string slap?

[gaddy]

Well. I think I learned what string slap is. Got bit twice. The bruise goes from just below the elbow, half way to the wrist. Is this due to the length of pull being to long for me? I know it needs adjusted but wanted to shoot it anyway.

[cbond3318]

Well. I think I learned what string slap is. Got bit twice. The bruise goes from just below the elbow, half way to the wrist. Is this due to the length of pull being to long for me? I know it needs adjusted but wanted to shoot it anyway.
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I'm no pro but the simplest cause is form and allowing your elbow to extend into the strings path. I think this could be caused by too long of a draw length.....

[vandeman17]

you most likely had a locked arm that causes your elbow and forearm to turn in a bit and in the path of your string. Should have a slight elbow bend and hold the bow more between your thumb and pointer finger. 

[pianoman9701]

It depends on what you're shooting. If a longbow or recurve, there may not be enough distance between the riser and the string. This can be remedied by adding more twists to the string until your have a brace height of 7-8". If it's a compound bow, there's something going on with your form. For right handed people, while holding the bow with your left hand, the grip should go across the meat of your thumb so that your hand slopes down at about a 45% angle away from the bow. If the grip is more across the center of your hand, then the flex of your elbow moves your forearm in. As well, make sure that your left arm is slightly bent and that the left hand isn't tightly gripping the bow during release.

[gaddy]

Thanks guys. Figured it was something with me. I just got it and think i learned my first lesson. and yes its a compound bow. thought it was me stretching on the pull back.

[vandeman17]

Thanks guys. Figured it was something with me. I just got it and think i learned my first lesson. and yes its a compound bow. thought it was me stretching on the pull back.

Did you have it set up for your draw length and all that? If not, that would be what I would do before I shot anymore. Start with good form from day one. Worst thing is trying to break bad habits

[gaddy]

not set to me yet. getting a cam ordered. I just inherited it from my little brother, had it checked out but couldn't wait to shoot it. right now it has a 28 cam & R&H said i need a 26 1/2. Guess ill wait on it. my first experience with a bow and it hurt!!

[Special T]

This most often happens with new shooters when they are tired. you use lots of muscles that are not normally used  shooting a bow. As a new shooter here are some tips to get you started. Shoot at a small distance  at first.10-20 yards. shoot 2 doz arrows a day NOT 5 dozen every weekend. Not overworking your small back and shoulder mucles will help you not develop bad habits. Work on shooting stance and form at the short distances. do this for a couple months then work you distances out as you get comfortable.

I LOVE sending arrows arching into a long target! Dont get ahead of yourself you will blow up un necessary arrows. Most compound bows will shoot great, and 90% of the time its the operator not the bow. Do yourself a favor and find a good pro shop and or club to join. welcome to the addiction.

[Special T]

yes shooting a bow a little long for you can cause this. you have to EXTRA careful not to  get bit!

[mburrows]

This was a quick lesson for me, the string will definitely let you know when you need to do some adjusting.

[RadSav]

Too long of draw length, too loose of clothing, GI Joe kung fu grip, and being closed to the target are all possible causes of hitting your arm.

[D-Rock425]

String stop may help also.  Does your bow have one?

[gaddy]

I don't think so. I will be asking them some questions when they change out the cam. Then i'll have to find someone with experience to show me the proper techniques. My son had no problems with it and was hitting next to the bulls-eye right of the bat, but hes a bunch bigger than me. That's why I was thinking about the draw length. Was definitely having fun till i got bit. and from the responses so far I think it has something with the way I'm holding the bow. I will work on after the cam change.

[D-Rock425]

Where abouts do you live?

[gaddy]

Tri-Cities

[RadSav]

There was a guy at Kennewick Ranch & Home named John Nelson.  Not sure if he is still there or not, but he is one of the best bow techs in the state.  Real good guy too!  Might check and see if he is still there and if so if he can take a look at your bow and your form.

[gaddy]

Thats where i took it to have it looked at. Not sure of the kids name but he seemed fairly young but knowledgeable.
They have classes but he recommended some personal one on one lessons to get started.

[gaddy]

Just an update, This is the worst bruise and swelling that i have ever had in over 50 yr's. looking at the skin tearing it's a wonder that it didn't fillet my arm. Should have learned the first time and not tried the second round the next day but a guy's got to play. Life's about learning and I definitely learned something here. Thanks for all the input on the other threads, Ill get it eventually and thanks again for the input and advise. I'm sure I'll be asking questions and following other threads as i learn. I aim to become proficient with this bow because my brother left it to me and i think he had a reason, if not for me, maybe for his nephews. Thanks for all your help.

[RadSav]

You could probably find some full length chainmail if you really tried.

[gaddy]

with me being me that might not be a bad idea. at least for my lft arm.

[RadSav]

Full length arm guards are not a bad thing to own.  Even if you get the bow set up and get your form working properly you will still have occasional issues when hunting the late season.  Full armguard will keep those bulky coat sleeves out of the way.

[lokidog]

Just an update, This is the worst bruise and swelling that i have ever had in over 50 yr's. looking at the skin tearing it's a wonder that it didn't fillet my arm. Should have learned the first time and not tried the second round the next day but a guy's got to play. Life's about learning and I definitely learned something here. Thanks for all the input on the other threads, Ill get it eventually and thanks again for the input and advise. I'm sure I'll be asking questions and following other threads as i learn. I aim to become proficient with this bow because my brother left it to me and i think he had a reason, if not for me, maybe for his nephews. Thanks for all your help.

I think we've all had a zing or two when shooting.  My worst one was at a bow shop when I asked if I could try one of the bows, I think it was about 80lb and 80% let-off.  I drew back and hesitated/relaxed a little and that thing yanked the string right out of my hand.  That thing left a blood blister/bruise the size of a small car, I think it lasted about three weeks.   

I push out with my bow arm which helps rotate my elbow down and out.

[Becky]

Get an arm guard! I seem to get them every time I pick up my bow again if I hadn't shot in a few weeks or whatever. Great way to learn you're shooting wrong  ... I've also been told many times that women's arms bend a bit farther inward so there's that for me...

[RadSav]

It is a big problem for women.  Most are loose jointed and the smaller palm tends to lead to a deeper grip on the bow.  Plus men who buy there ladies bows tend to set them up with too much weight and draw lengths too long to shoot with a slightly bent arm.

Most women tend to shoot quite closed to the target for obvious chest clearance issues.  That brings the left shoulder in decreasing the triangle effect between the arm, chest and string.  This increases the chances of hitting the arm.  More endowed women should also look into adding a chest protector if a sports bra isn't able to maintain a flatter profile.  Contact with the string and chest may not lead to pain, but even light contact with loose clothing can increase arm contact and effect accuracy.