning this system.  It comes from old habits of drawing the bow.  TOO much biceps use and not trusting the upper arm and back to lever the bow open.  Many I work with struggle with this.  You must trust that just levering the upper arm (humerus) and shoulder back will give your the "open" the bow feel.

When you are ready to draw, just move the bones with a relaxed biceps.  Takes practice!  But what you show is a dead giveaway of biceps use.

Arne

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

Sorry, Arne. I don't quite follow what you're saying. What exactly is a sign of the bicep engagement? The draw with the stretch band? Or the top photo?

[moebow]

The stretch band photo.  For many, as they start to draw, they tend to use the biceps.  This comes from the idea that they must PULL the string back rather than to lever it OPEN.  You end up with the hand too far back as seen on your second photo.  I've always found it difficult to explain this concept with typed words.  It is relatively simple to show in person.

As you draw, the string forearm must move straight in to your face/ head.  It doesn't move back away from the target, just straight in.  From about 8" out from the body to reference position.  The movement of the upper arm and the shoulder is away from the arrow line, not away from the target.

The best reference I can give is the video I did with the rubber band.  There, I try to show the movement of the draw using the rotational or angular draw technique.

Arne

[moebow]

PS.  In your rubber band photo, see how low your string arm elbow is? Another indication of using the biceps to draw rather than bone leverage.
Arne

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

oh... I get it. I think. I tried drawing with nothing but a rotation of my shoulders into alignment and my hand ended up on my face. So now I just need to clean up my bow arm a bit?

[moebow]

Haven't said anything about the bow arm, it's fine!

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

Haven't said anything about the bow arm, it's fine!

Oh, I am just not happy with it's angle to my body. I slouch back a bit, and let it droop. Not exactly forming a nice T shape.

[moebow]

Yes, in the first pict you are but in the second posture and "T' is okay.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

Yes, in the first pict you are but in the second posture and "T' is okay.

Awesome! Thanks for the quick help Arne. I knew you'd be able to sort me out.