Bow tuning update

I have been reading and watching some articles about nocking point height, d-loop length, peep height etc, by Alistair Whittingham and John Dudley.

One of the things I suffer from is holding low on the target, and the sight bobbing up and down, which invariable causes me to fight it, and hence introduces tension into the shot. Up until now, I have put this down to me alone. I have even thought it could be a mild form of target panic.

So I read and acted upon a couple of things. First, I am happy that my draw length is OK, so that has remained untouched. But I have played with the peep sight height, nocking point height and d-loop length.

The peep sight height was easy. I moved it down just a mm or so to get a more comfortable view of the scope, especially at the longer distances. In fact all distances feel a little more comfortable.

Next was the d-loop length. This has been shortened by maybe 2 to 3mm. The suggestion was, making the d-loop shorter (if your DL looks OK), would help lock in the drawing arm at anchor. My d-loop was a little long and it caused the arm to floating around a bit, and most likely causing small movements that meant the bow bobbed up and down.

The final and probably most compelling change is the nocking point height, or position, on the string. This is in effect good old fashioned tiller tuning, but instead of leaving an uneven tiller (I shoot a single cam bow, so the tiller is uneven anyway, so in this case, it would mean the limb bolts simply being unwound a different number of turns), the position of the nock point is moved up and down until the aim steadies. As it turns out, my nocking point was about 3mm too high, and after some experimentation, the aim has locked into place. This has also meant the pressure on the bow hand has changed, moving it lower towards the wrist joint, so the pressure of the bow is directly over the bone. Before, it was a little high in the grip. All of these changes together have had a remarkable affect.

For the first time in a long time my aim (when the form is correct) is much steadier, where as before I seemed to always be fighting it. I have only moved things by a couple of mm, but it has been worth the effort.

The video/article in question can be found @ Performance-Archery.tv | Episode 24 | Dot Holding Low and Tiller tuning and holding steady

Yet another year gone and another to look forward to...

So 2011 is over. It has been my best year yet outdoors, making MB for the second time and edging closer to GMB. However I am mindful that my biggest failing is not my technique or equipment, but falling short in the mental application department. Don't get me wrong, I have had a very good year, but I want more, and want to be better, and this is the area I have to now improve.

This year I embark on another trail of competitions, trying to get to GMB. This year I have to do things differently, change something, otherwise it becomes yet another year of going through the motions.

What's been going on lately? Well I have been shooting outdoors almost every week, shooting the big distances, and getting stuck into some Field by shooting in the Winter Field Archery League. This has been a welcome distraction, but at the same time it has been very useful. I have now started shooting timed rounds at the club in preparation for competitions that will start in April. It gets too easy banging in the big scores at the club with no pressure.

Indoors has once again been difficult. I do shoot every week indoors, but I have struggled to muster any enthusiasm for indoor rounds. I have a dedicated indoor bow, that I am still to get set-up properly. I tend to just practice form and technique @ 18m instead. Not a bad thing, but I wish I could be better indoors and learn to like it. That gap has been filled with the Field shoots however, so that is likely to be the direction I take in future years in the winter.

In the last three months or so I have been working on my physical strength, and have been doing weights most days. This has helped with aiming and will no doubt be worth points in the coming season. I will see if I can fit in some running as well to improve my general fitness for the outdoor season.

Trigger thumb position

Been thinking and working on my thumb position on the trigger for a while now. I purchased my new release aid a few months back and have been able to get a much more positive position, but its still not perfect.

The problem has been that I have come to full draw, anchored and settled into the aim, and then move my thumb onto the trigger. This has then caused my aim to become unsettled because I have had to move to get into position. Also I have not been able to really get the right part of the thumb on the trigger, and generally its too far forward towards the pad of the thumb. This has left no potential movement left in the hand to activate the trigger. Having it further back allows the back of the hand to relaxed and act against the trigger.

