ArcheryFocusArcheryFocusmagazine

Volume 5, Number 1, 2001 $5.00 The new Hoyt Axis. Raising the standards for recurve archery.

dowel,eliminates movement

The new Axis’ advanced bridge design produces a strong, stiff riser for a crisp in-the-hand feel and a release that’s one of the smoothest, quietest, most shock-free you’ll ever experience. The riser is also engineered to be ▼ New solid locking limb pocket slightly heavy at critical balance points for more stable aiming, reduced Hoyt’ snew poc ketsystem eliminates any limb shif tby securely lockingthe limb . vibration and absolute, consistent performance from shot to shot. Our Limbcap scr ew Limbpoc ket new solid locking limb system eliminates any limb shift that could rob Limbdowel - you of accuracy. Also new this year, we’ve reshaped the grip to give it a Limb allowsfort iller andlimb adjustment. thinner, more ergonomic feel that eliminates torque and pro- Limbad justmentwashers - Lo ckdown scr ew- allowslimb al gnment i adjustments securely lockslimb ag ainst motes relaxed hand position. www.hoytusa.com withoutthewor ry ofmi gration. .

Formore information onthe entire Hoyt line, visit ourweb site atwww.hoytusa.com orsend $2.00 for a 2000catalog to:Hoyt USA Catalog,543N. Neil Armstrong Rd., SLC, UT, 84116-2887 orcall 801-363-2990. Hoytbows are manufactured under oneor more of the following patents: 4,748,962; 5,020,507; 5,054,462; 5,495,843; 4,774,927; 5,678,529; 5,368,006; 5,682,871; 4,957,094; 4,819,608; 4,452,222; 4,060,066; and4,241,715. Contents Departments

9 ArcheryFitness Annette M. Musta Fitness Q & A 33 MentalSkills Lisa Franseen, Ph.D. Back To Basics – Mental Skills 101 43 Traditional Archery Dan Quillian Wooden Arrows – Myths and Truths 6 Equipment Review Pedro Serralheiro A Bow Report – The Merlin Max 2000 40 Equipment Review Roger Wheaton Taking Advantage—A Software Review Update 4 The Elite Archer Rick McKinney Simon Fairweather—Olympic Champion

F eatures V olume 5, Number 1 11 Special Feature Ty Pelfrey The Fine Art of Talking Trash 28 Special Feature Editorial Staff AFm—A Comprehensive Index (1997-2000) 19 Compound Tech 300 Larry Wise A Comparison of Forms 36 Recurve Tech 200 Mark Lonsdale Instinctive to Target—Making the Transition 15 Recurve Tech 300 Mark Lonsdale A Blueprint for Success

NAA News 22 NAA Male Athletes of the Year–Vic Wunderle 23 NAA Female Athletes of the Year-Karen Scavotto 24 NAA Team of the Year-Mens Olympic Team

The Official Magazine of the National Archery Association

archery focus 1 ArcheryFocus magazine techniques • traditional • bowhunting • 3D • field • instinctive • beginners • advanced • intermediate • recurve • compound • FITA • bows • arrows • quivers • tabs • releases • stabilizers • target sights • scopes • apertures • wind • rain • uphill • downhill • mental skills • practice routines • recurve equipment reviews • compound equipment reviews • travel • diet • exercise and fitness • product news • world championships • Olympics • NAA • shooter’s schools • brace height • feathers • vanes • arrow building • string making • buying bows • setting up bows • bow tuning • more bow tuning • clickers • shooting indoors • shooting at home • shooting outdoors • camouflage • letoff • cams • wheels • breathing • anatomy • back tension • shot dynamics • servings • nocking points • nocks • target mats • binoculars • spotting scopes • bow limbs • string materials • arrow rests • hunting sights • coaching • coach- ing children • anchor points • finger positions • draw weight • draw length • fletching • stance • sight leveling • sports psychology • visualization • competition • preparation • range estimation • paper tuning • cable guards • slumps • focussing • concentration • timing • routine • stress • nerves • target panic • tiller • fistmeles • draw-force curves • broadheads • form • tips • grips • shafts • computers • blank bales • . . . If it helps you become a better archer, it’s in Archery Focus magazine! Archery Focus Now Available On Line!

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Card Number Expiration Date Publisher Claudia Stevenson Editor Steve Ruis Managing Editor Claudia Stevenson Layout Steve Ruis E ditorial Writers Lisa Franseen, Ph.D Mark Lonsdale Rick McKinney New . . . uh, Improved! Annette M. Musta Ty Pelfrey Pedro Serralheiro elcome to Year Five of Archery Focus magazine! To celebrate we are Dan Quillian Wgiving AFm a new “look,” one we hope will enhance your reading Roger Wheaton Larry Wise pleasure. Let us know what you think. We also are debuting a new column, too. We finally convinced Rick Contributing Photographers McKinney to write for you elite archers. This will be a regular feature. We Lloyd Brown gave Rick carte blanche to write about anything that would appeal to elite Steve Hilger Bill Kellick archers and to those of us who aspire to be elite archers. We hope you enjoy Mark Lonsdale his profile of Simon Fairweather in this issue and all of his features to come, Rick McKinney as well. Andrew Ruis As editors, Claudia and I take pride in introducing you to new authors. Terry Snee, firstlight Photography In this issue you will find two articles by Mark Lonsdale, who debuted in our Claudia Stevenson last issue. Mark is a real find for us and you can look forward to hearing more from him in the future. He has a lot to say. [If you have something to say that Founding Publishers will help archers improve, don’t hesitate to call, email, or fax us. You may be Yoshi Komatsu touted as the next promising author in a coming issue.] Also, we managed to Rick McKinney Denise Parker talk Ty Pelfrey, an accomplished FITA barebow archer, into putting his pen to paper on a subject at which he is even more accomplished than archery—

ARCHERY FOCUS is published bi-monthly by trash talking. If you are looking for that last little bit of a competitive edge, Satchmo Productions, PMB 395, 664-A don’t miss his article. Freeman Lane, Grass Valley, CA 95949-9630. Roger Wheaton comes back with an update on the fabulous new capa- Postage paid at Nevada City, CA and addition- bilities of the computer software program Archer’s Advantage. It now does al mailing offices. force-draw curves, provides adjustments for uphill and downhill shots, and

Subscriptions has an arrow selector program that includes more than one arrow manufac- One year (6 issues) subscription rate is $20 turer. Finally a help to select arrows that isn’t trying to sell us something! [You (US), PMB 395, 664-A Freeman Lane, Grass can tell I’m high on Archer’s Advantage.] Valley, CA 95949-9630. International prices For those of you who haven’t been along for the full ride, we provide a upon request. Please phone 800.671.1140 or comprehensive index to our first four years. If you find articles whose titles fax 530.477.8384 for subscription rates. intrigue you, or are by your favorite authors and you haven’t yet read them,

Editorial Submissions back issues are available for purchase (see p. 27) and, of course available with Please submit editorial materials to: an OnLine Subscription. We hope to get the index online (in searchable Archery Focus magazine form) soon. PMB 395, 664-A Freeman Lane Grass Valley, CA 95949-9630 f you are going to be at the Fax 530.477.8384 IAMO show or Vegas, stop by The views published within this publica- our booth and say hello. Let us tion are those of the contributing writers know what we can do to make and do not necessarily represent the opin- AFm better or just come by to ion of Archery Focus magazine. chat. I hope to see you there.

Pre-Press and Printing by Georges and Shapiro, Sacramento, California, USA.

Cover Photo by Mark Timney

archery focus 3 Rick McKinney Simon Fairweather Olympic Champion

We asked Rick McKinney to write a regular column for us, one which we hope will have a very long run. We asked Rick to write about and for the elite archer. We gave him carte blanche to write about anything he felt would inform, instruct, or inspire elite archers and those of us who aspire to be elite archers. We are grateful to Rick for accepting this task. Ed. How in the world did Simon Fairweather win an Australia was going to host the Games and it was Olympic Gold Medal against one of the strongest important to make every effort to bring in fields in the history of archery? Not even being coaches to improve the Australian team in as ranked in the top 20 in the world, how could many sports as possible. This effort by Australia Simon beat archers who had the confidence, created some serious problems with Korea. They technique, and support that he was not consid- did not want to let go of their coach nor did they ered to have? Simple? No, there is more to this want the coach to share any knowledge. veteran archer than most people will ever realize. Australia won that contest in the end, then Mr. Lee had to deal with all of the political maneu- imon won the 1981 World Championships verings and mudslinging of Australian leaders, Sin Krakow, Poland by shooting a fantastic last coaches, and athletes. The Aussie way was not nine arrows in what was to be a short lived one of militaristic discipline as the Korean’s have Grand FITA Round. He was a very muscular shown in their culture! The fractured efforts of young man at the time, which is not considered the Australian way have been more the average to be a good asset. Most top male archers are in the entire archery world than the exception. more linear. He was also very quiet, more like a Although national archery programs are slowly strong introvert. Some considered him to be progressing, only two major programs have had stand offish, but because a person is quiet does a wide scale impact on worldwide archery—the not make them arrogant or stand offish. Once Ex-Soviet Union and Korea. The effect of the Simon allows you to get to know him, you will Soviet system is still seen in many new countries, find an unassuming man who likes neither the but the Korean system is without question the crowds, nor talking to the media, nor does he most organized and best disciplined. like any attention, but he will be your friend for With Mr. Lee coming to Australia, he real- life. ized that he had a monumental task ahead of After the World Championships in Krakow, him. Simon made a decision to come to the Simon was just another competitive archer who Australian Institute of Sport a few years ago to was a threat at the major events, but just could start training under the tutelage of Mr. Lee. Mr. not win or even medal (in Barcelona at the 1992 Lee completely overhauled Simon’s form and Olympics was 25th and in Atlanta during the technique. This is no easy feat. As a matter of 1996 Games was 67th). A few years back Simon fact, I do not ever recall an Olympic or World made the decision to allow the new Australian champion able to completely overhaul their coach to make modifications to his form, tech- form and come back to win another Olympic or nique and attitude. Mr. Lee, Ki-Sik, a world- World Championship title. When Mr. Lee renowned Korean coach who headed some of the changed the entire Australian team’s form he also strongest Korean teams in their history, came to worked on their attitude. There was a lot of pes- Australia to help the home team. After all, simism within the Australian archery family, but The Elite Archer The Elite archery focus 4 Mr. Lee did his best to ignore the port was all Simon needed, until the negative and focus on the positive. Olympic Elimination rounds began. Simon changed his form into the Then he had the support of a very Korean technique with an Australian enthusiastic crowd. Cheering him twist (modified to fit the culture and on, Simon became more and more physique) and then the problems. confident and showed the archery His score plummeted which was world as well as the rest of the world expected, but how does an elite ath- that he was not only capable, he was lete keep his confidence while deal- ready! His superb, methodical tech- ing with the low scores? It was not easy. The frustration nique kept getting better and better with each round he Simon showed was obvious. Simon shot in the World shot. His brilliance of solid 10 shooting was without Championships in Canada in 1997 and it was evident question a pinnacle that all archers wish to accomplish. that he had doubts. Winning at home in front of the home crowd, with Tara Although he liked his new style and technique it was and family looking on, with Mr. Lee encouraging him, not fun shooting the inconsistencies that comes with a no athlete could ask for anything more. The quiet, unas- massive change in style. In 1999 at the World suming 30 year old archer will get to move on with his Championships in France Simon finished 36th. It life with the satisfaction that he gave it his all and he appeared that he was not getting anywhere. Simon stayed found Gold. the course and with Mr. Lee’s guidance they worked on Simon jumped from 29th to 5th in the World rank- ing by FITA, the International Archery Federation after “An Olympic Gold Medallist these Olympics. I doubt that it will matter. He has stat- ed that this was his last tournament. If this is true, he will is not a normal person by be sorely missed. I, as well as many of his other admirers, anybody’s standards.” wish him well. his form constantly and it slowly started to improve. Was there enough time? It was doubtful. He was ranked 29th in the FITA World Rankings, a far cry from being a medal contender. Mr. Lee himself said it would probably take six years to develop the archers, instead of the four given. With three weeks to go before the Games started, Simon mentioned that he felt like he did just before the Rick McKinney is known as one 1991 World Championships where he won a World title. of the world’s greatest champions. His attitude was good on shooting his bow. His form He was born in Muncie, Indiana. His father was a professional improved considerably, but nobody predicted that he archer and managed a pro-shop would win this event. He even mentioned how he could there. His mother and brothers not wait until this event was over so he could become a were also archers. Rick won the 1977, 1983, normal bloke. This will never happen. An Olympic Gold and 1985 World Championships. He won the Medallist is not a normal person by anybody’s standards. US national Target Championships nine times, Field Championships six times, Indoor Championships three times and Collegiate imon mentioned that he has had considerable help national Championships seven times. He has two Sfrom his (read “virtually married”) girlfriend, Tara. Olympic Silver medals, 1984 (Individual) and She has worked while he trained. She has encouraged 1988 (Team). His best score is 1352. Rick is cur- him to pursue this at least one more time. He went from rently Vice President of Carbon Tech, a manu- facturer of arrows, in Sacramento, California. a long-haired, rather grubby archer to a clean-shaven, short-haired, elegant looking man. The philosophy appeared to be, “Give it 100% so you can leave it behind you if you want to after this event is over.” And of course, Mr. Lee was always there, encouraging him on. This sup-

