Tired?

[Elusive One]

Hey guys i just started shooting yesterday and i was wondering about a few things.

Since i am not in the best of shape and am trying to get some kinda consistant form down should i stop when i start getting tired?  Not sure if it will just exaggerate my mistakes and let me see them or if archery works like that.


Should my feet be perpendicular to the target?


I am using a tab but not sure where the string should be....finger tips or first knuckle..or does it matter?

[kctreeman]

Take a break.  It will be better for you in the long run.  I shoot 5-10 and then take a break.  Lately I just shoot a few each time the football game goes to a comercial.

[Elusive One]

lol ok that might be hard though...i am really excited about this.    :D

[mcgroundstalker]

I think you should stop shooting "before" you get weak and unsteady...Gotta make every shot count...You are right about getting bad habits if you push yourself...

Try to end your practice with a good shot...Keep it interesting...Most of all Have Fun!!!...If it feels like work, stop for the day...

Now where/how to keep your feet?...I'll leave that for the "experts"...I know you need a solid foundation to shoot well but...I practice for hunting from the ground...Always shooting under or over something...Twist my feet around...That sort of thing...At it for eight years, well enough about me...You will get there soon!

Good Luck!... mike ...

[Wudstix]

Shooting tired just makes for poor shots, lost and broken arrows.  I try not to shoot more than a couple dozen at a clip.  Sometimes i only shot one or two.

[Elusive One]

Thanks guys,  
I know how hard bad habits are to break from trying to learn martial arts myself then training with someone who knew what they were doing.

[Longbow Tom]

Developing poor form is the least of your worries as a new (out of shape) shooter.  Pulling and or tearing a tendon surrounding your rotator cuff is a distinct possibility.  Think of the brand new muscles you are using as "veal".  The muscles and tendons used to shoot a bow are weak, soft and mushy.  They have never been used before.  Although they will develop quickly you cannot strain them.

[Golden Hawk]

Take it slow. shoot a few and then stop for awhile. Then go back and shoot a few more. Stay close at first then as your groups start to come in take a few steps back and so on. Soon you'll be takeing a tennis ball into the yard with a couple judo tipped arrows and shooting at unknown distances.

[Elusive One]

Is the best workout the bow itself? Or should i add some other excercises.  And i will take it easy.  Thanks for the input.  I have alot of questions...Is this the best spot in forum to ask?

[Pat B]

Shooting your bow is the best exercise for bow shooting.    When you feel yourself getting tired and your shooting going down hill, STOP! Bad habits are hard to correct. Be patient, take your time and concentrate on your form. You have a few months to prepare for 3D shoots and longer for hunting season.
  I try to shoot every day even if it's only a few arrows at a time. I used to shoot at least 50 arrows a day but I found that 6 well placed arrows got me farther than 50 arrows just shot.
  One thing I do periodically is to just draw the bow and hold for a second or 2 and let down. This will help develop your shooting muscles and you can do this while you watch the ball game.
   Pat

[Crossed Arrows]

All good advice.  In addition, find a good teacher, perhaps at an archery shop or a club near you.  If you can't find one, at least get a copy of Byron Ferguson's book Become The Arrow.  If you study that book and keep going back to it, you will find it a wealth of shooting knowledge.  Above all, concentrate on having fun and don't blame the bow when you miss the target.