In short (yea right)and in my own words, when the string is brought back to anchor you are at the maximum point of exertion (since we are not shooting wheelies). This point must be either maintained or more exertion must be added to hold for periods (even though you are not doing more work). If this is not maintaned, a collapse will result. In this case from what I am seeing from this angle, it looks like back tension is in initially in place, however the release is mentally being calculated (the brain is telling the hand when to release). At that point the back tension is not being maintained and the collapse happens. Another tell tale of this (calculated release)is the tension in the draw hand fingers that I am seeing during the release and after the shot. A tip - don't consider the anchor as a stopping point. It is only a slowing down point, you never stop pulling until the arrow leaves the bow. But, like I said, the name of the game is getting the arrow where it needs to be.
Other then what Russ said Dave I think your form looks pretty damn sharp!! That thing really wings them arrows out, wow!! One other thing too, your shooting Is outstanding for starting out!! That last video your grouping was awesome!! Well done mate!!
Dave really needs to be close to the bag and shoot with his eyes closed for a while, concetrating on using back tension for the release, get the release ingrained so it is second nature. I start off all my practice sessions close to the bag with eyes closed, just feeling the release. Then when I move back and open the eyes the shot becomes natural, if by any chance I have a bad release then it's back close with eyes closed for 10 or 15 shots. But I do understand that every newbie wants to see the arrow hit the target, the bad thing is this is when bad habbits creep in. In my comp days I shot against an Olympic Gold Medalist he was Korean and told me that his first 2 years in archery he never held a bow let alone shot one and people wonder why they are so good at it, they have a dedication we westerners can only dream of.
"Right" the weekend is here and i'm really gonna try out the closed eye targetting to feel if i do anything different , i understand what Bob is saying Zach .. after explaining . I do determine when i release and plan on working on this area over the weekend , i do need a concistancy to my shooting and releasing . Thanks Steve , when i'm on the money like that night , everything feels right .. but i do need a little refining .
