How long do you hold full draw before releasing?

[jsweka]

Lots of different opinions/methods on this one.  I think the bottom line is that there is no set amount of time and you just have to find what works for you.

I was frustrated at missing a doe this past season which was the only shot opportunity I got all season. So I thought I needed to change my shooting style.  Over the winter I really tried to hold at full draw for a couple of seconds before releasing because "snap shooting" has a bad conotation. Holding just doesn't work for me and I shot worse and worse.  I read some of Terry Green's posts about snap shooting and watched his videos. I am now not ashamed to say I'm a snap shooter and I've recently been shooting better than I ever have.

[zetabow]

Originally posted by jsweka:
Lots of different opinions/methods on this one.  I think the bottom line is that there is no set amount of time and you just have to find what works for you.
 

Think we all have an internal body clock and it's just a matter of tuning your shot to your own internal clock that feels natural and comfortable to you. For example I've read that Fred Bear talked as fast as he shot.    

[meangene1969]

I would like to hold for 3 or 4 seconds but here lately, im lucky to hit 1 or 2

[Fritz]

3-5 secs. for me. Anything shorter = rushed shot. Anything much longer and it throws off the rhythm of the shot.  I do practice drawing and holding on target just to prevent target panic.

[nightowl1]

Between .75 and 1.5

If I hold past that then its double time because I have to reset my shot.

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

If the release is natural, is there a conscious time constraint put on it?

[cbCrow]

When as practice form I will hold until the count of 3 than release. I find this helps my accuracy, however the other day there was a rabbit in my lettuce bed having himself a good time and I decided to do something about. I got within about 16 yds and drew back just as he put his head up to run I let go. We enjoyed a rabbit stew with salad that evening. I think the shot dictates the time held as others have stated.  

[Mike Most]

Usually at 3d I am a 3 second kinda guy, 1 gets it back 2 is at anchor 3 its check focus and away .. if its running hogs, I shoot and let them run into the arrow.... works every time.

[kmunch]

I shoot a 43# bow most of the time and hold long enough for by bow arm to settle in. about 3 seconds.

[LGN]

I seem to make a better release when I hold for a 2 or 3 count at anchor.

[waiting4fall]

Um..... 2 seconds for me  

Left hand 1/2 to 2 seconds at targets, right hand 0 to one second at targets.  If your arrow is the only thing in the target 3 or 4 while I visualize your reaction if I hit it, then re-aim depending on what I visualized.

[Mint]

1 or 2 seconds at the most.

[Terry Green]

I let the game dictate that....but most time I snap shoot....when my 2nd anchor is reached, the arrow is gone....unless the animal moves and I'll hold till the shot presents itself again and apply reaward movement and 'snap'...its away.

[virginiashadow]

Thank you guys.  By the way, I appreciate all of the help and honesty from you guys since I have joined this site.  You guys have been so kind and have answered all of my questions, THANK you.

Brett

[fedora]

I actually count 1001 to make sure I am not snap shooting and am reaching full draw.

[SpencerL]

1-2 seconds. I've been trying Asbell's advice about a smooth draw and release but I just can't get the hang of it. When watching his instinctive shooting video you'll notice that the people he is teaching tend to hold for about a second or so. I'm assuming this is the best way to begin with.

[SpencerL]

Originally posted by Terry Green:
I let the game dictate that....but most time I snap shoot....when my 2nd anchor is reached, the arrow is gone....unless the animal moves and I'll hold till the shot presents itself again and apply reaward movement and 'snap'...its away.

What do you use as your 2nd anchor?

[bogeyrider63]

1-2 seconds at most. trying hard to get away from snap shooting.

[Terry Green]

My thumb base knuckle slides behind my jawbone under my ear.  Do a search for the word 'double' and you'll find lots of info on double anchors.