Archery 101: how to draw back a bow correctly…. What the Dr. Recommends

Alright guys and gals with much anticipation here is the video on…. You guessed it proper bowhunting and archery form… well part of it. We are talking about drawing the bow today and as a Dr of Physical Therapy my take on proper form and why we do it. Of course I look at things from the eyes of a physical therapist and use my expertise with working with athletes and archers from all over the world traveling with the USA archery team and helping bowhunters prevent injuries and keep their shoulders healthy. The last thing you want is a shoulder injury as you pick up the sport of archery or preparing for that big hunt.
So I hope you like this video and format. I show you some exercises, talk about the anatomy and use research to guide these decisions.
Stay safe everyone remember archery shouldn’t hurt!
Please subscribe filming video almost daily.
Thanks!

[@MaxxHDROM]

I saw a guy talking about this who was a chiropractor or something... messed up my shoulder and THIS is how it supposed to be done, at least from a comfort perspective from a guy like me... thank you for this vid

[@raybruce9522]

I ripped by bisep tendon on the first practice shot of the year age 58. I have been shooting bows as far back as I can remember and this is really heart breaking for me. I started lifting weights to build muscles but it’s still painful to shoot. Doctor told me it was a big surgery to fix or just take ibuprofen and live with it. The push pull draw is very helpful.

[@mtnphysio1440]

Thank you Raymond for the the comment! Bicep tendon... dang I am so sorry!!! Hope you are recovering well etc. Let me know would love to see how you are shooting and if we can get that fixed for you! Hope to hear from you soon to keep you shooting! Preston.

[@billbertagnoli4226]

Explain why raising the bow and The pulling it down during the draw Is better than just having the bow Extended and static prior to drawing.

[@Tim_Dougherty]

Coming off of bilateral shoulder injuries, complete pec tear on left side, and long head of bicep removed and reattached lower with large rotator cuff tear all anchored in humerus, this is great info. looking forward to looking at all your content!

[@mtnphysio1440]

Tim I appreciate it! I will be posting lots more and let me know if I can help anytime.

[@78suntan]

Thank you researching how to shoot properly this helps. doing shoulder workouts seeing if after years of not being able to shoot because of the pain I can start shooting again.

[@ryanwoitas729]

Thank you so much for doing this video. I hurt my shoulder day one with my bow by drawing incorrectly (exactly as you described). I’ve been following your advice ever since and have had ZERO issues. Thank you!!!!

[@barrymanning439]

Thanks very much. Great video

[@mtnphysio1440]

Glad you enjoyed it let me know if I can help anytime!

[@mattyice9923]

I was taught to draw with the elbow high, bringing the bow up and lowering it to draw. I nearly blew out my rotator cuff just this past week. Haven’t gotten it looked at bc it’s feeling better today but, bad pain near shoulder blade, deep in the shoulder, sometimes in the bicep. I’m brand new bow Hunter and I’m a painter for work, would have sucked if I blew out my dominant arm 😂 thanks for the video man!

[@mattyice9923]

Pretty much the elbow pointing to the sky. I think that closes my front shoulder which pinched something. Shooting 5 shots of that did whatever it did and it was bad enough I considered the ER. Could definitely use some help!

[@mtnphysio1440]

Drawing with a high elbow is usually recommended but not too high 🤪 there is a happy medium let’s jump on a call so I can see what’s going on

[@mattyice9923]

@@mtnphysio1440 dude for real? That would be awesome. I also was thinking I may be raising my drawing shoulder while I’m pulling so maybe I’m causing an impingement or something. Let me know how to contact you, really appreciate that

[@mtnphysio1440]

Yes for sure the best way to reach me is www.mtnphysio.com and click the red button to schedule or scroll to the bottom and fill out the form. Thanks looking forward to it!

[@bijano7320]

I just watched a vid by Kaminski saying the exact opposite. Granted he’s not a Dr it it highlights the ease with which people can get totally polemic about these things.

