Question about full draw

[Jock Whisky]

I’ve got a question for people that know more than I do.
When you get to full draw are you

a) above or below “on target” and then move to on target or
b) on target and ready for expansion or release.

I’m assuming at full draw your alignment is good, back tension is set and you are ready for expansion and release.

[Pat B]

I'm on target before I draw. I let muscle memory align things while I concentrate where the arrow will go. 

[McDave]

At full draw I’m on target.  After I reach full draw, I hold on target while I’m expanding.  After release I followthrough by staying on target until the arrow hits the target.

[Bowguy67]

McDave is exactly right.

[Terry Green]

I'm on target before I draw. I let muscle memory align things while I concentrate where the arrow will go. 

That's me.

[Terry Green]

After I reach full draw, I hold on target while I’m expanding. 

Dave, thanks for this .... By your definition, you're not holding really, but you are doing the very thing I do, I just do it faster.  Just like Ron Jenkins described the difference between him and I, and it describes my quote where I coined the phrase 'An anchor point is not a destination, its  an evolution to conclusion' that is in my signature. 

[Wudstix]

Like many above, "full draw" for me is the instant I hit anchor and release.  Focus on target begins before I start raising my bow.
 

[Russell Southerland]

I don't 'hold' either. I have always shot instinctive and snap shot by the true definition of the term.  One fluid motion like Hard Hill.

[Kirkll]

the phrase ‘'An anchor point is not a destination, its  an evolution to conclusion’’

THAT is an excellent description…..

[Terry Green]

Thanks Kirk, I coined that phrase some time in the early Tradgang days. About when the Form Clock thread started.

[pdk25]

I will go somewhat against the grain.  I am more like "in the ballpark" when I reach full draw.  Only then do I start to do my fine aiming, then when I am settled, I release.    The downside is that it takes me a little longer to release than some.  The upside, at least as I see it, is that by seperating aiming from drawing, I have never been seriously afflicted by target panic.

[Terry Green]

Interesting Patrick.  My shot is also separated I would say.  My conscious is all focused on aiming, then when the window opens, my subconscious runs the shot.  I've never dealt with target panic.  I think that target panic is too much conscious thinking.

Interest thread so far.

[charles m]

I am pretty fluid also.  I have seen plenty of of gap shooters terrified to turn loose of the string at shoots.  I don't think panic is aiming related, I think its all mental. 

[Wudstix]

That makes sense, why would you panic while drawing the bow.  Time of release, if transferred to conscious thought is when the problem would occur.  Release should just be the end of the draw cycle.
 

[Sam Spade]

I'm in the same of mind, if I stop moving and truly hold, I start to shake. Therefor I was starting to creep forward before I released.  Someone on this site asked my why I was creeping forward{from a video I posted} and I told him because I shake if I stop.  He replied, then why not creep rearward instead to increase your back tension and head toward proper alignment?

You know who you are, and many thanks for the years ago!!!

[pdk25]

That makes sense, why would you panic while drawing the bow.  Time of release, if transferred to conscious thought is when the problem would occur.  Release should just be the end of the draw cycle.
 

I am not sure, but think that you may have meant to say "That makes no sense,"

I am not arguing that release is at the end of the draw cycle, I just have different draw cycle and don't release as soon as I hit anchor.  I think most competitive shooters have a pause at anchor prior to completion as well.  If I struggle to shoot with my method with shaking or creeping, I need to improve my mental focus or get stronger to accomadate the weight of the bow.  Not that I am that great of a shot.  It just works for me.  I would never try to tell someone else the correct or proper way to draw.

[Kirkll]

When shooting at an animal there is no thought of anything else  except point of impact and where you want that arrow to hit... The draw and release is just automatic and typically all one smooth action unless that animal moves and i loose my shot. That is the only time i hold at full draw consciously... actually it isn't  a conscious decision either really. when that animal steps behind a tree and holds, so do I.  It only becomes conscious after holding so long i start feeling the draw weight. Then i have to decide whether to let down and take the chance on getting spotted vs holding longer waiting for the shot to materialize.... I absolutely hate it when that happens...

I had a nice sized elk broadside at 27 yards in front of me with its head down in the brush when i came around a large stump one time. I didn't give it a moments thought about yardage or anything... I came to full draw, and then he lifted his head and looked at me dead in the eyes. What i should have done is drop the string right then and there.... What i did do was froze up solid at full draw... The idea of shooting with him looking at me didn't feel right, so i froze. I didnt realize it was a bull until then either. We could shoot either sex..

The problem with that move was while i was froze up at full draw i started thinking of yardage and analyzing the situation.  When he put his head back down, i had to let down. i was shaking like a coyote passing a peach pit. But i instantly recovered, came to full draw and hesitated.... and thought to myself ... he's a bit further than 25 yards... so i raised up my bow and turned it loose and parted the hair on his back..... STUPID... Stupid.... stupid... I blew it!   Your instinctive shot is always the best shot. 

Live and learn... Trust your instincts. Your subconscious mind is a better judge than your conscious mind 9 times out of 10 with experience.   Kirk

[Stumpkiller]

On target.  If you are "over target" that is a sign you are over bowed (shooting too much weight).

[PrimitivePete]

Ever since I switched to 3 under, I find I am where I want to be, right on the target and less needing to approach from the top or below.

[Wudstix]

I have learned that I'm not smart enough to tell others what is good, right, or correct for them.  Just explaining what works for me, I shoot heavy enough bows (for me) that there is not much "hold" once I get to anchor.  Once I hit anchor it's go time.