Looking for Tips on Off Hand Shooting

[flightattendant100]

Sight picture and trigger squeeze.... Sounds simple I've seen a couple posts about slings... Are they kosher? They are not in metallic silhouettes. Just curious

[jd4223]

I always shoot from a seated position resting my elbow that holds the forearm of the bow on my knee.Even when hunting from a tree stand I always shoot while sitting.Shooting from a standing position would require me to be leaning against a tree for support and hiding my body to keep from spooking the deer.I would be worried about my bow limb striking the tree when firing.

[Masboy]

Lots of good said ! proper stance an balance very important an aim small hit small.

[TPM]

There are two components to shooting 3D. One is the mechanics of off hand shooting and the other is distance judging.
For off hand shooting you want to pay attention to stance, breathing and trigger control. I like to shoot what we used to call NRA stance. Basically the elbow of your forward arm braces against your body and your hand forms a platform for your fore end to sit on. Your rear arm basically is elbow out for balance and comfort of your trigger hand. Feet should be shoulder width apart. It's important that the eye relief of your scope is set up so your head is not stretching too far forward or leaning too far back. Comfort and consistency is key.



Breathing should be calm and steady. When you're ready to shoot inhale lightly, exhale half the breath them hold, squeeze trigger and release the rest of your breath. It's also very important to keep your head on the stock until after you shoot. Too many people will lift their head as they squeeze the trigger throwing the shot. Watch the arrow go down range through your scope. also remember to squeeze the trigger with your whole hand, don't just pull it back with your finger.
As for distance judging, well, we'll have to discuss that at Boofest, after the shooting of course.

[nchunterkw]

Left elbow tucked into my body and left hand out flat with bow just resting on it helps me. Breathe - exhale half - shoot works for me as well. And make sure to squeeze and not jerk the trigger. once I get the sight picture, I try to focus on the target and not the crosshair...if that makes any sense....and think about the arrow hitting exactly where I want it.

[awshucks]

Anthony, I didnt overlubricate,......I just stopped so the rest of y'all could catch up!

Lmao......That's a good/new new one me. The two best tips were sling [hook mine under my elbow] and you can't practice too much.

Two of my more memorable shots: I was at a benefit shoot in Tn w/ Mikey and just missed a snuff can lid size target at 81 yds by 1/4". The other was a 35 mm film can lid here, hit it 3 in a row at 30 yds. Those days are long gone, lol.

[UPSMAN]

The best tip that I can give you for off hand shooting is this. At Boofest,watch the girls very very closely. They will teach you all that you need to know. You can practice until Hell freezes over,and it still won't be enough. Just take your whupping like a man.

[paulaboutform]

Another great tip that works great for me Anthony is a technique I've refined. I call it 'lowered expectations' and I'm never disappointed.

Paul

[DaveShooter]

The best tip that I can give you for off hand shooting is this. At Boofest,watch the girls very very closely. They will teach you all that you need to know. You can practice until Hell freezes over,and it still won't be enough. Just take your whupping like a man.

This is a good one- I loved it

[ComfyBear]

All good tips, however too many tips like too many cooks, well you know the rest.

OK now for the best kept secret...if you want shoot like those sharpshooter ladies you need to do the following: wear a bra, shake your booty, and bat your eyelashes. It might not help your shooting, but it will most certainly put your competitors off their game

On the other hand, if you want to shoot like me, just point your bow, then just before you pull the trigger close your eyes, and let the arrow fly. It works for me, but I must confess, my arrows have eyes.

In all seriousness, nothing beats practice, but you must practice right. I've found to improve one has to aim small,to miss small. I aim at "dime-sized" targets, even when pointing at "beachball" targets. I'm not the best shooter, but I've been told I can hold my own.

[amythntr]

All good tips, however too many tips like too many cooks, well you know the rest.

OK now for the best kept secret...if you want shoot like those sharpshooter ladies you need to do the following: wear a bra, shake your booty, and bat your eyelashes. It might not help your shooting, but it will most certainly put your competitors off their game

On the other hand, if you want to shoot like me, just point your bow, then just before you pull the trigger close your eyes, and let the arrow fly. It works for me, but I must confess, my arrows have eyes.

In all seriousness, nothing beats practice, but you must practice right. I've found to improve one has to aim small,to miss small. I aim at "dime-sized" targets, even when pointing at "beachball" targets. I'm not the best shooter, but I've been told I can hold my own.

Anthony

[Big John]

I find it also helps having a Big Stomach!!!
Lean elbow on, then focus, breathe, squeeze.

I found that practice freehand, all the time, then you are always prepared for freehand.
If you get to use a rest, then shooting becomes almost perfect! Except when freehanding.

As well, if you want to get beat, go around with Lou.
He'll be shootin my arrows this year so he will be even better Bummer!
I will shoot with you again this year Lou, but give me a little chance.

Big John

[wildcatter]

Good suggestions from all, one thing I would add is using the sling with an artilery hold, my Micro doesn't like much preasure on the sling....

Trigger control for me is being surprised when it disengages, this ensures that you are not anticipating the shot and unintentionally slapping the trigger, and at the same time concentrating on the follow thru,,,,like a few have said, follow that sucker all the way to the target..... and I agree with others, for me even though my 380 is my must have bow,,,,I shoot the Micro better offhand standing free from any steadying device. Good Luck!!!!

[VixChix]

Just a nore for 3D shooters..... I'm pretty certain that you can't use the sling brace in competition.

[amythntr]

Just a nore for 3D shooters..... I'm pretty certain that you can't use the sling brace in competition.

....Moni... Why did I picture you with a big smile as you typed out this last post!

Anthony