cross eye dominant/left eye Archery Shooter Issue

[nw_bowhunter]

I had an older bowtech I shot for years and overtime I experienced issues with matching the ring of my peep to my ring of the site. When I went to pro shops they would adjust the peep, D-Loop, etc and in most cases the problem would be corrected for a period of time.

Last year I bought a new bow. I decided to go with a floating peep and was shooting really good for good half of the year. However over time I found the peep picture was more of an oval vs. circle. Went back to the pro shop and again had the D-Loop adjusted, peep, etc. Was advised that my strings are stretching so eventually went to peep with the rubber tubing for the most part the issue was resolved. However I believe I have been creating a number of bad habits. The issues seem to be compound when I shoot 3D's.

From all the constant head adjustments and small tweaks I'm now having a terrible time with being consistent with my anchor point which is making my shots very inconsistent. Typically most shots are hitting lower than where I'm aiming. I feel this is from grip, punching the trigger and being inconsistent with anchor points.   Grouping arrows doesn't seem to be an issue.

When I first started shooting I have always shot right handed and closed my left eye. What I learned is I might be left eye/cross eye dominant. I believe when I ordered new glasses 2 years ago my vision changed and the style of lenses changed which has further compounded the issue. So I tried shooting without my glasses and I actually shoot my bow way better. Wasn't shooting low and hitting where I aimed as well as being able to see ring to ring. Downside was my pins appeared to be micro sized due to needing my prescription glasses. I have a Spot Hogg 7 site with .019 pins.  With my glasses its very crowed, but when I shoot without glasses the pins are not as crowed, able fully see the sight picture vs seeing a ton of pins.

After spending sometime researching I know I need to lightened my grip, re-locate a consistent anchor point, possibly go from a 6" to 9" stabilizer. I received a couple of recommendations for coaches which I plan to call this week.

I just want to be able to shoot straight and consistent again. The worse part is I can't even use an excuse that I'm new I just suck right now.")

I'm looking for some feedback from you guys and gals that have this archery stuff figured out . Please help me!

[pd]

NWB, I don't "have this stuff figured out," not even in the slightest.  But perhaps I could offer some advice.

I am strictly right-handed, but sadly left eye dominant.  This is not an issue for shooting with a scoped rifle (squeeze my left eye closed).  However, it is a problem for shooting with a shotgun (it is better to keep both eyes open) and with a compound bow with a peep sight and pins. 

I have learned over time (lots of practice) to keep both eyes open.  What I discovered is this: The left eye is far enough away from the pins that the target does not come into the field of view.  When I am looking at a target, the sight pins are vaguely in the picture (kind of "in the background") and I just trust that view.  It is really hard, but this is the only way for it to work for me (short of wearing an eye patch over my left eye, which I have tried to do without success).

The experienced bow hunters here probably have better ideas that this, but it is working for me, so far. 

Note: I have never actually shot anything with a bow, this is all static drills with a foam target. 

[idaho guy]

Not wanting to take this in thread in another direction. But I will anyways! My son is left eye dominant but definitely right handed. I started him shooting(rifle- 22)  pretty young(4 or 5) and he was always trying to lean over the gun to use his left eye. I did my unscientific test and determined he was for sure left eye dominant and taught him to shoot left handed. He can shoot a rifle great this way. He also shoots his shotgun this way but its been mostly turkeys where he is aiming just like rifle. fast forward he is now 12 and wanting to get more into archery and I want that too. Just a little confused on having him left hand a bow. I think that would be way harder being right handed but dont want to screw him up. I am wanting him to shoot the bow right handed and keep with the rifle left since he is doing real well at that . Any Ideas?   

[Special T]

I am RH L Eye dominate. I shoot LH but do everythign else RH including batting, thowing a ball writing....

I can shoot a RH bow it just uses different muscles so im not very good.

It sound to me that you have several issues affecting your shooting. You should make a list of what they are and try and tackle the "practice " type ones first. FORM will always prevail in shooting a compound. IMO you should figure out a good anchor 1st. practice and see how much that helps. I have 3 points of refernce in my anchor point so when i check them off I KNOW that it is not a problem. Concistancey helps Form and Form makes the same movements repeatable which is what your after.

We have a Club member At Silver Arrow that shoots both RH or LH he does a fairly good job with either. His eye dominace has changed but his mucle memory still allows him to shoot RH... I have seen him use  one of those One sided Blinder glasses to improve his target shooting and it helps.

Here is something you can try while focusing on form. Video record yourself shooting (your bow and body) at a large target at 10 yards. FOCUS on form... Then line yourself up for the shot and release after you close your eyses... It will help you focuse on how your body feels and where everythign is located... Should help a lot and cost nothing. 

