How do you check your string picture?

[Fal]

I recently watched a few clips of the DVD: 'the battle for Olympic archer gold'. Couldn't help but noticing most top archers pull the arrow straightly back to anchor. Presumably checking the string picture right before the clicker sounds.

However, during the last several competitions in UK, I did see some top archers pull string half way back, check their string pictures before anchoring.

I personally use the former. But I do understand the advantage of the latter approach: it ensure the string picture is correct before you reach full draw, and you can then completely fix your vision on the target.

So what do you think, and how do you check your picture?

[Flehrad]

Hrm.

Well, the way I draw (which is slightly down and then back up to anchor to engage my shoulders more) means that the second method of pre-anchor picture doesn't work because it changes.

I tend to look a the target, and settle my sight pin around the target (to make sure I'm on the right target) and then complete the draw. Once at full draw, I just look at the target and float as best I can in the center. While I do this, I just change the focus plane and see if my string is where I want in my sight picture, and then go back to floating...

[Jay.G]

Yep same here.

[Brocky]

What's string picture and how does it help is it the same as back tension :o

[Jay.G]

i think its to do with stop a cant. Well thats what i check anyway.

[Brocky]

Stop a cant "what the" :o

[Fal]

What's string picture and how does it help is it the same as back tension

When you're at full draw, you should see the blurred string at the same place each time. This is usually in line with the centre of the riser. If you get a consistent string picture, the bow will be at a consistent horizontal angle, which improves your horizontal grouping.

Much like shooting a pistol. pointing your gun straight at the target won't help you at all. But it's important that you line up the sight at the back and the front of the gun so that it's at the right angle.[/quote]

[Archangel]

Stop a cant "what the" :o
Maybe he should have said "it's to do with stopping a cant". Still, it's pretty obvious what he meant for those who aren't trying to misunderstand... :roll:

[Quackor]

I check mine just before clicking... check, aim, release.

[Jay.G]

I'd rather not check my string picture at all because it just stops me from focusing entirely on the target. But now, stupid cant appeared. getting better tho.

[Brocky]

Archie string picture and cant whats it all mean :o

[Leighton]

If your serious about the question, checking to see if the string is tilted side-like tells if your canting the bow. Probably won't detect minute tilts, but you can always line up the string with a light pole or tree or something that's straight if your that picky about it.

[Brocky]

So what will canting do and how do you tell if your bow is straight?

[Leighton]

never said I agreed with Jay. But you can tell if your bow is straight if your string is straight :roll: