After a long break, I am trying to get back into traditional.  Today was the first day shooting the bow and I am terrible.  I did manage to set the nock point but it still needs silencers on the new string.  I also need to find the right arrow/point combo.
I know it will take a while to develop a smooth form, but still frustrating. I even had the string hit my arm twice and that never happens to me.

Work out the kinks...you'll get there.

I will brush my arm on occasion if I'm shooting a bow with a brace height around 6.5" once I'm above 6.75" I never have a problem with arm smack.

If it's any consolation, I was an expert archer on saturday and a hopeless mess half of sunday.

that all that makes a traditional archer, one day you are good and the next day well I have a lot of work to do. At 71, I still feel as a young archer I should have taken more time with working on form. You do have to do the same things each time, also I would go to 3 finger under to teach a person to shoot. I just went to that draw and can see it is a lot better to get good groups. But still fun no matter how good or bad you are... I fall under bad.

QuoteOriginally posted by Bear Heart:
If it's any consolation, I was an expert archer on saturday and a hopeless mess half of sunday.

X2!

My big problem is that I shot compound for so many years, I expect to shoot as well with a longbow, frustrating.

If it were easy, everyone would shoot trad. Hang in there. Your shooting will come around!

Your preaching to the choir! Lol  I got my good days and "needs improvement" days.  Hang in there.  Cheers

Isn't it the challenge that makes it fun?  That and the simplicity of Trad bows.

Get Masters you the Barebow vol 3 and watch thenRod Jenikins section over and over. Stand no further than 10 yds and follow his suggestions. Solid basics are the building blocks for great shooting.

Hang ini there.  It is worth it.

Don't over think the process. Remember form and release and start close. Get groups before you move back. Start at 10 to 15 feet if need be. only shoot one to two arrows at a time and take breaks between shoots. Remember to keep an open stance and and settle into your draw for a second or two before you release. Push and pull the bow and try to time it so you come to draw when you hit your anchor. And always always use the same anchor or your wasting your time.