archery focus 5 Pedro Serralheiro A Bow Report– The Merlin Max 2000

T M M    , Being, with pride, a Merlin Team member,  - ,   you might say that I can’t be objective in this        bow report, but instead of telling you that it is . the best bow on Earth, let me be your guide on this report, so you can make your own decision. But, who’s Merlin? Merlin is a premier European bow company. It was started in 1975 when Chris Jones (the owner with his son Ben Jones) decided to manufacture an English made compound bow. So after closely studying other bows, Chris produced his first compound bow. Merlin of England was founded. Taking every opportunity to compete at the international level throughout Europe and America, the Merlin brand was starting to get noticed, culminating in 1985 with winning the MIDAS business award, for excellence in inno- vation and manufacture. Ben joined the company at the age of 16, continuing his education part time. In 1990 the first CNC Merlin handle, called Omega, saw the light. Merlin was one of the first companies to realize the potential of machined risers, even before great companies, such as Hoyt and Browning. At this time Ben‘s education paid div- The Merlin Max 2000 Bow idends because he is the one who knows how to work with CNC machines. Can you imagine that this bow comes from a Today Merlin has some of the most sophis- single block of aluminum alloy? Yes, today CNC ticated software systems, capable not only of machines (computer controlled lathes and mills) producing machined components, but also 3-D seem to put no limits on the fertile imaginations modeling and mold tools are designed and pro- of engineers. The new Max 2000 handle is here duced in-house. just to prove it. Major bow manufactures offer Now Merlin’s services have been required several machined handles with more or less work throughout the world, supplying bows to on it, and even small bow companies can be in National, European and World champions. business because a fully machined handle can be They are proud of their tradition and will con- put in production with minimal tool cost. But tinue to provide and service what they consider

quipment Review Merlin’s Max handle strikes out from the crowd, to be the finest bows anywhere in the world. being a piece of art where every detail is taken in The Merlin Max 2000 is no exception to the toaccount. company’s standards; it features modern design, E archery focus 6 outstanding high-quality construction, and shooting profile to satisfy the most demanding archer.

Specifications Axle length 40˝ (41˝ is available in option) 1 Brace height 7 ⁄2˝ (8˝ on longer axle) Let-off 65% Mass weight 3 lb 9 oz Riser length 23˝ Draw length range 23 to 32˝ Draw weight 30 to 70 lb in 10 lb increments IBO speed 285 fps Shoot through system available Polished anodized finish in red, blue, violet, black, gold, aqua, silver and mossy oak

The beautiful, slim handle has a total length of 20.5˝; of machined art with such details as a cut-out for the however, the pivoting free limb pockets overlap the ends thumb knuckle, a 3 degree grip offset and, being only 1˝ of the handle so that the overall length of the handle wide including the lateral plates, it is virtually torque free assembly is 23˝. The machined limb pockets are mount- (see photos above and below). ed at the ends of the risers with pivoting axles, so the At the arrow pass the handle is drilled and tapped 5 limbs pivoted on that very same axle (see photo). ( ⁄16˝ 24 UNF) to lock an arrow rest or a plunger. The standard AMO two-hole sight-mounting pattern is locat- ed on the offside of the sight window. You will find below the grip, and on the same plane, two drilled and tapped 5 holes ( ⁄16˝ 24 UNF), with no inserts, one for a stabilizer on the back and the other for a cable guard on the face of the handle. The cable guard provided is well made and does the job perfectly. The handle is beautifully finished with a smooth anod- ized finish in a variety of colors. Structured fused compression (SFC) limbs are well secur- ed in limb pockets. The free pivoting limb pockets are well made with a These are recurve good finish. Merlin has a Dual Locking Pocket fully limbs with an increas- CNC-machined to keep fixed limb positions through all ed limb angle from poundage adjustments. They are fitted with secondary 13 degrees to 22 Pocket Locks and limb bolt securing systems. The bolt degrees, which helps limb nut is drilled and tapped so you can lock down the eliminate recoil. The limb bolt, so it won’t move. limbs are 16 inches The sight window has an effective length of 6.7˝. the long and have a con- main window part is cut past center with an additional stant width of 1 inch. 3 cut of ⁄8˝on arrow pass. Not the greatest clearance I have The thickness follows seen, but enough for a 2512 arrow with 5˝ spiral vanes. the typical hinged- The basic geometry of the handle is slightly reflexed with limb pattern, being the low point of the grip on the center of the handle with thickest at the butt 3 the arrow pass 1 ⁄8˝ above. The grip section is also a piece and the tip and thin-

archery focus 7 7 ner in the center section where the principal The power cable length is 40 ⁄8˝ and the string length is bending takes place. The area at the base is 57˝ for Cam1, 54˝ for Cam2 and 50˝ for Cam3. A reinforced by a pair of structural washers con- shoot-through system is available as an option. nected by a through-bolt that sits in the bot- tom of the slot. The SFC limbs are manufac- Shooting the Bow tured with the most advanced composite My bow came factory assembled with a low cable guard materials available. They offer a lot of tough- not screwed down. With this quality bow you can only ness and structural performance. Merlin‘s mount quality accessories on it. So I chose a PSE upper manufacturing skill ability allows them to cable guard (as I said before it’s a personal choice), a strategically place fibers in high mass areas, Toxonics PS 100 sight with a Merlin scope, a Spigarelli forming a flowing, even curve that gives a magnetic rest, a Genesis quick mount, and an Easton controlled flex over the length of the limb X10 stabilizer. Directly behind the stabilizer I use an during the drawing of the bow. The limbs Okie hydraulic dampener. comes with in black faded to gray with the The cams Max 2000 logo (see photo left). come synchro- The complete bow in hand is only 3lb 9oz being one nized from the of the lightest on the market. Being light has some real factory and, after advantages, because if you need light weight, it’s already more than seven there, but if you like heavy bows on hand you could put months of shoot- those extra weights where you like them the most. ing, I have not On limb tips are what you may find to be a huge needed to resyn- cams, but surprisingly, or not, due to Merlin’s attention chronize them. to detail, they are smooth to draw, hold your anchor like Tuning this bow a rock (thanks to the draw stops), and are simple to is a breeze; I use adjust to change draw lengths. Using three cams (1, 2 zero nock travel, and 3) with 9 modules (marked A to H, with an F1 and equal tillers, a “D an F) Merlin Max covers draw lengths from 23 to 32 loop“ on the inches. The modules are changed by unscrewing two string and a Car- well-located screws. Draw length changes do not affect ter back tension release. The draw length is 26˝ and the peak weight and can be done without the assistance of a draw weight light at 40lb. With this setup I am bow press (see photo below). impressed with the speed the Max delivers, 242 fps with The string and cable system are made from the new an ACE 620, 26˝ with 85gr. point and insert, and 186 age materials with no creep. The yoke comes from a split fps with a 2512, full length with 125gr. point. After 60 power cable and is attached on the outside of the axles. shots through the chronograph, with the ACE arrows, I had only three readings different from 242 fps, one 240 fps and two 241 fps. With the heavy arrows I got five dif- ferent readings in 60 shots, one 180 fps, one 190 fps and three 187 fps. That’s consistency! I found it very easy to aim with the Max and the grip is a great insurance against hand torque. The Merlin Max 2000 will reward your good shooting form with credible scores. For more information you can reach Merlin at their web site, www.merlin-bows.co.uk/index.htm. Pedro Serralheiro is a medical doctor who lives with his wife and daugh- ter in Portugal. Pedro has won numerous recurve and compound championships. His most impressive statistic is that of the 153 individual events he entered, he won 124!

archery focus 8 Annette M. Musta FitnessQ&

Question I am older and I have had heart prob- weights are preferred to exercise machines. lems but I still want to exercise. Can I exercise? Isometric exercises (any exercise involving a con- How should I modify your exercise programs to traction of a muscle without a corresponding fit my needs? movement of a joint or body part) must be Answer Yes, you should exercise. Exercise is avoided. important for everyone to keep in good health. The correct exercise program can greatly reduce Question How hard should I exercise when I am the risks associated with heart disease including running? for those with prior cardiovascular problems. Answer All cardiovascular exercise should raise Your exercise program should consist of both your heart rate to your “Target Heart Rate FitnessArchery cardiovascular and strength conditioning ele- Zone” to be effective for cardiovascular condi- ments plus flexibility exercises. tioning. Use the following formula to calculate There are certain considerations for those your Target Heart Rate Zone (for healthy with a previous heart problem in designing an adults). You will need a calculator and a watch exercise program. First, you must have clearance with a second hand. to exercise from your physician. A personal First, take your resting heart rate. Take your trainer would require written clearance from the pulse while you are sitting down or before you physician before working with the client in any exercise for fifteen seconds at one of your pulse manner. In addition, your physician should pro- points. (Place two fingers on the side of the neck vide you with specific guidelines regarding the directly under the jawbone - see picture). Count duration and intensity of your exercise program. the number of beats you feel in fifteen seconds. The information should include an upper limit Multiply this number by 4 to calculate your rest- heart rate as well as any limitations on physical ing heart rate in beats per minute. activity. If you do not have this information, ask Second, use the following formula your doctor for it along with medical clearance 1. Your maximum heart rate = 220 – your cur- before you start your exercise program. rent age and maximum heart rate – your rest- Once you have received medical clearance, ing heart rate = reference number you can begin your exercise program. Follow 2. Multiply your reference number by 0.5 = your physician’s guidelines. Low impact aerobic lower limit reference. Add your resting heart activity is usually recommended. Examples of rate to the lower limit reference to find the low low-impact aerobic activities include walking, end of your Target Heart Rate swimming, and riding a stationary bicycle (a sta- 3. Multiply your reference number from Step A tionary bicycle can be regulated much easier by 0.75 = upper limit reference. Add your rest- than a traditional bicycle). Target heart rate must ing heart rate to this number to find the be carefully regulated and should not exceed the upper end of your Target Heart Rate recommended heart rate of the physician’s guide- For example, I am 33 years old with a rest- lines. Strength training should be an integral ing heart rate of 60 beats per minute. part of the recovery program using very low 1. 220 – 33 = 187 (my maximum heart rate) weights and high repetitions. Generally, free 187– 60 = 127 (my reference number) archery focus 9 “You should not build up huge muscles, espe- 2. 127 x 0.5 = 63.5 + 60 = 123.5 round- cially biceps.” Question I want to lift weights but I ed up to 124 for my Lower Target don’t want huge muscles. What can I do? Heart Rate limit Question I have been lifting weights but 3. 127 X 0.75 = 95.25 + 60 = 155.25 rounded down to I am not building up huge muscles like I want. What can 155 for my Upper Target Heart Rate limit I do? When performing my cardiovascular exercise, I Answer The weight programs in my articles are intended should aim for a Heart Rate between 124 and 155 beats to strengthen, tone, and condition your muscles. You per minute measured by taking my pulse or using an should not build up huge muscles, especially biceps. accurate heart rate monitor. There are two distinct programs for strength condi- To achieve health benefits from cardiovascular exer- tioning. To tone and strengthen muscles, use lighter cise, you should spend a minimum of 30 minutes in your weights and higher repetitions. Everyone can tone their target zone at least five times a week. muscles through a strength program—old, young, male or female. For a complete list of strengthening exercises Question All of your exercises use dumbbells, I belong to refer to AFM Volume 4, Issue 5. a gym. Can I use machines (for my strength training pro- Only a very few individuals are genetically capable of gram)? building large “action hero” muscles. These individuals Answer Yes, you can. I include exercises using free follow an intense, carefully monitored strict weight lift- weights because they are accessible to everyone. A good ing program. To maximize your own muscle size and set of free weights (dumbbells) can be purchased for a strength, perform your weight routine using higher reasonably small sum of money and used in the smallest weights and fewer repetitions. It is absolutely imperative of spaces. Anyone can successfully use free weights to you get tested to find out your “one rep max” for each tone and condition. muscle group. A certified trainer or exercise physiologist Exercise machines can also be used successfully. It is with strength and conditioning credentials can test you imperative to have proper training in the use of each of and develop a safe effective program for you. It is equal- the machines. Ask the trainer at your gym for instruction ly important to learn and maintain proper form while and make sure you use the proper form to prevent doing your exercises. Improper form will only lead to injuries. injury, not muscle growth. Never lift more weight than you can lift using proper form. If you must break your Question I keep doing my strength exercises and I am form to lift the weight, reduce the amount of weight. gaining weight! Help! Finally, eat a healthy diet and get adequate rest. Answer You are gaining weight because you are building muscle. An equal volume of muscle weighs more than fat. Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue so your muscle weight is good weight. However, you must also include regular cardiovascular conditioning in your exercise program to lose weight. You should perform 30–45 minutes of cardiovascular exercise five times a Annette Musta is a certified personal trainer who owns and operates her own business, week. It is important to keep your heart rate in your ARH Sports and Fitness in Pensylvania. She Target Zone (see Question above) to achieve health ben- has been shooting for 24 years, but not seri- efits from your cardiovascular conditioning. Finally, to ously (she says) until the last five years. She lose weight you must consume fewer calories than you has been a professional ballet dancer (which use. A pound of fat equals 3500 calories. You must have is why she is known around the ARCO Training Center as “the dancer”) and is currently a licensed pilot. She is the founder and a net loss of 3500 calories to lose one pound of fat. Executive Director of the Pass the Torch Foundation, which Increasing your physical activity by 250 calories a day matches school age children with athletes training for interna- and decreasing your intake by 250 calories a day will tional competition. enable you to lose a pound of fat a week.

