Help! - Anchor Point

[Walkman]

Below is a shot of me at full draw. This is the first time I've used a BT release (going from fingers). This anchor feels comfortable on my face and the string IS touching my nose.

So, does this look right? Draw length OK? Hand position OK?

My concern is that even though it's comfortable, I'm worried that I'm going back too far. It's so differrent from shooting fingers. My back tension feels good, though.

I still have another 3/4 inch I can shorten the draw and I can shorten the rope on the release maybe another 1/4 inch.

So, fire away....

http://www.eurekaville.com/anchor.jpg

[James Park]

Walkman,
That looks fine to me, although from that angle we cannot see if your draw length is correct.
Can you post two pictures: one from the side where we can see you right elbow and bowhand, and the other from behind looking along the line of the arrow from above and behind your right elbow.
"Mastering Archery Technique Analysis" which should be available from Marcus in a couple of weeks will show exactly the pictures we need to comment on these sorts of things.

[Walkman]

Thanks James!

Here's a side view:
http://www.eurekaville.com/form1.jpg

[Walkman]

Here's the back view:

http://www.eurekaville.com/form2.jpg

[James Park]

Walkman,
The side view is what we want.
For the back view we need it to be looking exactly along the line of the arrow so that we can see the location of your right elbow in relation to the line of the arrow.
From the side: your draw length is definitely not too long and seems to be about correct (but we need to see the other angle as well). What I am looking for is for your right elbow joint to be on the line of force from your bowhand on the riser through where your release device joins the string, and in your case it is just above that from the side angle.
Other aspects of your technique look quite good by the way.

[Walkman]

Here's 3 slightly different views:

http://www.eurekaville.com/form3.jpg

[James Park]

Walkman,
The one on the left is the one we want (looking along the line of the arrow).
It (together with the one from the side) tells me that your draw length is very definitely too short. Your right elbow is to the right of the line of the arrow, and from my previous comments it is also just above the line oif force from the side. Both of these are consistent with too-short a draw length, probably by at least an inch.
The other thing that would interest me would be your shoulder line, which I would want to be at least parallel with the arrow line or with your left shoulder in a bit closer than that to the arrow. The previous picture from behind that you posted suggested to me that it is ok. The reason I comment on this is that if you do turn it in more it does change your draw length.
How about adding 1" and posting a couple more pictures?

[Walkman]

Thanks a ton, Jim!

Ya' know it's funny. I keep hearing everyone yammer on about how most shooters have too long a draw length. I got so paranoid about it that I think I cheated a bit when I set up this bow-just to make sure I didn't fall into that category.

Do you think I'd be OK to just make the rope on the release longer, or should I adjust the draw on the bow?

[James Park]

Walkman,
You could change either, or both. We want to keep the bow within the draw length range where it works well, and compatible with that I would increase the bow's draw length a bit and get the rest from the release rope.

[Robert de Bondt]

Rather than lengthen the draw it would seem that scapula alignment could be improved. If front scapula is brought in more and rear shoulder set back, we would not only get a stronger position, but drawing elbow would come more in line too, without having to lengthen draw.

[Walkman]

Update:
I went into the pro shop after work on Friday to get the draw fixed. We started noodling around with my anchor, and he noticed that I was ducking my head in order to touch my nose to the string. We worked on getting a better anchor where I could keep my neck straight and found that just be realigning everything, it works out so I don't have to change the draw.

I'll post some pics when I get a chance.

Thanks for the input again!

-Walkman

[YetABeginner]

This thread wonderfully illustrates the need for a well-trained coach to help archers with their form. There are alternatives, such as using a mirror and video camera to see how your anchor effects the position of the draw elbow, but that doesn't top the help of an archer who shoots with scapular rotation (back tension) who can "spot" for you.

I also think it helps to point up the importance of James Park's research. While other archery writers have spoken about the line of force none have, to my knowledge, done so much to document the critical, small differences.

[Randall Wellings]

Funny thing...(and NO slight intended to you Jim, anything that helps archers is a plus).
I have seen all this 'in depth analysis' at the Master Coaches course put on by Bernie in 98. The section of the course pertaining to this very subject was in the hands of the highly respected coach Larry Wise. Larry teaches "Core Form Archery" and the mere name relates to forces being applied to the body and their relationship in the execution of the shot.
Bernie cops a hiding from certain elements in the States, but he does involve brilliant people when hosting one of these courses.

Now, a personal critique on the book... :o
1..print is way too small, some people will not just pick it up and read it for something to do...it's not reader friendly..(from a publisher as well)

2 Photos are sad... readers attention is lost when explainitory photos arevoid of colour.

3 A more, visually appealing model would ensure the books success :wink: