Critique My Form???
 

I thought i'd never post a pic of myself in my form for everyone one to tell me how bad it looks but now i'm getting desperate. I'm very new to bowhunting and I'm sure my form is all kinds of out of wack.
I read in a book to draw your bow back with your eyes closed and you should line up with your peep. When I open my eyes I have to readjust my release anchor. It looks like my bow string is crooked or something.After I move my release anchor itlines up.
After looking at the pics my back looks like it's bent back but when I try to straighten it out it feels awkward. If it is wrong how do I fix it?
I also heard that the string should be touching my chest as an anchor. Is this right? Feels right but it also feels like it makes me bend my back more or something.
The first two pics are my normal form that i've been using and the third pic is when I closed my eyes and opened them to the form that does'nt seem toline up with me but it feels more natural.
If you needany more pics I'm sure I can get the wife to snap some more if need be.
Thanks,
JE


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a82/Camaro4LifeSS/Bowpics001.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a82/Camaro4LifeSS/Bowpics002.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a82/Camaro4LifeSS/Bowpics003.jpg

RE: Critique My Form???
 

I wonder how many people are going to open this thread thinking they're gonna see a bunch of pics of that cute blonde who goes by bama huntress or something? [8D]

You really need Rick James to come along and dissect these, but...

I would personally say that in your second pic it looks like your bow arm is way too low. I know you may be aiming at something low out in front of you, but the key there is to keep your arm up and bend at the waist...

I would also say you may be up to 1/2" short on your draw length, judging from where the end of your arrow shaft falls in relation to your eye. Of course, that may change a bit once you raise your bow arm.

You also seem to be leaning way back; try to keep your upper torso in line with your lower. There's probably a reason for it... Rick would probably know, as he's had a bunch of coaching and professional lessons, I think.

Anyway... there's a start! :D

RE: Critique My Form???
 

I agree with Greg/MO
it looks like you're leaning way too far back?

RE: Critique My Form???
 

Uhm,would we do that? (I's guilty[8D])

RE: Critique My Form???
 

do you hit the same spot evertime ? if so ..... who gives a flip about how your form looks !

RE: Critique My Form???
 

hehehe I was thinking the same excact thing, too funny.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

the very first thing i would do if i were you is practice pushing my left shoulder down as soon as i had the bow drawn. this one very act will encourage your body to straighten up. push that shoulder down and your left arm will naturally extend out instead of wanting to go left - straightening your bow up. the bow will be farther away from you, and that will allow you to straighten your body up. those are the very first things i'd work on anyway. then, aim with your shoulders instead of moving your bow arm up and down.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

Thanks for the replies.I'll try those things when I get home and see how they affect it.
My groups are'nt that bad but they are'nt that good either.Not as consistent as i'd like neither.Plus I figure since i'm so new I'd like to perfect my form as best as I can rather than pick up some bad habits and get used to shooting with them.If anybody else has anything to share feel free to post.I'd also like to hear what you think Rick James.
Thanks,
JE

RE: Critique My Form???
 

You are about TWO inches to long on your draw..........

You need to shorten that bow up.........

Shorten the drawlength 2 inches then repost pictures.........

I can't even adress the other issues untill you atleast get close to your correct drawlength.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

Dude, you are a mess.

I am kidding, sort of. I HIGHLY suggest going to a pro-shop for a lesson or attending a local 3-d shoot in your area (I am sure there is one close to you this coming weekend!) and ask one of the higher scoring guys for a little in person help. Most guys will definitely take the time to help a new guy.

My suggestion would be to do either of those things as soon as possible as the more you practice your "bad habits" the harder it will be to break them.

One last, but very importantthing ... that bow is to long for you by over an inch. One of the reasons you are leaning WAY back like that and your natural anchor point is probably not that far back. It's almost like some one sized you up for that draw length based on you shooting from the string and then you put a loop on. I HIGHLY suggest going to a pro-shop ASAP!!!! You'll be amazed at how a little in person instruction and a properly fitting bow will help everything!

I guess Rack Attack and I we writing at the same time! Shorten that draw length!