[@mtnphysio1440]

Yeah I agree 💯. I’m talking from a bio mechanical standpoint to reduce injury to the shoulder, but I agree people can get so caught up on this and one sided they fail to take into account a lot of variables, mechanics, weakness, strengths and the entire bio mechanical and kinesiology aspects of it.

[@Andy-M.1833]

Thank you so much for this video! Great explanation, easy to understand! Exactly what i wanted to know, this will help me a lot.

[@LiveMoreOutdoors]

Thanks for the video. I’m recovering from rc surgery, and I’m really looking forward to shooting again. I gotta work on this for sure.

[@clarkansas6590]

Good information

[@BY-dq3mt]

Please keep these videos coming. Very helpful.

[@mtnphysio1440]

Thank you.

[@robertschneider1977]

This is the how to I've been looking for. Just started shooting compound transitioning from traditional, and even though the weight of pull didnt seem hard, Id get severe pain in my shoulder the night after practicing. My chiropractic looked at it and determined it was that bicep tendon exactly in the spot you mentioned. Id seen Jake Kaminski's video on the same subject in regards to recurve techniques, but hadn't found a good guide to apply it to compounds. I'm eager to give your tips a try as soon as my shoulder heals up. Saving this video to my library for reference.

[@glenncharles6622]

Great content. Just listened to you today on the Hoyt Podcast. As a 60 yr old 'new' bow hunter that wants to go for another 20 years, I am super interested in form/mechanics and fitness to insure that I can do this late into life. Just ordered one of your field kits and am looking forward to watching your content. Identifying a solid 'draw' technique is my number one priority. I can't believe how many different ways are advocated by professions and KZbinr's... Definitely confusing for someone just coming into the sport. Thanks!!

[@mtnphysio1440]

Couldn’t agree more! That was a good Podcast always a good time! Thank you for your support!!

[@hutchieboy242]

Appreciate the explanations of what the muscles "should" be doing. I had asked an earlier question about a twinge in the elbow, this may have answered it.

[@mtnphysio1440]

Thank you let me know otherwise

[@highfieldsfarm421]

Super video! Really explains mechanics well!

[@mtnphysio1440]

Thank you!

[@outdoorgunz]

Excellent video! You really answered some questions that I was having when it comes to drawing. I've shot traditional archer since I was a few years old with no noticable issues, but now as I hit 30, I've been experiencing shoulder problems. My focus now is on proper mechanics to ensure that I can shoot for many years to come. Keep up the good work.

[@Jimbowiejr]

Very helpful

[@mtnphysio1440]

Thank you I am glad it was!

[@mtnphysio1440]

Thats what it is about trying to keep good mechanics to enjoy archery for the rest of your life. Thank you!

[@tahoe829]

Awesome stuff thank you! 😊

[@mtnphysio1440]

Glad you liked it!

[@josephpyatok6408]

new watcher bow hunter joe and new follower really enjoy video

[@mtnphysio1440]

Thank you for the support!!!

[@ltdannichols]

I greatly appreciate your channel. I just stumbled onto it today and am several videos in. I just started archery in the last 2 weeks. I shot about 100 arrows my first two days and was only mildly sore for about a day. However, a week later, I tried to draw just once, and the anterior side of my bow arm shoulder started hurting. It's been hurting ever since, and that was 2 days ago.

[@mtnphysio1440]

Welcome to the best sport around!!! :) I am slightly biased. Sorry I took a little bit to get back to you as we are in the process of working on multiple projects to bring more consistent content your way. If this is still bothering you I always say... "archery shouldn't hurt." So if it still is bothering you please reach out and we can discuss it and do an evaluation to see what is going on. Cheers!

[@ltdannichols]

@@mtnphysio1440 No worries. I took it light on the shoulder for a few weeks, then used exercises to strengthen all of the muscles in the shoulder. I started shooting last week again, and so far there's no issue.

