Well here is the deal and I was woundering if any of you have this problem. I get up in the mornings and go to the gym at 4, at work by 6, work a 10 hour day then home by 515. I am a power lineman have been for 18 years. So when I get home I'm pretty tired and I know I still need to go sling some arrows, but I can tell after bout 5 or 6 arrows that my form and concentration goes to hell. I was woundering if ya'll have anything else you do to try and help with this. As ya'll know that I am new to trad after I sold my wheeled bows that this is all I can think about and will never go back to training wheels. Do ya'll think a lighter poundage bow would help to get my form in good shape. I trying to learn to shoot like Rick Weltch and I really like it. I am also having a big problem with my bow arm holding steady any help would be great. thanks Mike
Shoot in the morning.
I cant its 4:00am and the wife and kids are still asleep.
I have had similar problems. After work I couldn't help but shoot a bunch but my muscles and brain are pretty well drained. Now I realize that smart practice is better than a bunch of hammering arrows into the target on sore muscles. I try to shoot one shot a few times a night. I concentrate on that one shot and have to make myself put the bow down. When I have time I shoot more on Sat. and a 30 target 3d round on Sun. My form and shooting have actually improved by shooting less. It took awhile for my thick skull to realize that there are limitations to what my body can do.
Rob
What Rob said! I literally used to shoot for hours. Now I shoot a few times a week and only a few arrows at a time. If you'll look at Terry's form clock it'll help a bunch. A double anchor helped me tremendously. Once I got the mechanics down, I can shoot less often and have better pratice sessions.
Jason
I am just finishing reading Fred Asbels new book, at the end he has some excerises that are to help build up the shooting muscles.That may be an option to consider. Years ago I shot a lot of 3d with a compound. When my daughter was born I had to watch her in the evenings because my wife worked evenings, so I had no time to practice but I did excerise, my shooting actually improved.
QuoteOriginally posted by rezeen6.5:
Do ya'll think a lighter poundage bow would help to get my form in good shape. thanks Mike
Yes.........a lighter poundage bow will help solidify up your bow arm and in my opinion is better to expose form flaws to begin with.
Winterhawk1960
Go to the gym every second day, you don't need a gym work out every day anyway, and shoot on your gym off days, that way, you have more time, concentration, and better form. That way you will do better practice and better results!! Quality not quantity!!
Just my 2cents...
QuoteOriginally posted by David Yukon:
Go to the gym every second day, you don't need a gym work out every day anyway, and shoot on your gym off days, that way, you have more time, concentration, and better form. That way you will do better practice and better results!! Quality not quantity!!
Just my 2cents...
X2
If your trying to learn form a light weight bow will help you learn.When people take up target archery they use light weight bows so they can work on shhoting correctly.In your case it sounds like your beat and just want to relax so taker easy.Good luck
I am just finishing reading Fred Asbels new book, at the end he has some excerises that are to help build up the shooting muscles.That may be an option to consider. Years ago I shot a lot of 3d with a compound. When my daughter was born I had to watch her in the evenings because my wife worked evenings, so I had no time to practice but I did excerise, my shooting actually improved.
Quit work. Get your priorities right.
Do what I do, shoot down in the basement after you've had dinner and relaxed a little. It doesn't take much, just a few arrows to scratch the itch.
When there is more daylight you can move outside again after dinner.
You said you tremble when holding the bow back? You will probably benefit form a lighter weight bow. When you are at the gym,. do exercises that will help with pulling back the bow.
You do not HAVE to shoot every day, you want to shoot every day. I am the same way. But like what is said earlier, it is better to take 5 good shots than 100 hopeful shots.
Many days I get home so stressed out from work, I do not even try to shoot because several things happen.
1. I break arrows
2. I lean bad habbits
3. I get even more stressed and a little pissed
Its better not to shoot on these days. If your mind is really with it and your muscles are jsut a tad tired, get a lighter weight bow and go take 5 or 10 shots, but quit and end on a good note!
Mostly, dont forget to have fun.
Hey, good luck with your quest to find the time! It can be hard, at times, and harder for some than others, given different occupations and concerns.
reddogge, not everybody has a basement, including me.
I'm with the guy who said you don't have to go to the gym everyday. Make some time to shoot when you aren't going to the gym. If it's too dark in the mornings, use a work light to shine on your target.