ID Guy
I tried to learn to shoot RH bows as a kid. too hard and gave up. FF 20 yrs and i tried a LH bow and was hooked. Buy him a LH bow. the mission Craze is what I bought my youngster.

I would add that my wife and Kid are ALL RH L eye dominate so i have delt with this issue from several perspectives. BTW its easier (and cheeper) to buy a LH bow than a rifle. 

[idaho guy]

ok thanks we wil start with the lh bow !

[nw_bowhunter]

I am RH L Eye dominate. I shoot LH but do everythign else RH including batting, thowing a ball writing....

I can shoot a RH bow it just uses different muscles so im not very good.

It sound to me that you have several issues affecting your shooting. You should make a list of what they are and try and tackle the "practice " type ones first. FORM will always prevail in shooting a compound. IMO you should figure out a good anchor 1st. practice and see how much that helps. I have 3 points of refernce in my anchor point so when i check them off I KNOW that it is not a problem. Concistancey helps Form and Form makes the same movements repeatable which is what your after.

We have a Club member At Silver Arrow that shoots both RH or LH he does a fairly good job with either. His eye dominace has changed but his mucle memory still allows him to shoot RH... I have seen him use  one of those One sided Blinder glasses to improve his target shooting and it helps.

Here is something you can try while focusing on form. Video record yourself shooting (your bow and body) at a large target at 10 yards. FOCUS on form... Then line yourself up for the shot and release after you close your eyses... It will help you focuse on how your body feels and where everythign is located... Should help a lot and cost nothing. 

ID Guy
I tried to learn to shoot RH bows as a kid. too hard and gave up. FF 20 yrs and i tried a LH bow and was hooked. Buy him a LH bow. the mission Craze is what I bought my youngster.

I would add that my wife and Kid are ALL RH L eye dominate so i have delt with this issue from several perspectives. BTW its easier (and cheeper) to buy a LH bow than a rifle. 

Special T your 100% correct I do have several different issues which I need to correct. I feel the biggest issue is finding a consistent anchor point. At times muscle memory works great but other times when I mess with my draw/anchor issues start. I will make a list and follow your suggestions.  Thanks for the feedback

[nw_bowhunter]

NWB, I don't "have this stuff figured out," not even in the slightest.  But perhaps I could offer some advice.

I am strictly right-handed, but sadly left eye dominant.  This is not an issue for shooting with a scoped rifle (squeeze my left eye closed).  However, it is a problem for shooting with a shotgun (it is better to keep both eyes open) and with a compound bow with a peep sight and pins. 

I have learned over time (lots of practice) to keep both eyes open.  What I discovered is this: The left eye is far enough away from the pins that the target does not come into the field of view.  When I am looking at a target, the sight pins are vaguely in the picture (kind of "in the background") and I just trust that view.  It is really hard, but this is the only way for it to work for me (short of wearing an eye patch over my left eye, which I have tried to do without success).

The experienced bow hunters here probably have better ideas that this, but it is working for me, so far. 

Note: I have never actually shot anything with a bow, this is all static drills with a foam target. 

Thanks for the feedback PD

[Jingles]

Just give in and become a better shooter and become left handed

[Special T]

I am by no means an expert, but isolating issues and seperating them will help you figure it out instead of just "Guessing".  Good luck

[nw_bowhunter]

Just give in and become a better shooter and become left handed

That's going to be expensive but I may consider trying to shoot a left handed bow just see the actual difference.

[raydog]

You said you might be left eye dominant. Here is a simple little test to find out  http://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Your-Dominant-Eye

My problem is that I am right eye dominant, but the vision in my right eye is horrible. I want to get lasik surgery

[The scout]

I am rh everything but left eye dominant. I shoot rifle lh and bow right handed, I just need to make sure to close my left eye so it doesn't try and take over. my left hand is mentally disabled I swear. there is no way I could talk it into shooting a bow.

[ridgefire]

Im kind of had the same problem but worse. I am left eye dominant and cannot close just my left eye so had to shoot with a patch for quite a while to train my left eye to not take over. It has been many years now without any issues. Sucked wearing a patch but might be worth trying.

[coachcw]

I'm left handed and left eye dominant. I have always shot with my right eye. When i shoot instinctive I open both eyes. Anchor and grip are hugd.

[Special T]

You said you might be left eye dominant. Here is a simple little test to find out  http://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Your-Dominant-Eye

My problem is that I am right eye dominant, but the vision in my right eye is horrible. I want to get lasik surgery

The ONLY thing I regret about Lasik surgery is that i waited so long to do it! Not only is is great for hunting /sports but its a saftey issue, or at least is was for me. My eye sight was bad enough it was hard for me to function with out glasses.