RE: Critique My Form???
 

I am usually not the first person to say someone is too long on draw length, because I believe the majority of people can shooter stronger shots and more consistently using korean style "power triangle" form which requires a longer draw length than what most people use. With that said, your draw length is too long.......[8D]

You need to shorten at first about a full inch, your release elbow is lower than the nocking point on the string. Shortening draw length will help bring this in line. Once you can do this, you need to bottom out that front side shoulder. You can practice this and get to know the feeling of that being bottomed out on a door jam. Once you learn the feeling of that locked down shoulder position in the front it will make your shot MUCH stronger and much more repeatable. Once you can get these two things done, I would like to see your draw length again from the back, above you, and from both sides and I could give you a rough estimate on how much shorter you need to go from there. These two things should help you stand much straighter and once you practice all of these things to the point that they happen subconsiously and without thought, your shooting is going to improve much more drastically. I bet you fatigue quickly after 40-50 arrows..........

RE: Critique My Form???
 

Agree with Rack, I'm not sure if your 2" long but I'd bet that it's close....definately shorten the draw length and then we can go from there.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

Anyone else think his peep sight is set too low? I agree with the draw being long. To get a feel for how it should feel at full draw, try sitting perfectly straight in a chair and drawing back. Then you'll see just how long your draw is.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

Yep, now I see... (it was getting real, real late last night ;))... I was looking only at where your nock came in relation to your eye, but that draw length being too long is probably what's causing you to lean excessively back like that as well...

See? Told you someone would come along and help! [8D]

RE: Critique My Form???
 

Glad to see all of you guys wanting to help.Sounds like a lot of you guys agree on draw length.Well,when I had my draw length measured I was told 27".So I bought a bow that adjusted down to 27".I not sure that it will go any shorter.I've been going to my local archery shop and it does'nt seem like they want to spend much time with me.I buy all my stuff their but when I asked themto look at my form seems like they don't care a whole lot about it.I went once last year when I first bought the bow and I went again here recently when I started thinking my form could be off.He said it looked fine.So...now all I have is you guys.How can I shorten my draw lenght?Is their any way to?
Once again I appreciate all the replies.Just a thought,would it help if I wore a bikini.j/k
JE

RE: Critique My Form???
 

Anybody have any suggestions to the above post about my draw length?
Thanks,
JE

RE: Critique My Form???
 

I believe the number one problem with bowhunters is not knowing or not addressing their draw length. That should be the first information you obtain when you buy a bow. I would definately say you draw length is toolong on that bow.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

I believe you have the cam and 1/2 cams on your bow. You can take it down in 1/2 inch increments until a certain point. I had a Hoyt with that option.

You also shouldn't be touching your string to your chest like that. I would say thats a big "no-no." I anchor my thumb on the back of my neck and the string on the tip of my nose while looking thru my peep.

Good luck and get that DL shortened.:)

RE: Critique My Form???
 

I thought Idid address my draw length before I bought my bow.I went through a lot of reasearch before I bought my bow and someone on here told me a way to measure my draw length.Not sure what the method was or who told me but it came out to 27".Before I bought my bow I also had the archery check it and they said like 27 1/2".My bowsaid it adjusted down to 27" so I figured I was good.The cams have little notches.I belive the same ones ducsauce is talking about,and their set at 27".How can I measure my draw lenght?
Thanks again,
James

RE: Critique My Form???
 

Take your height in inches, then divide it by 2.5 and that is your draw length. So if you are 6' tall, your height in inches is 72, and that divided by 2.5 is 28.5 so that would be the draw length for a person 6'.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

Another thing that looks odd is your anchor point. It looks different in each picture. After you adjust the draw length you could try to shorten up that strap on your release.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

I thought it was wingspan but I'm not sure if that is a sure fire method anyway.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

I thought it was wingspan but I'm not sure if that is a sure fire method anyway.