QuoteOriginally posted by Winterhawk1960:
QuoteOriginally posted by rezeen6.5:
Do ya'll think a lighter poundage bow would help to get my form in good shape. thanks Mike
Yes.........a lighter poundage bow will help solidify up your bow arm and in my opinion is better to expose form flaws to begin with.
Winterhawk1960 [/b]
X3. Absolutely helps. Best thing I ever did. I shoot my light setup when not feeling well, when its very cold, and when tired. Usually at 3D shoots too, until about August when I switch primarily to heavier weight. Really works out any kinks in my form.
I have had the same problem in the past. I do concrete work and its always busy right before bow season when you really want to practice. Being tired and too stubborn to admit it caused me about ten years of frustration from bad habits I learned. Now I try to shoot only when I'm feeling good and that seems to work better for me. Quality not quantity is better than learning poor form like I did. That's just my experience. Good luck finding a way to solve your problem. Jason
I'm with everyone who has said quality over quantity. I also dropped in poundage. Dropped down to 43 lbs from 55 which is what I started shooting with. It made a world of difference. Ive noticed most everyone has commented on the working out and sore muscles which are a huge part.... But don't forget about your mental fatigue. I got to a point were I forgot this was something I was doing for fun. Got too serious and my brain got in the way. Good luck!
I think Mike vine could be on to something...Think I`m gonna run it by my Wife....RC
Do a little something to make the shooting fun. Go to yard sales and buy stuffed animals, and lay them around the yard and go hunting. Keep score as well.
Well, Mike Vines and RC have the best solution, but quitting the job so you can shoot your bow might put you in a bind with the family. :biglaugh:
So, I have to agree to a lighter bow. I'm having a lighter one built for myself for just that reason. Then shoot the heavier bow on days off when you are rested.
Shooting a bow when you are tired is just like being over-bowed, and bad shooting habits result. I know, I did it when I went Trad. Short-drawing and target panic suck!
You guys have helped alot and I under stand that I need a lower poundage bow so what would ya get I have a 40# Pearson I think that would work. Seens were all talking and your helping me out how do I get my bow arm to stay still. I mean I think I forget to feel that part in my shot. Mike
I work from 4:45 am to 3:00 pm , 4/6 days a week, believe me, I understand. I shoot during the weekend , and if I do shoot during the week, it's only 20/25 arrows. I try and make those arrows the best I ever shot, then I put it away and crash on the couch. I don't think there is really a great solution to what you are asking. Gotta pay the mortgage first ;)
Happy we could help! That is what it is all about! Keep us posted of your progress.
QuoteOriginally posted by rezeen6.5:
what would ya get I have a 40# Pearson I think that would work.
A 40#er would be heavy for me after a long work day. Even when I do feel good I shoot my wife's 30# recurve in the backyard on most weekdays. The lighter weight is better on my aging joints but still keeps my form in check.
Then again, only you can decide if your strength, fitness and condition after work is good enough to pull 40#.
Your bow arm may be moving due to the tired muscles. I've noticed that when I've shot too much or am just plain tired I tend to find myself pushing too much with the bow arm to help compensate for the drawing/back muscles being too fatigued. Upon release the bow arm wants to keep moving away.
Hopefully, when you start shooting the lighter bow that arm will stay in place. If not let us know and we'll work it out with you.
I don't believe you mentioned what kind of weight you're shooting. If you are just converting to Trad you may be overbowed even when not tired.
QuoteOriginally posted by SheltonCreeker:
I'm with everyone who has said quality over quantity. I also dropped in poundage. Dropped down to 43 lbs from 55 which is what I started shooting with. It made a world of difference. Ive noticed most everyone has commented on the working out and sore muscles which are a huge part.... But don't forget about your mental fatigue. I got to a point were I forgot this was something I was doing for fun. Got too serious and my brain got in the way. Good luck!
David,
I do the same thing. Most days less poundage works for me. But when it comes to mental fatigue and I cant focus, I take the night off.
hey guys good stuff here I thank all of you for the help. My son has a 32# long bow so I may start out with this on Monday. I have arrows for this bow already so this will help me out. Danny I am new to trad but I started out with my freinds 44# recurve then I sold my Mathews and all my wheeled bows and bought a 55# Hoyt Buffalo. I also have a BearPaws 64# takedown but Mr. Neil has it fixing it for me. So I haven't pulled it back yet.