Help needed & appreciated (vids) new vid added

[JoeM]

Hey guys I've been shooting trad for a little under two years now and am looking to step up my game some.  I was thinking of attending a school but in this economy thats not happening. I know there are some of the worlds best shooters on this site so I'm looking for advice and pointers, up to this point I've been self taught.  Here are some vids let me know where and what to improve and then I'll follow up with practice technique questions.       Thanks Joe
   
   
   

[ishoot4thrills]

I'm definitely no expert, Joe, but I think everything looks dang good there. I watched all 3 vids. Good follow through on your release, too. Personally, I like to hold at full draw a little longer, but to each his own. But if it's workin', don't change it.    

[Str8Shooter]

On the whole your form looks pretty good. The biggest thing I can see is that you are collapsing slightly at full draw. It looks like you are sinking forwards slightly, right as you settle into full draw. It appears that you are releasing as the arrow is coming forward (first vid).

I'd say work on keeping a solid pull throughout the entire shot and you've got something good.

[ishiwannabe]

I dunno...the deer you tagged this year say you shoot ok.    

There is a twitch or something right before ya release though. Either way, you arent far off...and a heck of a lot closer than I am....lol.

[SHOOTO8S]

I see a slight collapse at release as well.  Might consider giving yourself a bit more time to build back tension and concentrate on coming to a solid anchor and then not giving anything back and executing let go by relaxing the back of the draw hand...WITHOUT losing any of the back tension you developed. Up close on bale, without a target may be the easiest way to ingrain this to the subconscious.

[JoeM]

Thanks Rod and Chris I'll try taking a second or two more at full draw to set that BT.  Back to the bail!!  Another problem I have is when shooting I find myself checking my form and not putting all my concentration into the spot.  Shot is usually OK but when I can get past myself and put everything down range its a lot better. Any tricks to not do that or is that just a mental thing to get over, with bail and form practice.  Thanks Joe

Jamie, Yeah I did OK hitting deer this year.     I will be able to pull a moose tag in 2010 for WY so I want to start working on my shooting now to build a lot of confidence and extend my range some. Joe

[SHOOTO8S]

Originally posted by JoeM:
  Another problem I have is when shooting I find myself checking my form and not putting all my concentration into the spot.  

Joe, that's the reasoning behind blank bale practice. Work on each part of your shot sequence, with total focus on the step your working on, then when its time to shoot at a target...trust your shot sequence and forget it,with your only conscious focus being aiming...however you aim!

I call this "getting out from behind the bow and GOING to target"

[LONGBOWKID]

I'm no expert and have been getting advice myself, but I'll go fer it!

A couple things I noticed is you are just collapsing, as stated above,
and your release IS consistent, but your release hand comes out away from your face, try to keep it in line with your bow arm as you release. When you slow your vid down you can see you lose almost 2" of draw before you release, and that can affect a LOT!

Also a tip on your shooting, start off with your bow held close to your torso, and push with your bow arm the same time you pull, it will make that bow a LOT easier to handle. I notice you line up with your arm extended, so that might not be an option, its a lot nicer to use the push/pull method when dealing with 50# and up though.

Good lookin form though, a lot better than mine. I also need to get the whole "pause" thing down.

Take care,

The Kid

[JoeM]

Hey guys after a few days pounding the bag heres some new vids.  I see what Chris and Rod were saying about my collapse and needing to pause and set up my BT.  I was releasing before thing were really settled.  I think my head to stance alignment is good, but tryin to accomplish Terry's clock alignment, I'm still a little off I think?  When I stretch out much further  I don't feel in control.  Longbow I draw that way to try and keep movement to a minimum for hunting.  Thanks again for any help or advice. Using the camera to review form and see progress makes pounding the bag fun. Joe
 
 

[Terry Green]

Joe...you got some good advice above for sure...and I've only wathced the last 2 clips.

Your alignment looks pretty good....but your shoulders are not consistently parallel with the target.  Your shoulders are pointing a bit left, and if you watch the overhead clip you will see your bow arm move left at the shot.  This movement is happening in the blink of an eye. Watch the white marks on the floor.

Also, I'm still seeing a little forward creep.

Stay after it sir!!!

[JoeM]

Terry, Do I need to close my stance some to bring those shoulders more into alignment?  I looked at your schematics in the stickie up top.  When the shot goes off, is the only movement I should have is fwd. (or at least strive for). Thanks Joe

[Terry Green]

Closing your stance is fine, and will make it easier for your 'go to' shot...just don't forget that you feet don't make or break your form...its from the waist up, so you can rotate or bend at the waist and still have everything aligned.

Yes...its best if your bow arm doesn't move in any direction....but to the target if it does.

[JoeM]

Thanks Terry, I'll pound the bag for a few days and report back.  I'm also gonna play with the double anchor you talk about.  I understand what you say about rotating at the waist.  Joe

Remarkable improvement from the first video to the last!  Good Work!