archery focus 10 elfrey P

Special Feature Ty ploiting divorces, past arrests, job loss, past arrests, ploiting divorces, 11 imply stated, the more you know about know you more imply stated, the tart out small, and build the foundation. S S Ex lf-composure and well-paced retaliatory and well-paced lf-composure ecting a sound mental game on your peer is ecting a sound mental game on your eakness obing for “the weakness” takes mastery and weakness” obing for “the eadpan delivery are and masked sincerity our friends the more anti-focus ammunition anti-focus our friends the more be arsenal. But, ou can accumulate within your ecalled models? … Three people on the line are Three ecalled models? … and acute physical ailments or body types are and acute physical ailments or body asking, within against the unwritten code. But is a arrest earshot of others, about a fictitious get out when did you “Say pleaser. good crowd a side- by the deliveryThen is followed of jail?” I ways glance at upturned heads with, “Sorry, thought everybody knew.” Er their to have are volleys verbal essential if future intended impact on the trained synapses of your competitor. Lack of Emotion D essential elements to trash talking. Raised eye- winking, side-ways glances, and moder- brows, all time tested and approved, ate giggling are all no out- though unwritten, etiquette. Above should be com- physical signs of distress ward municated to the adjacent audience or assailant. Se now … Little bold wearing your National Team National your … Little bold wearing now is the bet- Where … coat to a local competition ter half?” y y guns, and a calculated bows, careful!—loaded wit can be dangerous! W Pr friend, and com- that your Noticing perception. is tinkering with his new and very expen- petitor, of the that one “Is sight is almost too easy. sive r price—how selling sights just like that for half noticed all of the lat- pay? . . . I’ve much did you shot with that type of sight, of are est top scores experienced shooters behind the course those are equipment . . . .”

archery focus archery

The behind–the The Fine Art of

king Trash Trash king l

ou listen carefully you can hear the casu- you ou listen carefully y uidelines to trash talking do exist, and uidelines to trash talking do exist,

The more familiar you are with your com- with your are familiar you The more If G oundaries of Familiarity dult-on-child trash talking is unacceptable— ut the unwritten rules of this subtle communi- xperimenting with trash talk on a shooter you our bow does not sound right …. Is that your right …. Is does not sound our bow ersation does not qualify as errant sound waves. ersation does not qualify as errant sound elationship is essential. Oddly effective trash effective elationship is essential. Oddly the kids can take care of themselves. of themselves. the kids can take care personal concerns and non-archery life, petitor’s impact focused trash talking can have the more hair your performance. “Is on the recipient’s laundry shirt, own do your thinning … Nice may only be spoken to your current friends, past current may only be spoken to your trulyfriends, or those you wish to alienate. E Trash the title “Jerk.” met will earn you just have or non-peers. mother, is not to be spoken to your A B is no need talking trash to someone you There or current A prior relationship do not know. r have been reinforced since childhood. Trash talk- Trash since childhood. been reinforced have experi- through ing is a learned skill, nurtured in adolescence, and practiced by ence, refined the negative and believe agree adults. Historians actually served self-pre- exchanges a higher more serving purpose, but on the archery range such the devised to erode endearing comments are there But mental game and practiced self-focus. rules …. are

Snapping can impact even the most experienced Snapping can impact well thought out shot. archer’s Ta –shooting–line cracking and sounding strategi- –shooting–line cracking memorycally wraps the neuromuscular in a shell and self-destructiveof self-conscious doubt ego- centrism. on the al, non-emotional banter behind and shot, shoot another…. Are shooting line, “Nice morning?…. still on every Saturday the Smurfs Y in the black or mine?” A lot of this con- arrow v B an art form, or strat- cation could be considered rulebook. as any FITA as complicated egy, replies should parallel high scores and good archery form. the sport, and age of the competitors. No need to trash Do not show weakness or increased tonality. Vocal crack- the archery official, or bark from behind the shooting ing is a sign of stress and a point getter for your vocal line, we get enough of that unrefined trash talking in adversary. busy freeway traffic. Showing any outward sign of suffering or anger only opens the door for more focused trash delivery. The Friendship astute capper will store their competitors’ sore spots in The sport of archery is best kept friendly. Sharp arrows, long-term memory for later and timely use. matched with accurate archers, blended with a catalyst of anger can lead to another Agincourt or Cre´cy. Trashin’ is Small Crowd best kept among friends and close acquaintances. No Humans enjoy a show. Free entertainment has no greater comments should be at the expense of friendship. Jest, value. Today’s competitive adults are occasionally the not anger, is the key to optimum trash talking perform- same kids that once circled around fighting playmates or ance. Keep in mind you’ll probably be eating a steak, or encouraged teenage verbal jousting with inspiring quips having a drink with your friend at the end of the tourna- like: “He burned you man . . . you going to take that . . . ment. Forethought to that event can help you distract ohhhhhhhh.” These childhood attacks were the precur- your competition, “How about ‘loser buys tonight,’ you sors to esteem destroying laughter at the defeated have plenty of money, and I didn’t bring my wallet. What pugilist’s expense. There is no need to drop verbal H- is the score?” bombs for the benefit of the crowd. The crowd should be on the fence as to whether the Mother Jokes competitor’s oral exchange is sincere or sardonic. Overt “Your mama is so … she ….” The popular media, kids vulgar language and crude speech have no place in a on the playground, and comedians often support this tournament. Tirades of obscenities from a verbally killer approach to doing the dozens. The technique is impaled colleague indicate checkmate – game over, but nearly guaranteed to incite riot, and result in physical no winner. Pressing too many personal buttons goes injury in the hands of a novice – especially with an beyond denting your friend’s mental focus and verges on unknown and new archery acquaintance. Mother jokes mean spirited and antisocial conduct. have no place on the archery field. Such puns and intri- You’ve probably seen, and heard, the explosion of cate rhymes assaulting motherhood are aimed at the tension and misplaced aggression at tournaments before. jugular. Their intent has historical benefit, which I’ll later Pressing one’s opponent to this breaking point is consid- explain; besides your mother taught you better than that. ered bad form and strictly against elite trash talking rules. Attempting to seek complete mental meltdown of your Vulgarity competitor is known as going for the jugular or the kill. Capturing the crowd is essential for true victory. Given This catastrophic behavior is unnecessary. the length of the tournament a sophisticated two-day Even Little Leaguers chant the “Hey . . . batter, bat- verbal roast of your peer may be in order and on your ter.” And this chorus of young voices is considered menu. But just like a good steak, you don’t want the acceptable—its intent to distract the batter. But the adult cooking overdone if you desire the flavor and enjoyment that yells from the stands, “Ump, you need glasses” is to remain. Meals are a gathering of people for enjoyment pegged as a Jerk. Trashin’ must stay within the context of and nourishment so always proceed in good taste. archery focus 12 “Exploiting divorces, past arrests, job loss, and acute physical ailments or body Overt vulgarity while you are dissin’ within earshot of your adversary. is similar to quadrupling the garlic, types are against the Planting the seed goes something and oregano in a time tested recipe. unwritten code.” like this, “Yesterday I shot an arrow Leave well enough alone those completely off the target. I was busy ingredients in life that we live with, listening to the people behind me but need not have magnified. Consider the official at any instead of focusing on the target.” Consider the practice tournament the manager of an upscale rural restaurant. like those now illegal subliminal flashes of Coca-Cola The patrons are dressed in official white and blue and and popcorn on the screen at the movie theater. enjoying a delicious meal of bull’s-eyes, Bermuda grass, Utilizing your competitor’s name, mid sentence, is a and sunscreen. If you choose to toss too much spice in subtle distracting element for the advanced trasher. “See the meal, a prudent manager replaces the cook at the Mike there, notice his bow arm, and how rigid . . . see request of the patrons. Be a good cook, watch the sea- Mike’s head moving.” The human mind has been trained soning. since birth to respond to its given name. Utilizing this quirk of human behavior can give the trash talker uneth- Humiliation ical advantages. One’s own name can be their Achilles Humiliating someone is considered absolutely unethical heal. “Usually Mike is dead center every shot. Today he archery behavior. Appropriate laughter should be sought is off a little.” Attempted cerebral manipulation can at all times. Laughter with the competitor and not at the backfire. Archers strong in their mental game can be competitor should be cultivated. Self-inflicted trash can inspired to “tune out” the trash, and other distractions often rattle the concentration of your intended target as leading to improved scores. I believe Tiger Wood’s father they are setting up for their shot—in a light conversation gave this gift to his now focused son. Continued on the Next Page

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archery focus 13 o’clock in the two ring? . . . could be the new gold ring on your left hand.”

Historical Intent Historically, trash talking has been called the dozens. Historians differ on the origin of the term dozens. But consensus on the intent of the game is fairly universal. The attacking dialogue evolved to harden the mental skills and willpower of the partici- pants. Doing the dozens has roots back to Africa, and early American Slavery. Verbal insults were exchanged, and practiced, to teach self-control, stoicism, and non- physical response. Any outward sign of emotional distress, or anguish was consid- Never point out the aged equipment of a struggling ered losing. archer or newcomer to the sport. Encouraging words and Put into context imagine a slave owner insulting his helpful buying tips are warranted, if asked for. But new slave. The recipient had to retain self-control, in lieu of shoes, quivers, and gadgets of the overindulged and physical retribution by the owner for disrespect. In early wealthy are fair game – pinky rings included. “For crying times vulgarity, mother jokes, and any offensive attack out loud you must have $500 in that quiver, and . . . it was considered good play and that carry over is what we appears your new arrows . . . is that your group at nine now see in contemporary culture. Friends trash talk one another to build their concen- tration skills, and imbed the cerebral matter with unso- licited advice. Although not the sport of kings, trash talk- ing will continue to exist on the playground, in the streets, and between friends as they push the limits of concentration and competitiveness. Just last week my arch rival, and friend, called my favorite hat a “giddy-up.” Which only primed his next comment, as I walked to the shooting line. He showed me the first place sticker on his most recent archery accomplishment, and added “Do you recognize this? . . . Oh, that’s right, all of yours have a two on them. Hurry, you are up on the line.” It is unacceptable to trash a friend who isn’t present, so a pseudonym will need to suffice, “Hey Mike, I have all summer off . . . what are you doing June, July and August . . . do you have time to practice?”

