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should you lock your elbow when shooting a bow

by Elinor Farrell Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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You should aim to shoot with your back muscles. Your elbow, like your knees, is not locked in place. A steady bow arm is not a rigid bow arm, and your aim is not locked in but soft and floating.

You'll find archers that have success with both styles, but for the majority of archers having a straight bow arm that isn't over extended or locked out will work best.Dec 8, 2016

Full Answer

Should you lock your bow arm from your elbow?

Though a straight arm is preferable, you should be careful not to lock your bow arm from your elbow as this will put enormous pressure on the joint. Hyper-extending your elbow disrupts the bone alignment between your forearm and upper arm.

How do I aim my bow?

Relaxation and proper positioning is the key to steady aiming. Make sure that your draw length is correct and that your bow fits. With a very slight bend in your bow arm (just enough to unlock your elbow), make sure your other elbow (string side) points straight behind you at full draw. That forearm should be parallel with the arrow.

How to draw a bow correctly?

Make sure that your draw length is correct and that your bow fits. With a very slight bend in your bow arm (just enough to unlock your elbow), make sure your other elbow (string side) points straight behind you at full draw. That forearm should be parallel with the arrow.

Should you shoot straight or bend your arms when bow shooting?

Conversely, coaches may initially advise new archers to temporarily shoot with a slight bend in their arm to avoid injury from string contact; a straight but relaxed position will provide you with the greatest amount of string clearance while maintaining bow arm stability, so aim for a middle ground between these two positions.

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Should bow arm be locked?

6:489:10Archery | Bent or Straight Bow Arm? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow generally speaking you don't have to lock it over but locking in me it's rigid. This doesn'tMoreNow generally speaking you don't have to lock it over but locking in me it's rigid. This doesn't have to be rigid. If anything you shouldn't be having the stress on your elbow.

How do you aim a bow accurately?

9:3010:503 Details on Aiming in Archery | How To Aim a Bow the Right WayYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipExactly where i want that arrow to go burning a hole in the target where i want that arrow to go asMoreExactly where i want that arrow to go burning a hole in the target where i want that arrow to go as well and letting the sight pin float. That is the correct way to aim.

How should you grip a bow when shooting?

1:203:20Bow Hand Grip Hunting Tech Tip - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe inside of your palm right there against your thumb the meaty part of your thumb. That's aMoreThe inside of your palm right there against your thumb the meaty part of your thumb. That's a neutral spot. So when I release the bowstring. The bow is only going to go forward towards the target.

Do you tilt the bow when shooting?

1:436:04Archery FAQ: Why do some archers tilt the bow and some can't? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd when you see this is exactly what we have with the pole. That's why we have the bow tilted. ThatMoreAnd when you see this is exactly what we have with the pole. That's why we have the bow tilted. That we always have the same target picture when you look instinctively at your target.

How do I make my bow more steady?

0:462:07How To Hold Your Bow Steady - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHave the bow grip right in there and then you can see how my knuckles are versus. This out to hereMoreHave the bow grip right in there and then you can see how my knuckles are versus. This out to here this is going to be a more neutral. Position where you're only pushing the bow forward versus.

How far can a bow shoot accurately?

The maximum range of a bow is about 200 to 500 yards, but the effective, accurate range for target shooting is 150 yards to 350 yards depending on the bow type and draw weight. The maximum hunting range for most bow types is 30 to 60 yards for an experienced hunter and 15 to 25 yards for beginners.

Should my bow fall forward?

The archer's relaxed grip alows the bow to fall forward because it has that weight out front. That's about it. Tightrope walkers use a long balance bar for the same reason, it slows down movement.

What causes an arrow to fishtail?

Registered. If by fishtailing you mean moving left and right and not up and down, then it could very well be arrow spine. Either too stiff or too weak. Try putting a heavier tip on your arrows or lengthening them.

Why are my arrows hitting right?

Arrows hitting to the right indicate weak spine, to the left, the opposite.

Why do archers tilt their bows?

4:408:00Why Do Olympic Archers Swing Their Bows? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAction it's not a flare the archers are not intentionally doing this for the camera they're doing itMoreAction it's not a flare the archers are not intentionally doing this for the camera they're doing it because when they don't grip the bow.

Why does my bow string hit my arm?

If you're gripping down too tightly with your bow hand, that rotates the bow so that once released, your string ends up closer to your forearm than it should. Most archer's shoot with an open grip, that reduces torque and allows the bow to be rotated away from your bow arm, lowering the chances of slapping your arm.

Why do my arrows bounce off the target?

0:435:35Archery | Why Do Arrows Bounce Off The Target? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnswer is quite simply the error doesn't have enough energy to puncture the target. And theyMoreAnswer is quite simply the error doesn't have enough energy to puncture the target. And they demonstrate this quite simply if I were to push this arrow in my hand.

What is the Bowsight aiming method?

With bow sights, you line up the appropriate sight pin on the target. With instinctive aiming, you simply look at the intended target with both eyes open and release.

