String Picture

[tel]

Picking up on something that was mentioned in the 'Adjusting Centre Shot' thread - ie

"....You can also aim with the string picture running through the sight pin as this eliminates any variablility in head position from shot to shot. (in practice I've never found this to make any significant difference - in my case the string is lined up with the inside of the sight ring so minimal practical difference)"

How critical or indicative of a problem is the actual position of the string picture? I have heard differing opinions on this, from 'doesn't matter, as long as its consistent' to 'should be dead centre, otherwise your head is all wrong', and even (from a county coach) 'if you have your stance and anchor correct, then you don't need a string picture' ( I suspect the last one is the most contentious )

In my case, and I haven't been brave enough to mention it at the club, since I became aware of the string picture it has moved from the end of the sight pin ie far right of the riser (obviously inconsistent) and is now settled on the edge of the sight mounting 'wheel' - still right of the riser. I have quietly and consciously tried moving it to the riser window, but it feels most unnatural.

Opinions and comments gratefully received as always

tel

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Archery is about consistency. Line it up in the same place, but try not to concentrate on it, just briefly check it. IMHO, there is no place where it "should" be. I think the Koreans line it up on the edge of the sight ring. I line it on the left edge of the riser.

"if you have your stance and anchor correct, then you don't need a string picture"
Okay, to disprove this- get a good stance. Draw back, get a good anchor. Move your head slightly- the string alignment changes quite a bit for a little head rotation, but the stance and anchor can be the same.

"should be dead centre, otherwise your head is all wrong"
People are built differently. People shoot differently. You can't simply say your head position is wrong. Go back to them and ask -why- a particular head position is wrong

Even if your anchor and 'stance' is so good, you can't say no to another reference point. However, don't constantly worry that your string picture was different to the last shot or you get overly focussed on it and everything goes to pot.

[Jerry Tee]

The right place for me is on the center of the cam on my Oneida because I can see the cam and I know that it is dead center of the bow. If you move your head you move your chin, if you move your chin you move your anchor.

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Jerry Tee - 8/10/2005 10:30 PM
If you move your head you move your chin, if you move your chin you move your anchor.

However it is difficult to detect variances in your anchor point by touch, compared to the much easier visual reference of string alignment.

Afterthought: Also, I think it's entirely possible to maintain the same anchor point and move your head, but this messes with your draw elbow and shoulder alignment. All the more reason to line up the string.