Ty Pelfrey is a vice-principal of a middle school in Northern California. He was a little taken aback when Claudia asked him to write an article on trash talking. But, being an academic he consulted a history of doing the dozens, and with his not inconsiderable experience, he felt he had sufficient background for this article. “I’m still not sure why she asked—I may have been trashed while I was on the shooting line when she asked,“ said Pelfrey. Ed.

archery focus 14 Recurve Tech 300 Mark LonsdaleMark Continued on the Next Page Continued on the Next or Success designing a long-term training program, f

15 The training calendar will allow you to man- you The training calendar will allow The training program will give you specific you will give The training program keep track you The training journal is where In ithout these, you are just a recreational shoot- just a recreational are ithout these, you lance type calendar and a blue pen and mark in lance type calendar and a blue pen and mark ou must find time to train, travel, and compete, ou must find time to train, travel, eminder of coming events. eflect the hard facts of your progress. A period- progress. facts of your eflect the hard W training goals or method er lacking any defined training aids These three of tracking progress. navigates which an archer make up the map by the “long path of many his or her way down small steps.” and it will serve time well age your a constant as r performanceand keep the training focused goals must take program The training and on track. triad for into consideration the well-worn and Spirit— Body, human performance—Mind, and kept in all of which must be trained, honed also the added archery are With there harmony. format technical aspects of equipment, match all of these and and exterior ballistics. Mastering formal training keeping them in balance requires and monthly, that is best managed with weekly, annual training goals. These will of competition and training scores. r of the journal will highlight weakness- ic review es or performance a direct plateaus and will have training programs. affect on future THE CALENDAR asset of an athlete is The single most valuable all the other demands of life, With training time. y and the training calendar will facilitate that. It’s emphasized. importance cannot be over to begin with an annual it is recommended taking a Month-at-a- by Start training calendar. G the exact dates of all local, state, and national archery focus archery

so, you have accepted the have so, you

If eveloping a Personal Training Program Training a Personal eveloping if you are one of those rare indi- one of those rare are if you D

, Ed.), evaluated your personal situa- your evaluated , Ed.),

r, Blueprint ve Part Two

AFm we mpion.”

The simple act of writing down an idea and The simple act of writing down That said, and assuming we are now on the now are That said, and assuming we Ho ithout a plan, your most valuable commodity, most valuable ithout a plan, your eapon system at a distant paper target, a target eapon system at a distant paper target, eality of the situation and understand that a eality of the situation and understand seeing it on paper (or on the computer) is the could be It first step to making that idea a reality. to drawing up plans for a new house compared or mapping out an itinerary in the for a long trek training pro- proposed your mountains. Seeing home the gram on an actual calendar will drive are much time you of just how added reality title of of that elusive about to commit in search “cha THE PLAN intent on improv- are The plan or strategy if you documents: a training ing is composed of three and a journal. a training program, calendar, training time, will be wasted and energy will be expended with minimal returns. same page, as it were, it is time to make a plan. it is time same page, as it were, W viduals who can derive satisfaction from the sim- satisfaction from viduals who can derive seeing it of launching a good arrow, ple pleasure the air straight and true,fly through and then to at least consider the ready are strike gold, you ahead. journey arduous that is of no threat to you and cannot even be and cannot even to you that is of no threat satisfaction will be in The only personal eaten. doing this better than any other stick-launcher in the country or on the planet, and for that you gold. real will get a gold medal that is not even large portion and money may be time of your significant than going into nothing more a once primitive launching pointed sticks from w tion and are ready to make the commitment to tion and are ready to becoming a champion. r

I hope you have read Part 1 of this series (see last 1 of this read Part have I hope you issue of A The new FX limb.

competitions, including required travel days. This will allow you to design a monthly training program to build up your skills for each specific type of event and match format—indoor, outdoor, NORs, etc. These dates can be pulled from club calendars, state archery association and NAA websites, and newsletters. Still using that blue pen, also mark in all the training camps and semi- nars that you plan to attend that year. This will allow you to organize your school or work schedule well in advance to better accommodate these events. Always keep in mind that a tournament or formal training camp can be many times more beneficial than individual or club training and so should be given considerable priority. State, national, and international competitions will also give you a first hand opportunity to evaluate your own performance under tournament conditions (nerves and pressure) and to rub shoulders with the champions who you’re either modeling yourself after or hoping to one day out-shoot.

he Zen of archery tells us that every shot should be executed perfectly T and that we think not of the competition, but only perfect execution of that perfect arrow. However, in the high stress world of the elimination format of Olympic archery, the stress and presence of the other archer is both real and unavoidable, making competition experience that much more important. The next step is to take a red pen to that annual calendar and block out all the days or weeks where you have other non-archery related obligations: work, school, travel, trade shows, family vacations, and other unavoidable commitments. Now, still with that red pen, but working on a week-by-week basis, mark in all your required hours at work or school, family commitments, kid‘s soccer games, church, and other personal obligations. What you are left with at this point, in between all the blue and red ink, is the time avail- able to you for archery and fitness training. In those remaining blank spaces, Introducing the new generation of you can now begin to pencil in your weekly training schedule. Hoyt limbs. The FX. Its new However this is also the time for another reality check by asking your- unique limb design produces more self if in fact you have the time for a significant amount of training. In initial stored energy, which in archery, as with most sports, repetition is the key to success, which requires return delivers a faster energy frequent training sessions augmented with a healthy and active athletic life- style. transfer for greater arrow speeds. Plus, the FX maintains a smooth ost national champions and Olympians have had to sacrifice many pull through the critical “clicker Mpersonal activities, time with their loved ones and even their jobs to zone”, making it the fastest, create the required training time to have a realistic shot at making the team or going for gold. If you are still determined to keep up that bowling league, smoothest limb you will ever shoot. party on weekends, and play golf on Sundays, then you are not making the sacrifices necessary to be an archery champion. (Note: the author quit school in his late teens to tour with the national judo team then moved to France for almost two years to train at their national sports institute. Later in life, when he became involved in competitive shooting, he quit a very www.hoytusa.com lucrative job and founded a shooting school just so that he could spend For information, call (801)363-2990 more time on the range training.)

archery focus 16 “In the high stress world of the elimination format of Olympic archery, the stress THE TRAINING PROGRAM Also keep in mind that as you The training program is a week-by- and presence of the other progress, you can expect quantifi- week process that needs to be con- archer is both real and able improvements to become stantly tweeked and adjusted to suit smaller. Where initially, a minor your progress and performance— unavoidable.” change suggested by your coach may both of which are being tracked in a cause a ten-point increase in your journal. The weekly training program dictates which scores on a particular exercise, the same cannot be days you hit the gym to work on strength or cardio expected at the higher levels. As you approach a compet- capacity, which days or evenings are set aside for archery itive level of performance, you will spend many hours practice, and which nights you will practice with profes- fine tuning your technique and struggling for every sin- sional coaching. gle point. But as either a mid-level or competitive archer, The monthly training program is more reflective of a training journal is still essential to track progress. short-term training goals. Improvements in either form or fitness do not hap- TIME MANAGEMENT pen over night, so your training goals should be spaced at Shooting for one or two hours every day is the ultimate reasonable intervals to avoid frustration and to best gauge goal, but access to a range may be a problem. Most seri- your progress. For the mid-level archer on a good train- ous archers have an area at home or near their home ing regime, thirty days should be sufficient time to expect where they can shoot on a regular basis. Initially, and at to see quantifiable improvement in training scores, but a minimum, archery should be practiced every other day. may not be equally reflective of competition perform- The same is true for strength and fitness workouts. This ance, which is more of an annual training and perform- will give fingertips, arm and back muscles time to repair ance progression. Continued on the Next Page

archery focus 17 “The key factor in any train- ing is to keep thinking, acting, and training like themselves and adapt to the new or rain should not be considered a demands. Over-training or having a a champion.“ total loss. Mental exercises and visu- too aggressive training schedule can alization are also extremely impor- cause painful injuries, fingertip swelling and tendon tant. Take a quiet moment to close your eyes, (preferably strain that will severely inhibit future progress. not while driving to work unless you are in a car pool) So assuming you work an eight-hour day or have school and mentally visualize the entire draw, aim, release and studies like most mortals, but still have your evenings followthrough process, right up to and including seeing free, a training program may look something like this: that arrow strike the X ring. This will subconsciously Monday Morning – Run or Cycle for 30 minutes program and condition your mind and body for a perfect Monday Evening – Gym for Strength training 1 hour winning form. Tuesday Evening – Archery practice 2 hours The key factor in any training is to keep thinking, Wednesday Morning – Run or Cycle for 30 minutes acting, and training like a champion. It is only through Wednesday Evening – 1 hour of Coaching before Club this regular, disciplined training and sacrifice that an Practice (2 hours) archer can develop the skills and gain the confidence to Thursday – Archery practice 1 hour push through slumps, training plateaus and mediocrity. Friday Morning – Run or Cycle for 30 minutes Friday Evening – Gym for Strength Training 1 hour tay tuned for Part 3 of this series which will detail the Saturday Morning – 1 hour of Coaching / 1 hour of per- Sprinciples of Training Progression and modifying your sonal practice training program based on your training journal. Sunday – Club FITA tournament/practice 4-5 hours As you draw close to a major match, the frequency and intensity of archery practice can replace the time spent in strength training. A serious archer will also begin trying to take half days off work or getting out of school early so as to have a few more hours of daylight for train- ing. (I am not suggesting teens cut school, but non-aca- demic electives and school sports may have to take a back Mark Lonsdale is a professional seat to archery practice.) training consultant for law enforce- Additional spare time such as lunch time and time ment and military special opera- watching TV can be used for stretching exercises and tions teams. He is also a former judo and shooting champion and con- practice just drawing a bow, but even with the above light tributing writer to several publica- schedule, you are still getting four or five archery sessions tions. He is currently involved in a a week for total of 13 hours bow time, plus 3 1/2 hours study of the cross training values of of fitness training. If something has to be cut, it should archery. not be the coaching sessions or tournament practice. Days where you cannot train because of work, travel

archery focus 18 Larry Wise AComparison of Forms Recurve/Fingersvs.Compound/Release Compound Tech300

Have you ever tried to explain the difference the two styles of shooting is the same and between shooting a recurve bow with fingers practicing both will prove that to you. and shooting a compound bow with a release aid Practicing both will also improve your main to someone else? You might start with the fact style of shooting by helping you give new that the draw strokes feel a lot different, but focus to certain parts of your form. what about the form you use to execute the shot? How much different are the two disci- Full Draw Position plines? How similar are they? Can both use Full draw position is reached when your the same form and can one coach teach both draw-side scapula is positioned and readied styles? for the execution of back tension. This means Before getting deeper into this topic I’d that it is near the spine but not as close as it like to remind you that in the previous issue can get. Some room must be allowed for more of this magazine I described the function of movement toward the spine when you con- the rhomboid muscles and their level of activ- tract your rhomboid muscles to finish the ity during a well-executed archery shot. To shot. review, I’ll simply say that the rhomboids It seems to me that this position is the must continue to increase in their intensity of same no matter what bow you are drawing. contraction throughout the shot. Relaxing The only difference might be the amount you them after reaching full draw is not an option raise your drawing elbow, but that shouldn’t if you want to achieve consistency in your affect your scapula height. Once again, your shooting. That goes for any style of shooting, form is the same for either recurve or com- recurve or compound. pound to this point in your shot execution.

Similarities Arrow Movement Use of the rhomboid muscles is only one of During the draw of the bow the arrow, of the similarities of the two course, moves across the disciplines. What else is “80-90% of the form of the arrow rest. When you the same? Surprisingly, reach full draw position just about everything is two styles of shooting is the with a release-drawn com- the same about shooting same and practicing both pound bow you stop compound-release and arrow movement and hold recurve-fingers. From set- will prove that to you.“ it stationary during the 5 ting your stance through to 8 second aiming drawing the bow the two are the same and sequence. The low holding weight of the only become different after you reach full compound allows the shooter time to be still, draw position (some say anchor point but, I aim, and bring the shot to conclusion. With prefer to avoid that term when possible) this lower demand on the physical output where you set your shoulder blade in prepara- during the aim you can be more precise in tion for back tension. final shot execution. And you have to be This means that 80-90% of the form of Continued on the Next Page archery focus 19 “Archery is a two step sport. Step One Learn to shoot a ten. Step Two Repeat Step One!” because the competition is. while you are aiming in a sta- As you reach full draw posi- tionary position so that when tion with the recurve you dare not and should not enough micro-movement has been achieved, the stop arrow movement across the rest. This is the release aid uncouples from the string and the arrow is biggest difference in the two shooting styles. Full draw, unlike the compound, is where you must exert maximum energy with the recurve. This high output leaves you little time to take a leisurely aim. Instead you must prepare your aim while drawing and reach- ing full draw position so that little time has to be spent aiming as you conclude the shot. To conclude the shot you must further contract your rhomboids. Continued movement of the arrow must accompany this contracting so the arrow moves smoothly across the rest and through the clicker. Any stoppage of arrow movement during this process will result in “shot stall” which is very costly in energy consumption. It also inhibits aiming at the worst pos- sible time. A smooth, continuous draw is more con- sistent once mastered.

