Form is getting better slowly, stupid string hand.

[Junkers88]

I've been shooting during lunch at work and then for an hour or so at home afterwards and I feel things are improving. My accuracy and consistency are coming around very slowly with consistency being the better of the two. I actually tried a little string walking last night and decided that it's for sure not something I want to mess with right now. Anything that has me "aiming" or looking down the shaft just sends arrows all over the place.

So I've noticed something. About every 3rd or 4th shot feels great on the release, not hitting exactly where I want it but it really feels good. When that happens my string hand is still where it started before the I let go. What I mean is my hand doesn't go back behind my ear like I've seen others do. In fact my hand usually doesn't move much away from my anchor point.

Is this indicative of using too much arm and not enough back on the draw?

Thanks for your time folks.
Richard.

[Bisch]

I've been shooting during lunch at work and then for an hour or so at home afterwards and I feel things are improving. My accuracy and consistency are coming around very slowly with consistency being the better of the two. I actually tried a little string walking last night and decided that it's for sure not something I want to mess with right now. Anything that has me "aiming" or looking down the shaft just sends arrows all over the place.

So I've noticed something. About every 3rd or 4th shot feels great on the release, not hitting exactly where I want it but it really feels good. When that happens my string hand is still where it started before the I let go. What I mean is my hand doesn't go back behind my ear like I've seen others do. In fact my hand usually doesn't move much away from my anchor point.

Is this indicative of using too much arm and not enough back on the draw?

Thanks for your time folks.
Richard.

Yes!

It is called a static release. One thing you need to realize about all this is that there really is no "Wrong" or "Right". There is only "Consistent" and "Inconsistent". If you are consistent, no matter what your system is, you will shoot well. If you are inconsistent, you will not shoot well. There are many guys who shoot dang good with a static release. If you are just learning, it is wise to learn to use your back because using your back will almost always make you more consistent. When you are learning to shoot trad, you have to take what an instructor gives you, and then make it work with how you do it. Idk if that makes sense or not, but there are a lot of folks out there that go to a class, or read a book, and try to imitate exactly what they saw/read. A lot of times that does not work, and an individual needs to take the main grasp of what is being taught and make it work the best in the way they do things.

Bisch

[SwampRabbit]

I've seen videos where guys (expert trad coaches???) literally have their hand and arm flop back behind their face. Mine definitely does not do that.

Mine also doesn't stay "exactly" at my anchor point... but it does move back a couple inches across my face back towards my ear.

I am no expert but I think it boils down to recoil at brace, vs the effects of implementing expansion during release.

What does that mean exactly?

Well, to me, it means at the end of a "proper" shot sequence (please note the quotes) you reach anchor and you must transfer the weight into a "brace." From here you should be able to hold without collapsing due to small muscle fatigue. Now... what some folks do is during their release/follow through, they include an aspect of "expansion" meaning they expand with their back and let the string slip through... Because they are expanding... ideally their arm will fly back. I could NEVER get consistent with this. I had a hard time with expand, relax hand, etc. The goal of course is to really get the string to slip through your hands without being plucked.

Instead, I focused on brace, letting the string slip out of my fingers. My hand will naturally recoil some. After all, it was holding a bunch of weight and that weight is gone. But it is not enough to fly back behind my head... just enough to slip back to where my knuckle brushes my ear. If I throw my fingers open or am not properly braced. My hand flies off to the side or stays the same because I was already "creeping forward."

This is my take on it... I am sure others can be more helpful about it. Like Bisch said, there are a lot of different styles out there and some work for some, and others work for others. The goal is to be consistent every time.

That being said, I think it was Bob who mentions it... there is a healthy and an unhealthy way to shoot a bow though. Some types of form are not sustainable and can lead to chronic joint issues, etc.

[caughtandhobble]

Richard you and your neighbor should make the TBOT 3D Shoot in Bastrop this coming weekend... It really helped me to watch different people shoot when I started out.

Static and dynamic releases can work for anyone, it pretty much boils down to what is the most comfortable for you to be consistent with your shooting. The ABC's of archery are, "always be comfortable", don't try to force something, there's really no right or wrong. Traditional archery is about as personal as any sport out there. Like Scott said there are ways to shoot that can hurt you down the road.

You are very lucky to have a neighbor to help you get started. You are also lucky to find this site, there are some very knowledgeable people that frequent here. Bisch and both of the "swamp guys" really know there stuff along with many others. Good luck and keep at it!!!

[Davidrubio]

I have or had a very sloppy release, the only way I can control it is by back tension.

No offense but I've seen many that try to mimic a dynamic release by consciously moving their hand back. If I do that it makes my bow arm move like an tennis swing.

[Junkers88]

Richard you and your neighbor should make the TBOT 3D Shoot in Bastrop this coming weekend... It really helped me to watch different people shoot when I started out.
Good luck and keep at it!!!

If I wasn't working I'd be there. Thanks!

I have or had a very sloppy release, the only way I can control it is by back tension.

No offense but I've seen many that try to mimic a dynamic release by consciously moving their hand back. If I do that it makes my bow arm move like an tennis swing.

LOL! I tried to make my hand go backwards like I've seen some do and I can't hit a 3x4 target at 8 paces.

[TMiddleton]

My wife shoots very well with a static release, I shoot with back tension.
Do whatever works for you, and puts the arrow in the bull on a consistent basis.

[Shiloh]

I agree - there is no "one way or the highway". Everybody has to find what works for them. At the end, the one thing all good shooters will have in common a consistency in their shot cycle.
I've read books, watched videos, and applied bits and pieces I've learned from them all. Eventually after thousands of arrows, my shot began to feel predictable and natural. I think this just takes time a dedication to get good at it.

[Selfbowman]

I have a very fast release. I am not over bowed. I did not get good info from the get go. I drilled many bad habits in my form from lack of knowledge . Most pros I know shoot using a gab form. Bring to anchor hold aim release . I have tried this numerous times with no success. So I settle for my 70-75 percentage on targets. That's me though. Good info in the sticky 's .Arvin