proper bow arm position

Matjac · 07-22-2008, 08:14 PM

I have read a lot of different threads about proper bow form, my question is your bow arm should it be bent a little at the elbow or locked in straight

ant input would be helpful

thanks

davepjr71 · 07-22-2008, 08:29 PM

Your arm should be slightly bent.It's hard to tell from most photos you see because the person'sbend in the elbowis parallel to the string and looks straight from the right side if you are gripping the bow properly. However, standing to the left or behind the same person you will see a slight bend.

Locking it in straight can result in torque on the bow as well as the possibility of the string smacking the snot out of your forearm on release.

Rick James · 07-22-2008, 08:34 PM

Your bow arm should be in the position that creates the least amount of tension in that bow arm. Typically this is done in a straight position, however don't confuse the term straight with "locked" or hyperextended. Every persons body type is different though, so this may vary from person to person.

I personally shoot with a straight bow arm, with the inside of my elbow at a 45 degree angle to the ground, and my front bow arm shoulder low and bottomed out. This is where I develop the least amount of tension in my shot, and where I am most consistent.

TFOX · 07-22-2008, 09:08 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Rick James

Your bow arm should be in the position that creates the least amount of tension in that bow arm. Typically this is done in a straight position, however don't confuse the term straight with "locked" or hyperextended. Every persons body type is different though, so this may vary from person to person.

I personally shoot with a straight bow arm, with the inside of my elbow at a 45 degree angle to the ground, and my front bow arm shoulder low and bottomed out. This is where I develop the least amount of tension in my shot, and where I am most consistent.

Exactly

This post from Greg/MO says it well.

As far as the straight arm... I think the best I ever heard it put was by Michael Braden when he talked about having a bent arm and leaning against a fence post or door jamb. See how long you can hold the weight of your body up like that; then, straighten your arm out to a relaxed state just like it were hanging naturally at your side and see how well you can support your body weight. There's no comparison.

davepjr71 · 07-23-2008, 03:35 AM

I've seen pictures and video of both of you shoot and you do indeed have slightly bent elbows. If your arm is relaxed the elbow is bent. That's the natural position of your arm. The only way your arm would ever be straight is with a locked elbow. That's why I stated that you should not have a straight arm.

Rick James · 07-23-2008, 07:44 AM

I guess it really depends on your perception of "bent" vs. "straight". I don't consider thisbent though....................

Before I worked with a coach, I had a bent arm. It's one of the first things we quickly changed about my form. Below is a pic taken about 2 months before I changed this.

davepjr71 · 07-23-2008, 08:10 AM

I agree with the idea of a person's perception on the subject.I guess we really should be talking about if you should have your arm locked or not. WhenI look at my arm it does not look bent but it is very, very slightly so that the elbow is relaxed.

Side note: Your grip is a lot different too which makes a big difference.My oldgrip was like your bottompic and my new one is like your top. If you try to bend your arm too much with your top grip the arm wants to kick out. Grip has a lot to do with if a person bends the arm more or not to keep from getting wacked by the string.

MDBUCKHUNTER · 07-23-2008, 08:14 AM

Your bow arm elbow should never be locked straight.

With that said, different people have different degrees of bend in their bow arm.

The most important things to remember are: whatever your form is, it must be able to be replicated time and time again, it must be comfortable to you and it must produce the same results (aka arrow flight) each time.

I've seen some archers have horrific forms, but they can shoot the lights out. That doesn't mean they are wrong!

treboryerf · 07-23-2008, 01:48 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: MDBUCKHUNTER

Your bow arm elbow should never be locked straight.

With that said, different people have different degrees of bend in their bow arm.

The most important things to remember are: whatever your form is, it must be able to be replicated time and time again, it must be comfortable to you and it must produce the same results (aka arrow flight) each time.

I've seen some archers have horrific forms, but they can shoot the lights out. That doesn't mean they are wrong!

You are right on with this statement.I know I don't have perfect form,but I have no problem hitting my target,it is when I will try to perfect my form that my shooting becomes erratic,and when I go back to shooting where and how I am most comfortable my accuracy returns.

Rick James · 07-23-2008, 02:59 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: treboryerf
You are right on with this statement.I know I don't have perfect form,but I have no problem hitting my target,it is when I will try to perfect my form that my shooting becomes erratic,and when I go back to shooting where and how I am most comfortable my accuracy returns.

Trust me when I say that this is caused by trying to change your form the wrong way. New form or form tweaks are learned on the blank bale. It will only benefit you once you have engrained it into your muscle memory and subconsious. Your mind cannot think about new form and aiming at the same time and do both well.