What is the healthiest (?) way to draw the bow?

[jfelkins]

I want to protect my shoulder from bad form. I notice some folks draw with their elbow high and come down to their anchor. Others start low and come up. Is there a drawing movement that is less stressful (i.e. more healthy) than another? Thanks.

[njloco]

Indian clubs ! google them and check them out on U-tube.

[LongStick64]

The more you use your back the less you'll use your shoulder. I start from a low position so the temptation from using my shoulders is minimized, my pre draw includes back tension so I focus on it throughout the draw which leaves me holding most of the bow weight at full draw with my back.

You also want to make sure you get full extension, if you don't you are putting stress on your shoulders because your back is not fully engaged in the shot. Try it on purpose short draw your bow by keeping the draw elbow out wider than normal instead of lined up with your arrow. You should feel the tension in your shoulders, not good.

[jfelkins]

Thanks, the Indians clubs look interesting. I wonder if I could make my own set.

[njloco]

Longstick's suggestion is also very good for avoiding problems down the road. Yes you can make them yourself, I am not gifted except when it comes to mechanical things. Let me know how you make out making them, maybe I'll be able to buy a pair from you. Just make sure you watch your weight.

You can also use Kettlebells, light ones at first. Look them up, I am 61 and can do get ups with a 35lbs. Kettlebell, just worked out yesterday with them. These will make you scary strong with out all the bulk muscles, only make sure you read the book and watch the CD. I had a hard time pulling back the 50 # recurve, so I started working out because I was slacking, and it made a big difference, not only was I aable to draw, but also hold for awhile.

Hope this helps

[jfelkins]

Do most kettle bells come with a DVD?

[njloco]

I think the DVD comes with the book, the boys bought these and told old dad that I better start working out, I don't do all of the exercises but I am working up to it. The swinging motion doesn't agree with my lower back, but the get-ups sure do. I also do dead lifts with them and presses. They will give one a real good workout in a short period of time.

[Terry Green]

Drawing with the back muscles....and set up on bone structure.

[Bow Bum]

A BIG emphasis on drawing with the back muscles.

To add to that...You need to know when to stop shooting. I used to shoot too much. When my back muscles got tired, I did not get to full extension, and put alot of tension on my shoulders. My right shoulder gave out one day, and I've just recently after 2 years picked up the recurve again.

I'm glad I'm back, and hope that by practicing good form you never have an experience like me.

Good luck,

Brian

[sorefingers]

Not only is it important to use the back, but also for those who like the heavy stuff. Start out with a lighter bow and warm the muscles up. Once you have done this get the big guns out. After shooting the heavy pick the light up and notice the difference. Same principles as weight trainnig also apply. The body is an amazing work of art if we use it right.

[Stumpkiller]

Any repetitious movement can be "unhealthy". (Or at least lead to muscle/bone issues).  The best practice is probably to stretch and limber up first and do something else to work other muscles.  I find shagging strays and bending over to find lost arrows keeps me in top form.      

I'm no osteopath, but I would thing the push-pull draw would be the best; as opposed to locked or set bow arm.  Whenever possible in any heavy task use the big muscles first: legs, back then arms.  So start with walking yourself out and getting a bow you're not fighting too mightily with until you develop some muscles and technique.

One part of this healthy joints thing has to be diet.  Many people, I was one of them, have mineral deficiencies and live in a constant state of dehydration.  Much of the processed food is gassed with fluoride, as is our water, chewing gum and who knows what else. hexafluorosilisic acid a toxic waste from the phosphate industry. Too hazardous to be dumped, but can be used used as a product if it is sold. It throws the glandular system in chaos and has questionable effects on the bones.  Many are also magnesium deficient.  Healthy real food and whole food supplements and lots of clean pure water as a daily habit will help the body heal from the stresses of repetitive motion.

[jfelkins]

Thanks gents, all good stuff. Terry, I need to make your answer a mantra. Seems like that's the key to a lot.

[AllenR]

One coach told me that when drawing my bow, don't show everybody my armpit.

This is another way of saying to keep your elbow no higher than your shoulder.

This isn't easy since a higher, "windmill" draw makes it easier to engage the right muscles.  However, if I don't keep my elbow down, I get a painful impingement in the AC joint af my draw shoulder.

I agree that more back muscle engagement is better, after all that's where nearly all muscle tension should be located.

[BobCo 1965]

A rotational type of draw which enganges the back muscles and moves the scapula down and toward the spine (draw side)will take the most tension from your arms and shoulder.

 

[jfelkins]

What is a rotational type draw?

The bones pic is cool, thanks!

[BobCo 1965]

A person can write an entire book on the subject. I will try to describe in the simplest way that I can think of.

There are basically two ways to draw the bow (there are also combinations).

One is linear (straight line), which is straight back. It is easy to incorporate shoulder and arms in this style of draw.  The back can be used to a degree or in part, but not optimally.

The other is rotational. Think of the spine as the center of a circle. There is an area which is called LAN2 (not a muscle) which is the back of the draw shoulder, upper back of the arm near the shoulder and upper section of the back near the shoulder. This area is thought of as the circumference of the circle. This area (LAN2) rotates in a clockwise direction (right handed shooter) if looking from overhead. This rotation can only occur from using the back muscles and scapula movement shown in the diagram. Shoulder and arms are used in a minimal fashion.

Problem is, this type of style is very tough to learn without an instructor or coach's guidance.

[njloco]

Any chance of you posting some pictures of how a rotaional draw is done ?

Thanks

[moebow]

njloco,  The video I posted under "shooting form" now towards the bottom of this page is a rotational draw.  See if that  helps show it.

[bowbenderman]

My advise , purchase a form master from any major supplier.  With this attached to the bow string , you can open your hand an not ever touch the bow string, this takes away the tension in your forearm an your hand. Actually makes you draw the bow with your back, just my two cents.