Fed-up new archer - Is it me?

[div_ad]

Thanks everyone. Its really good to get so much encouragement so quickly. This reflects also the help I have had from my club. I have played many sports but my experience of archery (so far) is that it is the friendliest of all. I have never met so many helpful people.

I am beginning to realise that the 'technical' problems I am experiencing (and overcoming them) are part of the sport (and the pleasure of it I guess) as much as shooting the arrows.

I'll keep you posted!

David

[Hidden Hippo]

Its a good feeling when you manage to iron out a problem and get consistent groups (espcially if they are in the middle). Just stick to it and with a little work you'll get there.

[mixi]

It is possible to get away with overly stiff arrows if you move the centre shot inside of the string. It is a band aid but might help if you can get the arrows on target with the sight fully adjusted.

[BobCat]

Originally Posted by div_ad

I am beginning to realise that the 'technical' problems I am experiencing (and overcoming them) are part of the sport (and the pleasure of it I guess) as much as shooting the arrows.

I

You wait, when you overcome a problem that has been bugging you and you hit that d*m target.

It is a fantastic feeling
Hang in there and just wait you will get it soon.

[MATTeL]

Originally Posted by div_ad

I have had lots of offers of help. e.g. My bow grip might be sending the arrows left

I assume you mean that you are gripping the bow when drawing and releasing?

If you are then you could well be torquing the bow and sending the arrows off the target, hard lesson to learn but trust your sling.

When I started out the arrows were going right and it came down to the fact I was frabbing the bow as I released and twisting it, I am left eye dominant so it is slightly different.

Help from the club is always a good thing, although you have to be careful with the advice here and there as you can get two people swearing blind they are correct and giving completely contradictory advice!

[ASW1973]

find out who is the best coach in your area book some time with them (pay them the going rate same as any other coach or club pro you would find in sports). If you dont get the results you are looking for (and I would discuss what they expect to be able to achieve within a timeframe before you start) then change coach. Dont be bombarded with useless information from a multitude of sources get one source and go forward, oh and dont waste your time trying to work things out for yourself from scratch.

[div_ad]

The latest progress report - if anyone is still listening.

I have reduced the springiness of my button which I am told has improved the flight of the arrows off the bow. My Brace height has been changed by putting some turns on the string, and the tiller has been changed. This all will mean more to you than me!

I've also tweaked my technique so I am pulling my shoulder back and standing a bit more upright. My latest dodge to try and 'stay on the shot' after I've let go of the string but it needs a bit more work as does my tendancy to bring my arm forward before release.

I feel I'm dong better but not scoring much better - and the sight is still set at full windage(?) because the arrows are still mainly left of the target. If the wind ever blows from the right I'm stuffed!

David

[BorderBows]

The problem with archery, is you need a well setup bow to learn to shoot well, and you need to shoot well to set up a bow. HOW DO YOU START?

Chicken/Egg thing. Bit by bit, it should all slowly become clear, The relationships between one change and its side effects will become more clear till you can slowly master all.
In the mean time, a good coach should be able to show you his/her take on getting it right. (and get your bow mostly tuned for you to get your side right, then back to the bow and so on)

Good luck with the learning curve!

[hooktonboy]

Originally Posted by div_ad

I feel I'm dong better but not scoring much better - and the sight is still set at full windage(?) because the arrows are still mainly left of the target. If the wind ever blows from the right I'm stuffed!

David

Hi David -

1. Keep at it, with help from your club colleagues you will crack it. It sounds as though you are making some progress.

2. Strongly support the above mentioned views about getting an experienced archer or coach to have a good look at everything. Any number of things could be causing this "going left" thing - could be kit, could be form (is your bow arm shoulder rising towards your face when you draw - could throw them low/left if you are right handed), most definitely could be a dominant eye issue like MarkH mentioned above. You need someone to help you sort it out before it drives you insane.

3. Good luck.

[madmac]

Originally Posted by div_ad

Thanks everyone. Its really good to get so much encouragement so quickly. This reflects also the help I have had from my club. I have played many sports but my experience of archery (so far) is that it is the friendliest of all. I have never met so many helpful people.

I am beginning to realise that the 'technical' problems I am experiencing (and overcoming them) are part of the sport (and the pleasure of it I guess) as much as shooting the arrows.

I'll keep you posted!

David

And then when thats sorted something else needs adjusted/looked at im 9/10yrs in and have just come through another "what the flippin eck am i doing wrong now"