Checking my form.

ravenbows · Post by **ravenbows** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 4:44 pm

Could anyone please check my form?

I have a video of it on youtube at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GX4isUr_42Y

Any thoughts or ideas would be great. I am aware that in the different cultures there is different technique, but IM looking for the one that will help me harvest the most venison.

Thank you and regards,

Joe

Stephen Selby · Post by **Stephen Selby** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 8:29 am

To do you injustice, I couldn't watch all because my download speed is slow. Also, it's better if you let us know what style of shooting you are aiming at.

If you were my student, I would dissuade you from raising your draw-hand wrist as you draw. I can't see your feet but you seem to lean in toward the target, which is something else I don't agree with. Ok, I'm being picky here.

Also can't see which side of the bow your arrow passes, but either side can do if you're doing a standing shot.

If you're planning on going on horseback you need the arrow on the right of the grip. Also on horseback, you don't do any fancy stuff flinging your draw-hand back or letting the bow fall level. Just release and bring both elbows back to your ribs so that your horse will stay balanced.

At the end of the day, if your hitting consistently and without getting tired, you have the right form.
S

osmiu · Post by **osmiu** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 2:29 pm

the arrow is on the right side of the bow .
the bow is turning in hand like a yumi .
but the right hand is very , very open . the middle finger is very high in the air . it isn't 69 , it isn't 63 .
I can't imagine a pretty strong bow shooted with this type of clench .
Except for that , nice bow . I like the sound it make .

ravenbows · Post by **ravenbows** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 2:46 pm

The arrow is passing on the right side of the riser. I am holding my fingers like that in hopes of keeping them out of the way of the thumb when it releases.

Per the bowyer the bow is between 40-50lbs, im not certain of this but it is probably around there somewhere. I have not had it checked. Im am getting a replacement in about 4 weeks.

So do you think that I need to keep my shooting hand tighter clinched?

Thank you for the compliments and the critique. Much appreciated.

regards,

ravenbows · Post by **ravenbows** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 3:13 pm

One more thing, in regards to the style Im not sure. Im just looking for the style that is the most conducive to hunting from the ground using the ring. These bows are designed to come past the mouth and back to the jawbone at least.

Where I get my form is this location.

http://spitfirehorsebows.com/bowvideos.asp

What suggestions do you have for overall accuracy when It comes to using the ring?

Paul Slawik · Post by **Paul Slawik** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 5:05 pm

Joe,

If you want to use a hunting style then think that you're on the right track, smooth and fluid.

If you curl your remaining right hand fingers into your palm it will most likely give a more stable and secure feel, try it! This will be more obvious if you would like to go up in draw weight. The curled fingers shouldn't interfere with your thumb upon release.

There are some nice thumbring shooting videos with Jhoneil on YouTube as well. Check out his short follow through. You don't need more. Also, it can cause problems or injuries if you swing your string hand all the way back like that if you would hunt in thick brush. Just imagine.

From time to time, give it a try to also pause at full draw like Jhoneil does. See what happens but don't loose increasing back tension! The shooting must still be dynamic, not static (even if it looks like you're holding to on lookers).

Osmiu mentioned "69" and "63" without explaining. These are different thumbring-grip-finger-positions based upon the old arabic finger reckoning (Saracen Archery Techniques).

Keep up the good work!

ravenbows · Post by **ravenbows** » Sat Aug 29, 2009 10:16 am

Hi Paul,

Thank you for all the insight. That was truely useful. And you are right in regards, to the string hand, that could cause an injury in the thick brush, or down in the swamp. VERY good point. Also, I will try to bring those fingers in. For some reason that is what naturally happens, but Im going to work on it.

Thank you and regards,

Joe

osmiu · Post by **osmiu** » Sat Aug 29, 2009 9:12 pm

I am not that skillfull to teach others ... but from what I know :
well ... is not just to bring those fingers in .
pressure between the tip of the thumb and the middle falang of the middle finger is essential in making a strong clench . pressure between the fingernail of the thumb and the middle falang of the index finger it is better to be light . a close fist help a lot .
Bede said once that his sholders give up before his clench . it is true in my case also . try it with a bow stronger then yourself . if the draw hand fail to retain the string before your muscles , you are on the wrong path .
the ring is also important .