Instinctive Archery - Gripping the Bow

[@softball16tr]

Jeff, I started traditional/instinctive archery about a year ago. I know you and I have never met, but i thought you should know that you have been my mentor from the very beginning. Thank you ever so much for sharing your knowledge on these videos.

[@TherealTenmanI]

Oh my jeebus. This just solved so much for me. Thank you. Your many words are so helpful. Don't let anyone say you speak too much.

[@jmoney6652]

Best archery videos I’ve seen. Thank you my friend

[@tombushman7357]

i have a hard time understanding why all your videos are not being viewed by all archers.your videos are super informative and i think alot more people will be watching them in the very near future ,people really need to see how you shoot and why ,thanks and please keep them coming

[@tiedemann8225]

Another vid. with good tips and advice, as always. I have learn so much from you, thanks Jeff.

[@brucecox7261]

Improper bow grip caused my arrow to fly too far left and stick the oak tree instead of the 8 point buck to the right of the tree this past season. Combination of rushing the shot and not paying attention to my grip. Felt it as soon as I released. I have been working on this issue for a while but obviously not enough. It was my first season with my bear grizzly 50#-many more to go. Thanks for the tips and education Jeff-great videos!

[@hutchieboy242]

This little "tidbit" you offered is more of a 16oz steak, for those of us like myself who have been moving back and forth on the grip issue. Thank you for the insight. I asked an earlier wa question about whether back tension was established prior to reaching "anchor point" in the method you use.

[@1xayekim]

Thank you for doing that you do. It all seems so simple but there are these little things that if you just dont have it "right" it throws off any consistency you may have had. This helped out a lot. Thank you.

[@s3archery849]

Great tip Jeff! Simple to understand, yet technical in nature. Love the channel!

[@derwyndafb]

I've watched most of the educational stuff you have posted on here Jeff, I have picked up so much, a great help, thank you. I teach people to shoot, your knowledge and pearls of wisdom posted here along with Fred's stuff have helped me enormously when coaching others.

[@danieltibbles8470]

Hi Jeff, I started shooting a couple of months ago and have received little assistance from the club so far. Your videos have explained a great deal to me and I can see where I am making some errors that could have developed into bad habits. Thank you.

[@timothymcgrath2076]

Mr. Kavanagh, Thank you for your great videos!!!! Excellent advice and instruction. I am just now getting into traditional archery after using a compound bow for a few years. Hoping to get some enjoyment out of it and looking forward to a more pure form of archery. Thank you again for the great videos. They are helping me to learn as I practice.

[@oswaltedmund6257]

Jeff, thanks for all your tips. I only picked up a recurve again after many years.

[@joetaylor486]

Thanks Jeff. I found that really helpful in resolving my form. I like that you are not dictatorial about technique, you simply identify the aspects that are central and important and show how to correct them. Now I just have to turn your info into better shooting :-)

[@adambrennan-smith5521]

I started doing this and instantly grouped better and more accurately. Thanks Jeff!!

[@chrischologitas2409]

I love how practical you are! Great video!

[@elliotblackshaw8586]

Thanks for the tip, Jeff. Your tips are very helpful and I use them regularly with our school's archery club.

[@woodsman7696]

I enjoy your channel.I just got my bear take down bow .I love it. You explain things well.I have learned a great deal from your instruction.

[@donwatkins3616]

Yet another great tutorial, thanks Jeff.

[@Wingman115]

Great tips Jeff thanks for sharing.

[@fredclark1387]

watching all the videos over and over, so much to think about so started taking some brief notes to review before shooting - proper grip and chest expansion helped my shooting allot. I was a light grip but not elbow out kept hitting high left now even if off target I am straight vertically, thought had ok form but my shoulders were collapsing so concentrated on proper posture and shooting again improved drastically - Jeff thanks so much so many would be lost without these videos

[@JeffKavanagh]

Very glad they have helped. One suggestion though is to not try and focus on so many things all at once. I got confused just reading it. Hehe.

[@fredclark1387]

thanks Jeff I practice daily and find I do need to stop and relax sometimes walk away and come back to it, when it all comes together the feeling is awesome - like a great tight group with a rifle, its addicting to make the shot

[@12ernie]

Great video Jeff! I look forward to them! Ernie

[@UncleDansVintageVinyl]

Beautiful, man. This is very helpful. Thank you--as always!

[@TheOnlyTrueMonix]

Learning how to shoot and finding these videos very helpful, thanks Jeff!

[@bonaparte54]

Great tips. Thanks!

[@chriswilcox8977]

Yesterday I somehow happened to think on my 'grip' and tried the palm contact you mention here as I realised I was using the webbing part of my hand...it made a noticeable difference in accuracy for me and felt more stable and comfortable, next time I'll be looking at the elbow direction as I'd not been aware of it being a consideration until watching this video today :)

[@joninohio]

Wonderful tip as always.

