Claytons practice

[Dongles]

I read about this in an online american bowhunting journal and found it to work well for it's intended purpose (this only works for people using a release aid).

To 'Virtual' practice anytime of the day and INSIDE your house without a target, tie a length of string to both ends of your bow (I tie the ends of the string to holes in my cams) and adjust the length of the string so that when you attach your release you can anchor at your proper draw length.

It works well to work on using your back muscles to shoot your release using backtension. It also enables you to virtually practice a complete shot cycle - aiming, breathing, backtension releases and follow through. It is also a good substitute for blind bale shooting.

Infact the first few times I did it, I was so ingrossed in aiming and squeezing my shoulder blades together that when I shot I was startled back into reality that I hadn't actually fired an arrow!!

Something to try on those days (or nights) when you can't get out for a "real" practice.. At extremes you could even "practice" shooting at animals on bowhunting videos? Mind you, your missus might think you are a little strange....

[bowriver]

I've tried the same thing, but i used a bit of stretchy type cord i found to give it a bit of weight to draw (not much but a little). I did it when i first got a release aid and hadent had a chance to shoot it. It is good to find a confortable anchor etc. And helps keep concistancy.

Cheers Paul

[johnno]

Dongles I probably got this wrong..but in the exercise do you actually place tension on the limbs.. ands then dry fire :shock:

[bowriver]

Johnno, i think he means that you adjust the length of string loosly, so that it gets tight just as you get to your draw length and can anchor, no tension placed on the limbs and when you release the very slight pressure placed on the length of string causes a very slight slingshot effect. Hope what i said made sense to you, i know it made none to me :lol:

Cheers Paul

[Dongles]

Johnno,
No mate, it is just tying one length of string probably 1.5 - 2 times the ATA length of your bow at each end of your bow. As Bowriver said, It does not place any stress on your limbs etc. It is simply a matter of adjusting the length of the attached string so that when you pull it back it simulates you being at full draw if you clip your release on and anchor (there is no force). The idea is to simulate being at full draw.

I prefer to use a non-stretchy string, as this will give you a solid back wall the same as your bow.

[Sparra]

I used to do the same exercise but with the string tied to a length of timber that was roughly the same length as my bow...Also helps to overcome a bit of target panic....
Sparra...

[XTfreak]

Think I will try that. Thanks
Mind you, your missus might think you are a little strange....
To late for me, she already thinks that.
Bill

[Wareagle]

I use a 12'' bit of broom handle with a cord tied on each end.