[raydog]

You said you might be left eye dominant. Here is a simple little test to find out  http://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Your-Dominant-Eye

My problem is that I am right eye dominant, but the vision in my right eye is horrible. I want to get lasik surgery

The ONLY thin I regret about Lasik surgery is that i waited so long to do it! Not only is is great for hunting /sports but its a saftey issue, or at least is was for me. My eye sight was bad enough it was hard for me to function with out glasses.

I barely passed my drivers vision test a few years ago. Now I think I would fail! If you see a silver 2 door blazer going down the road,  Look OUT!

[Firedogg]

Left eye dominant and right handed here too. Learned early on so dad got me shooting left handed, both long arms and bows, can't quite go completely lefty with handguns.
   I can shoot right handed though, but to over come the dominant eye I use something over my left glasses lens to slightly degrade the clarity of my vision. This allows the right eye to take over. It's not as natural to me, but if I need to I can go righty. Something like this pseudo fix might work for you so you can keep shooting what feels natural to your muscle memory.

[RadSav]

First - Quit trying to look intensely at the peep shadow.  If you are looking at the shadow hard enough to realize the aperture looks oval instead of round your focus is WAY to fixated on the peep.

Second - Ditch the 7 pin sight!  No reason to have a seven pin sight.  Not one!!!!  If you want to shoot over 70 yards get a slider.

Third - If you are having difficulty with a floating anchor point it's often from trying to look at the peep and/or improper draw length.  Best way I have found to establish a solid anchor point is to shoot 21 consecutive days with your eyes closed using a kisser or a nose button.  But, make sure you have a qualified shop assess your draw length first.

As mentioned above, if you are having eye dominance issues shoot with a patch for a while.  21 days would be perfect!  If wearing glasses you can just rub a little soap on the opposite lens which will accomplish the same thing.

[idaho guy]

I am rh everything but left eye dominant. I shoot rifle lh and bow right handed, I just need to make sure to close my left eye so it doesn't try and take over. my left hand is mentally disabled I swear. there is no way I could talk it into shooting a bow.

I am wondering about this for my son who shoots rifle lh. I would like to have him try the rh bow even though the lh has been recomended. Sounds like its working for you just dont want to spend the money or screw him up if he has to go lh on the bow too. I think the left hand bow would be tough for him starting out?

[BULLBLASTER]

I know a couple people who have switched from shooting a bow right handed to left handed because of eye dominance. It was a few years process starting with low draw weight and workig up slowly. One i know shoots much better now and wishes he had made the switch a long time ago.

[nw_bowhunter]

Thanks for all the feedback guys..

I'm going to take a step back and reevaluate the issues. First I'm going to ensure my draw length is correct. Second step I'm going to take is resolve the anchor & peep issue, 3rd I'm going to get help on my form with some lessons. I'm also going to try the kisser/nose option. I'm planning on trying a left handed bow just to see the difference. I do have an eye appt to as I believe my vision has changed so I can discuss.

As for getting rid of the 7 pin I realize after shooting for a while that I made the wrong choice. Been looking at switching to a Montana Gold Ascent 5 pin with the Dial of Death. Hoping I can avoid a signal pin but will consider

[RadSav]

Sounds like you are well on your way.  Good job

[Roperfive88]

I am rh everything but left eye dominant. I shoot rifle lh and bow right handed, I just need to make sure to close my left eye so it doesn't try and take over. my left hand is mentally disabled I swear. there is no way I could talk it into shooting a bow.

I am wondering about this for my son who shoots rifle lh. I would like to have him try the rh bow even though the lh has been recomended. Sounds like its working for you just dont want to spend the money or screw him up if he has to go lh on the bow too. I think the left hand bow would be tough for him starting out?

I an Left eye dominant and didn't know it tell I started shooting guns and bows. I am also right handed at every thing else except pool.  It was natural for me to pick up a gun or bow to shoot it  Left Handed. I would say hand him a bow and see what way he picks it up and is most comfortable holding it. If he is already comfortable holding it right handed I would stay with it When I was young it was hard to even try shooting right handed. 

[sakoshooter]

I shoot a rifle L handed most of the time because I'm L eye dominant. Shotgun L handed both eyes open. Bow - R handed but close my L eye. Don't really have a problem with that other than my eyesight is getting worse.

[snarkybull]

I am right handed with extreme left eye dominance.  right eye is lazy and there is zero chance of being able to shoot with it worth a darn.  on the plus side I don't have to close my right eye 

I had hardly shot bows before I decided to take up archery hunting.  learning to shoot left handed was a trifle weird but a few weeks into practice it felt natural.  easy as pie to learn if you don't have right handed shooting habits.

I think it feels good to have my dominant hand gripping the bow, where all the aiming happens and the torque arises.  my right arm is stronger so I think I can hold the draw longer this way, too.

Just my  but I can't fathom wanting to shoot with the non-dominant eye