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Old 10-28-2008 | 10:54 AM
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MGH_PA
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,298
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From: Cogan Station, PA
Default RE: Switching to southpaw?

Yep, I went through this switch last spring. I shot for much longer than 3yrs, and it was a fairly smooth transition with no regrets. I have always known I was left eye dominant, and my dad had me shooting rifles left handed since I was 10, but he wasn't an archer. When I decided to pick up archery at 14 (I'm now 23), the bow shop at the time asked if I was left or right handed, and as such I told them I was right handed (which I am). I had shot my bows right handed like that up until last spring. I started talking to Rob/PA, and a few members on here about my situation, and it came down to many recommending I make the switch. For me, I was noticing I was having issues focusing back and forth between the pin and the target. I could never really blur the pin, nor could I attempt to shoot with both eyes open. I wanted to see if using my dominant eye had any effect (positive or negative).

I started out with a low poundage (I recommend you do the same) 101st Airborne. For the first month and a half, I never fired the bow. I simply did drawing drills (thank Rick James for this advice) where I would draw back, concentrating on my form and muscle use, then let down. I repeated this for over 600 reps (RJ recommends over 1000). Basically what you're trying to do is build muscle memory and proper form WITHOUT developing the bad habits early on. It was a little awkward early on, but it became quite effortless after a while.

Once I started shooting, I was definitely noticing a difference. I'm able to fully blur the pin, bring it back to focus, and vice versa as much as I want. My form is solid, I'm comfortable, and when I was at my peak in the summer, my accuracy/consistency had improved tremendously. I have NO regrets at all.

Also talk to Ben/PA on here. He switched when I did as well.
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