over drawing and shoulder pain

[Markp]

I an noticing that trying to squeeze the shoulder blades together or extend the bow arm beyond what I think is "locked in" seems to hurt my shoulder.

Shooting at 26" inches ( with a "d bow, flatter that a Hill style handle, no build up at all), 45-75 arrows, no problem, at 46#.
When I get to "overthinking", I draw a little more further, 26.5", 26.75", but it seems to hurt my anterior shoulder. Shoulder hurts for a few days, a little warm to touch, a little sore, like wanting a heating pad

Like another poster said in an April 2020 thread, "overdrawing", my release kinda explodes, and more left and right misses occur.

I shoot all year, and am strong for my age, 55 in March. I video my form, and with last evidence, think that my draw is just a natural 26", even though I am 5'10"; maybe my shoulder blades just lock up at that draw length, as I have a broad back.

Any thoughts. Deer season is over, and I continue to better myself in this pursuit. I would love to hear thoughts on us shorter draw archers.

[McDave]

Efforts to squeeze your shoulder blades together or extend your bow arm are counterproductive and possibly dangerous.  Each shoulder has a different job to do.  The job of your bow arm shoulder is to stay down and back in the same neutral position it was in at rest.  The only useful movement I’m aware of for extending your draw length is to rotate your shoulders into better alignment.  This feels like you're pushing forward with the bow arm, but it is really your shoulders pushing your bow arm forward.  Most people feel comfortable at full draw with their shoulders slightly open, and this might perhaps be the best solution for clothing clearance in cold weather hunting, but is not the best bone on bone alignment for accuracy. 

Overdrawing using your arm muscles or pushing forward with your bow arm may increase your draw length but is detrimental to your accuracy.

[Markp]

McDave,

Thanks for the information. I tried it, on a flat handle  D-bow, and lo and behold, gained an just under an extra half inch. I could live with that draw length.

Going camping for a while, and will practice that shoulder push and see if it is accurate, and if it keeps that anterior (front) shoulder pain from coming back.

TIme to answer this question for myself, once and for all.

Mark