Right hander shooting a left hand bow

[BrianS]

I have been having issues with my left shoulder, which is causing pain when I attempt to shoot my right hand bow (s). Been sitting it out for quite a while, hoping the shoulder will heal. Not shooting is driving me crazy so in a attempt to get back into the game, I borrowed a left hand bow to try. There is zero pain when I shot the left hand bow. I did not shoot well (in fact I shot very poorly) but at least I can continue shooting. Any tips on how to improve other than lots of practice? Side note to those of you who are able to shoot without issues. Cherish every arrow because you never know when or if you will no longer be able to shoot a bow.
Take care,
Brian

[Buffalogobbler]

Brian,
My guess is that shooting the lefty is so different you will have to relearn everything, your stance, how you grip the bow, how you sight the target ect...ect…
I would suggest just start out shooting as much as possible and work on the fundamentals, things will probably start to fall in line.
I hope this helps.

Kevin

[Pat B]

Like Kevin said you are gonna have to start from scratch learning how to shoot as a lefty. Glenn St Charles had the same problem years ago. He said it took him a few weeks of constant shooting to get to where he was comfortable with his shooting left handed.
You may want to start drawing a lighter bow first to get your muscles used to the switch.

[JW_Halverson]

Switching dominant hand is less of a problem with instinct shooting because both eyes are open.

Think of this as a chance to re-learn shooting and abandoning all old habits that were built into shooting already. Start by just plain shooting for form. Get perfect alignment down the arrow shaft to your fingers and on down to your elbow. Concentrate on follow-through by holding firm until the arrow strikes the target.  Hitting the same anchor point and holding for a half instant before release. Spend the time of the arrow flight watching how the arrow moves to determine if your release is clean and the arrow is not wagging the dog or porpoising.

Right about the time all this is coming together, your groups should be tightening up and your muscles developed to the point that the draw is easier.

They train horses on both sides because what one side of their brain learns the other does not automatically follow. Much of archery is muscle memory and you are training a whole new animal by switching to off-hand shooting. It's a second chance at being even better.

Good luck Brian, hope this helps and you are shooting with even more conficence than ever before.

[Hawkdancer]

All the above!  It may help to get a set of therapy bands in various weights to do some conditioning when you have time and np bow available or practical.  Have the shoulder checked out for rotator cuff and ligament damage, and get it fixed if necessary.  It does help to be able to shoot comfortablyfrom either side.
Hawkdancer

[BrianS]

Thank You to Everyone for the help.
Brian

[Pappy]

I have known several that have changed over, some because of shoulder problems but most for eye dominance or target panic , just took a little time but most all are shooting very good now. It gives you a chance to start over and if you had any bad habits in form it is a great time and way to start anew. I am left eye dominant and thought about changing but just haven't done it,[to old unless I am forced to like you] heck I don't even like building a left handed bow for some one, I just don't see how they do it I get Will or some of our left handed guys to shoot them and check them out, of course hadn't work trying very hard. Good luck, it will come around.
 Pappy

[PEARL DRUMS]

I can shoot so-so left handed, playing drums pays dividends in that regard. I would suggest starting with a very low draw weight. Then work up to a hunting weight bow. It will feel better, you will have more control and it will dissuade poor form from starting in. I have made 4-5 lefties and always enjoyed shooting them in. 

[bjrogg]

I’d also suggest some physical therapy for that shoulder. If the doctor recommends it. Sure saved mine. Just took a few weeks and some exercises and it’s fine now. Sure hope you can get it healed up. Mine wasn’t any fun before.
Bjrogg

[BrianS]

Have a Doctors appointment in a few weeks for the shoulder but for now, shooting left hand gets me back in the game. I plan to shoot left hand every day. This morning (day two) was much better than the first day. Not great groups but better. Thanks Everyone.
Brian

[Mesophilic]

What if you shoot your right handed bow(s) left handed but use the thumb draw? 

I too have a shoulder issue.  If I stay on top of my home physical therapy, and keep my shoulder muscles in shape, it isn't too much of a problem.  But if I slack off for a bit. I sure feel it.

Been using various weights of dumbells, a kettleball, and those rubber ecxercise bands. 

[Drawknife]

I have been having issues with my left shoulder, which is causing pain when I attempt to shoot my right hand bow (s). Been sitting it out for quite a while, hoping the shoulder will heal. Not shooting is driving me crazy so in a attempt to get back into the game, I borrowed a left hand bow to try. There is zero pain when I shot the left hand bow. I did not shoot well (in fact I shot very poorly) but at least I can continue shooting. Any tips on how to improve other than lots of practice? Side note to those of you who are able to shoot without issues. Cherish every arrow because you never know when or if you will no longer be able to shoot a bow.
Take care,
Brian

Years ago I got injured on duty and couldn't pull a right handed bow for half a year. Bought a lefty and initially the results were bad. I stuck with it started really close and kept with it. Eventually I started moving back and moving back. Now I shoot lefty full time but can switch back on a whim. Keep at it that's my advice. Whatever it takes to keep shooting. Relearning lefty after learning right hand allowed me to abandon all bad habits I have from years of shooting right handed. My lefty technique is far superior to my right and it probably took 6 months of constant shooting to get as good at 20 yards as right handed. Now years later I shoot better and more consistently than right. I initially bought a lefty that I loved so much that I was determined to make it worth the investment.