How do you aim a bow without a sight?

Draw the string to the corner of your mouth. This is called an anchor point and while archers with a sight draw to their jaw, you should touch your index/middle finger to the corner of your mouth. This brings the arrow closer to your eye and allows you to aim with greater accuracy.

How do you aim a bow Elden ring?

To aim with a bow or crossbow in Elden Ring on PS5, press L1 with your bow or crossbow equipped and ready to fire. It's the same button you'd use with a shield to parry. To aim with a bow or crossbow in Elden Ring on PC, have the bow equipped with both hands, and then use the right-click mouse button to aim freely.

What is point of aim in archery?

Draw your arrow under your chin, rest the tip of your arrow on the "point of aim" which you just marked with some object, and release your shot. If your arrow flies over the target, move the marker in closer. If it falls under the target, advance your marker.

What is the slight outward hand orientation of the bow?

This slight outward hand orientation brings an archer’s elbow and forearm out of the bowstring’s travel path, thereby minimizing the chance of string slap and potential injury.

Which part of the arm sticks inward toward the bow?

This causes the inner elbow and upper forearm to stick inward toward the bow, exposing this section of the arm to a greater degree of potential contact.

Why is my forearm not contacting?

If you find yourself still experiencing forearm contact issues, despite modifying your grip and unlocking your elbow, a misadjusted draw length might be the source of your issue.

How to prevent string to forearm contact?

Preventing string to forearm contact begins with maintaining a proper grip on your bow at all times.

Why do archers use their hands outward?

This essentially eliminates grip torque, as the bow is allowed to settle naturally into your palm. When an archer grips a bow in this manner, their hand naturally rocks outward, without imparting any obvious twist on the bow itself.

Should you hit your forearm with a bowstring?

The question of how not to hit your forearm with the bowstring is likely as old as the history of archery itself. The answer is that you should eliminate grip torque. Additionally, there are several other ways that proactive individuals can protect themselves. Read more about it in this article

Is string to forearm contact painful?

Archery is an endeavor of enjoyment for all who take part in the sport. Painful string to forearm contact does little to prolong this enjoyment, instead, leading to pain and aggravation while shooting on the range.

What is a high draw elbow?

High draw elbow, at least as high as the nose, and the crease of the elbow is on the same level, or above, the line of the arrow at full draw. Overall have a relaxed stance…tension causes muscles to become fatigued.

Why is my bow draw so long?

Improper draw length causes the most problems with bow form including the following: Causes you to fully extend your bow arm. Causes right hand archers to push the bow to the left. Causes you to lean back at full draw, which is hard to duplicate each time, especially in steep terrain or a steep shot from a treestand.

Why does my bow string slap my wrist?

Pulls your bow arm closer to the string, causing the bow string to slap your wrist. The negatives of too short of a draw length: Body hunched up. Fatigue will set in quicker because you are using more muscles to keep the bow drawn back.

How to shoot hunting situations?

During hunting situations, you will need to modify your stance based on the terrain. Take, for example, shooting from your knees or steep uphill or downhill shots. Since normally you would not be shooting on flat ground, you will need to simulate these hunting situations to figure out how to adapt and shoot properly.

What is the square stance in archery?

Each one can be modified to suit your body type. They are the square stance, open stance, and closed stance. Square Stance: Standing with both feet on the same line that points to the target. Open Stance: Standing with both feet on the same line ...

What is proper archery form?

Proper archery form demands erect posture with your head directly over your spine. Improper form will cause your sight picture to shake, and it will induce torque in your shot.

How to do an open stance?

Open Stance: Standing with both feet on the same line that points to the target and move the foot that is towards the target back a few inches. Your body is turned slightly open towards the target. Closed Stance: Standing with both feet on the same line that points to the target and move the foot that is away from the target back a few inches.

How to keep feet when shooting a bow?

There are multiple ways to keep your feet while shooting your bow. We often call these stances. In general, most archers will use the square stance. But some archers switch to other stances later because they feel it’s more comfortable.

What is the most important aspect of archery?

One of the most important aspects is your form. With form, we mean how you stand while shooting your bow. How you keep your arms, back, head, and legs. New archers often think that only your arms are important. But that isn’t true.

Why do archers use their back muscles?

Archers use their back muscles to aim the bow up and down. We do this to adjust for elevation and to account for the distance of the target. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for archers to experience muscle strain in the back.

How to keep your knees straight?

Keep your knee straight: don’t go through your knees. Although some archers believe that you are more stable, it makes you less consistent and strains your back muscles more. Also, don’t overextend or lock your knees the other way. Locking your knees is bad for your joints and makes your stance less stable.

How to keep your archery form?

To keep the right archery form, you should stand with your feet parallel to the shooting line at shoulder width. While shooting your bow, you should keep your back and bow arm straight. Pull your shoulder blades together to get both shoulders in a straight line with your bow arm. Use a mirror to practice and regularly check your form.

