Bow arm elbow position

[Stone Knife]

How should your elbow be positioned on your bow arm? I was at a seminar at a shoot and was told to lock it in an outward position by doing this it created an awkward angle of the hand. I have always kept mine slightly bent is this the proper way?

[cvarcher]

Hill and his students insist on a slight bend in the bow arm to help cushion the recoil (large or small) so your shoulder doesnt get hurt and there is minimal handshock.Others here on the forum insist if you have a bow that gives no handshock you can lock the bow arm straight out for max bow performance.In my opinion, I go with Hill.

[kawika b]

elbow down for me,,,keeps my bowarm's shoulder from rising,,,pretty much locked out too. to each their own though    good luck on finding out what works for you.

[Yellowsnake]

I like a slight bend in my elbow.  This arm position places my elbow pointing in a outward and slightly downward position.  My wife likes to straighten her arm out then rotates her elbow outward.  Its good to experiment with different shooting styles, thats how you find out what works best for you.