Arm slapping

[MarshEO1973]

I bought a new bow last season, and had shot my old bow for 10 years, with no problems. All of a sudden I'm slapping my left forearm with my string every other shot. WHY?

[ArcheryBowdoctor]

Check and see if the draw is too long.....even a 1/2" or so too long, and the new bow brace height is maybe shorter.


Check you feet position, is your back foot slightly ahead of the front?

Are you putting to much palm of you hand into the grip?

Is your arm bent slightly, not straight?

Just a few things to look at...Good Luck!

[Michihunter]

How tight is your grip. A lot of times if everything else checks out (and I'd check Bowdoctors recommendations first) torquing from grip could also cause this.

[wecker20]

I've always shot w/ my arm straight but when I was over to Pollingtons, they had me bend it slightly. Felt weird but that's the proper way I guess.

[StumpJumper]

I used to shoot with a straight arm, and that'll cause arm slap too.

[dtg]

I found that my Browing Afterburner has a 5.5" brace height and if I don't rotate that elbow out, I'm in a world of hurt. I'm curious what your brace height is. if you can't get full draw with the elbow rotated, then shorten the draw length to where you can.

It took me about three years of finally drilling into my thick skull to rotate out on my first shot of the year. Painfull lesson!!!!! :dizzy: :smile-mad

[ScottC]

I have the string slap problem too. Follow the stated above checks first. I am double jointed, so I have to be thinking about a slight bend in my arm. Also, I was holding my grip too tight. Since following the above suggestions, which were the same suggestions others gave me at the bow club, I am rarely hitting my arm anymore.

[lkmifisherman]

I agree with dtg...I used to slap my inner forearm shooting leagues so bad that I would be bleeding at the end of the night. I learned to twist my elbow out and that elimnated that. I know it's tough to do when you have a bow in your hand so practice on the wall till you get it down then move back to the bow. This worked for me....

lkmifisherman

[HoytKimberShimano]

I've always shot w/ my arm straight but when I was over to Pollingtons, they had me bend it slightly. Felt weird but that's the proper way I guess.

Until this past January when I got my new bow, I always shot a bow that was TOO LONG...that forced me to over extend my arm to the point that it was straight (the good ole "pros" at Sports Authority said it fit...ha).

Anyway, I got hooked up with some store shooters for Hoyt down in Georgia and they set me on the right path with a bow that was much shorter (2-3 inches since I also went from fingers to a release) and I'm not even close to slapping my forearm or wrist anymore.

In shortening my draw, I now shoot with a "low, locked" shoulder or "bone to bone" as some call it (Bernie Pellerite). I will agree with the others that it is somewhat awkward at first. However, I found that I became way more stable in this position. I also feel like I have 100 times more maneuvarability while I'm seated and shooting or up in a stand. I've become so accustomed to it now that I can really notice the string stretch that I have since getting my bow. I'll be having it adjusted on my trip this weekend.

I'd definitely check the draw length along with the grip, etc mentioned above.

Good luck and shoot str8.

[MarshEO1973]

Well I took all of your advice, and I think I have my work cut out for me. I'm trying to bend my arm a bit and it takes alot of getting used to. Thank you for all of your replies, I really think this is the beat site I've ever been involved with. Thanks to all of you.

Jeff:)

[len]

I learned real quick getting a new bow from cabelas they had me arch the arm and relax, this is the best way to avoid slap.
Len

[XArmy]

I occasionaly get a good slap... But it's usually when I firts start shooting my bow after a long break of not... But what causes mine is improper grip... I put too much hand into my grip... (like grabbing a hammer) Need to relax your grip hand and place the grip more on the thumb side of your palm... Hope you get it figured out.. All these suggestions are good ones...

[TnRidge]

I'm thinking the string has stretched and lengthened your draw length . I would check the brace height , ATA , and draw length to see if they are still in spec . You might need to add a few twists to the string to bring it back into spec.