Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Shooting and Hunting => Topic started by: ajbruggink on June 04, 2017, 03:46:34 pm

Title: How much do you practice?
Post by: ajbruggink on June 04, 2017, 03:46:34 pm
Heh guys,

I got a question for you guys about how much you guys practice shooting your bow. This isn't a contest, I just want to know what's average. Since I began shooting primitive bows (3 years ago) I shoot almost every day. I'm not going to say I shoot every single day but for me to shoot my bow seven days out of a week is not uncommon. The reason I bring this up is not to brag or anything like that but because once in awhile I go through cycles of getting sore and a couple of times I really got injured and had to not practice for several weeks. Most of the time, shooting about 20 arrows a day isn't a problem for me, but then all of the sudden I start going through the cycle of getting sore and its happening more frequently lately, despite the fact that I'm shooting a lighter bow than I did a few months ago when my 55# Rudderbows bow began cracking so I stopped using it and I am now using a 40# bow because its the only other bow I have. My question is, is there a such thing as too much shooting, is what I'm doing excessive compared to the rest of you, or is it just a matter of the individual and their fitness? I have been trying to get after healthy more lately, getting more exercise, so maybe my body isn't used to exercising and shooting my bow on the same days yet, I'm not sure, maybe I'm just a crazy millennial and its all in my head. Any advice you can give is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Aaron   
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: DC on June 04, 2017, 03:58:09 pm
Some weeks every day, some not at all. It's very weather dependant here on the wet coast. probably 2 or 3 times a week. But don't read too much into this. I'm a lousy shot and should probably do more.
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: Pat B on June 04, 2017, 05:31:32 pm
I used to shoot 50 to 100 arrows a day. After a while I found I was getting sloppy with so many so I cut down to a dozen or 2 a day. With thoughtful shooting that was plenty to keep my shooting in good order. I haven't shot much lately but I realized once I got your form
down pat a hiatus didn't adversely affect my shooting so if you miss out shooting for a while just concentrate when you get back to it and it should all fall back in place.
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: loon on June 04, 2017, 06:55:35 pm
Maybe once or twice a week. I'd like to set up a target or blunt backstop for short distance indoor shooting, so I can shoot every day, at least a dozen or so times
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: chamookman on June 05, 2017, 03:25:05 am
This Year so far, A Buddy and I shoot a couple of times a week, but We stump shoot and might just loose 6 - 7 arrahs a session. Alone sometimes I'll head into the Yard with an old Softball and a Judo point - throw it out, take the shot and repeat around the Yard. Seems to work for Me better than shooting lots of arrahs at a static target  (SH). Bob
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: ksnow on June 05, 2017, 04:48:49 pm
What exercises have you started? Which muscles are sore? Are you sure it is just soreness and not an injury? If you are lifting weights, plus shooting, you could be aggravating an injury. Or, you might need a different diet to supplement the work you've added to your body. Muscles need food and rest, time to rebuild.

Kyle
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: bjrogg on June 05, 2017, 10:47:21 pm
I shoot almost every day. I may only shoot two or three arrows but I really try to shoot them right. Like Pat said if I shoot to many I start getting sloppy. I usually just shoot one arrow at a time. This seems to keep me in shape and shooting at my best. I don't think it's good to shoot if your sore or tired. It not only could cause injury but probably will not help your form.
Bjrogg
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: bradsmith2010 on June 06, 2017, 01:04:15 pm
I am 63,,
I have had times when I shot alot,,
and times only a few arrows a day,,
and times not much shooting at all,,,,,
the last few years I have been trying to shoot every week, and now I am shooting nearly evey day,,
if I am having a hard time with a heavier bow,, I will shoot alot of arrows up close to build strength,with a lite bow,,
if I am shooting well, I may only shoot a few arrows a day,, one at a time,,
group shooting to build up to a heavier bow,,
one arrow at a time some days ,, just to keep in practice,, or to see how i would do in a hunting situation,,
I think it is good to vary your routine, that seems best for me,,

roving or stump shooting is a must,, every shot is different,, I think better practice than shooting the same visual every time,, or groups as the same distance,,

ok this is key,,,, if you are holding your bow longer and longer,, it is more likelly to hurt you,,
I dont hold the bow long,,,, it lets me shoot whithout hurting myself,,
if you like to hold long,, maybe shooting a ligther bow is an option,,
if you are shooting a heavier weight,, and shooting fairly quickly,, it is less likey to hurt your shoulder,,or your bow

