More arrows: quality or quantity?

[Russ]

Originally Posted by Mufti

It has been said many times that we should shoot each arrow indivdually and not as part of a group. There seems to be no place for rhythm in that arguement.

I'm with you here, this makes more sense. I think I may have misunderstood the "rhythm" concept; so when folks talk about rhythm in their shooting, they probably mean WITHIN each shot cycle, and not over the entire end of 3-6 arrows, right?

[TWIW]

Originally Posted by Russ

I'm with you here, this makes more sense. I think I may have misunderstood the "rhythm" concept; so when folks talk about rhythm in their shooting, they probably mean WITHIN each shot cycle, and not over the entire end of 3-6 arrows, right?

Yep! The visualisation should reinforce the single rhythm used for every arrow including the feel of the shot as it's set up and through to the loose. The only variables on the day are the weather and it's affects on aiming. By mentally rehearsing this during the rest periods between actual shots your mind shoots twice as many arrows as your body does.

Colin

[BillM]

I started Pilates classes last year and the one important thing I learned in relation to archery is spine alignment. This coupled with the V of the scapulas automatically drops the shoulders and I find it easier to get a proper draw force line. Before I raise and draw the bow, I roll my shoulders back and drop the scapulas and it seems to have helped this last winter as my scores have been consistent. I was also told to allow about 20 seconds between arrows to allow fresh blood pass through the arms and I rest the bow on my foot.

BillM

[Tony_zelah]

I have a very similar fatigue problem in my in case I feel like I'm going to fall out of my chair So I'm doing an exercise the physio's given me to stregthen my core muscles. My also doing these exercises

Using a light weight in each hand stand with your arms at your side
- Raise you arms to eye level and hold for a count of 3
- Now turn your hand so they face forward and again hold for a count of 3
- Now bring you your hands together in front of you and hold for a count of 3
- Now turn your hands so there facing downward and hold for a count of 3
- Now lower your arms so that they are resting on the front of your thighs and hold for a count of 3
- Now raise your arms in front of you till there again at eye level and hold for a count of 3
- Now turn your hands so that the palms are facing each other and hold for a count of 3
- Now bring your arms out until your in the crucifix position hold for a count of 3
- Now turn your hands until they’re facing down-wards and again hold for a count of 3
- Finally lower your arms to the starting position and thats one rep

the idea is to use a very lght weight and aim to increase the number of repetions not increase the weight lifted

[Russ]

This is all going much better, thanks everyone for all your suggestions. I still can't hold the full draw for a minute yet, but I'm getting there and in the meantime the shooting is improving a lot. The Formaster is also a big help.

Some other suggestions I came across:

1) a quick-draw exercise: hold your bow in "set-up" position, then draw & reverse (NOT release - no arrow on the string!) 30 times within one minute.
Take 30 sec. recovery and repeat; another 30 sec. recovery and repeat again.

[OK, I'm going to be honest here: I can't do much more than 10-12 quick-draws in 30 sec. - yet - but you've gotta start somewhere, right?]

2) this one is so obvious I'm embarrased I didn't think of it myself: when retrieving your arrows, pull them out with the left hand not the right (i.e. not your drawing arm - give it a rest).

Cheers,
Russ

[pHz]

Originally Posted by Russ

2) this one is so obvious I'm embarrased I didn't think of it myself: when retrieving your arrows, pull them out with the left hand not the right (i.e. not your drawing arm - give it a rest).

heehee - one time being left-handed and shooting right-handed is an advantage - i do this without thinking

slainte rob