Instinctive Archery - Release in Traditional Archery.

[@evomitch81]

Hi I just wanted to say thankyou, your video has transformed my shooting! Just took my Longbow to our wood in Delamere Forest and for the first time in my seven years of archery and didn't miss a single target!!! This is something that is so overlooked and so simple to resolve, Thankyou! thankyou! thankyou!

[@michaelcolloton6971]

You're not just a mentor to a lot of us; you're an inspiration. If Chris and Jim watch your videos, so should every trad archer on the planet. Thank you, Jeff.

[@dennispedicone5125]

Since watching this video I have become so much better with my grouping. In my opinion I think you are one of the best I've ever seen including watching Byron Ferguson. Thank you Jeff. Dennis

[@FredHWalker]

Very solid helpful information Jeff. You have done a huge amount of good for us instinctive shooters. Thank you.

[@LoonWulf]

Just wanted to say thanks for the tip of a second anchor. I tend to hold for a second or two...or longer.. before releasing the shot, and i KNEW my release wasnt smooth or consistent, i just couldnt seem to fix it. With the second anchor point (my ear), Ive found that Ive stopped jumping the shot as well as having a more consistent and smooth release. Again greatly appreciated

[@nonsensical1521]

I tested this out earlier and it worked near-on like a charm! I was being too jerky and I was sort of plucking without realizing it the whole time I've been practicing. The gentler release method worked incredibly well, the difference it made was immediate. Thanks very much Jeff!

[@cassiusclay4681]

Such a lovely teacher you are. Thank you so much!

[@rogerpilon2588]

I love your videos Jeff, I have just returned to archery because my five year old and my fifteen year old are interested. I've never had any training in my youth and your videos are helping a lot. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with us all.

[@TheDajoca]

Sorry to hear you haven't been well. I just wanted to say what a great explanation this has been. There is so much information out there and not all of it is good, but your shooting, techniques and explanations stand out for all the right reasons. All the very best and get well soon.

[@10laws2liveby]

Much thanks, You nailed my problem. I was really getting to the point of giving up, but I'm to stubborn for that, so when you showed how the hand fly's off in different directions, as mind did, I new you had my problem nailed. Thanks again.

[@moistj69]

thankyou for the archery tips.here's a tip for you,when drawing back the bow,the handle should be in the pit of your hand and the fingers are relaxed, followed by the great release that you and your beutiful daughter showed us. thanks again!

[@outlawcustombows]

No offence mate but I think he can hold the bow however he wants with how good he is... Different grip styles and angles are designed for a different grip on the bow.

[@JeffKavanagh]

Hi Jamar. Thanks for the tip. I talk about this in another video I made on the "bow arm". Personally I push my shot through the palm of my hand which is more of a longbow style of shooting. A push/pull style of drawing the bow. I agree with you that you don't want a tight grip on your bow because it will torque the bow one way or another. Thank-you for your input. I appreciate it. I always want people to remember that the way I shoot is just one style of shooting. There are many different styles out there and one has to find out what works for them. Also I know I have a bunch of "bad habits". When I first started shooting over 40 years ago I had no one to teach me. Of course no internet either, no shooting clubs, etc. I had to learn on my own so many things I have on here become a "do as I say and not as I do" kind of thing because of it. lol Cheers Jeff

[@Tirikitaon]

Jeff, I have improve greatly thanks to your teachings, I am still fighting with my release but I will not stop until I get it right. Thank you very much , it´s awesome watch you shoot. Sincerily Felipe Sanchez Jr.

[@lcastelano]

Thank you for everything . Your videos are great .

[@johnfearnley4258]

i learn something new every time i watch these vids and i really enjoy watching them

[@JeffKavanagh]

Hi Erik The idea behind the second anchor point is that it helps engage the correct muscles (rhomboid) in you back in order to follow through correctly and reach the second anchor. Pinching your shoulder blades together so to speak. Utilizing a second anchor insures your shoulder doesn't roll and take over. Everything should follow on the same plane as the arrow.

[@OffJackNeoff]

thanks for the information. My cousin and I just started recurve archery and I was looking for informational videos to help. Great information

[@archer1819]

Your release in insane! Very nice! I now have something new to go and practice on. Thanks for the information

[@john777wayne]

Hi Jeff, watched you shoot plates as you tossed them and am greatly inspired at your ability. Just got my first traditional bow (recurve) and greatly appreciate your "anchor point" videos as this information is very helpful as I begin. My goal is to be able to hit flying targets as you do, very impressive. Thank you so much for posting your videos!