I can shoot both ways, ,but prefer a faster shot sequence for the cast,, less strain on the bow and me,, (AT)
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: H Rhodes on June 10, 2017, 12:09:14 am
I normally shoot at least three times a week - all year long.  Most of the time that is walking a 16 target course through a strip of hardwoods near my house.  I change it up every so often.  A couple of times a year I shoot the blue face indoor 300 target at 20 yards for a day or two.  The 300 Round is 60 shots that hardens up my focus and really grooves my form.  It isn't fun for me, but I look at it like going to the doctor for your annual physical...  That score sheet doesn't BS you at all.  It tells you where you really are.  A month before deer season, I shorten the whole practice distance up to hunting shots that I would take.  October, the broadhead practice begins and I shoot a lot during the hunting season.  Most days I only shoot twenty or thirty shots and I make sure to end on a high note.  Keeping your confidence up is a big thing. Practice is the only thing that gives you faith in your shot sequence.  A lot of us are truly obsessed with archery and you can shoot till you injure yourself if you aren't careful.  Nothing wrong with taking a break and fletching another dozen arrows or something.... (SH) 
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: Cyrille on June 10, 2017, 10:40:07 am
I attempt to shoot at least two or three times a day but sometimes only manage to do one six arrow round. It really depends on the weather more than anything here in South Louisiana. My shooting is only @ a distance of 15, 20, and 25 yards.
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on June 11, 2017, 07:24:27 am
Not enough the last few years, once a month maybe. My normal life schedule would have me shooting at least 5 days a week and at least 15-20 arrows per. But, things changed and I just don't shoot much.
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: nakedfeet on June 17, 2017, 11:16:26 pm
Lately it's almost every day. At least 4 days a week I'd say. In the past there have been periods where I shot every single day for months on end -- and then last year I barely shot at all.

I didn't shoot at all since probably October of last year, and then when I took my bow out in April I was shooting horribly. Took about a week for the muscle memory to come back, and the form, and now I've been staying consistent.

I figure it's good to get even just a little bit, even just a few shots, several times per week for maintainance.

A lot of my shooting is just one or two arrows -- the ones that fly the best -- and I walk out to random distances. I might start with a few warm up shots inside ten yards, walk my way out to 15-20 and do the bulk of my shooting for the day, and even work my way out to a little bit at 35-40 or beyond. I don't shoot well at that distance, but it's fun to me. Better than a few years ago though! And I actually find that it helps my shooting in that "sweet spot" 15-20 yard range. A lot of shooting at 40 yards for a day or two and usually 15 yards a day or two later feels like cake.

Having a big yard helps, in this regard!
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: Stixnstones on June 18, 2017, 04:14:27 pm
nowhere near as much as I used too... I find when I take time off my bow just screams at me " hey dummy we need to do this on a regular basis" and I find myself shooting way to fast ( a lot of arrows quickly)... than the next time out I slow way down, concentrate on the shot and only shoot maybe a dozen in a half hour. once I get a good group I stop... go out on a good note
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: Knoll on June 18, 2017, 04:29:25 pm

Having a big yard helps . . . .

in my case, having big BACKSTOP helps.
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: bradsmith2010 on June 19, 2017, 07:40:37 pm
i have been shooting nearly every day, I drew an Elk tag,, and if I get a shot I want to know I did my best :-D
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: Danzn Bar on June 19, 2017, 07:50:26 pm
Brad congrats on the elk tag ...good luck.
DBar
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: bjrogg on June 19, 2017, 09:05:37 pm
That's great Brad, good luck getting that shot. I'm sure you'll be ready
Bjrogg
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: gfugal on July 08, 2017, 09:36:19 am
 I'm just getting into shooting. My main problem is finding the time or place to shoot. So when i do its usually about 100 arrows. But i'm no good so take that for what it is.

What i can tell you, is that you can absolutely shoot too much. I am an certified personal trainer and am graduating with me bachelor's degree in exercise science this december. Archery can be thought of like any other sport. If you overtrain, you can get some nasty injuries that will put you out for a very long time. If you are feeling chronic pain every shot that probably means your muscles, tendons and ligaments are damaged and inflamed. You might want to get those checked. You could have burstitis, or some other rotator cuff problam. They need time to heel and reduce swelling. And if not fixed could lead to a full or partial tare in your rotator cuff, or some other injury. This can happen if you do too much in general, too much too soon, or if you just jave poor form (not poor form in accuracy sense but poor form for injury). Just like with a runner who has shin splints or runners knee, you're going to have to take a brake for maybe a month or so. If it's really bad, you might want to talk to a physical therapist. When you are healed, you need to make sure your technique is spot on, and that you take it slow. If you slowly build up over the course of many months of consistant shooting your body might be able to handle shooting everday again. But for the meantime it might be best to start with 2 or 3 times a week. Maybe a a dozen or two a day. Then after each week increse the arrows a day, then maybe add an extra day after a month or two. But listen to your body. Like any workout your body needs time to repair itself. You get stronger in the recovery.

