The quest to re-learn perfect form begins.

SandSquid · 02-05-2009, 02:23 PM

Had a great Post-Op meeting w/ my Physical Therapist(Terrorist)
The plan is, after a few weeks of range of motion P.T. I will to be able to start re-learning my form and correct the years of bad habits that have been plaguing me. I know what I need to do, and I can teach others, but I just have not been able to correct the bad form I learned in the summer of 1982 at Lake of Isles Boy Scout Reservation (where Foxwoods Casino now stands.)

Since I will have NO muscle memory to contradict me, and the aid of an hour of dedicated P.Terrorist time every morning for at least the next 8 weeks, and we will have all the inclinomters and especially a Gollehon Extendable Goniometer at our disposal I should have damned near perfect form by the time we are done.. That is my goal at least, and my P.T. is very willing to work with me.

He is not up on "perfect archery Form" but told me to go find examples of it and we will work on it. So, I'm in search excellent pictures depicting "perfect form", preferably with various angles marked. Especially showing proper shoulder alignment, leading elbow bend, hand position on the grip, etc.

I'd be most grateful for any links or pictures you can post.

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Anybody ever use a bowfit type trainer?

Anyone make their own trainer? I showed some pictures to mt P.T. and he said we could probably make our own. I'm thinking I don't need anythong more than to take the limbs off a riser, get some Theraband(tm) and we can "go to town"

J.C. · 02-05-2009, 02:28 PM

why do you think you wont have any muscle memory?

here's some pictures you might could use.

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=685228

SandSquid · 02-05-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.C.

why do you think you wont have any muscle memory?

because I have no muscles left.....
My entire left shoulder, back and arm is flaccid

Quote:

here's some pictures you might could use.

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=685228

thanks

Allen · 02-05-2009, 04:05 PM

SQ,

Muscle memory isn't in the muscles, it's in the brain. It is memory of a subconsciously triggered muscle action. An example is someone who's had an arm or leg amputated. They still feel pain and movement in the limb that is no longer their. A friend of mine lost his leg below the knee many years ago and he continued to feel itching in his toes for several years.

However, in your case, it will probably be easier to build new muscle memory or subconscious muscle reactions, as you build new muscle strength.

At the beginning you can used simple straps or light therabands. There's no need to buy the Bowfit at first.

One book that may help you is Ruth Rowe's "Fundamentals of Compound Target Archery". There is a lot of detailed explanation about the specific muscles to use and how to use the strap to develop you form.

Another excellent book is Larry Wise's "Core Archery". It's the classic on compound archery form & back tension.

A couple of good videos are George Ryals new video available from grivtech.com and Michal Braden's "Straight Talk from Michael Braden" available from Lancaster Archery.

Good luck on your recovery,

Allen