string hits nose

[mdkelley]

Trying to learn how to shoot instinctively. The string often flicks my nose on release. I try to keep my face square to the target and this helps but wondering what else I may be doing wrong. Have been shooting for about three weeks or so, already able to easily hold back my 55# limbs but usually practice with 38# limbs. Shooting at 10-12 yds in the basement, too dark outside after work now...

I switch between using a tab and a glove. Seems to happen more with glove but I shoot that more too

[the rifleman]

Matthew, a couple of things you can try-- raise or lower your anchor point and see if that helps.  Be sure you are not plucking the string as that can cause it to hit your nose.  I know you said your head is square to target-- that is what you want-- never turn your head toward string, it is okay to tilt your head to get arrow under your eye-- try tucking your chin toward bow arm shoulder.  Good luck.

[smokin joe]

This is often caused by lowering your head to meet the string. Try concentrating on pulling the string back to anchor while keeping your head still and upright.

[mdkelley]

Thanks guys. I am pretty sure I am doing both, lowering my head and turning head towards string. I try to keep keep my face square but it's hard to do. Maybe from 30 years of shooting with a release and a kisser button on my wheeled bow... I appreciate the help!

[newhouse114]

I've been shooting for almost 50 years and it still happens occasionally.

[tzolk]

Are you holding with the string in the first set of finger joint grooves (deepHook)? When my form is off, I hit my nose everytime with the string, its a reminder for me. Sometimes it is vicious!

[sore fingers]

Vicious is right!! It Friken hurts. What helped me was I opened my stance up a little and really made sure I pulled through my shot. And sometimes I would really burry that string into my face. I have been good for about a year without a nose job.

[sore fingers]

Oh, and crankin the string into your face like I did. Not good. You dont have to be to firm with it against your face. Good luck.

[mdkelley]

Yes, deep hook at first finger joint. Anchor middle finger at corner of mouth. Yeah it isn't comfortable for sure! I will check my stance and focus on follow through. All great pointers, thanks guys. I was hoping shooting wasn't supposed to feel that way!

[Roy from Pa]

If you anchor at the corner of your mouth, and are hitting your nose, you have to be turning your head in towards the string. Try touching the tip of your nose right on the back side of the string.

[Stumpkiller]

Tilt the bow away from the shelf side more.

[mdkelley]

thanks guys! the tips all helped! I was leaning in, turning my head and not tilting my bow much. It only happens when I get sloppy now. I just have to go slow and think of all the steps every time. It is a lot to keep straight; deep finger hook, proper grip on string and nock, proper bow hand grip, not dropping the bow after shot, anchor point, back tension, head position, feet position, draw to same point each time, focus on target, smooth release... It is a ton of fun though. unfortunately ruined a carbon arrow tonight due to a robin hood. only shooting at about 12 yds. in the basement but my groups are getting so much better. I think I will be definitely ready to hunt next year if I keep up the way I have been!