OUCH!!! Arm Slap
 

I was shooting my bow today and on one shot the string got my arm GOOD. I lost the arrow - have absolutely no idea where it went.

I cannot figure out how this happened. I thought I was using the same form (evidetally not!). My initial thought was that the string was stretching, since it is a new bow, but the string didn't get me the rest of the shooting session.

What defeciency in my form would cause this? I certainly don't want to repeat it. I've got a nice welp.

RE: OUCH!!! Arm Slap
 

fingers or release?

If your draw length is getting too long, you can have string slap problems. Or if your hand torque is bad, that can happen as well.

RE: OUCH!!! Arm Slap
 

Not sure how helpful this will be, but I will share my experiences with it. I have had to deal with arm splap my whole shooting life. For some reason, my left arm rotates when I draw, and the inside of my elbow ends up pointing directly toward the string. As part of my routine, I have to rotate my arm clockwise to get my elbow back in a normal position. If I fail to do this, WHAM!

When I do have slap, the arrow hits low and left EVERY time.

RE: OUCH!!! Arm Slap
 

the only time that I get arm slap is if I torque my wrist. Most of the time I don't know I've done it until the string hits my arm. If you are shooting outside I'd look infront of you target because arm slap will slow arrow speed resulting in a very low shot. I hope this helps a little.

RE: OUCH!!! Arm Slap
 

Thanks for the tips every one. Hopefully I will find my arrow, but it must have burried itself good because I scanned most of the yard.

My grip must have been wrong or something causing me to torque the bow. I WILL pay more attention, as I got spanked pretty good!

RE: OUCH!!! Arm Slap
 

In the past when I have sent an arrow "subterranian", I have normally found it well beyond the target, just under the grass. They seem to just slide between the grass and the dirt.

RE: OUCH!!! Arm Slap
 

You may not be gripping the bow properly. If you put too much hand into the grip you will most definitely hit your arm fairly well. I have a permanent scar on the inside of my forearm from shooting so much without knowing any better. It is probably the grip or a really bad flinch. Were you tired or pulling too much weight? If so, then like PMantle said your left elbow will rotate inwards.

RE: OUCH!!! Arm Slap
 

Did you try turning your body clockwise so that the angle of your arm isn't so straight [Right handed].Sometimes I found myself doing this and When I went into the bow shop he noticed the red string sting and he gave me some real good advice ,he showed me where I was making my error and helped me with my form.Now I don't have this problem any more .

nubo

RE: OUCH!!! Arm Slap
 

Black Frog - I am using a release - forgot to answer your question earlier.

Still cannot find the arrow, but will look again tomorrow, more out of curiosity of where the heck it went than anything.

I was getting a bit tired, it was toward the end of my shooting for the day. Definitely taught me a lesson to watch my form. I have probably shot 200 times over the past couple of weeks, and this is the only time it happened.

Made me a little gun-shy for the next few shots! [:o]

RE: OUCH!!! Arm Slap
 

My arm is scarred.... [X(]
One of my hunting buddies gave me a tip and it seems to work, so I will share with you. When you draw your bow, point the fingers on your hand on the bow a little toward the ground. This seemed to work for me as it pulled my forearm out of the way. Dunno if it will work for you, but you could try.

RE: OUCH!!! Arm Slap
 

Whenever I get stung by my compound, it's always because of string/cable creep. Always. String creep will increase your draw length, lower your brace height and, since there is less tension on the string, it will 'bullwhip' further forward than nomal.

Check your brace height and axle/axle measurements and make adjustments to get them back to spec.

RE: OUCH!!! Arm Slap
 

What do you mean by string/cable creep. Sorry, I am fairly new to shooting bows.

I presume I need to take it back to the dealer to get it back in spec?

Thanks,

RE: OUCH!!! Arm Slap
 

Stretch is when a string elongates and then goes back to it's original length. Like stretching a rubber band and turning loose of it.

Creep is a permanent elongation of the string. Like grabbing hold of a piece of chewed gum and stretching it out. It STAYS stretched out.

The string and cables on your bow are under constant tension and they creep. If you know the factory specifications for your bow's axle to axle length and brace height, you can tell if you need to make adjustments to compensate for the creep by checking those measurements. If your bow is supposed to be 34" axle to axle with a 7" brace height and it checks 36" with a 6" brace height, you know it's time for maintenance.

Adjustments are made by pressing the bow and twisting the string and cables back to their specified lengths. So, this is something that you would need the pro shop to do. HOWEVER, I'd recommend watching them do it and learning how it's done. You can buy a portable press, like the Bowmaster, for about the cost of a couple of trips to the shop to have the work done for you. Then you can handle those little problems yourself. ;)

RE: OUCH!!! Arm Slap
 

Authur P ...

Thanks for the information. I will check my measurements and get them fixed if needed.

PM