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OUCH!!! Arm Slap

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Old 01-14-2004 | 01:36 PM
  #1  
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Spike
 
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Owensboro, KY USA
Default 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.
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Old 01-14-2004 | 01:51 PM
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Fork Horn
 
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From: Kenosha, Wi USA
Default 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.
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Old 01-14-2004 | 02:13 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Alexandria La. USA
Default 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.
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Old 01-14-2004 | 02:33 PM
  #4  
 
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Maine
Default 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.
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Old 01-14-2004 | 02:46 PM
  #5  
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Spike
 
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From: Owensboro, KY USA
Default 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!
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Old 01-14-2004 | 07:23 PM
  #6  
Typical Buck
 
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: USA
Default 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.
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Old 01-14-2004 | 07:28 PM
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Fork Horn
 
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Virginia
Default 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.
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Old 01-14-2004 | 09:58 PM
  #8  
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Giant Nontypical
 
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From: creemore Ontario Canada
Default 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
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Old 01-14-2004 | 10:13 PM
  #9  
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Spike
 
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From: Owensboro, KY USA
Default 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! []
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Old 01-15-2004 | 02:29 PM
  #10  
Fork Horn
 
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Ontario, Canada
Default 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.
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