[@mtnphysio1440]

Great to hear keep us posted and good luck! More content dropping really soon. 🙏

[@evangeliacoco]

Oh wow! I have a rotator cuff injury and really want to do it the right way. Can you please demonstrate the same with a recurve bow please. The push pull methodology I assume will look slightly different - a visually will be truly helpful. Many thanks!

[@mtnphysio1440]

Certainly or give me a call and we can talk about it too.

[@evangeliacoco]

@@mtnphysio1440 a video will be perfect thanks a lot! Cheers from Greece 🇬🇷

[@CatfishCody]

I recently injured my bow shoulder. I see an ortho on Monday. I got into a hurry, my bow arm was straight when I drew. I couldn't move my bow arm up for several days

[@mtnphysio1440]

I hope that you are doing better! If you have questions please let me know.

[@bent_life9865]

Question. There is an Olympic archery who talks about shoulder impingement when the arm is abducted. My assumption is that as long as the upper trap stays not engaged and the shoulder not shrugged that this would not happen??

[@lanetaglio]

Awesome! Have you ever heard of Olecronon Bursitis coming from "Draw-Let-downs"??

[@mtnphysio1440]

Hmm that’s a good one. Yes could happen

[@BrentonDowdy]

I’ve been practicing a lot this week getting ready for this coming season. I’m having muscle discomfort in my bow arm shoulder. Most things I see are about problems in the drawing arm, but my drawing arm/shoulder seems fine, no issues there. Just discomfort in the shoulder of the bow arm. Seems like the trap area, but I don’t know shoulder anatomy. Any ideas of things I’m doing wrong? Edit: Actually I just shot again to make sure, though my trap is pretty tight, the main discomfort is in the deltoid (I think?). It’s the outside back part of my shoulder. And it doesn’t hurt every draw just sometimes. Makes me think I’m inconsistently doing something wrong with that shoulder, but don’t know what it is.

[@CatfishCody]

I'm in the same boat. Almost no videos about the bow arm

[@Shockstar76]

I agree with the mechanics of what your saying however when we are coaching competitive youth archers in a tournament whether it's 3D or Indoor they would/could be called for sky drawing with the bow arm angled up so high. I will have to go outside and see if I can draw that way without aiming high. This is one of the issues I have with the NTS system but then again having a line full of kids sky drawing is also a liability.

[@mtnphysio1440]

That’s correct definitely got to be careful of those sky draws… judges will catch you on that. With that said I don’t encourage sky drawing one bit and so there is a fine line to draw with good mechanics and avoid shoulder injuries and opening the chest coming down into position to be able to do it appropriately avoiding injuries to all. Thanks!

[@timheath2698]

I had a c2-c7 laminectomy and c2-t2 fusion in late February this year. For the most part I waited until about 2 weeks ago to really start shooting my bow to give myself more recovery time. My question is what kind of problems should I expect to have to overcome after a surgery like that as far as shooting a bow. What muscles are involved, am I damaging g myself, etc

[@mtnphysio1440]

Just need to get that neck range of motion back and strength

[@SoFlyVA]

I’m a left handed shooter and just got my first bow. I’ve done a bunch of research on this proper bow technique and this is probably the best video I’ve seen. However, everyone is talking about your bowstring arm but my bow shoulder is uncomfortable where you said there was compression happening at about 3:50. It goes away if I rest it for a day but it becomes really uncomfortable to elevate my elbow much after I shoot. Is this just a technique thing or do I just need to work on my strength?

[@mtnphysio1440]

Let me know if this is still a problem

[@jessevollick14]

any content or advice on neck pain/stiffness from archery would greatly be appreciated.

[@mtnphysio1440]

I can do that. I got a good drill I would recommend

[@walterbrown8293]

I'm super late to this video, saw you on elkshape. You mentioned in this video pain in the biceps tendon. What about pain more in the back side of your shoulder/traps?

