Problem with shooting arm placement

[Chet43]

I have not shot a bow for some time now. I have always had a slight problem with hitting my arm some times with the string BUT now I am hitting my arm almost all the time.

Is there a self teaching method or some sort of mechanical thing to attach to your arm to train yourself to the point that you place the arm/elbow in the proper position without thinking about it all the time?

My grand-kids that shoot a bow have never had this problem and I don't understand why I do.

Thanks for the help.

[JLS]

First guess is your draw length is too long.  Your elbow should have a slight bend in it, not locked out.

[BULLBLASTER]

Hold your bow hand at a 45 degree angle this will force your elbow and forearm out away from the string. And also like stated above check the draw length.

[Jellymon]

I believe grip placement is one of the biggest causes of hitting your arm. The grip should be on your thumb pad only, with the left edge of the grip along your lifeline but not on it. This will rotate your entire arm out of the path of the string. This also helps get rid of a lot of torque.  Using this grip with my 27 3/4" draw I can shoot my brothers 30" draw bow with no issues.

[BABackcountryBwhntr]

grip is the reason, you can have a draw that is 5 in too long and if you can shoot the bow and your grip is correct, you will will never hit your arm. There is something called a suregrip or something like that out now that is a grip training tool. You can get them on archerytalk.com.

[Jellymon]

First pic is gripping along the lifeline, notice my arm practically touching the string. Second pic is the correct grip on the thumdpad, my arm is 1/2" away or more.
Slapping your arm can br draw length/body alignment related as well. But without seeing you shoot I think grip is a good place to start.

[BABackcountryBwhntr]

GOOD ADVICE, but IMO your knuckles are still not at a severe enough angle, should be 45 or so from the riser. And if the grip is correct the DL being too long will not result in hitting of the arm... if the arm is out of the way ( proper grip) the dl will not matter.  here is a link for the tool for the grip - http://www.lancasterarchery.com/true-shot-coach-adjustable-training-aid.html

[Jellymon]

GOOD ADVICE, but IMO your knuckles are still not at a severe enough angle, should be 45 or so from the riser. And if the grip is correct the DL being too long will not result in hitting of the arm... if the arm is out of the way ( proper grip) the dl will not matter.  here is a link for the tool for the grip - http://www.lancasterarchery.com/true-shot-coach-adjustable-training-aid.html

My hand actually is about 45* from the riser, it looks straighter because my pinky isn't pulled back toward me. I can't rotate my hand anymore without coming off the thumb pad and onto the thumb itself. If I used the true shot coach my mand would be in the exact same position. And in some cases too long a draw length can cause you to hit your arm. Long DL can cause you to close your stance an over extend your bow arm which will cause the string to hit even with correct grip. But, each person has different muscle/bone structure, which can change things.

[BABackcountryBwhntr]

GOOD ADVICE, but IMO your knuckles are still not at a severe enough angle, should be 45 or so from the riser. And if the grip is correct the DL being too long will not result in hitting of the arm... if the arm is out of the way ( proper grip) the dl will not matter.  here is a link for the tool for the grip - http://www.lancasterarchery.com/true-shot-coach-adjustable-training-aid.html

My hand actually is about 45* from the riser, it looks straighter because my pinky isn't pulled back toward me. I can't rotate my hand anymore without coming off the thumb pad and onto the thumb itself. If I used the true shot coach my mand would be in the exact same position. And in some cases too long a draw length can cause you to hit your arm. Long DL can cause you to close your stance an over extend your bow arm which will cause the string to hit even with correct grip. But, each person has different muscle/bone structure, which can change things.

well I have personally never seen it, I shoot a 27 and have shot my buddies 32 in bow... no issues and thats a 5 in diff in DL.... if the grip is correct it externally rotates the forearm and I would really like to see someone find a way to hit their arm if the grip is correct.

[Jellymon]

GOOD ADVICE, but IMO your knuckles are still not at a severe enough angle, should be 45 or so from the riser. And if the grip is correct the DL being too long will not result in hitting of the arm... if the arm is out of the way ( proper grip) the dl will not matter.  here is a link for the tool for the grip - http://www.lancasterarchery.com/true-shot-coach-adjustable-training-aid.html

My hand actually is about 45* from the riser, it looks straighter because my pinky isn't pulled back toward me. I can't rotate my hand anymore without coming off the thumb pad and onto the thumb itself. If I used the true shot coach my hand would be in the exact same position. And in some cases too long a draw length can cause you to hit your arm. Long DL can cause you to close your stance an over extend your bow arm which will cause the string to hit even with correct grip. But, each person has different muscle/bone structure, which can change things.

well I have personally never seen it, I shoot a 27 and have shot my buddies 32 in bow... no issues and thats a 5 in diff in DL.... if the grip is correct it externally rotates the forearm and I would really like to see someone find a way to hit their arm if the grip is correct.

Yes i agree. But the rest of your form is probably good allowing you to be able to do that. But for a newer shooter with other form issues too long a draw can cause arm slap. Usually arm/shoulder alignment issues.

[BABackcountryBwhntr]

I agree with that 100%.

[300rum]

I only use my bow for hunting and I always wear a heavy coat when practicing.  I don't practice much or maybe as much as other guys but I always wear a coat.  If you are getting slapped now, think of what is going to happen in November when it is 10 degrees out. 

[SGTDuffman]

You want your elbow point out not down. Try wrapping your pinky and ring finger into your palm, then grab the bow with the 3 remaining fingers, so that your ring and pinky fingers are pushing the lower part of your hand out away from the grip. A 3 fingered grip will make it harder to torque the bow too.