Heavy bow problem

Russ Mitchell · Post by **Russ Mitchell** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 2:09 pm

All this talk about draw weights has motivated me to get serious again with my strength bow, since I'll be able to con the wife and a buddy into going out to the levee to shoot soon.

But when I'm drawing the sucker (it's a 123 lb-er), I'm getting a "pop" in my left elbow that never used to happen when I drew with the elbow lower and pulling the string to my chest. Keeping the elbow up, and moving to draw to my jaw, I get it... and it feels like the kind of thing that's going to be a long-term problem if I don't fix it. (Yes, I'm right-handed. I practice the draw ambidextrously, and don't get the problem on the other side.)

Any ideas?
tnx...

MJuingong · Post by **MJuingong** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 3:03 am

See a doctor.

Now.

Bede · Post by **Bede** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 11:21 pm

Russ,
What kind of draw are you doing? Are you everting your elbow, holding it straight or bending it slightly?

Russ Mitchell · Post by **Russ Mitchell** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 12:38 am

Typically, a modified three-finger common to my Hungarian colleagues (thumb and finger on arrow, two below the arrow). But for this, just a straight-up mediterranean pull. I keep my elbow slightly bent, and a touch to the outside usually.

Bede · Post by **Bede** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 9:44 pm

It sounds like you have changed something in your draw that you are not consciously aware of. the fact that it works in reverse makes me think that when you are concentrated of shooting without any muscle memory, you are getting everything lined up correctly.

How do you check your stance? Do you use a mirror?

The change in your drawing hand should not make a difference. The Qing archers tested strength by drawing heavy bows with three fingers, not with a thumb ring. The instructors were looking for form rather than testing thumb ring use. No one thought this was strange.

Stephen Selby · Post by **Stephen Selby** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 1:24 am

Definitely no thumb draw for stength bows.

I can't imagine anyone drawing a 123# bow after having stopped for a while without going through a period of build-up with lower draw weights. It sounds like a recipe for disaster. Please be careful, otherwise your wife will have to carry you ot to the levee

.

S

Russ Mitchell · Post by **Russ Mitchell** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 4:50 am

Well, my "normal" heavier bow is 78-83 depending on the arrow, so it's a large jump, but not psychotic.

I don't have an arrow, but I took that advice and pulled again with no difficulty (aside, of course, from the weight). Turns out I was subtly shifting the position of my hand on the bow, and making it sit to the outside of where it would normally.

Thanks, y'all.