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Advice needed for teaching basic shooting form - keeping the arrow on the bow

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le0n:

--- Quote from: DesertDisciple on September 02, 2015, 11:41:09 pm ---leOn, I learned to shoot with figertips only as well and am switching back and forth between that and hook trying to decide wich feels more natural. When I tried to get my wife to draw with just the tips her hand turned into a petrified vulture talon (Deathclaw!) so I had her switch as it was obviously not comfortble for her.

--- End quote ---

i understand that and have seen it on plenty occasions. didn't know you tried it already, hence my suggestion. but yeah, i've seen that deathclaw before and i was like: "wow! how are you even doing that?"

also, the anatomy of our hands are different, and this plays a role too:


it really boils down to what she'll be comfortable with.

get two finger tabs for her to try. the three-under and the split.

it's nice to have options.

Springbuck:
Tie a shoelace into a loop and have her loop it over just that first knuckle, one finger at a time, and pull with her other hand.  She will quickly see that the string holds on to her finger with barely any bend at all, because it is looped. Using this as a starting point she can then see and feel how curled her fingers need to be. 

 People curl their hand in too much because they are afraid the string will get away from them, but this is a good alway to demonstrate and practice the flatter hand and barely crooked fingers that promote a good grip, and good release.

I experimented with a device that straps to the back of the hand and forces it to keep the fingers in line until that last knuckle, and a little bit of the second, but this was better, when teaching people to shoot.

DesertDisciple:
Thanks everyone again. Just wanted to provide an update.

Wife hasnt dropped a single arrow since weve started working on it. :)

I (and she!) appreciate all your help and advice. Once I get her some matching arrows, she might be a better shot than me.

The fixes:
- draw weight comfort! Got her used to drawing the bow sans projectile to build her confidence. Even a light weight bow feels weird when youve never shot before
- foucs! Got her to stop looking at her hands and at the target, which helped her form and got rid of the bow arm twisties
- Served the string! Made an immense difference when she didnt feel like she had to "hold" the arrow on. An important stepped I had neglected and didnt think would matter.

Now its on to getting a smooth release everytime. At least shes having fun now. Thanks again!

Pat B:
As long as she's having fun her shooting will improve.  ;)

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