Shooters Forum

Contribute to Trad Gang
Become a Trad Gang Sponsor



Author Topic: Draw length inconsistent  (Read 1246 times)

Offline eagle24

  • Trad Bowhunter
  • **
  • Posts: 499
Draw length inconsistent
« on: May 31, 2007, 01:00:00 PM »
Several weeks ago I traded for and started shooting a 66" 41# bow.  This is considerably lighter than I have shot in the past.  My shooting has improved and I believe my form has also improved.  I have, however, encountered a slight problem that I can't seem to get a handle on.  When I first start a shooting session, I seem to be inconsistent in my draw length.  I'm reaching full draw and a solid anchor (corner of my mouth) but sometimes I seem to draw the bow further than other times.  I think it has to do with whether I fully flex or stretch my back muscles (if that makes any sense).  It also may be that I am inconsistent with my left arm and shoulder extension (if that makes sense).  Anyway, I can definitely tell when it is happening and my impacts are erratic up and down.  After 10-20 shots I seem to settle in and become consistent and all is well.  Does anyone understand what I am trying to convey and have any suggestions?

Offline jhansen

  • Trad Bowhunter
  • **
  • Posts: 304
Re: Draw length inconsistent
« Reply #1 on: May 31, 2007, 07:25:00 PM »
I'd bet most of us have had that problem at one time or another and you are probably right in thinking the culprit is either back muscles, bow arm or both.  The best suggestion I can make is to think through each shot and work on making each one exactly the same.  It's possible that the lighter draw weight is throwing you off.

John
Life is an adventure.  Don't miss it.

Offline JImmyDee

  • Trad Bowhunter
  • **
  • Posts: 159
Re: Draw length inconsistent
« Reply #2 on: May 31, 2007, 09:08:00 PM »
For me, a quick warm-up -- stretching, twisting, windmills -- helps a lot.  But I'm usually too anxious to loose the first arrow to properly warm-up...

Offline eagle24

  • Trad Bowhunter
  • **
  • Posts: 499
Re: Draw length inconsistent
« Reply #3 on: June 01, 2007, 12:23:00 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by jhansen:
It's possible that the lighter draw weight is throwing you off.
 
John,  I think you are correct that the lighter draw weight is causing more of a problem.  I probably do the same thing with my heavier bows, but I don't think the draw length variation is to the extent it is with the lighter bow.  After I shoot a few arrows I become more consistent.  Maybe after I shoot this lighter bow awhile I will get it worked out.  I sure shoot it better once I get settled in, and I can tell that I handle the weight much better and can concentrate more on form and follow through.

Offline jhansen

  • Trad Bowhunter
  • **
  • Posts: 304
Re: Draw length inconsistent
« Reply #4 on: June 01, 2007, 12:38:00 PM »
You might try a clicker.  That way you have an audible indication that you have reached full draw.  In a little while your mind and body will learn where that point is and you can take the clicker off.

John
Life is an adventure.  Don't miss it.

Offline eagle24

  • Trad Bowhunter
  • **
  • Posts: 499
Re: Draw length inconsistent
« Reply #5 on: June 01, 2007, 02:58:00 PM »
I really think I may be overdrawing more than anything.  I'm reaching my anchor and holding for a couple of seconds.  Sometimes, I feel like I'm trying to use the same form I used when I shot compounds or like a target archer might use with a very light weight bow.  I'm not sure that is a good idea since the shots I am really interested in are likely to be from a treestand and maybe from an awkward position.

Users currently browsing this topic:

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
 

Contact Us | Trad Gang.com © | User Agreement

Copyright 2003 thru 2024 ~ Trad Gang.com ©