The following video is shown with kind permission from Anthony Marino of Shore Shot Archery (another excellent YouTube resource) ...
It should be noted that every archer is different. There is no single example of 'good form' that would apply to everyone. However, by carefully observing archers at the top of their game, it is always possible to learn techniques that can be adopted and adapted to suit the individual - and help to improve one's shooting.In this video Casey is using a technique where she initially raises the bow, and her arms, quite high* and then lowers into her preferred anchor position. This approach differs significantly from the traditional T-Draw in that the string is being progressively drawn throughout the process. Although this method might not suit all archers, the remainder of her shot process is applicable to most draw styles. (* Notice that at no time is the bow aimed above the boss.)
Timestamps (mm:ss) ...
- 0:00-0:25 Observe the overall draw method as described above.
- 0:47-1:20 As above repeated more slowly.
- 1:05 Pay close attention to the bow hand. You can see that the pressure point is under the heel of the thumb. The fingers are relaxed and gently brushing the bow without gripping. Spot the finger sling doing its job.
- 1:13 Notice the clicker activating and the almost simultaneous release. A clicker gives you consistent draw length but will take practice to get used to.
- 1:10-1:20 Pay close attention to the fingers of the release hand: The back of the hand is flat - there is no tension in the hand - only the finger tips make the necessary hook to hold the string. See how relaxed her fingers remain at the moment of release and during the follow through.
- 1:50 This is another good view of the positioning of the bow hand, showing the pressure point being under the heel of the thumb. Observe also, at the moment of release, the bow hand is completely relaxed and does not grip the bow.
- 2:04-2:25 As Casey lowers into the anchor position, notice how everything comes into line and moves in towards the body.
- 2:30 The raised elbow and the forearm are now in a beautiful straight line towards the target.
- 3:30 Observe the smooth relaxed release - and how the release hand naturally moves backwards in a straight line.
- 3:50-4:05 See how the forward shoulder starts low and finishes low during the set up.
- 4:00-4:06 Here you can clearly see Casey's shoulder blades moving inwards as she applies back tension. It is this tension that enables the release to naturally move backwards. The back muscles are also much stronger than the arms and will allow the archer to hold the bow steady for longer.
- 4:18 Notice the bow arm 'decompressing' and moving forwards at the moment of release. This illustrates that the draw is both a push and a pull.
- 4:38-4:47 Here we see the bow arm rotating, from the shoulder, into the correct position to move the elbow clear of the string.
- 5:05 Finally, notice how Casey's arms do not drop until the arrow is totally clear of the bow (ideally you wait until you hear the arrow hit).