Shot Completion Completing the shot with a release aid requires a very launched. subtle control of your rhomboids. This contraction The big difference with the recurve is the move- control enables you to move your drawing shoulder ment of the arrow during the aim. This movement and attached arm to set off the release aid. All the slows and is very controlled, but it exists. When enough movement has occurred the arrow point slips through the clicker, it sounds its click, you hear it and relax your string fingers. Once again, all of this must take place with peak weight on the string and energy output at a max. Obviously, the recurve discipline is more demanding physically as far as energy output level is concerned. The compound may not require as high a level of energy output at full draw but the control and concentration you must have over a longer time frame makes it just as demanding.

Conclusion Yes, the two disciplines are different—but not until you have reached full draw position. Both are very demanding if you plan to reach the highest levels of competition and succeed. Both require great disci- pline in the form steps preceding the full draw posi- tion. No shot will be good unless it is built on solid, fundamental form. You might get some “good land- ings” with other than solid form but not enough and not for long. Far more is possible if you have many “good launchings” as a result of good form. Any good coach can teach you the basics of

archery focus 20 shooting form. Once you estab- lish that, you can learn the subtle differences of shooting recurve with fingers or compound with release. Just don’t forget to learn the basics. Then the task becomes repeating them, regardless of which style you choose to shoot. Remember Archery is a two step sport. Step One Learn to shoot a ten.Step Two Repeat Step One! “Repeat” can only be done if you learn good basic form first. And that’s mostly the same for either style of shooting.

Shoot straight, keep well.

Larry Wise

Larry Wise is an archery coach and an author of four books on archery: • Tuning Your Compound Bow • Tuning Your Broadheads • Bow and Arrow • A Complete Guide to Tuning and Shooting Your 3-D Bow All are available from: Larry Wise RR#3, Box 678 Mifflintown, PA 17059

archery focus 21 Vic Wunderle NAA Male Athlete of the Year

Vic Wunderle of Mason City, Illinois was select- ed as the 2000 Male Athlete of the Year by the National Archery Association’s Board of Governors.

Competing in his first Olympic Games, Wunderle won the sil- ver medal in the men’s individual competition in Sydney. He added a bronze medal to his VIC WUNDERLE - 2000 Accomplishments collection two days ➢Won individual silver and team bronze later in the men’s team medals at 2000 Olympic Games round. Ranked 27th in the world at the start of ➢Ranked #2 in the U.S. 2000, Wunderle, 24, vaulted up to 5th place on ➢Ranked #5 in the world the world ranking list by virtue of his perform- ➢2nd at National Target Championships ance in Sydney. ➢Won U.S. Open ➢Won World Archery Festival Wunderle also won his third consecutive U.S. ➢2nd at National Indoor Championships Open title and captured the World Archery ➢2nd at Arizona Cup Festival in Las Vegas. He placed second at the ➢2nd at Poland Grand Prix National Indoor Championships, National Target Championships, and the Arizona Cup. Wunderle also earned the individual silver and team gold medals at the Poland Grand Prix in August. This marks Wunderle’s third time as NAA Athlete of the Year, having previously been named in 1994 and 1999. NAA News

archery focus ® 22 NAA Corporate Sponsor NAA News

Karen Scavotto NAA Female Athlete of the Year

Karen Scavotto of Enfield, Connecticut was named the 2000 Female Athlete of the Year by the National Archery Association’s Board of Governors.

Scavotto, 18, enjoyed a banner year that culminated with a 14th place finish at the Sydney Olympic Games. She won the National Indoor Champion- ships, National Target Cham- pionships, U.S. Open, Junior National Indoor Champion- ships, Gold Cup and World Archery Festival. Scavotto also was the top qual- ifier at the Junior World Trials, finished fourth at the German Grand Prix and won a team gold medal at the Grand Prix of Turkey. KAREN SCAVOTTO - 2000 Accomplishments st She was ranked 1 in the U.S. and climbed as ➢Ranked #1 in the U.S. th high as 4 in the world during the year, finishing ➢Ranked #11 in the world th 11 on the world ranking list at the end of 2000. ➢Won National Target Championships Scavotto set three national records, two outdoor ➢Won U.S. Open junior world records and one indoor junior ➢Won National Indoor Championships world record during the year. She was named ➢Won Junior National Indoor Championships United States Olympic Committee Female ➢Won Gold Cup Athlete of the Month for August following her ➢Won World Archery Festival win at the National Target Championships in ➢Won team gold medal at Grand Prix of which her tournament total of 2,681 shattered Turkey the previous mark of 2,655 set in 1991. ➢1st at Junior World Trials ➢4th at German Grand Prix ➢14th at Olympic Games ➢Set outdoor Junior World Records at 60 meters (344) and 50 meters (335) ➢Set indoor Junior World Record for 18 meters (582) ➢Set three national outdoor records

® archery focus NAA Corporate Sponsor 23 Men’s Olympic Team NAA Team of the Year

The 2000 U.S. Men’s Olympic Team was named NAA Team of the Year by the NAA Board of Governors.

The team of Vic Wunderle, Butch Johnson and Rod White captured the bronze medal in the team round at the Sydney Olympic Games. Their 27-arrow total of 255 (out of a possible MEN’S OLYMPIC TEAM- 270) in their opening round win over Sweden set 2000 Accomplishments an Olympic record. The team also won the ➢Won bronze medal at Sydney Olympic Poland Grand Prix and U.S. Open, placed third Games at the Arizona Cup and finished fifth at the ➢Set Olympic Record with 255 (27-arrow Grand Prix of Turkey. Ranked 6th in the world at round) the start of 2000, the men’s Olympic Team ➢Won gold medal at Poland Grand Prix moved up to 4th on the world ranking list by ➢Won gold medal at U.S. Open year’s end. ➢3rd at Arizona Cup ➢5th at Grand Prix of Turkey ➢15th at German Grand Prix NAA News

archery focus ® 24 NAA Corporate Sponsor ® archery focus NAA Corporate Sponsor 25 archery focus ® 26 NAA Corporate Sponsor Archery Focus Back Issues Back Issues of Archery Focus magazine are US$. each, which includes shipping and handling in the U.S. Call for international shipping prices. Call ... or fax ... or write PMB , -A Freeman Lane, Grass Valley, CA . Supplies are limited.

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archery focus 27 Archery Focus magazine from 1997

1-1 Dave Feil The Importance of Proper Arrow Selection CT100 1-1 Bobby Ketcher Selecting a Riser Design to Meet Your Needs CT200 1-1 Robert Ragsdale Aim Hard CT300 1-1 Lisa Franseen, Ph.D. Bows, Arrows, and the Mind MS 1-1 Jennifer Furrow Purchasing Your First Olympic-Style Bow RT100 1-1 Courtney Lane Personal Training Programs RT200 1-1 Don Rabska Bow and Arrow Compatibility RT300 1-1 George Tekmitchov Archery, the Internet, and You SF 1-1 Jennifer Furrow Did You Know … (1-1) SF 1-1 Rick McKinney Shaft Selector Plus (Product Evaluation) SF 1-1 Marcia Wyman Youth Archery Camps SF 1-1 Walter Rueger Field Archery Today SF 1-1 Editor Kyudo Archery SF 1-1 Bob Anderson More Fun than a Bowhunter Should be Allowed SF 1-1 Randy Chappell Who Shoots 3-D? SF 1-1 Sheri Rhodes How to Get Ready For Sydney, Australia SF 1-1 Frank Pearson Bow Tuning Made Easy SF 1-2 Sonny Fiala How to Determine Your Draw Length CT100 1-2 Scott Schultz Grains Per Pound CT200 1-2 Larry Wise Bow Efficiency by Example, Part 1 of 2 CT300 1-2 Ralph Ramos Purchasing Your First Hunting Bow Hunt 1-2 Lisa Franseen, Ph.D. Dealing With Shooting Stress MS 1-2 Jennifer Furrow How to Destring a Recurve Bow RT100 1-2 Rick McKinney How to Use a Clicker RT200 1-2 Don Rabska Advanced Shooting Technique for the Modern Archer (Pt 1) RT300 1-2 Jennifer Furrow Did You Know … (1-2) SF 1-2 George Tekmitchov On the Web SF 1-2 Rick McKinney Cobra’s Triaxis Pro Vector Sight (Product Evaluation) SF 1-2 Diane Watson Field Archery and 3-D—Are They the Same Game? SF 1-2 Nathan Lipscomb Which 3-D Tournament Tour is for You and Your Family? SF 1-2 Lloyd Brown Getting Kids Started in the JOAD Program SF 1-2 Editor The NAA Offers Olympic Opportunities and More SF 1-2 T. J. Conrads What is Traditional Archery? Trad 1-3 Kirk Etheridge How to Paper Tune Your Compound CT100 1-3 Terry/Michelle Ragsdale Anchor Point CT200 1-3 Larry Wise Bow Efficiency by Example, Part 2 of 2 CT300 1-3 Chuck Adams Scouting Your Game Hunt 1-3 Lisa Franseen, Ph.D. Relaxation is the Target MS 1-3 Jennifer Furrow-Fonua The Bow Hand RT100 1-3 Rick McKinney Blank Bale Tuning RT200 1-3 Don Rabska Advanced Shooting Technique for the Modern Archer (Pt 2) RT300 Volume 1 1997 1-3 Jennifer Furrow-Fonua Did You Know … (1-3) SF Volume 2 1998 1-3 George Tekmitchov Binocular and Spotting Scope (Product Evaluation) SF Volume 3 1999 1-3 Tom Bishop International Archery SF Volume 4 2000 1-3 Art Hall Start Your Kids in a Lifelong Sport They’ll Never Outgrow SF 1-3 Tom Shatzer How Important are Field Archery Clubs? SF 1-3 is the third issue 1-3 T. J. Conrads Tune Your Traditional Bow for Best Performance Trad (May/June) of 1997, etc. 1-4 Dale Keene 65% Versus 80% Letoff CT100 ndex 1-4 Randy Ulmer Turkey Feathers CT200 1-4 Kirk Etheridge Debunking Range Estimation CT300 I archery focus 28 A Comprehensive Index through 2000

