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