Longbow Technique

[robin_hood_777]

I recently returned from deployment and have not shot my bow for some months.  I have an English Longbow and shoot with a traditional target technique.  Normally my feet are about shoulder width apart, however I am having some trouble for some reason.  I was wondering if anyone could give me any pointers.  Would widening my stance give me a better base of power?

[Scowler]

What type of trouble are you having? 

[robin_hood_777]

It may just b a process of reestablishing muscle memory, but when I bring the bow up (using the target shooting technique taught to me) I cannot get my shoulder and elbow back fully.  However, if i start above my head and bring the bow down whilst pulling, I am able to most times.  Does that help any?

[Pat B]

You will probably have to redevelop your archery muscles. The only way to do so is by shooting a bow. If you have a lighter bow you could start back up with and reestablish your form then you could work slowly back to the heavier bow and comfortably back to your style of shooting.
  When I was learning to shoot a wheeled bow I wanted to be able to draw the bow with as little movement as possible. I would draw the bow slowly 10 times them hold the last full draw for the count of 10(holding a selfbow for this long is not recommended but you get the idea). I'd do this a few times a day and after a week or so I could hold the bow out in front of me and slowly draw to full draw without straining. It really doesn't take long to redevelop your archery muscles but you will have to consciously work on it.

[crooketarrow]

  Shooting a long bow (shooting instintive) is about as simple as you can get. At the same time as hard as you make it.
  A few simple things have to be done repetedly.
  Close your standest some to where you feel comfortable. And use the same stance every shot.
  Draw and ankor the same every shot. Again do what comes natural.Most people ankor useing middle finger in the cornner of your mouth. I use a eye tooth. Now just go shoot and build up your arthery mussles.
  Use the KISS METHOD
  KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPIT.
  THAT GO'S A LONG WAY IN PRACTICEING AND HUNTING.
  SHOOT AND HAVE FUN.

[Dave 55]

Might enjoy it more and have less of those specific problems if you drop down to a managable bow weight.

[Scowler]

It sounds like you have just lost some strengh due to your long layoff.  I always found that "drawing down" is physically easier than "drawing up".  You may want to work with a lighter poundage bow to build up your shooting muscles.  Now you got a good excuse to buy another bow   

[Sidewinder]

Or make one.     Danny