#4
Post
by Kendaric » Mon Jun 08, 2015 4:21 pm
I have generally found that longbows in particular, do not like to be heeled, that is, the bottom of your palm of the hand (the heel) is on the bow. If you have to strangle the bow, then that is a good indicator that you are heeling the bow.
Ideally only the meat of your thumb should be on the handle. This requires rotating the hand out about 45 degress. Ideally you should only hold the bow firm enough to stop the bow from jumping from your hand upon release.
The more you 'hold' the bow, the more human error you impart in the shot.
Strangling the bow can also make the shooting experience less sweet, as you get all the bow shock coming up your arm. Just holding the bow enough, so that it doesn't jump out of your hand, removes all shock.
You may also need to get your hand closer to the arrow shelf as well.
You may also need to check the bow tune and nocking height. Also, when shooting a longbow off the shelf, try shooting your arrows with cock fletch in. I know that may sound weird, but so often it resolves a lot of flight issues.