This has resulted in me changing my shot sequence to position my thumb after I have drawn the bow but before I have anchored and settled on the aim. This has allowed me to get the right position. I have been practising today, and once I had got into the rhythm of doing this every time I was able to shoot some really good shots back to back.

It will take a while to build this into my sequence sub-consciously (got 4 years of shooting to change!), but I am looking forward to this improving my shooting that little bit more.

2011 Surrey Field Champs

I attended my first ever National Animal round shoot at the Surrey Field Champs; no practice, no estimating system; and shot a respectable 575 out of 640.

It was the three misses in the morning session that stopped it being a far better score. I was fooled totally by the long range targets, all about 45m plus, and I was 5m out on all of them. The morning session finished on 280. The afternoon session was much better, no misses and I ended on 295 out of 320. If I had converted the misses to tens, I could have had 605 and joint 3rd.

The rest of the round was well shot. But, that is something I can sort out with practice and by developing a ranging system, rather than just ground walking by eye and guesswork. What I am really pleased with was my shot execution. It was a top notch performance in that respect, even with difficult slopes (well, the most difficult I have ever shot!), and my pre-shot sequence was good; ensuring the bubble was level, alignment, trigger placement and pressure etc.

I feel that with field I am far more relaxed than when shooting at a target competition, and as a result shoot my natural shot. With field, there are so many other variables to consider that shooing the shot is just one part of that. Target is much more focused on score and outcome.

So, having done this, I am more convinced than ever that field is something I want to not only do more of, but excel at as well. But I need to make a decision as to whether I still give target shooting priority as I chase GMB. I have been told that field will improve my target shooting and so could compliment it well, but I need to ensure I practice the 90m/70m targets every week to keep that skill level up. GMB is my ultimate goal in target, and having spent the last three years slogging away and getting ever closer, I cant afford to throw that work away now.

When I get to GMB, I will then switch completely to field and see how far I can get with it. But I do think that field archery will make me in the long run more relaxed generally, and this will transfer to target shooting. I know when I am on form I can put in GMB level scores no problem (I do it in practice, so that proves it to me!).

Some field action!

Haven't posted for a while, deliberately as I try an focus more on shooting than writing. As its Winter, time for shooting is a little sparse, and I am only getting about 150 to 200 arrows per week. I am not that worried too much yet, as I am continuing the weights and this is keeping me strong. I have decided to take part in the Winter Field Archery League (WFAL). I have always fancied doing some field shoots, and having done two Foresters rounds, I have got the bug and want to have a crack at FITA Field. Why? Well to keep things interesting rather than spend all Winter shooting at 18m indoors or 90m outside. My priority is still target, so I will not sacrifice the long distances too much, but I believe in doing something different to keep the motivation levels up, and to continue with a level of competition other than just indoor comps. I shot my first FITA Field on Sunday, shooting two 12 target marked rounds (WFAL rules). I put in two solid scores of 181 and 189, not too bad for my first go. I was pleased with my form on the second circuit, and some great shots. I must however ensure I have a coherent plan for the Winter, so I don't drift around and not make progress. I have rested a little over the path two months, but its now time to start ramping things up a little.

Release aid update and weight training

Release aid really going well. My shots have been very strong now that I can get the thumb trigger in the same place each time. Also, I have been doing weights for the last four weeks, only dropping two nights as I had shot a lot on those days. Upper body looking and feeling really strong and powerful. This has translated into rock solid aiming and has built my confidence up. I have a week off due to holiday, but will be thinking about what I want to do over the winter (indoor and/or field). My indoor arrows and bow are coming together nicely now and an keen to get shooting with it very soon.