[@robertwallace4298]

My bow hand has been my greatest challenge to consistency. Thank you for the tips. I'm anxious to put them into practice... Especially unlocking my elbow. As always -- great video, Jeff!

[@tylersalvador2437]

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[@connorzavier226]

@Tyler Salvador Instablaster :)

[@tylersalvador2437]

@Connor Zavier Thanks for your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm trying it out now. Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@tylersalvador2437]

@Connor Zavier it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my account !

[@connorzavier226]

@Tyler Salvador happy to help :)

[@mathijs175]

some food for thought..... good video!

[@cupertinogeek2070]

Great videos. Very informative and detailed in explanation

[@sjohnson4882]

Informative video. Thanks.

[@southronspirit]

thanks for great video

[@tomwarrick4945]

Thanks on this, a great reminder to myself.

[@Traveler2112]

Great vid Jeff.

[@hutchieboy242]

Looking for an explanation for stuff going left to right or right to left, your explanation also plugged at the up and down, thank you. I can correct the issue by becoming proactive through release. ..I don't just have to stand there😊

[@buellosaurusrex]

Thanks, Jeff. Never looked at it from that point of view. Your videos always make it understandable.

[@maxtheroofer8004]

Thank you!

[@allegra1888]

Hi Jeff . I will work on this .I think this will help me . Thanks!

[@GreenIris1110]

cant wait until day break to incorporate these cognizants into my sequence!!!

[@ghostriderking1]

That's a really good tip Thanks for the info I will try that next time a shoot my recurve bow

[@carolbrown8461]

Thank you, that is very interesting to listen to. You confirm alot of what I was told by another archer Arne Moebow.... Especially with regard to the elbow... Thanks for taking the time to try and educate us. Cheers Alex

[@eqlzr2]

I intentionally don't stand any particular way when shooting my bows so that I develop skill and accuracy with all kinds of stances and orientations. Fun, interesting, and works great. Just goes to show that there are a million ways to shoot a bow accurately, and nobody knows the "right" way.

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Very good

[@drrejimathew3919]

Missing your videos Jeff..

[@henryjohnston6023]

You were recommended by NuSensei. Good video, thanks.

[@bowhunter2439]

jeff few questions , if your grip is very light and pushing through the shot , wont the bow want to jump out of your hand with no bow wrist strap ? do you ever use one for recurve ? third question do you shoot one eye closed or both open , thanks in advance .

[@JeffKavanagh]

+bowhunter2439 there is a difference between holding a bow and too firm a grip which throws your shot off. I have never had the bow "jump" on me and no I have never felt the need for a bow strap but there is definitely nothing wrong with using one. It couldn't hurt and it can also take the subconscious worry of that happening away so that you can relax a bit more as well. I shoot with both eyes open and actually am also left eye dominant but shoot right. I have a video where I talk about that "eye dominance" if you are interested.

[@bowhunter2439]

Thanks jeff I did notice you shooting right handed and lining your left eye down the sight plane in another video LOL , thanks again for responding im a veteran compound shooter but novice traditional shooter thanks for the useful information and videos ..!!

[@rlee431]

Thanks for your awesome videos. They have helped my accuracy a lot!! You may have answered this before. But I was wondering what your opinion is on how your abdomen should be when you shoot? Thanks again!!

[@mannix1969]

Hi Jeff - I've just started taking archery classes at my local park. I enjoy your videos. I love you simple, structure-based approach. I'm interested in following your approach because I think it will give me a good foundation. With my physiology, I have to cant my bow to an almost horizontal position to get my elbow to point behind me and to maintain a straight wrist to get a good palm push. Since my bow is almost horizontal, my "hook" and wrist are almost horizontal. With this position, I can't get my hand and arrow to my anchor point, which is the corner of my mouth. Can I still use my back tension/chest expansion (which is vertical) to properly draw the arrow? Is maintaining a straight wrist necessary? Should I break my wrist on bow hand to get a more vertical bow position? Will this compromise my palm push on my bow hand? Do you have any suggestions?

[@marianneoberle]

My elbow hyper-extends -- this will help me keep it in the proper alignment. At least, I hope so!

[@coursenligne1986]

Hi Jeff, The grip and bow arm position is very important (slightly the most important) in consistency! Thanks for this vid... Will the next one be the string hand position? Take care !

[@JeffKavanagh]

+Cours Enligne Hi Cours. I covered the string hand position not long ago in my "Deep Hook" video.

[@coursenligne1986]

+Jeff Kavanagh You're a star Jeff.. hanks for this !!!

[@zacbear4280]

Great stuff Jeff! This video really put it together for me. I would like your opinion though. My goal is to be an instinctive archer but I'm not sure where the line is between different types of archery. In your video you say you shoot traditional and so push with the palm. You also cant your bow a bit. I don't do either ha ha. I push with the webbing of my hand and keep the bow vertical. I will admit I shoot "split vision" so I may not be instinctive at all. Does one have to shoot a certain way to be considered instinctive? Is there a line between shooting your own way and shooting a different style of archery? As always, thanks for the videos! You're an excellent teacher.