[@tigerking2179]

This really seems to make sense to me/ring true. I have been watching a lot of video of Japanese archers and one thing that I really notice is their focus on form, always doing their shots in exactly the same sequence. I have started using a Japanese thumb draw glove and shooting with a thumb release instead of the traditional three finger method that I have always used. I have noticed a much cleaner release. I thing using your second anchor point method will help tremendously. Thank you!!!

[@oswaltedmund6257]

Jeff, I shot my first two deer with a recurve this year. Crazy enough my wife video it , which was exciting to watch especially since I was shooting from the ground. The coolest thing was not the deer kill, it was watching my release follow through under hunting pressure. I worked hard on my release form watching your videos. It truly paid off, keep up the great work. You are keeping a lost art alive!

[@tomsmithbowhunting]

Get well fast jeff! Awesome teacher. Respect from jax, fl

[@JeffKavanagh]

Thank-you for those very kind words. I am just glad I was able to help. I hope to make more videos like this when I get well. Thanks again.

[@ronaldskidmore5478]

Thanks Jeff for another great video. You have been extremely helpful to me.

[@SquirrelDarling1]

Thanks Jeff. I know this but need to be reminded often because I get lazy. I've noticed my best shots are when the release feels soft. I think that's because of less vibration and the string sliding away smoothly. My follow through still is lousy but I'm working on it.

[@bodhi47]

Thanks for all of these videos. I'm learning tons.

[@shuumai]

Starting a 6:40, the concept of the "2nd anchor point" has helped my follow-through tremendously. Thanks! Just thinking of where I want my hand to end up made the difference. (In my case I think of my hand ending up behind my neck.) It also takes my mind off my release which should only help.

[@ewoudalbach1503]

Hi, Thank you for all the GOOD info, you make me happy :-) I like your channel very much.

[@ponycentaur1456]

Just wanted to thank you for your videos. THe release and positioning really helped my accuracy. Hopefully with more practice, i can get my grouping better.

[@stevenhege2416]

Great info, got a Super Grizz a couple weeks ago and starting to get back into bare bow. It's humbling at first but I'm starting to get my consistency down. I'm not near as good as I was when I was 15 years old but I'm about ready to give it a shot on deer this year. Sept 5th is the opener here in Maryland and I'm good out to 20 yards. Can't wait

[@earlfultz8603]

Jeff is an incredible Archer

[@ediuifalean]

Great channel. Great video. Best teacher. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@SallyDinyaGRILL]

I know for a fact that I am not releasing consistently. It's hard to describe. Although I know that I lack consistency, I have trouble repeating good form. I find that releasing the string as you describe is much harder for me than I would expect. I'm not sure if I'm gripping too deep, or if this is a conscious decision I'm making right at the point of release. Thank you for your guidance, it is truly invaluable. I'll keep working at it!

[@JeffKavanagh]

That is wonderful news. I very happy it is working for you. Jeff

[@OldJong]

Thanks. I am trying to apply this the best I can. I am a beginner and I shoot my first bow, a 45 pounds takedown recurve . But I am also a guitar player and the tendency to pluck is very real!

[@UncleDansVintageVinyl]

This is just brilliant stuff, man. Thanks.

[@jameswagg4357]

Hi Jeff Hope you are felling better New to archery thanks for the tips working hard on my release, And yes wife thinks I look silly practising the movement.

[@kamerik73]

Thanks Jeff, I'm gonna pay more attention on my release. Thanks for the tips ;)

[@whittakerdanielj]

Good video, and good reminder. Thank you.

[@ErikFabian]

Thanks Jeff. So I take it that as long as the back is engaged from the start the second anchor held maintain the tension in the follow through. I am shooting instinctively...though my instinct is currently to spread the arrows all over the target :)

[@user-bp1yl8np8q]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@michaelcolloton6971]

Jeff, I've watched your videos so much I feel like I can recite them back to you. You've been a tremendous help to all of us. I've noticed something on some of your shots, though, that I'm wondering about. It seems that you sometimes use almost a static release and then draw your arm back, rather than making it one smooth motion. As you yourself have said, Lucy has an awesome release. It's all one motion and you can't tell when she's actually going to let the arrow go. She obviously had a good teacher. I've been working hard on keeping my fingers in contact with my face and it has made a world of difference. However, I have trouble getting my fingers back to my ear. My second release point is when my thumbnail hits the bottom of my ear. Seems to be working, My vertical line gets better every day. Thanks once again, Jeff.

[@JeffKavanagh]

Michael Colloton Well I have never said I am perfect Michael. Haha. I think I sometimes still struggle with back tension just as much as anyone else out there some days. The difference between me and Lucy is that she has had a coach from day one and I am self taught over the last 41 years with lots of bad habits yet. Many times it becomes as simple as "do as I say and not as I do" kind of thing.

