I went shooting today at a range by the lake. I was gonna go buy some wood for my next bow, but I decided I rather go out and shoot the one I've got; it's just too nice out.
It was a perfect day, and it was the best day of shooting I've had so far. Today was my 5th day out total, and it was a magic day for me; after reading a bunch of stuff on hear and other places, everything started to gel a bit.
I actuallly started getting some nice tight groupings, and one of my arrows went right through the middle of the little tiny target sticker someone else had left sticking to the hay bales.
Here are some of the things that finally seemed to make a difference for me:
1. Conditioning. I'm way out of shape, and I made a pretty heavy bow; getting out and shooting every day or 2 is making a big difference. The bow is a lot easier to hold, and I can have it pulled back and steady long enough to be able to aim.
2. A deeper hook. Someone on here mentioned getting a deeper hook on the string; this made a huge difference for me. I had been letting the string fall into the crease in the first joint of my index and middle finger; going halfway between that joint and the next made everything a lot steader. Now, when I relax to let the string go, it seems a lot more how it's supposed to be.
3. canting the bow. I had always thought this was bad form, and had been shooting with my bow perfectly vertical; I then read an article that interviewed a bunch of experienced shooters, and they all said they canted their bow a bit. I'm not sure why this made a big difference for me, but the arrow stays on better when I'm lining up the shot, it's easier for me to maintain a consistent "sight image", and everything just seems smoother.
4. breathing. I finally remembered some of the stuff we did when I shot rifle in the army reserve; taking a controlled breath and releasing it as I shoot seems to for with this bow, too. By letting my breath out, and relaxing my drawing fingers, the release feels a lot smoother, and I can feel that my body isn't twitching, jumping, or plucking.
5. anchor. anchor. anchor. When I first started, I felt comfortable ending up with my index finger in the corner of my mouth. Once I read a bit, I came to the conclusion that it'd be better to have my hand under my chin, as I saw a lot of shooters doing that. Today, I said screw it, and went back to where my hand wanted to go. It turns out that this spot that felt so natural lines the arrow up right under my eye, and leaves everything sitting at the exact right angle. With this anchor, i'm able to get my hand to the same spot every time, and it's making a big difference.
6. Practice, and this site. After all is said and done, I think the biggest reason I've improved is that I've been going out and doing it, and coming on here and reading what you all have to say. Today was the day that it really started feeling really good, and it's thanks to all of you.
Cheers!
