HH bug got me ... Part One!

mikebiz · December 23, 2011, 08:31:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by joevan125:
The limbs look black mikebiz

If it's a Wesley Special then it's 5 laminations of bamboo under black fiberglass.

joevan125 · December 23, 2011, 08:37:00 PM

Yep you are the second person to tell me that, thanks.

30coupe · December 23, 2011, 08:38:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Ari:
I noticed a few pages back something was said about Howard shooting an extra thick glove. Now I've always shot with a tab but the last few days my fingers have been in pain from shooting my new Miller.

Who makes a good Hill style glove?

Well, it's not exactly a Hill style glove, but I just bought an American Leathers Big Shot elk glove, and I like it so far. I was having some finger issues as well, but the Big Shot took care of that for me. They also have heavier models, but the elk works fine for me.

David Mitchell · December 23, 2011, 08:44:00 PM

30Coupe, Howard Hill Archery carries the Hill style glove.

mikebiz · December 23, 2011, 08:47:00 PM

I'm going to try the American Leathers CrossOver glove as soon as I send John a tracing of my hand for sizing. This one has leather on the outside of the stalls, with nylon on the inside.

30coupe · December 23, 2011, 08:49:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by David Mitchell:
30Coupe, Howard Hill Archery carries the Hill style glove.

I know, but the reviews I read for the Big Shot were way better. So far I have no complaints.

Raminshooter · December 23, 2011, 08:51:00 PM

One of the best "teachers" in how to shoot the longbow was simply watching all of Howard Hills old movies in slow motion. If you ever wanted to see a perfect illustration of how solid your bow arm needs to be (and how it should have a bend to it) you don't need to go any further than watching Howard because he is the best at it. That bow arm is rock solid and does not move (unless he is shooting a moving target of course). When I was learning this wonderful sport my mentors (all longbowmen) would constantly remind me that you have to constantly be "pushing and pulling" at the same time. When you think about that it really means that your muscles of your bow arm and the muscles in your back should never come to rest by any means...always pushing and pulling....as others have stated as well.

Ari · December 23, 2011, 08:53:00 PM

Anyone one tried the HHA gloves, what do you think of them?

joevan125 · December 23, 2011, 09:08:00 PM

I love the Big Shot gloves and i tried at least 7 before i found the Big Shot.

john gilbert · December 23, 2011, 09:48:00 PM

I dont know how you guys can push and pull, all the while leaving your arm bent at the elbow and be rock solid in the bow arm. I just cant get it done. Any advice?

Ari · December 23, 2011, 09:55:00 PM

I'm no expert but maybe try starting with your arm in a bent but locked position and let the pushing be done with your back as you raise the bow from your side?

30coupe · December 23, 2011, 09:57:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by john gilbert:
I dont know how you guys can push and pull, all the while leaving your arm bent at the elbow and be rock solid in the bow arm. I just cant get it done. Any advice?

Don't over think it. It's more about being fluid throughout the draw cycle. Go to youtube and watch some of the footage of Howard Hill shooting. No better teacher of the Hill style than Howard himself.

December 23, 2011, 09:59:00 PM

Eric,
I spent so many years shooting recurves, then the wheelies for a few years, more 'curves, then got the r/d longbow bug, eventually making a few nice ones (imo).

As long as I can remember, the true "bug" that bit me was Howard Hill and his longbow....after many years I have finally found that place again and will never look back.

If you take your time and work through the short learning curve I believe you will succumb to the magic like the rest of us have done.

If you absorb and practice what you read here, your "rigid" form will eventually dissipate and become a fluid and natural experience. Give it some time.....it is a lot of fun along the way and the end result is priceless.

Nate "Sunset Hill" gave you a good place to start...he knows his stuff as do several others here.

Benny Nganabbarru · December 23, 2011, 10:00:00 PM

Remember that you don't have to shoot a bow anybody else's way, not even Howard Hill's. Try a few different ways, watch Masters of the Barebow, and settle on your own style. Hill and Schultz would likely want to kick my arse if they saw how I shoot, but what matters is that it suits me and I am confident.