[@michaelcolloton6971]

Jeff Kavanagh There are thousands of us who wish our habits were as bad as yours.

[@rafaelgalopugina1992]

Thank you for your tips Jeff, i'm beginner and it really helped! Greetings from Brazil. +1 Subscribed.

[@matthewmcelheny3091]

Ive been shooting a 60 lb hickory selfbow and also a ben pearson special in 55 lbs before this bear. Its super smooth with no stacking and fast. I shoot all day without tiring. Im a pretty big guy but im using a new primary anchor point as well as attempting to implement your secondary anchor point. My releases have improved ten fold but hitting the first anchor point seems to escape me concistently. It may be just because ive just decided to earase everything and relearn as though i have never shot a bow before, which is hard when i have shot since i was little!

[@JeffKavanagh]

Then I would say just slow down your shot sequence. Blind baling works well for that. Shoot at a back stop at about 5 yards. If you can even turn off the lights to do it in the dark, Then you can simply concentrate on hitting and maintaining your anchor point. Hold for at least the count of 4 to start with. Repetition, repetition, repetition. Thing is, to train it effectively you must take away all of the other distractions of the shot, including aiming.

[@matthewmcelheny3091]

Awsome! I will start there. Thank you for you advice! You are a very inspirational guy. I saw your videos and listened to the things you were saying. You shoot very well and im the only traditional shooter i know so i figured i needed to unload my question. Thanks again. Matt

[@JeffKavanagh]

Any time Matt and thank-you for the kind words.

[@masterkiter89]

sir, you really must have the smoothest releace i have ever seen in archery

[@Tree0f]

Ok good info, and thx. Im shooting Goldtip 1535's with 125 up front. 50# grizzly 25in draw. Great videos btw my release is soo much better now.

[@hoplite101able]

J, you should have way more hits on your brilliant vids..

[@JeffKavanagh]

That;s the new kodiak Bear reintroduced from '59. I don't remember what the brace height is set at right now. I will have to measire it and get back to you. Brace heights can vary with the type of arrow used too so for example, even if my brace height was the same as yours the bow might not perform the same because of the different arrows, weight, material, length, point weight, etc.

[@JeffKavanagh]

f you are shooting using sights, or gap shooting, string walking, etc., tilting the bow is not generally ideal. If you are shooting instinctively, giving a slight tilt on the bow basically opens up the sight plane for you.

[@JeffKavanagh]

Thank-you

[@hutchieboy242]

Really enjoy and learn every time I watch your offerrings. Can you give me your opinion on the use of the super rest... ... if the arrow is nocked high enough, can you get away without using a rest? And just rest the arrow on the centre flat area just below the "rest" area.

[@michaelkramer5407]

Hi Jeff, I came across your videos about a year ago and wanted to say: THANK YOU! They (the videos ) are great. I have a few questions to ask. 1.) What exercises do you do to stay in shape and condition for shooting? 2.) On your bows, do you have an arrow rest? Is it good to use one? Or should I just shoot off the shelf? Thanks again for the GREAT videos.

[@matthewmcelheny3091]

Hey jeff, you make great videos full of great information given in an easy to understand way. Im am relearnin my self to shoot since i was very unsatisfied with my consistency, or lack there of. But im really having trouble consistently hitting my anchor which is really throwing off my follow through. And advice would be appreciated. Thanks! Matt

[@JeffKavanagh]

Hi Matthew What you need to do then is to slow your shot sequence down and single out that aspect. Hold at anchor for longer while really disregarding the rest of the shot. Focus on where you anchor. In a case like this it becomes a case of needing to exaggerate a single aspect of your shot (hitting your anchor)until it becomes ingrained again. Using a lighter weight bow will really help as well. What weight bow are you shooting?

[@matthewmcelheny3091]

Im shooting 50 lb bear kodiak magnum. I dont have access to anything lighter. It is the lightest ive ever shot though haha.