Friars Gate Archers Summer Field Shoot

Took part in only my second field shoot ever, which was a Foresters round. I had shot the FGA Spring shoot earlier in the year, and had shot a half reasonable score back then for my first ever field shoot. I went into this just wanting to relax and enjoy myself, and I did, adding 90 points to my previous score, to bag 900 for a 28 target round. This landed me a close second place behind a top score of 940. This was the first round I had shot with my new release aid, a Stan SX2. I had swapped this for the Carter JbC, simply because the Stan allows me to get the thumb position I want. I can naturally place the bone of the thumb on the trigger, without having to hunt for the position like on the JbC. I often ended up putting the fleshly part of the thumb on the trigger and this lead to lots of inconsistencies. It worked! Once I had got into the groove I was really drilling the shots home, and with some good distance estimation not missing much in the middle. Looking back I didn't really think much whilst shooting, just got on with it and my technique took over and got the job done. The indoor season is now starting, and I am close to completing my indoor set-up, which is my old C3. Looking forward to it.

End of season and a new beginning

It's been a while since I last posted, and that has been deliberate. I have cut short my last outdoor comps and have tried to cut away all the archery "fluff" around the edges to firstly give myself a bit if a break and to try and focus on the core aspects of this sport that matters. At the end of the day its a hobby, not life and death.

My last comps were the Andover FITA Star and the Kent County Champs. I put in two solid MB scores of 1332 and 1339, but left the KCC halfway through the round as my mind was not in the right place. I have worked hard this season and needed some down time.

Looking back I have had a really good season, my best ever. Eight MB scores on the trot, some in difficult conditions (weather has been rubbish this year). The highlight for me is my 1350 FITA at the UK Masters, which was a competition PB and I finally got my 1350 Star. Just the 1400 Star to go...

I am now looking forward to the winter season with confidence and enthusiasm. My C3 is being converted to a dedicated indoor bow with 50lbs limbs so I can focus on technique. I am also doing the FGA field shoot and hope to do some more field over the winter to keep things interesting and fresh, ready for next year.

First real low and some lessons learnt

I shot another practice FITA this weekend in preparation for next weekend's FITA Star. It was a little windy and I knew shooting the hinge would cause some mis-aimed shots.

However, I allowed the breeze to affect the shot too much; becoming tense whilst I fought the dot into the middle which made things worse and I really did not shoot as well as I could, and should.

In the end I put in 1330 (313/339/329/349). The 70m distance was pretty good, as was 90m considering, but 50m and especially 30m was not well shot. I forgot the basic principles of shooting.

In fact I was so unhappy with 30m I shot a dozen @ 30m again, this time really applying myself, and put in 120. It proves that regardless of the weather, being relaxed but strong in the shot will return a good score.

However in hindsight this was a good lesson. It proves that even when I really do not shoot my best, and the weather is not great, I can still shoot a solid MB level score. However I am lacking a bit of confidence and need a good solid FITA Star to settle any doubts that I can shoot good scores with the hinge under competition pressures. Lets hope for good weather this weekend.

Shooting the hinge; more practice PB's and my first competition

Have shot a new practice PB of 686 for a 70m 720. Some really great shots, some mistakes still but it felt really good. Also coupled with a slight tweak to my stabilisation to move the COG forward a little.

I shot the hinge on the first day of the Surrey FITA weekend, on the 70m 720. Conditions were far from ideal, and got blow off for a 4 and 6 on two ends. However, it showed real promise in hard conditions, and without those gusts I would have been close the to leaders.

Unfortunately the first day was abandoned due to the weather, and was unable to make the FITA due to family issues. I now look forward to the Andover FITA Star, hopefully the weather will be calm and I can really test my progress at competition level.

Practice FITA

Shot a 1359 (324/337/343/355) FITA in practice today. Was nervous, stupid really in practice, but I guess its the anticipation of shooting so well with the hinge recently I am getting ahead of myself. I didn't shoot that well, far too much tension but when I did force myself to relax the shots were great.

50m was brilliant, putting in a practice PB of 343; shot when relaxed and letting the dot float around the gold. This distance has really improved for me over the last 6 months, and has been really strong.

