Your shot sequence is very personal. You are an artist creating a masterpiece. Viewed only from the final appearance rather than all the efforts required to make it happen, no one will ever understand exactly why you do what you do but that is OK.
You are the only one who has to be sure of what you have chosen to do and why.
When considering all the parts of the shot sequence, I have realized that the most important part for me is the grip. This is not about how I am ‘holding’ my bow rather is the actual shape, size and angles of where I place my hand. As I have had multiple bows to compare, finding the one that works for me allows the rest of my shot to feel right.
Is grip the first decision to be made? Nope.
After the basic shot sequence is learned, re-examine stance then move to anchor. By developing your shot piece by piece, it allows you to see and feel how any changes affect any other part of the sequence. All parts of your sequence must work together. This will create a flow and make everything easier.
Your personal technique of bow hand placement and shoulder alignment needs to be challenged until you feel confident in your ability to control your shot. Being able to bench your body weight or do 100 push ups will not give you a secure shot if that power cannot be transferred into your bow. Being able to properly load your bow shoulder with your bow weight (limb poundage, riser weight, stabilizers and/or added weights) is the key to shot stability.
- Do a single arm plank with your bow arm.
- You can adapt your position by vertically pushing against a door frame or diagonally on a bed or sofa if shoulder strength is currently insufficient.
- Take a look at your thumb, spread of fingers, pressure point on palm…
- Keep changing your wrist, elbow and shoulder pressure angles until you find your personal sweet spot which creates the most ‘push’ power.
Your palm and fingers are unique so simply replicating another archer’s grip is not a wise decision. The ‘push’ is affected greatly by how your arm bones are lined up. Take the time to find your spot. Once a position is found then confirm with elastics before trying to take a shot with a bow. It is also wise to only shoot short distances with blank target faces in order to concentrate on one thing at a time.
Find your push spot then find a the riser which allows your personal grip position.
Different bow manufactures have different models used for the riser grip form. The width and angle of the palm placement impacts the wrist, elbow and shoulder alignment. The wrap around of the fingers is also changed depending on the depth.
Buying a bow is exciting, but doing it too quickly is a risk. Have some patience with your body to figure out what is best before making the commitment to your riser. If you already have a riser, then some grips can be exchanged, tape can be added and/or a grip can be carved for you too.
The grip MUST match your grip.
Your bow needs to feel like it is an extension of your body. Once you find it, then you will be amazed at how much more your shot just feels right.
Kelea Quinn 