But it sounds so simple!

[moleman]

Even after 30 yrs. sometimes something as simple as picking a spot, push, pull, anchor and release can leave me talking in tongues , throwing fits and turning the air blue with profanity!
Having said that, ive found that the only cure for problems is going back to the basics and retraining myself, so tomorrow its a light bow and bare basics regiment till I get it right again.
I guess im a lifetime trainee, but i love every minute of it, accepting the ups and downs as part of this great sport.
But it sounds so simple!!!!!  

[macbow]

Something even simpler than a light bow is a,string bow.
This is something used in the NASP Archery program.
It  is really good at the basic form and feeling back tension.

[Caughtandhobble]

It's a never ending puzzle Brother... My "light bow" is just about to become my go to bow    

To me the best thing that I have found is the "BRIDGE PROGRAM". Start close and work your way back and do everything right or it's back to the bale.

You're right, it sounds so simple  

[Gator1]

Can you explain the string bow?


Thnk you

[centaur]

Yes, it is simplicity itself, just like a golf swing. If that was a true statement, we would all be Howard Hill or Tiger Woods.

[ron w]

Moleman....read my signature.....it says it all. We all can always learn and better our selves.

[Longbowz]

Yup kind of like golf.  People spend their lifetime trying to perfect their game - whether it's golf or archery.        

[don kauss]

Gator,
a string bow is just a piece of non-stretch string/cord, 1/8" or so (like paracord)...cut a piece around 70", then double it into one long loop with equal halves...hold in your bow hand, with the loop ("rabbit ear")coming up and out of your fist...now hold your bow hand out, as if shooting, and draw the loop like it is the bowstring...as the loop is drawn, let the two strings slide up & out through your bowhand (along the lifeline of your palm) fist until you reach your anchor point....now, drop the loop, and pinch the two strings right where they come out of your bowhand fist...at that exact point, simply tie a knot...now you just have a big loop of cord, that happens to be the perfect length for your draw...all you do is put your bowhand thumb through the loop (making sure that the string lays along the "lifeline" of the palm-->because that is where the bow handle sits), and draw your "bow" keeping tension on the cord (by squeezing your bowhand thumb and index finger on the cord as you draw)...when the loop end catches your thumb & stops your draw, you should be at your anchor point, with full tension on the cord...from there, simply release as if shooting an arrow...It is important to mentally go through each aspect of your form as you draw; 1. stance 2. nock 3. bowhand set 4. drawhand set 5. pre-draw 6. draw 7. anchor 8. focus on frog-hair "spot" you are aiming at 9. shoulder tension check 10. release 11. reflect

The "reflect" is reflecting on your form as you "shot"

The string bow is just a simple tool, but it is invaluable as an exercise for sharpening your shooting form...you can take it anywhere (even through airport security!!), and practice "shooting" no matter where/when you want to...you will see Olympic shooters practicing with them if you watch the sidelines...

[GDW]

Don,

  Thanks!  I'm in Afghanistan at the moment, and now have something productive to focus on / work on in my free time...

Geno

[Kris]

IF it WERE all so easy...it probably wouldn't be interesting or challenging.

My son and I were fishing Blue Gills yesterday and I couldn't keep 2 poles in the water because they were biting so fast and furious.  It was fun for him, of course (that was the point) but as a challenge for me or retaining my interest...it didn't much.

I shoot everyday and every shot I take, I try to make better than the last.   I don't suppose I'll ever grow tired of it and I don't suspect you will either.  Lucky me, lucky us!

Keep the faith!

Kris

[don kauss]

You're welcome Geno...! Hope it helps.

[Rufus]

Not many ever knew Reese Field, Bill Foreman of Great Plains Bows did for sure, myself, just a guy and friend, Gerald Johnson of Yellowjacket Longbows also for sure, and a few more here in the Texas Panhandle. Reese was a wise man, a spiritual man, an artistic man, an excellent bowyer and mentor to many of us in our beginnings with longbows.
 Anyway, story shortened, one of Reese's favorite sayings was "It's simple but nobody said it's easy".  The longer I shoot my bows the more his wisdom is appreciated.
  I can manage to complicate the simplicity with ease.