1-4 Lisa Franseen, Ph.D. Shooting in the Mind’s Eye MS I 1-4 Jennifer Furrow-Fonua Nine Steps to Shooting RT100 1-4 Rick Stonebreaker Finish the Shot! RT200 ndex 1-4 Don Rabska Successfully Shooting the Modern Olympic Bow RT300 1-4 Jean Vercigne International Archery SF 1-4 Travis Turner 3-D Archery SF 1-4 Jim Easton Olympic Archery SF 1-4 Ken Rogers Field Archery SF 1-4 Ann Baken Youth Archery SF 1-4 T. J. Conrads Hunting With Traditional Equipment Trad 1-5 Drew Wilcock Choosing a Release CT100 1-5 Perry Ratcliff Tiller Tuning CT200 1-5 Larry Wise Wheel Timing: Why and How CT300 1-5 Lisa Franseen, Ph.D. Visualization, Part 1 of 2 MS 1-5 Jennifer Furrow-Fonua Shooting at Home RT100 1-5 Jackson Fear Setting Up Your Recurve Bow RT200 1-5 Juan Carlos Holgado Critical Analysis of Finger Tabs RT300 1-5 George Tekmitchov Detowis Pocket Press (Product Evaluation) SF 1-5 Editor Future Bowhunters SF 1-5 Editor NAA Nationals SF 1-5 Editor FITA World Championships SF 1-5 Jack Wallace II 3-D Tournament Coverage SF 1-5 Rick McKinney NFAA Nationals SF 1-5 T. J. Conrads Choosing a Traditional Bow … Which One’s Right for You? Trad 1-6 Note There were only 5 issues in 1997. 2-1 Drew Wilcock Peep Sights: What Do They Offer a Shooter CT100 2-1 Phillipe Humez Learn From the Best: Equipment Survey CT200 2-1 Larry Wise Getting a Handle on the Compound CT300 2-1 George Tekmitchov Equipment Review of Two Olympic Sights ER 2-1 Lisa Franseen, Ph.D. Visualization, Part 2 of 2 MS 2-1 Jennifer Furrow-Fonua Are Your Arrows Flying Straight RT100 2-1 Denise Parker Increase Your Return on Practice RT200 2-1 Don Rabska Setting Tiller for a Recurve RT300 2-1 Editor Interactive Archery SF 2-1 Denise Parker Geena Davis SF 2-1 Rick McKinney The World Nature Games SF 2-1 Denise Parker Scouts Program on the Rise SF 2-2 Drew Wilcock Adjusting Your Release CT100 2-2 Bobby Ketcher Judging Distance Like the Pros CT200 2-2 Larry Wise Stabilizing Your Bow CT300 key 2-2 George Tekmitchov Get Off My Case! ER CT 100 Compound Tech 100 (etc) 2-2 Drew Wilcock Quicktune Rest ER RT 200 Recurve Tech 200 (etc) 2-2 Lisa Franseen, Ph.D. Goal Setting: Don’t Read This Article! MS MS Mental Skills 2-2 Jennifer Furrow-Fonua Stance RT100 Hunt Bowhunting 2-2 Rick McKinney What Type of Fletching is Best? RT200 ER Equipment Review 2-2 Don Rabska Special Training Tech’s and Aids for Learning Scapula Motion RT300 SF Special Feature 2-2 Denise Parker Ski-Archery SF Trad Traditional Archery 2-2 T. J. Conrads Traditional Leather Goods Trad FitArchery Fitness 2-3 Drew Wilcock Basic Compound Setup CT100 Continued on the Next Page archery focus 29 3-1 Dudley John 3-1 LarryWise 3-1Wilcock Drew 3-1Tekmitchov George 3-1 Chuck Adams Session? Practice 3-1 What is a Perfect Stuff of the New the Most Making Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, 3-1 and Gadgets Gidgets Basics Cable Guard Furrow-Fonua Jennifer 3-1Weight Body Your and Performance is DominantWhich Eye to Determine How Gerard Mike 3-1 for Hunters Fletching Arrow Rabska Don 3-1 Randy Ulmer3-1 Grant Ed 3-2Wilcock Drew Truth of 3-2 The Moment Dudley John 3-2 of Feeling a Matter It’s (3-1)Tip 3-D RT100 LarryWise Ulmer’s 3-2 CT200 Chapman George 3-2 ER Things The Scoop on String Tekmitchov George 3-2 Recurve Bows Traditional MS Chuck Adams Shooting Hill and Down for Up Sight Bow 3-2Your Leveling for Compounds Sights Target The FEEL of the Bow Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, 3-2 CT200 Effects and Its Limb Matching Furrow-Fonua Jennifer 3-2 Psychology Sports to Ask … About Hurts Never It Length and Draw Weight Draw Your Calculating Gerard Mike Hunt 3-2 Broadheads Choosing & Using CT300 Rabska Don ER 3-2 Randy Ulmer3-2Vien Louise 3-3 Wilcock Drew MS and the Body Geometry RT100 Connection Form 3-3 Shooting Good GNAS Coaching Manual MethodTuning Compound Basic Shafts Arrow Diameter 3-3 RT200 for Small Tips Tuning RT200 (3-2)Tip 3-D LarryWise Ulmer’s 3-3 RT300 CT100 Serraheiro Pedro 3-3 CampTraining Archery Ski Shot Dynamics SF Tekmitchov George 3-3 Trad Chuck Adams ER 3-3 CT300 is Beautiful Silence Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, Bearings? or Ball Bushings 3-3 RT300 Cams and Speed Rick McKinney3-3 Hunt Teacher is Our Failure ER Gerard Mike 3-3 Camouflage for Archers Effective Rabska Don 3-3 Randy Ulmer3-3 Body Positioning Upper CT200 Fry Grant 3-4 Wilcock Drew ClickerYour 3-4 Controlling LarryWise 3-4 Archery Injuries (3-4)Tip 3-D Chapman George Ulmer’s 3-4Tekmitchov George 3-4 SF Gearing Up SF Chuck Adams ChildrenYoung Coaching 3-4 Shooters for Release Compound Bows Super-Tuning of the Shot Signpost The Aperture: Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, 3-4 One Aid: Part Release The Back-Tension Using Rick McKinney3-4 ER and Refocusing Focusing Hunt Rabska Don CT100 3-4 or Release? CT300 Fingers Gerard Mike 3-4 ER a Clicker Furrow-Fonua Jennifer Try to Want 3-4You So MS CT300 Positioning Anchor and Finger Rabska Don 3-5 CT200 RT100 Chapman George 3-5 Performance Better For Breathing LarryWise a PlanThat Have Sessions 3-5 of Practice The Importance RT200 Ruis Steve 3-5Them to Quiet and How Compound Bows Noisy Serraheiro Pedro 3-5 ShotYour Finding ER Ruis Steve SF SF RT300 Two Aid: Part SF Release the Back-Tension Using Arrows Perfect The Art of Making CT100 Hill and Down Up on Shooting Word Last Very The MS RT100 Windows for Advantage Archer’s CT100 RT300 CT300 SF CT200 Hunt ER SF ER 2-3 Ketcher Bobby 2-3 LarryWise 2-3Tekmitchov George 2-3 Wilcock Drew 2-3 of a ProTechnique The Practice to KnowWanted You than Risers—More Bow Olympic Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, 2-3 Furrow-Fonua Jennifer 2-3 to Ask! Hurts Never It Cam Bow the Single Understanding Anchor Point Parker Denise 2-3 ER Alternatives Stabilization Rabska Don 2-3 Rick McKinney2-3 Parker Denise 2-3 and Self-Image Conscious, Subconscious, Beckley Bill 2-3 Editor2-3 Championships Indoor European II Part Scapula Motion, Editor2-3 Archery Shoots Montana Joe J. Conrads T. 2-4 CT200 Wilcock Drew 2-4 Flavor CT300 with a Non-traditional Roots 4-H Archery—Traditional Dudley John SF 2-4 Larry Wise2-4 BowTraditional RT200 TekmitchovYour for Shafting Arrow George 2-4 Ski-Archery ChampionshipsWorld First You for Rest The Right Arrow Skrabo John 2-4 Archery Festival World to KnowWanted You than Material—More String Chuck Adams for 3-D I Use 2-4 Should Which Arrows MS ER Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, 2-4 Draw Length Your Tuning Parker Denise 2-4 SF and Meditation Mindfulness RT100 Rick McKinney2-4Trigger Adjusto Carter’s StandTree a From Shooting Rabska Don 2-4 ER R. Fry Grant RT300 2-4 Trad SF ArmYour Hitting to Stop 4 Steps J. Conrads T. of Fletching Points … the Finer Tape 2-5 & Glue, Jigs, SF Wilcock Drew 2-5 Dudley John 2-5Tournaments of Shooting The Importance CT200 LarryWise Session CT100 Practice JOAD An Effective 2-5 BowTraditional RT200 TekmitchovYour with Shooting Gap George 2-5 the DifferenceThat Make Things the Little It’s Chuck Adams2-5 to KnowWanted You Than Limbs—More Bow Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, Bow into a Hunting 3-D Bow 2-5Your Changing SF Rick McKinney2-5 CT300 … Parents Dear Cable System Shoot-Through Brown Lloyd 2-5 MS for Game Bows Quiet RT300 Rabska Don Hunt 2-5 RT100 CT100 Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, Issue … A Critical 2-5 Point Nocking ER Carlson Jessica Trad 2-5 ER CT200 Early Program on a Mental Kids Started Getting Randy Ulmer Shooters Round Olympic of Successful The 7 Habits 2-5 SF J. Conrads T. 2-6 for Success Schedules … Planning Training Wilcock Drew 2-6 College Archery Dudley John 2-6 RT200 (2-5)Tip 3-D Larry Wise Ulmer’s 2-6 Shooting Instinctive Dudley Understanding John SF 2-6 A Little Serving ServiceTekmitchov George 2-6 CT300 Chuck Adams RelaxationThrough Panic to Cure the Off-Season 2-6 Using to Know RT100 Wanted RT300 You Than More Mats, Target Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, 2-6 Wheel System Napier Lloyd Furrow-Fonua Jennifer CT200 2-6 Strings Zebra Routine It Making Choosing the Right Fletching Mike Gerard2-6 Hunt Basics Hunting Foot Rabska Don 2-6 MS Randy Ulmer3-1Wilcock Drew ER Tips Trad Recurve Tuning Bow the Right Feel … Getting Grips Bow (2-6)Tip 3-D Ulmer’s The Scoop on Scopes SF CT100 SF CT300 RT100 RT300 MS Hunt ER RT200 SF CT100 archery focus 30 Continued on the Next Page Continued on the Next key chery Fitness r 200 200 (etc) Tech Recurve

unt Bowhunting tA rad Archery Traditional CT 100RT 100 (etc) Tech Compound MSH ER Skills Mental SFT Review Equipment Fi Feature Special Bows Trad 4-1 Kronengold David 4-1 Norris Pat 4-1 Larry Wise4-1 In Sighting Carmichael A. Ron 4-1 Serraheiro Pedro 4-1 Software Annette M. MustaTargetPlot … the Record For 4-1 Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, New Bow a New What Makes 4-1Tip Wheel 2 Part It, to Make Furrow-Fonua and How Jennifer to Make Strings-What Bow 4-1Training 1 Part Cardio Tough, Mentally Students Your Making Armguards Gerard Mike 4-1 de Bondt Robert 4-1 ER Carlson Jessica 4-1 Quillian Dan 4-2 a Champion to Be Want You So Orlandi Rocky 4-2 An Aiming Exercise Pellerite Bernie 4-2 MS Need? Really You What Do ER Preparation, Tournament Larry Wise4-2 1 Serraheiro Part Shooting, Instinctive Pedro Traditional 4-2 Alone It Going Annette M. Musta4-2 and RainWind In Shooting CT200 Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, SF 4-2 3 Part It, to Make Furrow-Fonua and How Jennifer to Make Strings-What Bow Those Archery Muscles 4-2Training 2 Part Strength Tough, Mentally Students Your Making The Indoor Bow at Home Up Setting Carlson Jessica CT100 4-2 Rabska Don 4-2 ER LarryWise 4-2 RT300 Quillian Dan 4-3 Art The Fundraising Ragsdale Michelle Trad Fit 4-3 CT300 Orlandi Rocky 4-3 Fun? Having MS You Are RT100 Larry Wise4-3 Loud Out Cryin’ For of Eilon The Bows Fit Hand Bow Shooting—The Instinctive Chad Clifford Traditional RT200 4-3 Annette M. Musta4-3 #1 Problem? Archery’s Be Length—Could It Draw CT200 Klemme Robin 4-3 Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, 4-3 Up Warming Performance Bow Tension Back Furrow-Fonua Jennifer 4-3 Psychology Sport to Ask—About Hurt Trad Doesn’t It Problems? Encountering Karl A. Stolleis CT100 4-3 CT200 vs. Fieldpoints Broadheads Gerard Mike 4-3 RT100 Stratton Lyle 4-3 CT300 Quillian Dan 4-4 Rain (Rain Gear) Rain … I Hate Washburn Charley 4-4 MS Shot RuisYour of Out Steve Tension Some 4-4 Take RT200 Larry Wise ChildYour Losing Child—Without Your Coaching 4-4 Archery Club a Field of Joining The Benefits RT300 the String On Fingers Wheaton Roger Your Putting CT100 SF School Shooter’s The NFAA Tuning Computer-Aided Bow SF Line Your What’s CT100 RT100 Hunt RT300 RT200 ER CT300 Fit Trad CT200 ER CT300 et Up Your New Bow New Your et Up RT300 300 100 portance of Shooting Indoors portance of Shooting oups RT200 ooter’s School on Video School on ooter’s ER rings-What to Make and How to Make and How rings-What to Make ump? Techniques for Continued Techniques ump? est arrow for the Jobest arrow RT200 uning Methods RT100 Journey raditional Archery? A Personal rad itness! Fit mprovement MS 3-5 Chuck Adams for BowhuntersControl 3-5 Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, Sl Hunt I a In Scent 3-5 Furrow-Fonua Jennifer T Basic 3-5 Gerard Mike Gr 3-5 Rick McKinneyRT 3-5 Quillian Dan for T Tuning T a Grip! Get 3-6 Ruis Steve Im Why CT100 3-6 Kronengold David Them Advantage Cams-Using to Your CT200 The 3-6 Modular Larry WiseCT300 3-6 Serraheiro Pedro St It3-6 ER Fit Nock Ruis Steve Bow Sh 3-6 Annette M. MustaF 3-6 Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, On … Archery The NFAA 3-6 Life Goes Furrow-Fonua Jennifer Bow New a Brand Up Box-Setting of the Out RT 3-6 Gerard Mike B 3-6 Rick McKinneyHow to S 3-6 MS Quillian Dan Traditional and Fistmeles, Bowstrings, Choose the Stabilizers- archery focus 31 Index key chery Fitness r 200 200 (etc) Tech Recurve