The Surrey Champs are this weekend. I have two days before hand to practice and get together my form. I know if I shoot my best, and am not nervous I can put in a big score. Even today, with nerves and not so good form I can still shoot a good score, so I have nothing to be nervous about! All I need to think about is the 1350 I shot at the UK Masters and draw on that confidence.

Another PB...

Shot a 680 FITA 720 @ 70m. A PB by one point. Again shot the hinge. Some iffy ends and about seven 8's shot in total, but they were made up by some blistering ends of 60, 59's, 58's.

I know the poorer ends are just getting to grips with shooting the hinge properly, but already I am putting in better groups and scores after just a few hours using it. I know I will get better with it and am excited about using it. I just need to relax and keep pulling and it will dump them in the X.

My aim is a little steadier than when using the trigger release. I may also set the hinge a little faster as well. But overall, progress is good.

Finished the night with two 10 arrow ends @ 70m. Put 16 in the 10, 4 in the 9.

Practice update...

Shot a 662 Long Metric during the week, which is a new county record. Shot OK but struggling a little with the trigger release, so after the round I got the hinge release out and shot three ends of 11 arrows @ 70m. I put in 32 golds out of 33 arrows. I don't get the hinge out that often but this really felt good.

So tonight I shot a Short Metric with it and scored 694, a practice PB by one point (and would have been a county record, but no witnesses...). Dropped some silly shots but overall most of the shots were fantastic, really committed and explosive.

After the Short Metric, I shot an 11 arrow end at 90m, and again the shots were really nice, a couple of reds but put in X X X X X 10 10 10 9 8 8.

This leaves me with a dilemma. I have the Surrey County Champs in a few weeks, and if I can shoot this well with the hinge, do I ditch the trigger release? I will practice more with it in weeks leading up to it and see how I get on, but its looking pretty good.

2011 Allington Castle "Sir Thomas Wyatt" Double York

This was a tough shoot, windy on the first day and blisteringly hot on the second day. I shot 1224 and 1222 with a total for the double of 2446 (which increased my county record by 42 points). Two more solid MB scores.

I was very confident going into this shoot of winning both days, which I did but was pushed hard all the way. However what won the event was consistent shooting. Much of it was not pretty due to the conditions, but my game has developed a much tougher mental attitude now. Even when I am nervous (which I always am, something to work on still), or the conditions are not good, I am making myself hard to beat. On the day I made less mistakes than the following pack. Over the 288 arrows, I only had 3 outside the red (one at 100yards, and two at 80 yards - one being totally down to me).

I now have three weeks until the Surrey County Champs. My goal is to win those champs, so I can put the York rounds aside now and focus on the FITA distances, hope for good weather on the day and push onto GMB.

But, I must get over the nerves. I have no need to be. Nerve free I can shoot huge scores (i.e. at the club), but this is still holding me back in competition. I have shot 6 comfortable MB scores this year under pressure so I can do it. But it will happen, I am sure.

I am now halfway through the outdoor season and delighted with my progress. I am much better than last year, far more consistent and shooting high level MB scores. Last year was more high and lows. Even if GMB does not happen this year, I am patient and will strive hard until I do.

2011 Essex County Champs

Not a good day for weather but a good days shooting overall. I won the visitors award (and overall, winning by 32 clear points) with a 1234 York. A comfortable MB score in difficult conditions. It rained most of the day, and down range had a nasty changing tail wind that pushed groups left and right at 100 yards.

The 100 yards distance was a solid 598. 80 yards was excellent, and I put down a distance PB of 424, shooting four 106 dozens.

60 yards was a little disappointing, losing focus and putting in two reds, so this is something to work on. Just because its 60 yards and near the end of the round, I still need to attack the distance and make sure of each arrow.

My frame of mind going into this was its was down to the other competitors to beat me, and I was sure of the win before I started because I was confident of my form and technique. There is still a lot of work to do, but I feel I am going in the right direction.