I have heard both, but someone told me the height divided by 2.5 is more accurate.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

Bama,
I agree with the others who have said that your draw length is an inch or two too long. Take your bow, along with your release, to a proshop and have them measure you. They will be able to tell you what your draw length is.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

I only have one archery shoparound and they are the ones that measured me up and saidmy form looks good.They have a good reputation but they seem to think my form is fine.Also on my draw length,my bow shows that it will only go down to 27".Is their another way I can adjust it?One last thing,I shot my bow some today and tried it without the string on my chest and it made my groups much tighter.It moved them up about 4-5 inchesbut itsure did help.Now if I can just figure out how to shorten my draw lenght.
Thanks,
JE

RE: Critique My Form???
 

Have you adjusted your drawlength yet??? If not, break out the manual and get it adjusted and post another pic.

How long is your string loop? My brother had someone tie a string loop for him and it was way too long.

Your body needs to form a "T". Bend your left arm (bow arm) out some if you can. Bending your bow arm will bring you in some.

Like I said, my anchor is my thumb on the back of my neck with my index finger under my ear/on my jaw bone. Also, the string touches the tip of my nose. Try to establish a good anchor.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

Man I guess I'm screwed then.I measured my height 62"(short I know).I guess that would make my draw length like 24.5".Sure does seem awfully short though.I did'nt even see a bow that came with that short of a draw length when I was shopping.Is their any alternatives?My bow shows on the cams that 27" is as short as it will go?Does this mean that I need a new bow?What's so bad is I went to an archery shop and supposedly had all of this checked before I bought thebow.Man i'm bummed out.
JE

RE: Critique My Form???
 

I can't believe all the advice here .......

Nobody shoot a bow the same. Look at all sports that have form as one of the main things that control how well the athelete performs and you'll see a lot of difference.

Michael Jordan shot the ball very differently than, say, Kevin Garnett does. Both are very good
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have different golf swings- both are very good

As long as you're shooting the same way every time your arrows will go the same place everytime. I mean, you're shooting a machine - draw it back, hold it, put the pin where you want the arrow to go, and squeeze the trigger. Compounds are built to be shot very accurately.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

You are simply wrong..........

Tiger and phil may have different swings BUT.......

Both there swings have certain characteristics and basic correct form and balance that are the same.

JE is shooting a bow that does not fit him....................not even close..........

He will NEVER shoot that bow very well, and its a shame it was sold to him.

Draw length is the MOST important fit between an archer and a bow - Its gotta be right.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

abit too long on the draw id sy around two1 3/4 inches - 2 inches. Shorten it up.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

My season starts Oct. 15.Should I go ahead anduse it thisseason or start looking?I may not have a choice in the matteranyways butwas just wondering?I started way early this season and thought I was going to be petty well prepared.What a set back.Would I even have time to adjust to a new bow?
JE

RE: Critique My Form???
 

Lot's of variables here
Can your draw length be shortened? If so how soon?
Money for the modifications or new bow?

But..... as with anyone else with a bow that fits or doesn't fit you have to determine if you can be consistant and at what distance. If you can now consistantly hit 3 inches at 30 yards but open up to 7 inches at 40 you are good with that bow this season out to about 30 yards.

That would give you the option of limiting yourself to 30 yards with your current set up or getting a new bow.
My opinion is if you bought a new bow or made the draw length modifications today you would easily be ready by 10/15.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

I would think the wingspan method would be more accurate since it takes into account your actual arms length and not how big your head is or isn't;). My wingspan places my draw at 29.4", body height= 27.6". I shoot a 29" just fine, I've tried 28 & 28.5 and felt too "bunched up", 29.5 felt too long.

If you are going to try to limp by with this bow for this year (not that I'm advising that) you might consider shooting off the string (ditch the loop)and aquiring one of those new releases that have trigger placed more forward to try andfudge the draw length some. Scott and Tru-ball are selling them. The Tru-ball Xtra series look mighty good to me.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

It looks like you will need a different bow in order to shoot properly. It's never too late to change a bow and get used to it as long as you can afford it. 3-4 weeks of practice with good form is better than 6 months of bad form.