[@mtnphysio1440]

Often times is the posterior cuff

[@bijano7320]

Is this the same advice and technique you’d recommend for traditional archery. I ask because the hand positions the string(supinated?) is the opposite from when using a release (pronated?).

[@mtnphysio1440]

It is true the mechanics are similar but different.

[@bijano7320]

Thank you for both replies! So you’d recommend the same High elbow, and push/pull draw?

[@mtnphysio1440]

I like a push/ pull draw, elbow in a similar spot. Degrees can vary a little bit. but really it is building tension and keeping that tension built up. I think I am going to come up with a new video on this because I want to rephrase a few words and descriptions because it is really movement I that front shoulder/pec. I am in the process of building a recurve specific form too and have some fun ideas there to help. So stay tuned for that. Thanks for your feedback and interest

[@bijano7320]

Looking forward to that! In the interest of science 😊 it would be great to get two folks of similar age/physique with no archery experience and have one learn your way and the other the common way (how I do it too so I’ll be trying your method now) and see which progresses with less strain and stress.

[@joshlasure3384]

So im dealing with frozen shoulder in my left shoulder. Im a right handed archer. Ive dropped poundage from 65 to 50 n still having issues any suggestions.

[@mtnphysio1440]

Josh, Thank you for the comment and support! Frozen shoulder aka Adhesive Capsulitis is a condition that is best managed with consistent stretching. I do have some good stretches I recommend. Shoot me a DM or reach out to me on my website and submit a question and I can get those to you or in contact with you to make sure that is what it is and you get what you need. Thank you!

[@andrewsessions7731]

What should one do if their drawing shoulder is fine but their bow shoulder has impingement pain in the shoulder and elbow after shooting?

[@mtnphysio1440]

I have seen this stem from issues such as gripping the bow too firmly, not being strong in the proximal shoulder as well as overloading with too much shooting. Work on upper body stability

[@dcw3791]

Hey Dr, I have pain on my front shoulder and not my rear shoulder. What could be the issue there?

[@mtnphysio1440]

Most the time I see pain on the front shoulder some sort of rotator cuff disorder, but there are a number of things that can cause it. Give me a call let’s chat and figure it out!

[@hiz99]

I have kyphosis and scoliosis. Is there anything you said in this video that is NOT applicable for me? I have a very hard time keeping my draw elbow up high, even with bands. Think I have very very limited scapula mobility

[@mtnphysio1440]

That definitely could affect your scapula and making sure you are addressing the scoliosis can be super important. Let me know

[@silentassassin1108]

I have a labrum issue, it causes some major pain when I’m shooting a lot before season starts.

[@mtnphysio1440]

Let me know how I can help would love to see how you are drawing etc

[@silentassassin1108]

@@mtnphysio1440 I switched from an index release to a thumb button. For some reason that helped a lot. Having the back of my hand facing my cheek when drawing changed the position of my arm I guess.

[@mtnphysio1440]

Yeah I have had clients respond to both. I am still trying to get some actual evidence with this. I do think that with the dorsum of the hand against your cheek it reduces tension in the bicep. But still to be determined

[@aforgottennativeamerica8439]

You don't want to be aiming at the sky when you draw your bow down you want to keep your arrow aimed at your target

[@mtnphysio1440]

Yes!

[@yfz450rider39]

My issue is, I broke my draw arm collarbone which causes some discomfort when drawing. I broke it near the joint which makes it even worse. Any tips?

[@mtnphysio1440]

Dang sorry to hear! Can change up the mechanics for sure! Let me know how it is going we can take a look at it

[@seanlynch122]

That’s how I draw my bow but I’m getting pain in my neck

[@mtnphysio1440]

Levator stretch?

[@lifewithabe312]

Says nothing about why we get bow arm shoulder and elbow inflammation

[@mtnphysio1440]

Not as common but definitely an issue for some