One area that has improved is my mental approach. Bad shots are followed by going through the shot process step by step to ensure the next shot is as good as it can be, and I have clear goals and objectives each time I shoot.

UK Masters practice video

Just a short video of me practising the day before the UK Masters on the range at Lilleshall.

More PB's and re-gained my MB

A lot has happened in the last week. I shot the Middlesex County Champs, the SCAS FITA Star and this week end at the UK Masters.

Middlesex was interesting weather, with really tricky winds. I was not at my best but shot a 1210 York and 1324 FITA to put in two early MB scores. Both rounds had bad patches but I went back to basics and really pulled them around. Whilst I was disappointed with shooting badly at times, I am really pleased with my mental strength and application to not let it affect me and work the problem. The highlight of the weekend was my 342 @ 50 on the FITA which is a competition PB. With both scores I finished 1st in the Middlesex champs (as visitor but also overall for the gents compound), and 2nd in the FITA.

This weekend was the UK Masters, and I was hoping for a comfortable MB score to complete the three scores needed, and I did that, just missing out on a GMB score by two points (1350). I started nervously, but shot 323 @ 90m. 70m was still a little nervy, but finished on 336 for a competition PB. 50m started well with a 114 and 113 dozen, but a sloppy 108 left a lot to do to hit GMB. I needed 358 to get GMB on the nose. I started with a 119 and 120 dozen, but then a sloppy 117 meant I was short. However, I did get to claim my 1350 Star badge. I finished 30m on 356, still a competition PB. Overall I am very pleased with my performance but there are still a lot of avoidable points being dropped.

The Saturday was the 50m 720 and H2H. I was very windy and I struggled with a 651. The H2H went OK, winning my first round and then narrowly missing out in the next round to a GB Squad member, which I pushed hard until the last three arrows were the wind ended my chances of an upset.

So overall, its been a good week, but there is still room for improvement and I am sure it will come.

A windy day but a well shot York

Had a club trophy shoot today, shot a York and put in 1244. Down range was very very windy, but the shooting line was quite calm for some reason.

Had a plan, tried to execute each shot as a single arrow, and generally shot well. Just need to take that into this weeks York/FITA at Middlesex. Stick to the plan, and most will land in the middle.

I feel very strong at the moment, and have the basis of a good technique for this season. I just need to have confidence in that technique and my system.

New arrows, my first field shoot and some PB's

Been a little while since I posted, so a quick update.

I shot my first ever field shoot at Friars Gate Archers, shooting a Foresters round. I had some practice a few days before (am some a few weeks before that) with some distance estimation. I shot a respectable 810 points, didn't come last! Distance estimating is a really hard skill. I got it right on most, but badly wrong on others.

However I have got to say I really enjoyed it and will definitely do some more field once the target season is done and dusted.

I have also got hold of some Easton Carbon One arrows, 450 spine. I got these as a backup and straw target alternative to my Protours. I have to say they are a really very good arrow for little over £100 all in. I shot these at the field shoot and was very pleased with them. I have also since shot two new practice PB's with them; 679 70m and 359, 3 dozen @ 30m.

I am now working hard to get ready for the Middlesex County Champs (York), SCAS FITA Star and the UK Masters. Overall I feel my best form is coming back week by week. My shot execution is OK, and the C3 is shooting well (have since got a new C4 though!).

2011 Andover Saxon

Had high hopes for this shoot, but ended up with a poor 1186 (York). Struggled to read a tricky left/right head wind and C3 cannot deliver arrows fast enough to minimise wind drift. The Monster would have eaten the wind for breakfast! I also shot with 110gn points to get a decent sigh-mark which didn't help, although all my sight-marks for the three distances where way down.

I had also identified that my draw length is too short, and had a longer cam but no time to fit it before the shoot, which would have helped.

On the plus side, the C3 is a sweet bow to shoot, just need learn the art of reading the conditions.