How much do you practice?

[ajbruggink]

Heh guys,

I got a question for you guys about how much you guys practice shooting your bow. This isn't a contest, I just want to know what's average. Since I began shooting primitive bows (3 years ago) I shoot almost every day. I'm not going to say I shoot every single day but for me to shoot my bow seven days out of a week is not uncommon. The reason I bring this up is not to brag or anything like that but because once in awhile I go through cycles of getting sore and a couple of times I really got injured and had to not practice for several weeks. Most of the time, shooting about 20 arrows a day isn't a problem for me, but then all of the sudden I start going through the cycle of getting sore and its happening more frequently lately, despite the fact that I'm shooting a lighter bow than I did a few months ago when my 55# Rudderbows bow began cracking so I stopped using it and I am now using a 40# bow because its the only other bow I have. My question is, is there a such thing as too much shooting, is what I'm doing excessive compared to the rest of you, or is it just a matter of the individual and their fitness? I have been trying to get after healthy more lately, getting more exercise, so maybe my body isn't used to exercising and shooting my bow on the same days yet, I'm not sure, maybe I'm just a crazy millennial and its all in my head. Any advice you can give is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Aaron   

[DC]

Some weeks every day, some not at all. It's very weather dependant here on the wet coast. probably 2 or 3 times a week. But don't read too much into this. I'm a lousy shot and should probably do more.

[Pat B]

I used to shoot 50 to 100 arrows a day. After a while I found I was getting sloppy with so many so I cut down to a dozen or 2 a day. With thoughtful shooting that was plenty to keep my shooting in good order. I haven't shot much lately but I realized once I got your form
down pat a hiatus didn't adversely affect my shooting so if you miss out shooting for a while just concentrate when you get back to it and it should all fall back in place.

[loon]

Maybe once or twice a week. I'd like to set up a target or blunt backstop for short distance indoor shooting, so I can shoot every day, at least a dozen or so times

[chamookman]

This Year so far, A Buddy and I shoot a couple of times a week, but We stump shoot and might just loose 6 - 7 arrahs a session. Alone sometimes I'll head into the Yard with an old Softball and a Judo point - throw it out, take the shot and repeat around the Yard. Seems to work for Me better than shooting lots of arrahs at a static target  . Bob

[ksnow]

What exercises have you started? Which muscles are sore? Are you sure it is just soreness and not an injury? If you are lifting weights, plus shooting, you could be aggravating an injury. Or, you might need a different diet to supplement the work you've added to your body. Muscles need food and rest, time to rebuild.

Kyle

[bjrogg]

I shoot almost every day. I may only shoot two or three arrows but I really try to shoot them right. Like Pat said if I shoot to many I start getting sloppy. I usually just shoot one arrow at a time. This seems to keep me in shape and shooting at my best. I don't think it's good to shoot if your sore or tired. It not only could cause injury but probably will not help your form.
Bjrogg

[bradsmith2010]

I am 63,,
I have had times when I shot alot,,
and times only a few arrows a day,,
and times not much shooting at all,,,,,
the last few years I have been trying to shoot every week, and now I am shooting nearly evey day,,
if I am having a hard time with a heavier bow,, I will shoot alot of arrows up close to build strength,with a lite bow,,
if I am shooting well, I may only shoot a few arrows a day,, one at a time,,
group shooting to build up to a heavier bow,,
one arrow at a time some days ,, just to keep in practice,, or to see how i would do in a hunting situation,,
I think it is good to vary your routine, that seems best for me,,

roving or stump shooting is a must,, every shot is different,, I think better practice than shooting the same visual every time,, or groups as the same distance,,

ok this is key,,,, if you are holding your bow longer and longer,, it is more likelly to hurt you,,
I dont hold the bow long,,,, it lets me shoot whithout hurting myself,,
if you like to hold long,, maybe shooting a ligther bow is an option,,
if you are shooting a heavier weight,, and shooting fairly quickly,, it is less likey to hurt your shoulder,,or your bow

I can shoot both ways, ,but prefer a faster shot sequence for the cast,, less strain on the bow and me,,

[H Rhodes]

I normally shoot at least three times a week - all year long.  Most of the time that is walking a 16 target course through a strip of hardwoods near my house.  I change it up every so often.  A couple of times a year I shoot the blue face indoor 300 target at 20 yards for a day or two.  The 300 Round is 60 shots that hardens up my focus and really grooves my form.  It isn't fun for me, but I look at it like going to the doctor for your annual physical...  That score sheet doesn't BS you at all.  It tells you where you really are.  A month before deer season, I shorten the whole practice distance up to hunting shots that I would take.  October, the broadhead practice begins and I shoot a lot during the hunting season.  Most days I only shoot twenty or thirty shots and I make sure to end on a high note.  Keeping your confidence up is a big thing. Practice is the only thing that gives you faith in your shot sequence.  A lot of us are truly obsessed with archery and you can shoot till you injure yourself if you aren't careful.  Nothing wrong with taking a break and fletching another dozen arrows or something....  

[Cyrille]

I attempt to shoot at least two or three times a day but sometimes only manage to do one six arrow round. It really depends on the weather more than anything here in South Louisiana. My shooting is only @ a distance of 15, 20, and 25 yards.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Not enough the last few years, once a month maybe. My normal life schedule would have me shooting at least 5 days a week and at least 15-20 arrows per. But, things changed and I just don't shoot much.

[nakedfeet]

Lately it's almost every day. At least 4 days a week I'd say. In the past there have been periods where I shot every single day for months on end -- and then last year I barely shot at all.

I didn't shoot at all since probably October of last year, and then when I took my bow out in April I was shooting horribly. Took about a week for the muscle memory to come back, and the form, and now I've been staying consistent.

I figure it's good to get even just a little bit, even just a few shots, several times per week for maintainance.

A lot of my shooting is just one or two arrows -- the ones that fly the best -- and I walk out to random distances. I might start with a few warm up shots inside ten yards, walk my way out to 15-20 and do the bulk of my shooting for the day, and even work my way out to a little bit at 35-40 or beyond. I don't shoot well at that distance, but it's fun to me. Better than a few years ago though! And I actually find that it helps my shooting in that "sweet spot" 15-20 yard range. A lot of shooting at 40 yards for a day or two and usually 15 yards a day or two later feels like cake.

Having a big yard helps, in this regard!

[Stixnstones]

nowhere near as much as I used too... I find when I take time off my bow just screams at me " hey dummy we need to do this on a regular basis" and I find myself shooting way to fast ( a lot of arrows quickly)... than the next time out I slow way down, concentrate on the shot and only shoot maybe a dozen in a half hour. once I get a good group I stop... go out on a good note

[Knoll]

Having a big yard helps . . . .

in my case, having big BACKSTOP helps.

[bradsmith2010]

i have been shooting nearly every day, I drew an Elk tag,, and if I get a shot I want to know I did my best