new shooter opnions please

[Bodork]

My daughters boyfriend has started shooting trad and loves it. He is shooting very well for a beginner. He is left eye dominant but shooting right handed. Should he continue right handed or try to switch to left handed? He has tried to pull a heavy 53# lefty but really can't get the mechanics of a left handed pull. Trying to keep it fun for him but want him to continue to improve also. Any thoughts? Mike

[Rick Richard]

My opinion and have been there is to start him off correctly.  He will probably need to start with a much lower poundage bow than he probably wants at this point, however FORM is what needs to be learned before shooting for accuracy.

[MKane]

mike, I am also left eye dominant,but shot right handed for years. I recently switched to left handed due to target panic issues.I have been very successful,but only due to some good coaching from my buddy Tim,and a 25lb bow he lent me.The light weight bow made all the diference in the world.From there I jumped to 40l lbs.The samick sage is a decent entry level bow w/interchangeable limbs,reasonable price.Good luck!

[DeerBacon]

How about a eye patch or card tucked in hat to cover left eye?

[damascusdave]

i shoot 60# both ways...it is possible with patience especially when young...i am 61

[damascusdave]

btw that is since 2009 when i shot about 35# to begin with

[damascusdave]

i see you make bows...make him a bow he can shoot both ways...then you too...bet you get to liking it

[Bladepeek]

I recently switched to left hand since I am left eye dominant. I tried shooting shotgun left handed and it didn't work worth a darn - just felt too awkward. Left handed bow shooting, on the other hand was no problem. I had to drop about 10#, but I'm gaining some of that back already. I'm 72 and strongly right handed, but it was well worth the switch.

Encourage him to start left handed. Poundage is unimportant. It will feel natural within a couple of weeks and the weight will come. It's worth an awful lot being able to keep both eyes open. Depth perception is much better.

[highelk]

I shot right handed for the first couple of years and got it shoot decent but never well. I wouldn't have shot at an animal over 20 yards with any confidence. I then switched to a lefty after someone finally explained it to me.....I only wish I would've known before. It would have saved me some real frustration. I would help him get set up with a lefty if you like the kid......

[ChuckC]

He can do the change,  Many of us have.  I will say that from the perspective of the shooting, the hardest part is the wierdness of anchoring lefty. That goes away pretty quick, but a lighter bow would sure help that.  Harder still is the getting over a lifetime of sneaking and getting set up for a right handed shot.

ChuckC