How long are you holding your draw before releasing?

[jaydee2trad]

With all of my health issues, two bad shoulders etc, I am getting quicker at my release these days. It's not so much that I want a quick release, it's more about I can't hold it back very long anymore. Can't draw as much, can't see as well, can't walk very well, can't think as well and can't remember crap. If I was a horse, they would have put me down years ago. So my release is faster than I want it to be. those days of holding it and taking my time to release are long gone. Maybe 3 seconds and then 4 on a really good day but probably just a little over 2 seconds. I used to shoot with this elderly guy that used some sort of horse oinment for his joints and muscles, I think that I have become him LOL. The mind says no problem, we got this but the body is screaming you idiot! Then I watch these young people shooting and all of that and it makes me sick that they take it all for granted. So it comes down to this, "It is what it is and it ain't what it ain't." I can't focus on more than one thing at a time now and with the shorter time frame, I'd best get it done now! But I am still able to shoot and that in itself is a blessing and so I am thankful for it. JD

[Carpdaddy]

Sounds like we have a lot in common, mainly old age and health issues, at least we don’t have to worry about dying young! I am struggling with releasing too quickly. Yesterday I used the lightest draw weight I have trying to overcome it, still found myself releasing prematurely. I never shoot many arrows at a time, not worth the pain later, but try to shoot a few regularly.

[Captainkirk]

Jerry, try shooting an ultra-light bow (20-30#) at close range for your daily workout. When I was healing from an overbow injury several years ago, this helped tremendously. Don't get too far back or the rainbow trajectory will start messing with your mind. You can do your daily workouts this way and stay sharp and finish up with a half dozen shots from your normal bow at normal range to make sure you keep your edge. Worked for me, anyway.

[Grizzly]

My normal bow is 20 to 30 pounds.

My old bows are now for the kids to divvy up some day. I can't use them anymore but I still can hold for a bit as I settle into the shot. Actually, 2 or 3 seconds is a long time for me to settle into the shot before the release. Any longer and things would probably begin to come apart. 2 or 3 seconds is really all I need to confirm full draw, check my alignment, aim and then release. Too much thinking about anything usually causes problems with me. Something to do with not being led by His Spirit I think.

[joe harrod1945]

i like my 40# bow my draw length is 27" so the poundage is 37 lbs it feels natural at draw.keep it natural an simple.

[Jamesh76]

1-2 seconds after anchor.