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Questions about my form.

Discussion in 'Bowhunting Talk' started by rebelhunter1, Sep 15, 2009.

  1. rebelhunter1

    rebelhunter1 Newb

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    i have just started bowhunting. i recently purchased a mathews dxt. i havent quite downpacked my form yet. i still get the occasional string tap on my arm. any tips on how i can hold my bow differently to get my arm out of the way? im beginning to get tired of all these bruises.
     
  2. OHbowhunter

    OHbowhunter Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Try to grip the bow somewhat like this and see what happens.

    [​IMG]

    Also, are you sure your draw length is not to long?
     
  3. rebelhunter1

    rebelhunter1 Newb

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    my draw length is perfect. i go for days without hitting myself. its just sometimes i find myself hitting my arm. my bow likes to be held in the center of my hand. i may have to try something different
     
  4. michaelp

    michaelp Die Hard Bowhunter

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    If you go for days and then hit your arm, I would say you have a lapse in concentration and your form sufffers. Much better archers than me here, so ask away and post some pictures at full draw...these guys will get you in the 12 ring very quickly.
     
  5. rebelhunter1

    rebelhunter1 Newb

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    i found an arm guard helps out alot. no more bruises, but i would like to be able to just go and shoot without one.
     
  6. bowtechdude

    bowtechdude Weekend Warrior

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    From my past experiences I would say if you dont have a slight bend at your elbow...then your draw is too long...u shouldnt whap your arm if your bow is the correct size for you or for a better choice of words your draw length is correct.

    I've been bowhunting for 15+yrs and I've personally experienced it and you learn quick!

    Other than that I would say you are holding your bow incorrectly or gripping it...try this

    Touch your index and middle finger tips on the front of the bow handle and tuck your bottom two on the inside of the grip and try that.

    Just craddle your bow grip in between your index finger and your thumb

    Good Luck!
     
  7. Josh/OH

    Josh/OH Die Hard Bowhunter

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    You're on the right track; you need to adjust your grip. I wish I had pics that could illustrate this properly but sadly, no dice. Like the pic above, my bottom three fingers are "loose". The tips of my thumb and index fingers are touching and all of the pressure from my draw is directed to the base of my thumb, where it meets palm. Resist the temptation to grip using your actual palm. This will take some getting used to, especially while drawing (holding is not so bad) but if you grip your bow correctly, your bruising will disappear quickly, never to return ;)
     
  8. rebelhunter1

    rebelhunter1 Newb

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    thank yall. i'm going shoot this after noon. i will try to cragle the grip on my index finger and thumb and see if that helps out any.
     
  9. rbclark940

    rbclark940 Weekend Warrior

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    I'm with Bowtechdude you should always have a slight bend in your arm. also if you're just getting started you should get tired pretty quick even if you don't feel tired. that can hurt your form. don't over shoot until you build your "special bow muscles" if that makes sense.
     
  10. Southernboy

    Southernboy Weekend Warrior

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    The guy that taught me to shoot many years ago told me to turn my elbow outward 90degrees instead of pointing at the ground.

    SB
     
  11. Matt/TN

    Matt/TN Die Hard Bowhunter

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    This might just be me, but it seems as if that would create a lot of "tension" in that arm? Either that or your grip is 180 degrees from your riser, or you're "double jointed"

    I could be wrong but those are just my thoughts
     
  12. rebelhunter1

    rebelhunter1 Newb

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    i think i got it downpacked. we start shooting league tonight so we will see if it helps out
     
  13. Tony

    Tony Legendary Woodsman

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    Not sure what your thinkin, Matt ... but that takes tension OFF. ... I am with Bowtech shooter ..... elbow should not be locked IMO ...... try this ... put your arm out as if you were pointing to someone ...dont extend all the way .... now turn your hand 90 degrees counter clock-wise .... you will be able to see how the handle of your bow will sit like all the experts tell you it should ..... I am guessing your draw is too long ....
     
  14. Bails-UK

    Bails-UK Die Hard Bowhunter

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    I shoot with a slight bend in my arm , never hit my arm since . I used to shoot with straight arm , but not for long ........ Ouch ( string slap ain't fun ) . I listened to the guys on here and HNI and i now have a good form that works for me . Watch the video TFOX has on his signature on HNI ,thats what i modelled mine on .

    Good luck
     
  15. Matt/TN

    Matt/TN Die Hard Bowhunter

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    I don't think I'm on the right page. By saying turing your elbow "out" 90 degrees, I'm thinking the "point" of your elbow is pointing parallel to the ground. If this is right, there is no way that creates less tension. Unless I have some arm issues, lol.
     
  16. tfox

    tfox Grizzled Veteran

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    Correct matt,you don't want to turn the elbow out.It does create tension and fatigue.The elbow should point about the same as the hand,which is at a 45 deg angle.very neutral position and relaxing.Allows you to grip the bow properly,free of tension.
     
  17. Tony

    Tony Legendary Woodsman

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    Matt .... this is how my elbow is when I shoot ...I actually stated turn your hand 90 ... but T is right ...it's more like 45 degrees .. I think we are closer that we think .... I NEVER hit my arm .... and I am a pretty good shot ... not incredible....like ole Rob, tho ;)
     
  18. rebelhunter1

    rebelhunter1 Newb

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    well after the shoot last night i have to thank all of you who have helped. we shot 120 shots and i didnt hit my arm a single time.
     

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