Wednesday 12th August 2009

@ Sefton, Night under light.

Cool, no wind

3x 20 arrow ends @ 8m.

Total 60.

It was a bit of a struggle to get through the last 10 or so arrows in the end. Not shooting for almost a week is probably not so good when shooting large arrow sized ends without much break between ends (16m walk isn't very long).

Managed about 50-75% backtension, but must continue to have strong and deep grip position. Was happy with how the bow arm was keeping up.

Thursday 6th August 2009

@ Sefton
Warmish, no wind, clear skies, bright.

6x 10 arrows @ 8m

First end was very relaxed, very easy, straight through, good release.
Then returned to usual form, however concentrated on not stopping release fingers, as result, did not have sore right shoulder.

Bow hand control seems to be better, less bow arm drop when concentrating on not dropping.
Concentration on aiming however seems to mess with release relaxation.

Brief Recovery for Alternative Activity

At the moment, I have decided to not shoot for a week to allow myself the best recovery for Kendo. While I have been fine shooting and training in Kendo, I have a grading next weekend and I would prefer to not have any joint twinges or accidental issues occur, thus while not put away like last time, I will not strain myself over this week, and resume shooting after grading.

Thursday 23rd July 2009

@ Sefton

3x 20 arrow ends @ 8m in the morning

Significant break

4x 20 arrow ends @ 8m in the afternoon

Rain.

140 total shot.

Worked on just shooting without too much aim and relaxing. Initial 60 arrows was very tiring, afternoon arrows seemed a little better.

Concentrated also on control and keeping the bow arm and shoulder upwards. Was able to reduce the amount of drop, and move the arm upwards slightly. May be artificial post-drop push, would be better if the lift was immediately as part of left arm pushing. Hard to tell however without someone watching or video analysis.

Tuesday 21st July 2009, Outdoor Indoor practice

@ St Pauls

Warm, Sunny, light odd breeze. Very un-winter weather.

Due to the State/National Indoor Championships this weekend, one of our club members who is competing wanted to do some 18m indoor practice. Thus we shot a FITA Indoor 18m 600 and scored accordingly. I chose to use a 3 spot target face with a X-6 ring only.

2x 9 arrow ends @ 18m as warm up
10x 3 arrow ends @ 18m scoring, 40cm face
10x 3 arrow ends @ 18m scoring, 40cm face

6x 6 arrow ends @ 30m, 122cm face, no scoring.

114 arrows shot total.

The scoring from the ends:
1) 56 55 54 57 54 = 276,
Average round 55.2, round rating = 82,
Australian 18m 300 rating = 80

2) 50 55 53 51 54 = 263
Average round 52.6. round rating = 72
Australian 18m 300 rating = 70

With a total for the FITA Indoor 18m 600 = 539
Rating = 74

Not too shabby.

Points from todays shooting:

Control. Control. Control. Had excellent control in shooting the 3 spot face.
With increased control, shooting cycle time increased leading to fatigue.
Maintain relaxed state and release when the clicker is through and aimed, no rushing = good shots.
Pushing with the left arm helped immensely.
Still need to maintain a deep hook on the release hand as while taking time and relaxing, hand was opening up making it extremely difficult to get through the clicker.

Am aiming with right eye only, but this seems to be a distance issue since I could aim at 30m with both eyes open fine. Will have to work more on sight picture.

Saturday 18th July 2009

@ Sefton, after Kendo training

Not too cold, no wind, light fading. Used 2x 500W floodlight for last three ends.

10x 10 arrow ends @ 8m

100 arrows shot, no nocks damaged.

Bow shoulder is feeling stronger, getting better shot cycle rhythm. Must remember to start with deeper hook otherwise draw shoulder starts to get strained.

Thursday 16th July 2009

@ Sefton

Odd light breeze, slightly cool, dark clouds moving in.

All @ 8m

7x 10 arrow ends - Tuning using microphone for brace height.

3x 10 arrow ends

5x 9 arrow ends

Total 145 arrows shot.

Switched from 10 to 9 arrow ends due to snapping a nock with the stem inside the arrow.