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Main Boards => The Shooters FORM Board => Topic started by: GMMAT on June 18, 2009, 08:05:00 PM

Title: Height of practice targets
Post by: GMMAT on June 18, 2009, 08:05:00 PM
I've noticed I can shoot pretty well at my 20"x20" target sitting on the ground.  Sometimes, though, I don't have the consistency when I shoot at my rather large 3D deer.  The dot on the 12 ring I'm aiming for is probably 15-20 inches higher than the shorter target.

Do any of you (or DID you) notice anything like this?  It's not terrible, but it's noticeable.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Height of practice targets
Post by: reddogge on June 18, 2009, 08:13:00 PM
Sometimes I use a Nerf ball on an old arrow stuck in the ground.  I hit that better than one lying on the ground.  I'd say practice on both on ground and suspended.
Title: Re: Height of practice targets
Post by: tarponnut on June 18, 2009, 08:35:00 PM
I shoot better at lower targets, which works out fine because I mostly hunt hogs(very low vitals).
Title: Re: Height of practice targets
Post by: BobCo 1965 on June 19, 2009, 08:56:00 AM
Are you sure that you are keeping a consistant low bow shoulder on higher targets? A low bow shoulder will aid in stability and help avoid injury.
Title: Re: Height of practice targets
Post by: GMMAT on June 19, 2009, 10:56:00 AM
I don't even know what that means, Bob.
Title: Re: Height of practice targets
Post by: BobCo 1965 on June 19, 2009, 11:39:00 AM
Don't want to pretend to be a coach but see if this helps:

(http://www.ucd.ie/archery/img/shoot/pre-draw.gif)

Push out with the bow arm to set the hand position into the bow grip,
then raise the bow arm and drawing arm together, up to the position shown in the picture.
Keep the front shoulder in its normal low position.
(The shoulder must not be allowed to rotate up or back as this shortens the draw length.)
Keep the elbow of the drawing arm high during the initial draw phase, as this will help bring into action the back muscles needed to draw the bow to full draw.
Title: Re: Height of practice targets
Post by: Old York on June 19, 2009, 12:46:00 PM
Larger target = harder to "aim small"?

Fear of losing an arrow because
of higher elevation?

Moving at the shoulders instead of
bending at the waist?
Title: Re: Height of practice targets
Post by: GMMAT on June 19, 2009, 04:14:00 PM
Anything's possible.  I have a 1/2 dollar size silver spot painted on my 3D deer's 12-ring.  Never lost an arrow shooting at it, but I get your point.

My biggest issue shooting is not keeping my bow arm in a solid position on ths shot.  When I do it right, it's great.  When I don't......well...you know.

Thanks.  I just wondered if it's something anyone else has noticed, early on in their shooting trad.