Bow shooting tip ....

[RadSav]

mountainman's advise is right on.  Centered and relaxed will solve the majority of problems archers struggle with.  Each coach has his own advise as to the proper foot and shoulder position.  For instance Larry Wise likes the archer to have all bones in the left arm in perfect alignment with one another and does not preach much about being open with the target.  Rick McKinney on the other hand tends to teach a more open stance and spends less time worrying about the left arm.  Both world champion archers, both great coaches and both have my utmost respect.  The one thing they both agree on is "Center", "Balance" and "Relaxed"

[robertsjd]

Awesome thank you very much !

mountainman's advise is right on.  Centered and relaxed will solve the majority of problems archers struggle with.  Each coach has his own advise as to the proper foot and shoulder position.  For instance Larry Wise likes the archer to have all bones in the left arm in perfect alignment with one another and does not preach much about being open with the target.  Rick McKinney on the other hand tends to teach a more open stance and spends less time worrying about the left arm.  Both world champion archers, both great coaches and both have my utmost respect.  The one thing they both agree on is "Center", "Balance" and "Relaxed"

[JJD]

Opening the stance, turing slightly toward the target w/ foot farthest away from target, slightly ahead of the forward foot by about 1/2 a shoe length works good for me.
You may have to fine tune that for your body.
Only time you might need an arm guard is when you are wearing a heavier jacket or something like that.  Keeps the string from contacting the sleeve material and throwing your shot off.

[Mongo Hunter]

looks like your elbow is locked to me man. gonna smack yourself every time that way. if your elbow is locked like that your draw is too long and that would make the way you hold the bow wrong as well and that is why you get a bruise

[robertsjd]

So does this mean my draw length is the main reasoning for slapping my arm ?

looks like your elbow is locked to me man. gonna smack yourself every time that way. if your elbow is locked like that your draw is too long and that would make the way you hold the bow wrong as well and that is why you get a bruise

[luckyman]

Your upper body is leaning back slightly. Thats another sign you may be too long on draw.
Shortening up should help.

[Bunny Thumper]

Don't be such a wuss. Another 2000 arrows or so and you'll have a nice callus built up and then you won't feel a thing.

[Mongo Hunter]

So does this mean my draw length is the main reasoning for slapping my arm ?

looks like your elbow is locked to me man. gonna smack yourself every time that way. if your elbow is locked like that your draw is too long and that would make the way you hold the bow wrong as well and that is why you get a bruise

without seeing you shoot personally and just looking at the photo and what you have on your arm it appears that's your problem. My actual draw length and my bow draw length are different for the same reason. when I was measured when they set my bow up I think I was a 29" draw and we set my bow for like 28 I think. I kept getting my arm slapped too until we brought it down just a little and a actual bow guy saw my form. to be totally honest your front elbow should be slightly bent not locked, try bringing your bows draw down just a hair.

[lghtnquik]

Loosen that wrist strap so you can rotate your hand out better. Knuckles should be at a 45 with the riser at full draw. You shouldn't get hit where you are unless you are gripping the bow with your whole hand.