My 11 year old son has never had an issue with the string hitting his arm. Last week he hit his arm a few times...not every time. I think he might be torquing his grip. He is shooting a Diamond Edge with alot of room for draw length adjustments and has a habit of not extending his bow arm as far as he should. Is it possible if his bow arm isn't extended far enough that when he triggers the release his bow arm moves inward and that caused the string slap?
Two things. Check his grip to make sure he's not palming it. His knuckles should be at a ~45 degree angle to the grip. Secondly, are you sure his draw length is correct? Shooting too long of DL will often result in string slap. I suffered from this issue on and off throughout the past 10 years, but after shortening my DL from 29" to 28.5", and modifying my grip, I never get hit ever.
Thanks for the reply. His draw length is definatly not too long. If anything he is a little short and is due for an adjustment. As far a palming, not sure I know what you mean. I tell him to have a relaxed grip with the pressure of the grip going between the base of his thumb and index finger.
That should be about it. Keeping the grip as I mentioned keeps the forearm slightly rotated outward. This way your underarm isn't as likely to fall in line with the string's path. Granted, I can shoot with an incorrect grip and still not get string slap, but again, I'm set perfect I'm on my DL. Pictures of his grip would help, but imagine this. Stick your arm out with your knuckles perpendicular to the ground. Now, rotate your wrist/hand outward so that your knuckles are now about 45degrees to the ground. This is about where you want your hand/arm positioned when holding the bow.
Thank you MGH,,, I was trying to type my responce earlier, and its exactly as you describe. I just couldnt get it into words on here to make it sound right. you nailed it I had the problem for many years of hitting my arm and wore an arm guard. someone posted a pic of correct grip on another sight, i tried it and have not hit my arm since. I no longer wear an arm guard. People always blame it on DL and it is most of the time, but not always. good wording my friend. and welcome Janesburgh glad your here.
Mgh, couldn't have said it better. He nailed it right on the head. With the way that kids grow, it's a good idea to get him checked out every 4-6mo. It's amazing how much they change. Second welcome to out family there janesburg.
