Being a recent recurve convert from compound shooter, I would like to share a recent discovery with you that I am sure you have realized already (new shooters beware).

Usually with most compounds, you pull the trigger (or relax the fingers) and the arrow flies fast enough that you just look at the target to see where you hit. Sure, you get a glimpse of arrow flight, but not much. When you shoot a recurve or longbow, you get to watch every hundredth of a second as the arrow flies. And usually (or at least with me since I just started a few months ago) my heart sinks as I watch the arrow hit Several inches from where I was aiming. You know, you hit the top or bottom bull on the 5 spot and gloat to the buddy shooting with you that you were aiming for that dot, eventhough you were aiming at the center. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. I finally hit the target within six inches of my point of aim at 15yds. I can pretty much keep groups in about 6in at 10yds (and hit what I am aiming at) and I haven't really gotten comfortable to go past 15. God, I have never had so much fun shooting my bows before. I am so happy I swapped.

I know there was no point to this post but wanted to thank you all for the information that has been provided for me to read on this site that allowed me to comfortably swap styles without knowing nothing about the sport. Thanks again and Merry Christmas!

"Clutz by Nature, Hospitalized by Fate..."

Pyral

not sure if this will help you or not but it did help me out.I quit watching the arrow and concentrated on the spot I want to hit clear up till the point that my arrow is sticking there.I agree that this is the best sport going and wish that I had switched years ago. concentration and confidence ( always know in your mind that you WILL hit that spot) is the key IMO.

SHOOT STRAIGHT >>>--------> Troy

pyral and Troy n Oh,

I'm having as much fun as you. Took up traditional about 5 months ? ago, beginning of bow season just for something fun to do. I was bitten by the Crusader and Chad virus and never looked back. Sold my compound and stuff on Tuesday!

I set up a 10 yard target in my basement. Too darn cold outside. I found that if I really concentrate on my anchor point and let my release hand fall back during my follow thru, like when shooting my "former compound", I'm much more accurate. I'm the same as you great out to about 15 yards but don't quite have it at 20 yet. I'm starting to become aware of a bad release or form. My arrows seem to fly to a specific spot if I don't anchor right or follow thru.

Great to see that I'm not the only crazy one<img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>out there.

Troy are you from Ohio?

Pyral,

Your post was great. I just wanted to add that my very best shots (Sky SkyHawk recurve) when target shooting at a 3 spot are the ones when I get extremely focused and can actually see all the detail of the little cross hair at the center of the target from 20 yds. When that happens, my arrow will land within the bulls eye and quite often hit the cross hairs. I just wish I could make it happen every time! The point (if there is one) is that the more you focus on the spot the better you chances of hitting it. Especially once you get your basic form clean and consistent.

Hälsa,
Viking

It's true that at first, you don't want to watch the arrow. That's why it's recommended to get close to the backstop, close your eyes and shoot. It allows you to work on the mechanics without the distraction of seeing the arrow, or worrying about accuracy, which won't come without good mechanics.

However in my opinion, you will eventually want to know the flight of the arrow from your bow. It is necessay in order to learn the capabilities of your bow and to take advantage of the versatility of your bow. A good case in point is a 3D shoot that I attended in November. We stood on a rise and the buck target was buried in a large area of brush. We could see the top 1/3 of the animal, but the chest and kill zone were completely covered up by the thick brush. It's an unmarked shoot and no bino's or rangefinders are allowed, so distance to the critter wasn't known, which to me is simulating a hunting situation. A compound shooter couldn't have made the shot. The bow shoots too flat for this type of shooting, but with a longbow or recurve, the shot isn't only possible, it's very makeable. That is, if you know your bow and the flight of the arrow.

When you put your compound down, you also have to put down the mentality of shooting one. The recurve or longbow that you're shooting requires a whole new approach and isn't nearly as limiting as the compound is in the field. Don't let your past experiences with the wheel bow stop you from utilizing the versatility of your stick.

It all takes time and lots and lots of practice. I highly recommend getting out in the bush and doing lots of stump shooting with your bow. In my opinion, there's nothing better to learn everything you need to know about your bow and the flight of the arrow.

Make em sharp and shoot em straight, or leave em home.

CT Bowhunter, I definitely have to agree about the release thing. I can always tell if I had a bad shot or not just by my release. And like Viking said about focusing, I always got to tell myself to &quot;focus and follow-through&quot;. Sometimes when I get eager to see where I hit, I will lower my 'curve too early and I have to force myself to hold it there until I see/hear the arrow hit.

Thanks for the responses guys, its always fun to hear of the learning experiences of others whether good or bad. And I have to say it again, I LOVE THIS SPORT!



&quot;Clutz by Nature, Hospitalized by Fate...&quot;

Pyral

I agree with the focus. For me it's kind of letting your mind and eyes take over and trusting yourself to shoot were you look. It's like when I go sporting clays shooting with my shotgun. If I just bring the gun to shoulder and focus on the bird (mind and eye) I do great. If I start to think and doubt and start aiming, I miss. I'm trying to perfect a pure instinctive style instead of a gap. Don't know if I explained that very well.