[@JeffKavanagh]

Did you formerly shoot a compound? Likely 60 or 70lbs right? Thing is, and most don't take this into account, is that at 80% let-off on a compound for a 70lb bow means at anchor one is only holding about 14lbs. That is a huge difference. I would recommend buying a cheaper 35lb bow to practice your form with. The can be had for about $125. I bought a PSE for my son's first bow and I still shoot it today sometimes. My apologies if I am mistaken here. One thing you will want to remember is that being over bowed when you are trying to learn good form can very easily lead to target panic which is something that anyone will want to avoid. I hope this helps. If not please keep asking me questions. Jeff

[@zekehutchison5672]

I am enjoying these videos. I was wondering what you do with the pinky finger on the release hand? I know that Hill taught folks to depress the pinky with the thumb. Thats not comfortable for me. Thank you...Zeke

[@lucasd9762]

Jeff, thank you for the video on release, im teaching my girlfreind and her freind on traditional shooting. and i was attempting to tell them on how important form and release anchor point was. i showed them your video and it was jaws dropped. i have recently found a bow at a flea marje that an ole timer didnt want anymore so i bought it for 7$ no one can tell me the make an model, but its 66" a.c. 1247 25#- 28" can you help me on this.

[@ErikFabian]

Thanks for this info. I am putting together my basic form and trying to understand back tension on the release and the draw. Would you speak more to back pressure and good form. Does tilting the bow matter? Thanks. Ps your videos helped convince me to pick up a Montana as my first bow.

[@bobjoswick6075]

Thanks for your instructions. After a few months I am getting the vertical shooting and hitting the string. When do I move to aiming at a point? I admire your shooting and teaching skills.

[@JeffKavanagh]

Hi, I am not sure what to say. Is there any way that I could see one of your videos and see you shoot, Then I know I could really help. When I draw my bow I use a push/pull method. It is very important to squeese you shoulder blades together when you draw. Doing that should keep you in line.

[@JeffKavanagh]

yes and my instinct wants to do that sometimes too. lol

[@ShadyRhinoX]

I love your videos just picked up a recurve and was wondering how you feel about finger savers.

[@JeffKavanagh]

Hi Shane I honestly don't know what a finger saver is. I have never heard of them before.

[@JeffKavanagh]

Okay so I just googled it and found them at 3Rivers Archery. They could work I guess. For $5 bucks I guess they might be worth a try.

[@ShadyRhinoX]

They are the padded rollers that pull onto the bow string

[@shuumai]

***** I hear that they're perfect for bowfishers. Some people have commented that they can lead to some inconsistency for target shooters. (I use a leather tab for target shooting.)

[@ShadyRhinoX]

I picked some up to try them out. My accuracy was crap with them. It might just take some time but i dont think it is worth the effort. Back to the glove.

[@davidrivera2979]

Hi Jeff. Thanks for this illuminating video on release! I'd like to know how you grip the string? Do you pull it back holding it at the finger joints or the meaty part of the fingers before the joint?

[@JeffKavanagh]

Hi David. You should check out the rest of my tutorial videos. I cover lots of different areas such as back tension, alignment and yes I have a video specifically on hooking the string. It is called, "Instinctive archery - The Deep Hook". All the videos are in my tutorial section on my channel. At present I think there are around 27 instructional videos there for your help. Cheers Jeff

[@bjaurelio]

You mention that you like to practice your release with a lighter weight bow. I'm new to archery and buying my first bow. I thought that 40# would be good, but should I go with 30# instead to help me learn good habits on a less forgiving bow?

[@ethan7x574]

what kind of glove are you using? is it thin? and what is it made of???

[@pbjarvis]

Ok Jeff, again seeking your advise. I have been shooting off and on for over 10 months as time permits. I feel I am at a plateau. My shots are consistently impacting about 10-12 inches high. The verticle line seems pretty good. I have considered changing my anchor point or switching to 3 under. Neither of which I want to do. I can't find a better anchor point I like (using index to corner of mouth and hooking my jaw with my thumb). I have tried conciously looking at the arrow in comparison to the target to try to teach my mind what it should look like. But when I go back to focusing on a spot it still impacts high. Any advise??? I'm getting desperate. Thanks for all your help!

[@patrickjarvis2778]

Jeff, I am making progress with my shooting. I want to try a shooting glove vs tab. What shooting glove do you use/recommend? Thanks a ton! You are an awesome mentor!

[@JeffKavanagh]

I use one from Bear Paw products. I like it because it covers my entire three fingers and just not the ends. It is a soft deer skin which still gives me a good "feel" of the string while protecting my fingers.

[@Tree0f]

Hi Jeff, I have the same bow but its the 1968 version. I was curious what brace height you found it shoots best at. I've been shooting mine at about 8 inches.

[@trukanator2]

interesting I am beginning will be very helpful say which bear recurve bow would recommend for elk ,deer that sort game

[@Tree0f]

That's the grizzly right?

[@yztyzt1]

i think release is impt.

[@Nobody-zq8bl]

Her release does not look great. Two separate motions.

[@bethkoch8074]

More examples of shooting and less talking