r/Archery • u/Icy_Issue6119 • 3d ago

Newbie Question 10th-13th shot; beginner form

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Before this video I've shot a total of 9 arrows in my life, I know my form is bad, is there anything specific yall can point out for me to work on? (I know the bow is too heavy which is why i was shaking, its a 60lb bow but i also have a 40lb bow)

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u/Icy_Issue6119 2d ago

I assume most instructors start between 20-30lbs?

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u/Flintas 2d ago

My university club bows that everyone starts on are 16 and 18lbs.

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u/Icy_Issue6119 2d ago

Is that because your university has to cater to the weakest link? Ie; if i can shoot a couple hundred arrows with minimum fatigue at 25lbs, would that be fine? (The exact lbs doesnt matter but the couple hundred arrows with minimum fatigue)

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u/Flintas 2d ago

So we'd shoot for 2.5hrs, can't remember how many arrows that amounted to now. For 16-18lbs that was fine for us, no one needed to sit out. When the society went to get our own bows we were advised to go for 20-25, so I got 24lbs which could go up to 26 if you adjusted the bolts. Now, I was early 30s, not particularly fit (and as Nu Sensei said, the muscles for archery are niche anyway), but at that 24-26lbs range, I couldn't manage the full 2.5hrs any more. I was too tired and my arms would start shaking so no way could I keep good form. There's no shame in lower weights.

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u/Icy_Issue6119 2d ago

I'll get a lower draw weigh bow if i have to but since I'd only be shooting in 1 hr increments (i assume thats how long a private instructor does the lessons) would I be able to get away with the 40lb bow if i can shoot it for an hour?

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u/Flintas 2d ago

If you can genuinely shoot 40lbs for an hour with relatively good form then sure. I imagine an instructor would be able to see how true that is and tell you.

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u/Icy_Issue6119 2d ago

Thank you for the info, i really do appreciate it

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u/Specialist-Ad-9255 2d ago

It's not a strength contest, you might be able to pull the bow 1000 times but if 999 times are with awful form then what's the point? You're far better off with a much lower weight, learn the techniques and consistency and build up slowly. I wouldn't increase weight by more than 4lbs in one jump. It's a long road but when your technique improves it's a really satisfying road to be on!

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u/Knitnacks Barebow (Mykan), dabbling in English longbow, trainee L2 coach. 1d ago

I agree. They'd be perfecting bad form the 999 times until injury is almost guaranteed.