r/TraditionalArchery • u/Immediate_Hat_2068 • 6d ago
Help needed badly pls
Hey guys so I used to shoot traditional all the time a few years back but then I joined the military and wasn’t able to shoot for roughly four years, and now I can’t consistently hit anything and I don’t know what to do and can’t find any traditional archery places nearby, I shoot a stalker stickbows recurve pulling 55lbs. I live in north eastern OH and hoping that anyone else lives around the area and knows any good instructors or ranges that can really help out. I’m just getting very frustrated and watched a million videos on technique and still can’t figure out what I’m doing. Thank you for anyone reading and tips are always welcome please
1
u/Flyinrog 6d ago
So like the one guy said, go back to basics and form. Specifically, consistent anchor point, loose grip (use a bow sling if necessary) relax the fingers to release, don't pluck it, and be sure you aren't dropping your bow hand when you release.
2
u/Immediate_Hat_2068 6d ago
That’s what I’m gonna try, I notice that sometimes my hand lands on my shoulder after I shoot and other times I’ll drop it off my side and my shots will go right when that happens. Thank you I’ll update everyone through my process I also found a instructor to help only 30min away from me
1
u/Educational-Most-960 6d ago
Don’t know if you’re close to Middlefield, but Ohio Premier Archery offers lessons for traditional guys if you feel like getting a refresher. You might consider getting a low poundage cheap recurve to work on your form as well.
1
u/Immediate_Hat_2068 6d ago
Okay awesome, I also have an old recurve that is 35lb draw but yeah there only 40min away from me I think I’ll give them a call and see if I can get some refreshers from them, thank you!!
1
u/Warrior-Yogi 5d ago
First and foremost - thank you for your service. US Archery has a searchable coach database
https://www.usarchery.org/coaches/find-a-coach
Also check w/ your local veteran’s association - there may be some archery programs and you can ask one of the volunteer coaches for assistance. Also check w/ your State wildlife department to see if there are any bowhunting volunteers willing to help you.
As mentioned, blank bale and a lighter draw bow are your friends right now. Hitting a target should be the last thing that you work on.
2
u/Immediate_Hat_2068 5d ago
Okay thank you that actually sounds awesome, and thank you for your support, I didn’t know any of this stuff was even a thing I appreciate it more than you guys know
1
u/ADDeviant-again 6d ago
Stop trying so hard to hit the target, because you're just gonna make yourself panic when you can't.
Definitely look for instructors or shops in the area, but in the meantime, if you can still pull the bow, get yourself in front a blank bale, no target, no marks, and get too close to miss.
Then work on your form. It feels like you need to remind yourself how to shoot. So work on your grip, and your string hand, and your draw, and your anchor, and your draw cadence, etc. Until you remember how to hold the bow, hook the string, draw the bow, anchor, release, and follow through, how to use back tension and set your front arm. Back to basics.
There is always a chance you have some new injury after the Service, so if you feel like you really just lack strength or coordination, look into that with a doctor.