If you can't afford a new bow now, you might be able to do a couple of the things already suggested.
1) Lower your left shoulder. That will push the bow out a little bit.
2) Ditch the D-Loop Should give you back 3/4". That thing looks long.
3) Shorten the length of your release or get a different one. It also looks like it may be riding up the back of your hand. You want the pressure to be at your wrist, not up near your knuckles. Can you tighten it up any?


Other things to try to improve your form.
-Move your peep to line up to where you feel comfortable. You shouldn't have to adjust your head or anchor point to your bow. Adjust your bow to fit you.
-Don't grab your release. Looks like you have a death grip on that thing. Relax your hand.
-Straighten your back. Whoever told you your string should contact your chest is just wacky. It will interfere with your clothing.

Keep us informed.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

I guess I will go this season with it.Few more questions though:
I shoot fairly good with it.I would say that I get my groups in at about 2-3 inches at 20yds.Every now and then though I'm not as consistent as i'd like to be.I have a 3D target and I never hit out of the vitals even up to 40yds.But I would never take a shot past 25.
The Bow I have is the Reflex Grizzly.It shows that my draw length is set at 27".Is their another way to shorten it?If so,I will go ahead and have it done.
How do I measure my draw lenght by using my wingspan?I just want to see what I come up with.
If I ditch the D-loop,do I have to use a different type of release?Should I go ahead and try the Tru Ball?
The heigth of my peep seems ok.But when I draw back with my eyes closed and open them,it's like I have to twist my wrist( Bow) to get it to my eye.
After I quit shooting with the string up against my chest my groups have gotten much tighter and more consistent.I'm really happy with that move.
Sure is tough finding out my bow is not fit forme when I went and got fitted for it.About 2 weeks ago I dumped a good bit of money on all new accesories.If I new then what I know now I would have bought the correct bow.The same day I bought the accesories is when I had my form checked and it was supposedly a-ok.
Thanks for all the help fellas.
JE

RE: Critique My Form???
 

Glad to hear that improvements have been made. I know I've said this more than once but are your inner cams down all the way? The bow may say its on 27" on the sticker but then again look what the shop told ya.:)

I found my old Hoyt manual. The allen screw in the green (inner cam) can be removed and you can rotate the cam in the "+" or "-" direction. You should go "-" or toward the letter "F" and find a hole that the allen screw will go to and re-tighten. Repeat this with the bottom cam and make sure both are in the same position.

Before you attempt this. Locate your manual and verify. It should be in there. Then again the sticker may be correct. Just trying to help.:D

RE: Critique My Form???
 

Most releases will shoot off the string, just use an eliminator button between the string & arrow nock to keep it from pinching the nock at full draw.
Wingspan- (somebody correct me ifI screw this up) -with your arms stretched out place your hands & chestagainst a wall (give it a big-ole hug) and measure the distance from on hands finger tip to the other.
I never read exactly which fingers to use, index or middle- soI measure both ways- didn't make a big hill of beans difference (both still put me over 29") probably easier to use another person for this. I measured solo by placing one finger tip to the edge of a light switch cover plate and then kept in touch with the wall on the opposite hand long enough to mark it for measuringit with two free hands.

Not sure what's going on with the peep.

Try the tru-ball if you have money laying around, Basspro has it on sale right now (on-line).

Good luck with it.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

personally, i'd go to the shop that sold you the incorrect fitting bow and demand they make it right. If they refuse, post the name of the shop all over the internet, write to the local newspaper, or if they have a public range, shoot there and complain constantly very loudly that the bow just isnt shooting great and they wont help at all. You have to stand up for yourself, and being a new archer, they knew it and took advantage of you to get the sale. I would be willing to BET that they would have had to of ordered the bow for your draw, and just wanted to move one now.

RE: Critique My Form???
 

I have to agree with Rack .
In one reply Bamahuntin said his groups were not consitant and in another
reply said that he was able to get the string off his chest and that helped tighten up his group but raised thepoi.
So As Far as i can see and have seen in the past, BamaHuntin is getting some verygood advice and it will continue for those that could use it!
MrBill

RE: Critique My Form???
 

That's because your DLength is too long. The string is being anchored "beside" your face instead of in front of your face/eye.