December 23, 2011, 10:08:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Ben Kleinig:
Remember that you don't have to shoot a bow anybody else's way, not even Howard Hill's. Try a few different ways, watch Masters of the Barebow, and settle on your own style. Hill and Schultz would likely want to kick my arse if they saw how I shoot, but what matters is that it suits me and I am confident.

LOL! Yes, develop your own style/form but look and listen, integrate what you see/hear - continuously tweak it until it works for you...

mikebiz · December 23, 2011, 10:22:00 PM

Google the following:

hit 'em like howard hill video

The video by John Schulz should be the first entry that comes up. It's in four parts and absolutely essential viewing if you wish to shoot "Hill-style".

Those pushing the "fluid" motion of the Hill-style are right on the mark. In the first 5 seconds you will see exactly how fluid the shot is. John starts with the bow at his side, at the ready. The disk is thrown and 1,2,3 the arrow is loosed and the disk is pulverized.

1) The bow moves quickly from the ready position at the side. This is the initiation of the swing draw. As the bow is moving up the draw has begun. 2) The bow hand has reached the apex of its motion, which should be about shoulder high. At the same time the draw motion will move straight back to anchor.
3) Anchor is achieved and the string is released. The bow hand and string hand remain motionless during and after the arrow is loosed.

Now this sounds really simple and in concept it is. But perfecting the timing and aiming is complicated as it requires a lot of variable to be right in sync. It can be learned though.

Try counting off to yourself as you practice this technique. It will not happen overnight. It can be frustrating. Remember that it doesn't have to be anywhere near as fast as Howard or John right off the bat. Count slow and concentrate. Neither one of those masters perfected this the first time out. It's all about practice and patience. You can only learn the technique by actually employing it. Read and watch everything you can and get out on there and shoot, shoot, shoot. Maybe some day you'll be "Hitting 'Em Like Howard Hill". Good luck.

Ben Maher · December 23, 2011, 10:25:00 PM

Messir Kleinig is one of them fancy shmancy 3Under shooters much like Rik Hinton ...
Now if those chaps were successful in the field I might pay attention but as they aren't ........

ron w · December 23, 2011, 10:25:00 PM

Gee I miss looking here for a day or 2 and I'm 10 pages behind.....slow down guys!!

tradlongbow · December 23, 2011, 11:25:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Ari:
I noticed a few pages back something was said about Howard shooting an extra thick glove. Now I've always shot with a tab but the last few days my fingers have been in pain from shooting my new Miller.

Who makes a good Hill style glove?

Ariel-

Howard Hill Archery, Bateman and American Leathers all make really nice gloves.

Merry Christmas,
Darren

30coupe · December 23, 2011, 11:48:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by mikebiz:
Google the following:

hit 'em like howard hill video

The video by John Schulz should be the first entry that comes up. It's in four parts and absolutely essential viewing if you wish to shoot "Hill-style".

Those pushing the "fluid" motion of the Hill-style are right on the mark. In the first 5 seconds you will see exactly how fluid the shot is. John starts with the bow at his side, at the ready. The disk is thrown and 1,2,3 the arrow is loosed and the disk is pulverized.

1) The bow moves quickly from the ready position at the side. This is the initiation of the swing draw. As the bow is moving up the draw has begun. 2) The bow hand has reached the apex of its motion, which should be about shoulder high. At the same time the draw motion will move straight back to anchor.
3) Anchor is achieved and the string is released. The bow hand and string hand remain motionless during and after the arrow is loosed.

Now this sounds really simple and in concept it is. But perfecting the timing and aiming is complicated as it requires a lot of variable to be right in sync. It can be learned though.

Try counting off to yourself as you practice this technique. It will not happen overnight. It can be frustrating. Remember that it doesn't have to be anywhere near as fast as Howard or John right off the bat. Count slow and concentrate. Neither one of those masters perfected this the first time out. It's all about practice and patience. You can only learn the technique by actually employing it. Read and watch everything you can and get out on there and shoot, shoot, shoot. Maybe some day you'll be "Hitting 'Em Like Howard Hill". Good luck.

Great videos! Thanks!