Help troubleshooting my groups please?

[DaveBriner]

Me again, you're all probably sick of these posts but here goes...I have shot a whopping total of about 6 sessions in the backyard since acquiring my recurve.  I've started trying to concentrate on smooth draw, consistent anchor, etc.

1)  My groups were very consistent left-right.  In other words, my arrows stacked vertically very nice.  But I would have as much as 12-18" between the top and bottommost arrows at 15-20 yards.  What am I failing to do to bring them in tighter vertically?

2)  I'll walk to where I want to shoot from, drop my arrows, and begin shooting.  Without moving my feet or stance, I pick additional arrows up.  In the process I have noticed that my groups will be pretty consistent (again, vertically-speaking), BUT depending on how I first set up, the groups may be right or left of bullseye.  I'm guessing I'm relying on chance to set up correctly and not forcing my shoulders to align with the correctly each time.  What can I do to fix this, what do you all do?

This stuff is hard!!
Dave

[BLACK WOLF]

As boring as may be to some...this really does work.

If you are struggling with your present form or trying to develop one...the blank bale or other similar practicing techiniques are priceless for this.

What you do is eliminate the need or desire to aim while you are developing your form. It makes it much easier to concentrate on your form rather than distracting the brain by trying to also aim.

It would help if you had a coach or a mentor who could help you with this...but if you don't...just ask us any question that may pop into your head.

Watch videos on youtube and look at what good alignment looks like so you can have a picture in your head to strive for.

What you want to ultimately do is develop consistantcy with your form that is repeatable and feels rock solid. Once you have done that you can than begin working on aiming at close distance.

Since your vertical seems pretty good, I would place a horizontal line across your target with duck tape or something similar and aim at that at a specific distance until you are consistantly hitting it.

If you still feel you need to work on your vertical...do something similar by placing the tape vertical instead of horizontal on your target.

There are several different aiming techiniques that can make learning to aim a little easier but picking an aiming techinique that ultimately suits your goals, personality and ability is what you should do.

Ray    

[DaveBriner]

Thanks Ray,
I think you're right.  I need to quit rushing this and get "used" to shooting the bow and arrow until I develop the feel.  I've been reading everyone's posts on proper form so I'm starting with those tips.

However, I can definitely say that trying to implement some of these "marks of good form" if you will, just don't feel natural.  Do any good archers just go with what feels natural and end up with accuracy?

Thanks again and take care,
Dave

[BLACK WOLF]

Do any good archers just go with what feels natural and end up with accuracy?

ABSOLUTELY!!!

What you are ULTIMATELY looking for is consistantcy...WHATEVER that may look like.

There are certain aspects of body alignment that can make it easier to achieve but even if you look across an Olympic archery line you will see variations.

Do what feels natural but also remember that something that may not feel natural in the beginning may feel natural after a certain amount of practice.

Ray