unt Bowhunting tA rad Archery Traditional CT 100RT 100 (etc) Tech Compound MSH ER Skills Mental SFT Review Equipment Fi Feature Special 4-4 Annette M. Musta4-4Timney Mark 4-4 Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, 4-4 Muscles Stabilizer Your Strengthening Matsuda Brooks 4-4 Coach a Better Becoming Karl A. Stolleis4-4 Archery to Olympic Guide A Bowhunter’s Gerard Mike 4-4 Club! a FITA Serraheiro Join to Go? Where Pedro Know Lost? Don’t 4-4Timney Mark 4-4Training Cross Quillian Dan 4-5 Wojciechowski Eric Disorders Heat ShotYour of 4-5 the Pace Controlling RT100 Larry Wise4-5 of Archery The Zen Karl Stolleis A Attitude Successful Adjustment Fit 4-5 Hunt Lee Matthew and Anchor The Draw 4-5 Annette M. Musta4-5 Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, 4-5 Bow Your Sighting Fonua Jennifer 4-5 Program An Exercise Designing Speed Arrow of Shooting Sick Carleton Jessica for the Little Ones The Right Stuff 4-5 MS Serraheiro Pedro 4-5 Kerry Jaeger4-5 RT300 the Basics Enjoying Quillian Dan the Point?4-6What’s - Practicing Bale Blank the Fun! Fonua Not Jennifer the Sun, Stop 4-6 CT100 Lee Matthew 4-6 LarryWise 4-6 Search Club’s - One Members New Finding Carleton Jessica Aiming Instinctive RT200 4-6 Archery Safety Annette M. Musta4-6 Ph.D. Lisa Franseen, Colour and Relaxation4-6 SF Trad SF ER McKenna Steve Fit 4-6 RT200 for Archers Ideas Gift Flexible of Being The Importance Comfort ZonesView - A Scientific Tension Back Gerard Mike 4-6 Lonsdale Mark 4-6 Ruis Steve CT200 to Be SF Coached?4-6 Want You Do Timney Mark 4-6 Quillian Dan a Coach? to Be Want You Do MS Competition Goals CT300 SF RT100 Camp is Calling for Archers The Snow Training Archery NAA’s Equipment Traditional CT300 Fit Trad CT200 CT100 RT100 ER RT200 MS SF SF RT300 Trad

Rick McKinney’s Book “The Simple Art of Winning“

Rick McKinney has won numerous competitions during his 30+ year career, including the ‘77, ‘83, and ‘85 World Championships. He has put the essence of archery in this book with many photos and illustrations. If you are frustrated, tired of chasing perfect shooting form, or cannot break your old high score, you need to read this book! US$24.95 The $24.95 fee includes postage within the United States. All international orders must include an extra $5.00 shipping fee. Archery Focus magazine PMB 395, 664-A Freeman Lane, Grass Valley, CA 95949-9630, phone 800.671.1140 fax 530.477.8384

archery focus 32 Lisa Franseen, Ph. D. Back to Basics– Mental Skills 101

I have been writing articles for Archery Focus I can pretty well guess that all of you who magazine since it began in early 1997. That adds answered these questions answered yes to at least up to 23 articles in which I have covered topics one of them. How do I know this? These questions ranging from specific mental skills to mental address the most basic ways that our minds inter- toughness, from working with an archer as a coach fere with our performance and, unless we are men- or parent to struggles like slumps and target panic. tally perfect (which I don’t believe is possible), most As I sit here pondering the content of my 24th arti- people struggle at some level in these areas. cle I ask myself, “What haven’t I written about?” I Is answering yes to any or all of these questions find myself searching for a new topic, for the latest, a bad thing? Of course not! It only means that you, newest strategy to further help your shot. as everyone else, need to return to basic mental As I observed myself searching, I also became skills training and commit to setting goals around

aware of the importance of review and the signifi- improving these skills so that your mind interferes M cance of making sure we haven’t forgotten the sim- as little as possible with your shooting. Answering ple basics. Rather than always searching for some yes means that simply shooting arrows in practice new “trick,” we need to stop, reflect, and make sure and focusing on technique isn’t enough to reach our potential. Answering yes only reinforces the

that we have the basics covered. It is too easy, for ental Skills example, to think “Oh sure, I use visualization,” importance that you actively address the mental when really we aren’t using it effectively, or “on pur- side of archery. pose,” and we’re spending more time looking for Your mental skills atrophy when you don’t something else to enhance our game. continually work on them, just like your muscles In this context, I’d like to ask each one of you atrophy when you don’t exercise them. And there these questions: are always ways in which you can push yourself to ? Do you continue to shoot better in practice become mentally tougher even after developing a than in competition? good foundation of mental skills. The point is to ? Has it been a while since you’ve seen a consis- not stop working on them (or playing with them, tent improvement in your scores? whichever way you look at it)! ? Do you still get too nervous for competitions? or not psyched enough? Reviewing the Basics ? Do you get distracted when you’re shooting Let me review the very basics of mental skills. If and lose your focus? you’re not sure what mental skills are, it’s a good ? Are you still beating yourself up when you time to read a book on the topic. There are many make mistakes? great sources out today. If you are already familiar ? Do you find yourself reacting emotionally to with the following then, as you read them, think of the outcome and forgetting about the process ways you can further incorporate them into your of archery? Continued on the Next Page archery focus 33 “Each one of us chooses how we will react to everything shooting sequence and into the game that happens. This is the breath and a positive statement. of archery. only control we have in life, Remember, any goal can be better 1. Deep Breathing This can be used reached if it is visualized and every to control nervousness (muscle including on the champion uses visualization frequent- tension and heart rate, among archery field.” ly and purposefully other processes), to improve our 4. Self-talk Becoming aware of focusing abilities, to quiet our minds, and to bring us what we’re saying to ourselves is one of the most pow- into the present moment. All of these are crucial in erful tools of control. Our thoughts affect our emo- shooting successfully. I speak about diaphragmatic tions, our confidence, our level of muscle tension, our breathing in all my sport psychology workshops and ability to focus, and how well we shoot. Positive usually have an athlete tell me, “I used to use deep thoughts give us positive results; don’t give room for breathing a lot. It really helped. I wonder why I quit?” anything else. Breathing is normally an unconscious process thus Designate a practice day a week with the goal of lis- making it quite easy to be unaware of. It takes a con- tening to your self-talk. Identify the situations that tend scious choice to become aware of our breathing and to to lead you down a negative track and practice talking use it as a tool in our shooting. I believe every archer yourself out of those situations. For example, if you should make this choice. A great source on breathing catch yourself saying something like, “What is wrong can be found in Science of Breath by Swami Rama. with me today—I can’t shoot!” then practice replacing 2. Relaxation This includes deep breathing, can be used that with, “There is nothing wrong with me today, or to control nervousness during competitions, further ever. I’m not perfect and all I can do is shoot my best brings us into the present moment, and is the prelude for today.” to visualization. Although it’s better to be a little nerv- 5. Goal Setting Proper goal setting (and I say “proper” ous than not at all, it is detrimental to be too nervous. because many goals are actually useless or even destruc- Even if you’re not overly nervous for competitions, tive) increases focus, motivation, and direction, our relaxation training can teach you to better read your feelings of success, and our sense of confidence. The body and to know when your muscles have become most common mistake is to only set outcome goals and tense or your heart rate has increased. to forget about process goals. Outcome goals tend to The best place to begin learning relaxation is focus on our place or score in a competition. Process through progressive relaxation training. Bookstores goals focus more on immediate, here-and-now behav- often have relaxation tapes available for sale. Start at iors performed with each shot, or even between shots. home, then use in practice, and then eventually in They also include mental goals like “I will take a deep competition. breath before every shot in the elimination rounds.” 3. Visualization or Imagery Used interchangeably, Goals need to be: realistic, challenging and yet visualization or imagery is a powerful technique that achievable, flexible, measurable, small and simple, and helps train the body to respond automatically and with- focused on positive. Goals should be set for each season out the conscious mind. During a competition, it is (e.g. indoor and outdoor) and reviewed each month. ideal when we can trust our bodies to take over and Goals should also be set for each day in practice, as well shoot perfect shots. This enables the mind to be quiet as each tournament. They will depend on what you’re and unengaged, rather than full of worry and trying to needing to do at that time to reach your season goals. control the shot. 6. Refocusing Techniques are crucial for those times in The process of visualizing also greatly increases our competition when we have lost our focus or when ability to focus and can be used to rehearse any situa- things are not going the way we had hoped. It is most tion in which we would like to respond differently than helpful to have a plan of the specific techniques you we might tend to. For example, if you tend to get angry will use when particular situations occur. Include in when you make a mistake, visualize yourself making a your plan techniques like meditation, deep breathing, mistake and responding calmly, perhaps with a deep relaxation, cue words, mental routines, positive self-talk

archery focus 34 and affirmations. Write the plan down on index cards. them head on. Make a plan. Talk to your coach. Work with Have it in your bow case for quick reference or in your a sport psychologist. Read some books. Most importantly, quiver. Visualize yourself effectively using your plan. consider that your obstacles in archery might be mental 7. Personal Responsibility Learn to be accountable for obstacles and not due to form, technique, or equipment, your own performance. Stop blaming others. When lack of time, or weather, or …. things aren’t going your way, look to yourself to see (Note Each one of these topics what you can do differently to change the results. has been discussed in more Each one of us chooses how we will react to every- depth in a previous issue of thing that happens. This is the only control we have in Archery Focus. Consider order- life, including on the archery field. For example, we can ing back issues through the choose to go to practice focused, with set goals, as well editors.) as we can choose not to get angry when we don’t per- form to our expectations. Take responsibility for your choices! Dr. Lisa Franseen is a clinical and sport psychologist in Denver, Colorado Are You Committed? and works with athletes throughout the U.S. She first began working with archery in 1994 while at Now that you’ve reviewed the basics, make this your year of the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. From really committing to mental skills training! Go back to the there, she has continued to help archers of all levels improve their performance through mental skills training, including questions I asked in the beginning of this article. Check the elite archers at USAT training camps, international compe- ones to which you answered yes. The tendency is to think titions, and the Olympic Games. Lisa also teaches sport psy- chology for the NAA Level 3 and 4 Archery Coaching “Yea, I need to work on that,” but then to not give it anoth- Certification Courses. er thought. Instead, make yourself feel good by tackling

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archery focus 35 Mark Lonsdale Instinctive to Target Making the Transition

Making the transition from instinctive shooting technique, however, has its limitations, particu- to target archery has been an interesting, and larly at longer ranges. sometimes frustrating process, one that could have taken much longer without the diligent assistance Form of my coach Don Rabska. So after struggling The form or technique used to shoot instinctive- through this process, I thought that other archers ly was developed primarily for hunting. The might find the differences in style and training of bowhunter needs to be able to move quietly some interest – especially since target archery through the woods, utilizing the terrain for equipment and techniques are of little use in the cover, often crouching, hiding behind trees and woods, just as the instinctive archer will be seri- in bushes. Then, after a successful stalk, and ously out gunned in a FITA tournament. when the target is within range for a guaranteed However, having an appreciation for both styles hit, then the archer will rise up, index on the tar- will make any archer a better shooter in either get and shoot all in one smooth fluid motion. discipline. Shooting from a tree stand also puts the archer in unusual positions that do not allow for The Equipment the traditional bladed and erect stance of a target There are several similarities between a target archer. bow such as a Hoyt Avalon and an instinctive The classic instinctive shooting style is usu- recurve bow such as a Black Widow. Both are ally a very open stance, slightly bent over with take-down recurves, both have laminated limbs the head forward, shoulders slightly humped, the and a riser, and both have a center-shot window. bow is canted to get a better view of the target, There are a few minor differences such as the with a high draw to the corner of the mouth so lack of an arrow rest or plunger on an instinctive that the archer can aim down the arrow, or at bow where shooting is usually done off the shelf, least register it in his or her peripheral vision. but the most obvious and fundamental differ- The instinctive shooter or hunter will also grip ence is the absence of sights. the bow more than is acceptable in target This difference can be attributed to the size archery, and may often find him- or herself grip- of the intended target. Where the instinctive ping the arrow nock to keep the arrow in place shooter is looking for a solid chest hit (10”-12”) while moving over uneven terrain. on live game or a 3-D target at short to medium The only thing consistent about an instinc- distances (10 – 30 meters), the target archer is tive archer’s technique is the draw and release. By shooting for consistent 4.8 inch (12.2 cm) ten necessity, the stance and body position are often rings at distances out to 70 or 90 meters. There changing to suit the terrain and to rotate with a is also a speed factor in that the hunter must moving target. draw and shoot in an instant, in less than ideal Although this may not be correct instinctive conditions, where the target archer has ample form for everyone, it is the form most common- time to position him- or herself, aim, and release. ly seen in the field, and on traditional and 3-D

ecurve Tech 200 ecurve Tech Having a bow without sights allows the ranges. However, all these techniques that work archer to develop an “instinctive” feel for where so well in the woods, have to be changed when his or her arrow will impact without having to making the transition to target archery. But they take the time to acquire a sight picture. This

