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.