Why is it important to keep shoulders in a consistent position?

Since your shoulders can influence your draw length it’s important to keep them in a consistent position. Additionally, if your shoulders are not properly aligned holding the bow at full draw will become extremely difficult.

What is the best stance for archery?

The square stance is the optimal stance for most archers. Most Olympic archers still shoot with the square stance. It’s easier to learn and keep consistent than the other stances. With the square stance, you keep your feet parallel to the shooting line.

How to break elbow?

When your elbow is no longer hurting you can gradually resume shooting. Dropping your draw weight and using a bow with less hand shock will give your elbow a break. A very slight bend in your elbow will also take some of the stress off of your lateral muscles. Some people have great luck with a tennis elbow band.

How to get a good elbow workout?

Bicep curls are the next exercise for your elbow. For curls most of you should be able to start with between 5-10 pounds. Start with your arms at your side and rotate your palm up as you curl the weight towards your shoulder. Your elbow should stay tight to your body and should not swing. Bicep curls are an awesome exercise for the elbow because they use all the muscles surrounding the joint. The key is to perform the curls slowly and not to swing the elbow. Three sets of ten for each arm will help a lot.

What muscles are used to pull back the bow?

Your bow arm is held in extension and your lateral (outside) elbow muscles are doing most of the work. As you pull the string back your bowstring elbow is flexing and your medial (inside) elbow muscles are doing more of the work. In my experience, most archers have problems with elbow pain on the outside of their bow arm.

Why does my elbow hurt after shooting?

Usually archers will complain of pain on the outside of their elbow after shooting. The pain will be most severe over the bump on the outside of your elbow. The pain will be worse when you straighten your arm and stress the lateral muscles.

What is the strength of the elbow joint?

About 50% of the strength of the elbow joint is contributed by the bony framework and 50% by the surrounding muscles. There is a medial band of muscles, which are strongest when your elbow is flexed, and a lateral band of muscles, which are stronger when your elbow is extended.

What is the elbow joint?

in the body. The elbow permits flexion and extension of your arm and allows you to rotate your palm up and down. Three bones make up the elbow joint. The humerus is the upper arm bone and connects with the radius and ulna, which are the bones of the forearm. As you rotate your palm, your radius and ulna glide over each other. There is very little laxity in the joint and it is not often subjected to arthritis. About 50% of the strength of the elbow joint is contributed by the bony framework and 50% by the surrounding muscles. There is a medial band of muscles, which are strongest when your elbow is flexed, and a lateral band of muscles, which are stronger when your elbow is extended. These muscle bands attach onto the each side of the bottom of your humerus. Repetitive stress to these muscles and tendons can cause pain on the side of your elbow where they attach to the bone. Depending on the activity, you may feel pain on the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) of your elbow. Hopefully, this basic anatomy lesson will help us understand and treat elbow pain.

Why is tennis elbow called tennis elbow?

It is also known as tennis elbow. This is because the lateral muscle complex is not nearly as strong as the medial muscles. Also, with the elbow extended there is less bony support of the joint, and these muscles need to provide a greater amount of the stability.

How to improve bow aim?

Here is a quick rundown of the most obvious: strength, a relaxed bow arm with a very slight bend, a relaxed grip, a focus on the spot and not the pin, breathing out very slowly while aiming and making a surprise release.

How to calm nerves when shooting a bow?

Don't worry about when the bow will fire, but rather focus all your mental energy on relaxing and just pulling the trigger slowly. Don't worry about where the pin is, focus on the spot and the pin will take care of itself.

Can you hold a bow at full draw?

If, however, you find that you can hold the bow very still at full draw when you have no intent to shoot, the problem is more difficult to fix. Not harder to explain, just harder to make yourself do. The solution requires that you learn to make a surprise release so you can take advantage of that steady aim with good accuracy.

Why is it important to lock your elbows?

Adding load, whether it’s body weight while doing pushups or an external weight for presses, further increases the chance of overextending the joints, putting you at risk for injury.

Should you straighten your arms when doing pushups?

When performing upper-body moves that involve flexing and extending at the elbows — including bench presses, pushups, biceps curls, and overhead presses — it’s best to straighten your arms without locking them, says exercise physiologist Dean Somerset, CSCS. “Just getting them to a point where they’re stable and straight is perfectly fine for most people.”

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1.Top Tips: Bow Arm Basics | Bow International

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Url:https://bowaddicted.com/how-to-not-hit-your-forearm-with-the-bowstring/

35 hours ago These answers all vary from person to person, seemingly dependent on what type of bow and experience they have. Speaking from my experience as a freestyle/olympic recurve shooter, provided you don't have a hyper extending elbow, a locked elbow is preferred.

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10 hours ago  · Make sure that your draw length is correct and that your bow fits. With a very slight bend in your bow arm (just enough to unlock your elbow), make sure your other elbow (string side) points straight behind you at full draw. That forearm should be parallel with the arrow. If it points even a tiny bit behind you, your draw length is too long.

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