A hiatus won't permenatly damage your accuracy. You might be rusty the next time you pick up the bow. But after a week you should be back to where you were technique wise, but not necesarily strength. Taking days off in your regular training is going to have no consequence either. However, fewer shots a day with a little higher frequency like a dozen arrows 4-5 days a week is better than 3 dozen arrows 2 times a week. But thats concerning technique. Strength wise, 3 dozen arrows 2 times a week is better for buding strength and getting adequit recovery. So it all depends on your goals: building strength so you can shoot frequently, or honeing your technique after you've built that strength. 
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: Knoll on July 08, 2017, 10:00:38 am
I normally shoot at least three times a week - all year long.  Most of the time that is walking a 16 target course through a strip of hardwoods near my house.  I change it up every so often.

So THAT's why Howard is such an awesome shooter!   (SH)

I've adopted the "less is more" approach. Not fewer shooting sessions, but fewer shots at given target. Usually one shot and not more than two. And shooting slowwwly ... that is, making focus top priority and getting next shot off no priority at all.

And when am feeling really cocky about my accuracy, go shooting with my friends who quickly put me in my place!
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: H Rhodes on July 11, 2017, 08:42:13 pm
I normally shoot at least three times a week - all year long.  Most of the time that is walking a 16 target course through a strip of hardwoods near my house.  I change it up every so often.

So THAT's why Howard is such an awesome shooter!   (SH)

I've adopted the "less is more" approach. Not fewer shooting sessions, but fewer shots at given target. Usually one shot and not more than two. And shooting slowwwly ... that is, making focus top priority and getting next shot off no priority at all.

Ha!  I am a work in progress....  You just dropped a pearl of wisdom with that advice.  I completely agree and intend to try and incorporate that into my practice.  "Making focus top priority and getting next shot off no priority at all."  That is good stuff!  I am learning to "warm up" my concentration before taking that first shot.  We use our eyes for smart phones, computer screens, and televisions, and God knows what else.  Most of that vision related stuff has the brain receiving input in a static fashion - nothing physical about it.  That first cold shot used to be a lot tougher for me.  I would have some crazy things happen those first five or six shots until I got warmed up.  Lately, I have been taking little short mini shots barely out in front of my feet while walking out to practice.  Nothing close to a full draw, barely pulling the string back and letting an arrow go at a dead leaf or clump of grass.  This seems to reboot my vision or brain to picking a spot to shoot at.  After you have been shooting long enough, your shot sequence is all a part of muscle memory that is fairly easy to keep straight with a simple mental checklist.  That "focus on the spot" thing can be elusive in this crazy age of constant distractions.

And when am feeling really cocky about my accuracy, go shooting with my friends who quickly put me in my place!
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: Hawkdancer on July 12, 2017, 12:03:58 pm
I agree with Greg's advice on training, don't over do it - pain is a warning sign!  A bit of strain or effort is ok.  "No pain, no gain" is bs.  Make your practice quality, warm up a bit with a few draws, and quit when you start getting tired, so you can hunt when you are tired.  As we get further from 21, we need to use more caution in how hard we practice and train, because the injury snake can trip you up at any time.  Shoot straight, shoot well, and have fun - when it ain't fun anymore, do something else!
Hawkdancer
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: ajbruggink on August 18, 2017, 04:55:53 pm
Thanks to all who replied. I talked to my chiropractor about my problem and he said that I had a muscle imbalance; doing a lot of things with my right side of my body and not enough with my left side of my body. He suggested to start pulling my bow with my left arm every day that I practice with my bow to help my left side of body to catch up and he said in regards to shooting and exercise to shoot fewer arrows on days I exercise and shoot my bow until my body gets used to it. So far his advice has worked and I actually feel stronger now that I'm pulling with my left arm too.

Thanks,

Aaron
Title: Re: How much do you practice?
Post by: bradsmith2010 on August 18, 2017, 05:31:20 pm
I pull my bow with my left arm too, I think it helps,, )F(