I almost gave it up!

[mountain lion]

About a year and a half ago, for some reason I started shooting like crap. I don't know what the deal was but it was really bothering me. I fought it and fought it and posted videos on here and even talked to Rod Jenkins personally about it and nothing did any good. I got to the point where I was sick and tired of it that I actually put my bows up for sale, but luckily for me no one bought them! I love traditional archery and everything that goes with it, waking in the woods carrying my longbow or recurve just makes me feel like I belong I guess is how you can explain it. So every once I awhile I would still go out and shoot in hopes that the magical bow fairy came while I was sleeping and blessed me with the ability to shoot again. We'll the other day I was out in the yard shooting and I had an AH HA moment!! I realized that I wasn't shooting with my back, the entire time I thought that my form was correct but I guess it wasn't. So I started working on drawing with my back muscles and after a few shots it's like I've never had a problem. I'm still not shooting as good as I once did but it's still better than I was, if that make since. I just love traditional archery so much, and everything that goes with it. The smell of cedar arrows or burnt feathers and the sound of the bow as it's shot, I enjoy all the people and how friendly and enviting everyone is. While I'm hunting I don't have to see or shoot anything to have a great time, there is just something about  being in the outdoors with a traditional bow in your hands. Man I'm glad that nobody bought my bows!!

[T-Bowhunter]

Way to stay with it!    

[Pete McMiller]

Juan,  I hear what you are saying.  Sounds like you have been muscleing with your arm instead of your back.  Go to the "Shooters Forum" on here and find MOEBOW's video's particularly the one on "Rotational Draw".  Also, take a look at using a Form Master to see exactly what your back is doing.  Search for Form Master on that forum as I have a pictorial on how to make and use one.  You can get thru this.

[Ulysseys]

I posted a few weeks ago about how my shooting went to crap and received a bunch of good responses from guys (thanks), with hunting season close I started to worry that I might need another weapon of choice if I wanted to get out this year, thats how bad my shooting was.  Well anyway, I stuck with it and started back at the basics of focusing on my grip and follow through and it all started to come back together.  I can now say that my dark period of bad shooting recently was solely due to not concentration on form but rather just spraying arrows at the target.  I'm back to being as accurate as ever.  It's all about form.

[Rob W.]

Sometimes almost giving up helps put the mind back in the right place. Holding on too tight isn't good for your form or mind.

[nineworlds9]

Originally posted by Rob W.:
Sometimes almost giving up helps put the mind back in the right place. Holding on too tight isn't good for your form or mind.

YUP.

Way to stick with it.  There is no harm in taking a break either.  No need to just quit altogether.  Center yourself, clear your mind, get back to the basics, and fall in love all over again.

[LA Trapper]

You know ML, every year I say i am going to make a note of the flavor of the year, or what problem popped up that I have to correct that year.  Haven't done it yet!!!!   That way, when I am in the groove, I can look at my notes and figure out what I am doing wrong.  

Just haven't got there yet.

I think this year will be the year after reading your post.

Good luck!!

Billy

[Caughtandhobble]

Welcome back my Brother!!!

You picked the right time of the year to feed the fever.

[Mudd]