Increasing Draw Length?

[cornfedkiller]

Someone mentioned in a thread I started that as I shoot more and my form gets better, my draw length will increase.

Can someone explain this to me?  I dont understand how it changes like that..

Right now, I shoot one finger over/two under (most comfortable for me - everything else feels really awkward), and when I draw back, I anchor my pointer finger in the corner of my mouth - its what feels comfortable and is the most repeatable to me..is there something wrong with this?

[daveycrockett]

Nope.Nothing wrong. Everyone has their on form.  

[Austin]

Often as you improve your spine becomes straighter, and your bow arm moves in toward the bow as your shoulders align (better overall posture too) and as you build muscle, the bow arm is more relaxed (less compressed probably a bigger factor if you started out a little overbowed).
Am I getting this right? I'm still learning too but these were my observations...

[JimB]

It has to do with back tension.it's hard to explain but go to the Shooter's Forum and look at Terry's "Form Clock".When you learn proper back tension,you are pulling more with your back muscles and less with your arm.Your drawing arm elbow should be in line with the arrow nock and point.If it isn't,you aren't using back tension but are "arm pulling"

You can have the same anchor but with proper back tension,your draw can be 2" longer.With proper back tension,your bow arm is more likely to stay on target at release and the release itself is more likely to go straight back as it should.

Do yourself a favor and get Masters of the Bare Bow and watch Rod Jenkins explain back tension and other elements of the shot.Most people that take his class report increasing their draw lengths 1" to 2"-same anchor point.

It has nothing to do with where you anchor but how you stretch and open up as you allow the upper back muscles to take over.

[Austin]

What Jim said, he explained it much better than I could!
Austin

[Steelhead]

I agree.Good explanation by Jim.Thiers more to it than just having the finger in the corner of your mouth.You can expand your draw by adding some of these other elements and that will give you a bit more draw length,more arrow speed,a better release and make for  better overall form and shooting accuracy.Your bow will feel better when shot and be quieter as well.

[cornfedkiller]

Originally posted by JimB:
It has to do with back tension.it's hard to explain but go to the Shooter's Forum and look at Terry's "Form Clock".When you learn proper back tension,you are pulling more with your back muscles and less with your arm.Your drawing arm elbow should be in line with the arrow nock and point.If it isn't,you aren't using back tension but are "arm pulling"

You can have the same anchor but with proper back tension,your draw can be 2" longer.With proper back tension,your bow arm is more likely to stay on target at release and the release itself is more likely to go straight back as it should.

Do yourself a favor and get Masters of the Bare Bow and watch Rod Jenkins explain back tension and other elements of the shot.Most people that take his class report increasing their draw lengths 1" to 2"-same anchor point.

It has nothing to do with where you anchor but how you stretch and open up as you allow the upper back muscles to take over.

Got it..makes sense.  Thanks again!

[straitera]

Ultimately, it's where you process all the factors (draw wt, draw length, anchor) with the surest most confident measure of arrow flight repeatibility. That comes from enough practice & positive reinforcement.

Not convinced there is just one correct way. However, it would & should include a confident comfort zone to settle in to. Byron Ferguson is a perfect example IMO.

My longer arm bigger friends have draws less than my 31" (35" sleeves). They're crack shots. Who am I to tell otherwise? Keep it fun.