I haven't shot my recurve since December and just brought it out this week, since the snow has gone down enough at my club. I was surprised that my form and accuracy haven't lessened, it's still right there. I do use the arrow in my secondary vision for side-to-side alignment, but don't purposely gap. Does anyone feel they lose skill if they don't shoot often?

To a certain extent, it comes back real quick.

No I don't think so if you have good form.I think for me it comes from years of shooting and well tuned epuipment.

To me it's more like throwing a football.  Form and practice teach you.  Once you learn you can pick it up again and do surprisingly well after longer breaks but daily practice will help perfect your form and keep you on your toes.  

It's mostly muscle memory for form and an understanding of how to engage your target visually.

I didn't shoot a bow for almost two months... Went to a 3D shoot with my (heavy) recurve... Had trouble getting to anchor all day... That 51# might have well been 90#! But, that's just me.  :(

... mike ...

I think most of us can shoot pretty well following a substantial layoff, but as we get older we certainly risk injury if we shoot too much the first few times out.  Get back into it gradually.

I couldn't shoot for 4 months due to a hand surgery. my hand came out of a cast on a Friday, I went on a bear hunt and shooting great on the following Sunday. So for me, it comes back very quickly.  I guess it depends on how often you shot prior, and/or your form.

I think if you are physically out of shape and pulling a heavy bow you may hurt yourself. But once your form is solid its easy to get on target. I've been nursing some tendonitis lately (was shooting too much), and I'm trying to shoot only a couple days a week now, and just a maybe 20-30 arrows a session. I've noticed that my shooting is spot on, with no loss of skill.  I was shooting too hard and often before; I'm shooting smarter and less often now.

I don't know why, but I have to shoot nearly everyday to stay sharp at all. Hate that I'm that way..... but, on a good note I always find time to fit it in!

The main problem with not shooting is muscles grow week without the exercise of shooting. Speaking for myself, I need to just pull my bows several times a day during winter months to keep toned up. Actual shooting is important also but our accuracy is mostly affected by muscle tone. That is the reason we usually shoot better with lighter weight bows.

Guess it depends on what you consider good shooting. I could probably hit a pie plate at 20yds after taking time off, but that isn't shooting to the best of my ability. For me to shoot well, I must shoot several times a week minimum, and some close range form work in the evenings.

I think the first few shots can be surprisingly good after a layoff.  Your muscles aren't overused and your concentration is good. It's a shame we can't generally maintain these positive attributes after we start shooting regularly again. But I think it's only through regular practice that we can improve.

Sometimes I feel it better taking a little break. I find that when I shoot after a short layoff I am a little more focused and my mental sharpness is enhanced. I think after shooting 50/100 arrows a day you need to take a short break, what I consider a short break is two or three weeks with just shooting an arrow or two a week just to blow steam.

Since I suffer from MS, I have long periods I can't shoot. Frequently even for 6 months. I am always afraid my form will suffer, but that is not the case. After some sessions, like three to four, I shoot like I have never been away. Most of the times I even come back stronger, like I got rid of the bad things in my form but kept the good ones. As for muscles, and fatigue, I start with a session of 50 to 100 arrows and am soon above the 200 per session. I train 3 times a week when I am healthy enough, and always keep one day in between to recover.

I can shoot Robin hoods at 30 yards and hit a balloon at 60 yards, that is how my normal form is. My bows are between the 45 and 51 lbs.

Best example is that in spring last year. I participated in a big and difficult 3D tournament after fighting a bad stroke for 5 months. I trained only three times one week before. Reason to participate was that it was a very short drive. Went there, expected nothing  and won the first price. Had to fight my tears when my name was called and I came forward to recieve my price and the applause....

But it is not like riding a bike, because I can ride a bike without hands  

I couldn't tell you. The longest stretch I have not shot is probably two weeks since I first picked up a bow in the Spring of '85.

I'm just a terrible shot at the best of times! I just get lucky often!!???      

QuoteOriginally posted by huntnmuleys:
I don't know why, but I have to shoot nearly everyday to stay sharp at all. Hate that I'm that way..... but, on a good note I always find time to fit it in!

What up Bobber?

Yes, I have issues if I lay off, but I also shoot relatively heavy bows, which makes it mostly an issue of conditioning. However, as the conditioning improves form has to be tweaked, because bad habits sneak in when you are not properly in shape. In general, it is like riding bike. However, the subleties have to be re-acquired.

I draw and hold at my bows at anchor 15-30 seconds repeatedly until exhausted every night when not shooting. When I started archery I can barely pull a 45# back to anchor. Now I am amazed how light they feel.

QuoteOriginally posted by Buxndiverdux:
 

QuoteOriginally posted by huntnmuleys:
I don't know why, but I have to shoot nearly everyday to stay sharp at all. Hate that I'm that way..... but, on a good note I always find time to fit it in!

What up Bobber? [/b]

Don't know, Mitch, just kinda always been that way. Gotta stay on task!