[@JeffKavanagh]

Thank-you for the kind words. I don't think there should be lines at all. I think if something works for you then that is what counts. Because I do it a certain way doesn't mean everyone else has to. The advice I offer is just that, advice and there are no stead fast rules. Many people get too wound up over the entire, "instinctive" - "non-instinctive" thing. Do what works for you and enjoy!

[@zacbear4280]

+Jeff Kavanagh eloquently put Mr. Kavanagh! Seems I stumbled into a bit of a political battle at the archery range then ha ha. Anyways, love the videos and always learn something new from them. I know you're probably busy but I could send you a video clip of my form for some feedback? If not I'll keep learning from your videos! Thanks for the advice and wish you well!

[@JeffKavanagh]

Haha, yes the "Trad Police" seem to be out in full force these days. Ironically enough though I find they are usually ex-compound shooters. I have only ever shot recurves and longbows myself, for 43 years now and I could care less what someone shoots or how they do it. Just enjoy! And yes I'd gladly look at a video if I get the chance for you. I am also on Face Book under Jeff Kavanagh and you are welcome to send it to me that way if you like. Just send me a message that it's archery related. Cheers!

[@Svergara1]

Can I have your barn! UGH I still in the noob phase of getting a decent shooting area in my backyard.

[@MrRourk]

Check out Comanche and other Native American Grips.

[@beardogaming1980]

ur best jeff :-)

[@jumpingbullcreations2100]

What kind/brand arrows do you use? By the way this was a great ,and informative video.

[@JeffKavanagh]

+Beaver's woodshop I like Easton Camo Hunter aluminums. Also Thanks.

[@jumpingbullcreations2100]

Jeff Kavanagh Thanks!!

[@awmemory5546]

Hi Jeff, you look great in your videos, I remember one video you said its better to practice with a light bow before you move to a heavier bow. I recently bought my first bow after practising with a 30 pound bow, now I use a 40 pound bow. When you moved up for the first time, how long did it take you to adjust to it?

[@JeffKavanagh]

+AW Memory it doesn't take that long. You will want to incorporate the heavier weight bow into your shooting slowly. For example during a practice session with the thirty pound bow, mid way when you are warmed up start off by shooting a dozen arrows at a time. Slowly you can increase the number of arrows as you practice but just be careful to never sacrifice form to struggle with the heavier weight bow. Working with some weights will help as well.

[@awmemory5546]

yeah, that's a good point, I noticed that it was happening to me already. How long do you spend on a session practising. I suppose as you have your own barn, you just go in and out as you please, but I know you shouldn't spend 4 hours firing like me once, I was really keen and alone at the club, but I'm trying to get into a good pattern. I will also keep exercising as much as i can. Thanks Jeff, your videos and advice is really one of my favourite videos to watch about archers.

[@jamescullins2709]

I shoot at 50lb Bear Grizzly but I am 77 years old now and am thinking about a compound bow. Can you shoot a compound the same way? I really like your videos, I have shot instinctively for 50 years. Thank you for your answer.

[@rickmansberger4136]

Hi Jeff I hold the bow with my wevbubg with my fingers open. I just cradle the bow in between my thumb and forefinger. My elbow is out. Is this an acceptable grip position? Or do you need your fingers around the riser? This is how I hold my compound when I used to shoot it, I believe this allows me asittke bow torque as possible. Does this,work in the recurve world too? PS. I got a sweet Super Kodiak off of eBay today. Sight window sightsplate included. Can't wait to shoot it. Take care and be safe. Rick Mansberger

[@jayman448]

hey jeff. no matter what i do my body just will not allow my elbow to turn straight sideways when i shoot. its kind of off at a 45 degree between totally up and totally out. and it doesnt seem to change weather or not i cant or am straight up. also, lock the elbow or not?

[@JeffKavanagh]

+jayman448 Definitely not lock the elbow. I would have to see what you are doing to answer your other question. I'd be happy to look at a video of what you are doing if you have one available.

[@MarkMphonoman]

Good advice, thanks. P.s. which Bear bow is that?

[@ahphotopix]

When you are at full draw, it looks as your left elbow is locked out. If there is actually some bend left in it (as many people advise), how much bend do you have?

[@davidmitchell-md8jh]

Hi Jeff Due to injury I am teaching myself to shoot left handed. I am right eye dominant and I am nearly always right of target.I don’t want to aim left to hit center. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks and have a blessed day

[@shanemccarthy3005]

Hey Jeff, quick question, do you use a side quiver on your long bows? and if you do, which one would you recommend? Thanks

[@JeffKavanagh]

+Shane McCarthy I got a quiver from The Rivers but I don;t remember what it is called. It works well though. It's a three arrow quiver.

[@jamesholland1421]

Where did you go