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Q48 - Bow arm movement on release
Last Updated 11/04/2014 at 05:46:27 PM EST
I realize this may seem like a simple question, but I have a disagreement with some of the local coaches on this issue. On release of the arrow my view is that the bow arm should not move to the left, but more in a forward motion toward the target while the release arm moves backward and in a small arc because of the movement of the shoulder blade.
 Others say that the bow arm is also supposed to move in an arc on release pushing both shoulder blades together, creating a arc with the body with expansion of the chest in the process. I have watched people shoot using this principal an they always seem to have issues with the shafts going left.
 
My sense is that the bow arm is already being pushed back where it is supposed to be so that on release the only arcing movement should be in the release arm. In my view the bow arm should be pointed at the target center and pushing gently in that direction.
 
Could email me some information as to which view is correct.
 
Thanks Yours,
M.M.
September 30, 2007
from M.M. of USA:

"I realize this may seem like a simple question, but I have a disagreement with some of the local coaches on this issue. On release of the arrow my view is that the bow arm should not move to the left, but more in a forward motion toward the target while the release arm moves backward and in a small arc because of the movement of the shoulder blade.
 
Others say that the bow arm is also supposed to move in an arc on release pushing both shoulder blades together, creating a arc with the body with expansion of the chest in the process. I have watched people shoot using this principal an they always seem to have issues with the shafts going left.
 
My sense is that the bow arm is already being pushed back where it is supposed to be so that on release the only arcing movement should be in the release arm. In my view the bow arm should be pointed at the target center and pushing gently in that direction.
 
Could email me some information as to which view is correct.
 
Thanks Yours, M.M."
There can be a variety of reasons why the arrow would go left. However, please read carefully Step 9 of the KSL Shot Cycle (partly produced below), as well "Angular Movement".
 
On release the bow must jump freely out of the hand in straight line towards the target. Note: before any movement of the bow arm to the left takes place the arrow should be well out of the bow. The slight movement of the bow arm to the left is caused through the Ratio of Movement when continued back tension is maintained throughout the follow through.The movement of the bow arm to the left must not be a contrived movement, but a result of using the correct technique. If it is a contrived/deliberate movement, yes then the arrow could go to the left.
 
"If the follow-through is natural, the drawing hand, which should be very relaxed, will move backwards and stay in touch with the face following the jaw line for as long as possible. The elbow should go laterally behind with a natural resulting downward movement. The drawing hand must not drop down to the shoulder as part of the follow through, as that will cause the elbow to drop too far down. Additionally, the bow should be visualized moving in a straight line towards the target, although the bow arm will, due to the rotational expansion, move slightly to the left (RH archer) after completion of the shot.

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