help on lowering elbow

[nhbuck1]

as i raise the bow and begin to draw i have a tendancy to have a very high elbow causing alot of tension on the ring finger, im pretty much lifting the string up and back as i draw instead of lever and the problems begin i loose back tension, how can i keep this from happening?

[McDave]

What happens if you try to lower your elbow?

[nhbuck1]

i get back tension and a perfect shot and release, i have a tendancy to pull up as i draw back on the string

[ChuckC]

Pull across your upper chest.  Not following your elbow.

[nhbuck1]

can you please explain chuck?

[McDave]

If you "get back tension and a perfect shot and release" when you try to lower your elbow, then why aren't you trying to lower it?

[nhbuck1]

seems like another thing to think about while trying to hit the spot

[nhbuck1]

can this be caused by not maintaining string angle with cant or no?

[McDave]

Originally posted by nhbuck1:
seems like another thing to think about while trying to hit the spot

Perhaps, but if the result is as you described in your response to my first post, maybe it's worth thinking about.  I agree that it's not a good idea to think about things when you're shooting.  However, if you force yourself to think about it 100 times, it will become a habit and then you can stop thinking about it.

[McDave]

Originally posted by nhbuck1:
can this be caused by not maintaining string angle with cant or no?

Regardless of cant, you want your string forearm lined up behind the arrow at full draw.  A high elbow with a vertical bow would be an outward elbow with a canted bow, but it is exactly the same thing.

[nhbuck1]

this is exactly what happens how can i fix this?

[McDave]

Draw in front of a mirror, many times, canted and not canted, and get into the habit of putting your elbow where it needs to be.

[nhbuck1]

now does raising your bow above the target while you draw create issues?

[McDave]

It's a little difficult to respond to your question without a picture that shows what you mean, but if you raise the bow like Arne does in his rotational draw video, or as is shown in the BEST video, you should be fine.

[Sam McMichael]

When you say you tend to lift the string as it comes back, it seems that that you may be using only the arm as you draw. If you engage the back, as described as "closing the door with your elbow", the tension will be in the back, and the draw will be much smoother. I often have this same problem myself, so I understand the consternation you feel. Keep at it, and it will happen.

[nhbuck1]

all this happens when hooking the string, sometimes when i hook the string my string hand elbow flares out and up, is this from too much tension on the string before drawing?

[katman]

Originally posted by nhbuck1:
this is exactly what happens how can i fix this?

Form master, I believe your drawing with arm and upper shoulder and not the back, the form master requires you to use your back.

[longbow fanatic 1]

I shoot with a high elbow. Here is a pic. I'm not sure its a bad thing.

 

[longbow fanatic 1]

Here is a video from behind with strong back tension. It works for me.

 

[longbow fanatic 1]

See how my elbow breaks back and in, toward my spine on release? That's back tension. If my elbow were to come straight back,  not finishing toward my spine, that would mean the pulling occurred as a result of arm tension and not back tension.