String slapping my arm
 

I haven't really shot my bow since the end of deer season so it's been a few months since I have shot. Today I shot about 30 arrows and the majority of the shots the string would slap my arm. It has never done this is the past and I was just curious why my bow would start to do this. I didn't know if it was because I haven't shot in a while or what

Thanks,
Kash

RE: String slapping my arm
 

could just be a loose fitting jacket??? Mine did the same thing and i had to wear an arm guard until i got a new drop away rest and it didn't do it anymore

RE: String slapping my arm
 

if you haven't noticed yet it throws the accuracy of the bow off badly every time it hits your arm

RE: String slapping my arm
 

First thing I think of with string slap is trying to shoot a bow that doesn't fit you because the draw length is too long. Second is your grip. You may need to do one of those " how's my form" threads here to have the guys in the know take a look at it. Now is a real good time to figure out the problem.

Dan

RE: String slapping my arm
 

When I first started shooting archery last year I had the same problem with the string hitting my arm. I then figured out that it was becuase I was gripping it wrong. Try gripping it differently or have someone more experienced with archery watch your form and see if they notice anything you may be doing wrong.

RE: String slapping my arm
 

Haha....ya I can see where it throws my sights off...cause my 30yd pin was about 10in higher than it is normal. I might have to look into getting a post on here about my form. Thanks! Kash

RE: String slapping my arm
 

Evidently the last time you were shooting it din't hit your arm and now it is, if it is'nt clothing then it has got to be a inconstant form, yah it would be a good idea to check out a how is my form thread.

RE: String slapping my arm
 

Spot on, Patch, SPOT ON!!!

It's likely grip if you don't normally do this. If you are "choking" the bow, you pull your forearm into the "line of fire" almost automatically. If I use a "high wrist grip," I can shoot a 31" bow, but I'm only a true 29" draw based on my wingspan. Check out this link: http://www.bowsite.com/bowsite/featu...grip/index.htm It has some good info on grip. But you also need to make sure your form is CONSISTENT. I shoot a few arrows at least 5 days a week. It might only be 4-5 some days, but I get a few arrow flying out of my bows to make sure I'm keeping the "muscle memory" and form consistent.

RE: String slapping my arm
 

Make sure you break your elbow some. Your arm I would say is to straight and locked. That might be part of your problem!

hatchet Jack

RE: String slapping my arm
 

Actually Jack, with the right grip, you can LOCK your arm out and still be "safe," but I agree a slight break is certainly beneficial. This is part of how I was able to shoot a 31" bow when a 29" is what fits me.

RE: String slapping my arm
 

That's what I was going to say. Although I don't LOCK my elbow I do shoot with a straight arm just to be sure I have all the arm bones in alignment. Don't have to tire out the muscles as much that way.

Good information about the grip, too. I don't even like the term "grip" ot "hold your bow" because if you are doing either during the shot then you aren't doing it right.

There are a lot of good tutorials over on www,huntersfriend.com, too.

RE: String slapping my arm
 

Like the others have said....the bow isn't shooting itself any differently! :D

RE: String slapping my arm
 

Well....I know the problem can't be from clothing cause all I had on was a t-shirt. I am curious on the grip. I have always held my bow with my hand completely open and then naturally catch the bow after I shoot. I used to have a wrist sling on my bow but took it off during deer season because I have had a hard time getting my hand through it when im in a hurry. A friend of mine said you shouldn't hold your hand open but instead close your pointer finger around the grip and leave the other fingers open. I'm working on posting some pictures on my grip and stance while shooting to see what I'm doing wrong and what needs to be corrected. Thanks! Kash