R will not be lost. I still enjoy both styles of shoot-

archery focus 36 ing and find that my technique changes depending on aligned position. All this took three one-hour coaching which bow I have in my hand. The ritual of setting up sessions and several hours of personal practice for Don to and tuning my Axis for target practice is in itself a men- get me into a body position that at least resembled that tal conditioning process that prepares me for that partic- of a target archer. ular discipline. Just as taking out my Widow puts a smile One of the biggest improvements came when I on my face and into a mindset for instinctive shooting. began aiming to the left of the bowstring instead of the right, which with the string on the tip of my nose, ini- The Transition tially felt more natural to me. As a right-handed shooter, The first step in laying the foundation for target shoot- moving my dominant right eye to the left of the string, ing is to develop a more formal stance that is erect, and what would seem a very small adjustment, had a dra- bladed to the target (initially neither open nor closed). matic effect on my posture. This small movement The anchor point is lowered from the corner of the straightened my head position, straightened my neck and mouth to the jaw line to allow for a higher sight line and back, and brought my shoulder blades into a flatter plane longer-range shooting. This requires that the shoulders (perpendicular to the target and in-line with the arrow). also be dropped down to a lower, more natural, and This in turn increased my draw length and made it easi-

archery focus 37 “Dropping an arrow on the line is embarrassing enough, but dropping a thousand er for me to get that right scapula from stance to bow grip, to getting moving in a line toward the target dollar hi-tech Hoyt arrow into my back muscles and relaxing just prior to release. launcher, complete with sev- my release, that my mind was no Getting used to an open and longer on the process of just shoot- relaxed bow hand was not quite so eral hundred dollars worth ing accurately. Because my tech- easy. Dropping an arrow on the line of Sure-Loc sight, stabilizers nique was in a process of transition, is embarrassing enough, but drop- I kept changing my mental focus so ping a thousand dollar hi-tech Hoyt and accessories . . . ” there was no consistency and there- arrow launcher, complete with sev- fore no accuracy. eral hundred dollars worth of Sure-Loc sight, stabilizers Every minor change that was suggested by Don, and accessories, was just unacceptable to me. But once caused my arrows to go to a different place. And even the Cavalier finger sling was firmly in place, that was though he told me not to worry about where the arrows exactly the game Don wanted to play, coaxing me to, were going, and to concentrate on my form, it still “see how far you can make that bow fly”. bugged me that I was hitting black and white and not Even though I began my draw and aiming process red or gold. I understood and appreciated the Zen with an open and relaxed bow hand, upon release my aspects of what he was saying, but being a goal-oriented, hand instinctively closed securely on the grip. The competitive humanoid, I still wanted to shoot tens. biggest help to me here was watching myself on video However, I quickly found the light at the end of the and seeing that left hand snap shut at the instant of tunnel. I learned that the satisfaction came after my release. Once I saw myself doing it, I had a mental image coach left and I had time to quietly work on my form, of what I need to correct. That and I just need to learn with his words of wisdom still echoing in my ears. to trust the finger sling that was new to me. Making change is all about developing muscle memory, and as with any sport, that only comes with time and he next flaw in my technique that Don found was repetition. Tmy tendency to curl my draw hand inward – a habit Immediately after some coaching and practice ses- probably formed from pulling heavy poundage on hunt- sions, I found that I was not improving on paper even ing bows and the lack of a coach to point it out to me in though I was diligently working on my form. But then my formative years. I was a self taught bowhunter and the next time I came to the range, there was significant stump shooter so had never had the dubious pleasure of improvement in my shooting. The lessons and repetition having a coach point out not only my major flaws but a had sunk in and taken hold, combined with the fact that myriad minor ones as well. So, it was no surprise that by I was then shooting when less fatigued, more relaxed, consciously relaxing my drawing hand prior to begin- and with renewed enthusiasm. When training ceases to ning my draw, my release also improved dramatically. be enjoyable, your concentration and form will deterio- Another problem I had with my release could be rate and you may as well pack it in for the day. attributed to a new finger tab. After the last ten years The last hurdle that the instinctive shooter may have with the same old calfskin finger tab with a soft felt spac- to negotiate is that all-important aspect of target shoot- er, changing to a Cavalier Elite Super-Leather tab com- ing—followthrough. One contributing problem here is plete with a rigid frame, really threw me for a loop. weight. A traditional long bow weighs in at a feather Having this unfamiliar fist full of technology sent my weight of 1.5 – 2 pounds, my Black Widow take-down arrows spinning all over the target. However, determined recurve is less than 3.5 pounds, but my Axis with sights to persevere since this was the tab I had seen other top and stabilizers is double that at close to seven pounds. So competitors using, within a 100 arrows I had that puppy holding the arm out there, after release, with all that bow working for me and within 200 it felt quite natural. weight, is not a natural thing. My tendency was to let my arm collapse and relax. he next problem for this transitional shooter was Where ideally I should have been keeping my bow Tmental. Even though I was a confident instinctive arm up and letting the bow roll forward in my open grip, shooter who could bust small balloons and shoot tight I was doing the exact opposite. I was holding the bow groups at 20 meters, when trying to aim, my arrows were firmly in my grip and letting my arm drop on release. initially all over the target. The problem was that I had The cure here was a little cajoling from Don with com- been given so many things to correct in my technique, ments like, “Do you want me to find you a lighter bow?”

archery focus 38 “After the last ten years with the same old calfskin finger tab with a soft felt spacer, Being 6´2˝ and 220 pounds and and this can only be done through I routinely use 30 pound dumbbells changing to a Cavalier Elite repetition. However, if your form is for “front flies” at the gym, so I sure Super-Leather tab complete incorrect, then you are only rein- as hell could hold a seven pound forcing bad habits. Remember, it is bow at arm’s length. It just took with a rigid frame, really not “practice that makes perfect,” it Don’s constant attention and watch- threw me for a loop.” is “perfect practice that makes per- ing myself on video to reinforce that fect.” point and make it second nature. Now go out and try something In conclusion, although I am still a long way from different. You may just learn something and become a being competitive, I am well on the way and definitely better archer. on the right track. I have also become a better and more knowledgeable archer. If you like shooting bows, or even guns for that mat- ter, virtually every form of archery can be both enjoyable and challenging. However, do not expect to perform at See Mark Lonsdale’s other article in this issue on p. 15. Ed. the same levels in a new discipline until you have gone through a transitional period of education and training – both of which can be facilitated by a good coach. Learning new skills is all about patience, persever- ance, and developing new muscles and muscle memory,

archery focus 39 Roger Wheaton Taking Advantage A Software Review Update

Some time ago, Archer’s Advantage appeared with the earlier review. The new, upgraded version but little fanfare. Most of us weren’t even (v.3.21) includes capabilities that provide aware of its existence until we met somebody archers with accurate sight adjustments for who had used it to produce a really neat sight uphill and downhill shooting as well. This tape. In the September/October 1999 issue of version also allows for printer calibration to This Magazine, Editor Steve Ruis reviewed print even more precise sight tapes. Printer Perry Ratcliff’s wonderful little software pro- calibration compensates for the minute differ- gram which runs under Microsoft Windows. ences between different model printers and Archer’s Advantage gained its reputation for the marks established by the archer and used producing accurate custom sight tapes, but it by the computer to generate a sight tape. possessed many other capabilities, some of Archer’s Advantage calculates arrow which Steve highlighted in his review. Since velocity based on arrow weight, arrow length, that article Archer’s Advantage has been fletching, the resultant drag, and initial arrow upgraded with additional valuable tools for velocity. Archer’s parallax is also calculated archers, hence this new review. yielding accurate sight marks for extremely While it is possible to spend too much short range targets. The program uses these time and attention on technology and detail, arrow specifications—peep to scope distance in truth many of us spend too little time on (at full draw), distance between the peep and “the details.” And others of us gain satisfac- arrow shaft centerline (at full draw), and at tion from the pursuit of perfection in our least two accurate range marks to calculate equipment. Technology offers many new arrow velocity and downrange statistics. This means to experiment in seeking that perfec- software also provides a means to introduce tion and in testing the limits of “the enve- your own chronograph measurements into lope.” I happen to be one of those who enjoys the calculations through a mutual calibration. experimenting; I am always attracted to new Perhaps of greater interest to unknown- ideas, concepts, and materials which enhance distance shooters, are the graphic calculations my archery performance. I have found which depict arrow drop at various ranges. Archer’s Advantage to be a useful tool which Using NFAA, McKenzie, or FITA field tar- can help archers improve as well as to learn gets, or your own custom spot size, Archer’s about bow/arrow system performance. Advantage can report the minimum and max- As mentioned, Archer’s Advantage is not a new product. It has had a wonderful reputa- “This version also allows for tion for making accurate, easily read sight printer calibration to print tapes in color or black and white for years. quipment Review Less recognized however is the software’s even more precise sight abi1ity to provide accurately calculated arrow tapes.” trajectory and velocity data as described in E archery focus 40 “The most significant upgrade is the inclusion of sight adjustments for uphill imum distances for which a given the card is uphill and the other sight setting will hit the bullseye and downhill slope shots.” side is downhill. These charts are or kill zone at a given range. For then laminated to provide weath- example, if I shoot my 3-D bow at a large, alert er protection. Frankly, this is a time consuming proj- McKenzie Deer target at 40 yards, I will hit the ten ect, for it must be redone each time one makes any ring if my sight is set between 37.3 and 42.3 yards changes to bow, arrow, or sights. All things consid- (assuming a perfect shot held dead center in the ten ered the Pocket Computer is much quicker and easi- ring). The 12 ring would require a 39.0 to 40.9 yard er to use than the chart system, especially if you fre- sight setting and the kill zone would require a 34.5 to quently change your equipment. Both systems require 44.2 yard setting. Similarly, one can obtain other a clinometer to measure the slope to the target. downrange statistics for your specific setup—total To program either computer, you must enter arrow drop (in feet) throughout the arrows travel or sight reference marks to establish your bow/arrow arrow drop (in inches) in five yard or five meter incre- efficiency. With this baseline created, you then refine ments. the program by entering the type of sight used, the The most significant upgrade to Archer’s distance from peep to scope at full draw, the distance Advantage is the inclusion of sight adjustments for from peep to arrow shaft centerline at full draw. the uphill and downhill slope shots. If you watch the arrow length. arrow diameter, arrow weight, and Internet archery forums, you will see this topic dis- fletching size. For those, like me, who have two target cussed occasionally. Unfortunately, the “experts” who and two 3D bows, this demands some extra work pro- generally respond usually offer incorrect advice to the gramming and reprogramming for different shoots. queries. In general, the principles for sight adjust- However, it is quick and simple to do unless you ment for a slope shot are misunderstood by most change your equipment. The instruction book that archers. The most common mistake is to assume that accompanies the Archer’s Advantage software and the the sight should be set for the range to the target if it were to be displaced vertically to a position level with the shooter. Another example of faulty thinking, although it is normal to subtract a little yardage for both uphill and downhill slope shots, some bow/arrow combinations actually need to add yardage for long, gentle uphill shots. When the slopes become + significant ( ⁄-8degrees), confusion can prey on a shooter’s mind leading to a less than perfect shot. A shooter who has precise adjustments for slope shoot- ing is more likely to hit the target than one who just guesses the adjustment because not only is his sight set properly; but the shooter’s mental state is more relaxed.

he Windows software package has a companion TPocket Calculator product which provides a mobile aid to be used right at the shooting stake. The 1 Pocket Computer, approximately 3 ⁄2 by 5 inches in size, stores sight settings as well as slope adjustment data for two bows simultaneously. Using the home computer version one can build carry along charts which provide slope adjustment data. By using a small font I make a 4 by 5 inch, two-sided card for each bow. Using field range yardages beginning at 20 yards, my charts depict adjustments from –20 degrees to +20 degrees, in two degree increments. One side of

archery focus 41 Pocket Computer provides all the details required and, for the most part, is very easy to understand. It isn’t often archers find a product of very high quality and indisputable accuracy. I have never heard a negative comment concerning Archer’s Advantage Roger Wheaton is retired and I can’t say that about any other product on the from the military and is market. Perry Ratcliff has created an archer’s aid that engaged in several other is simple, accurate, and periodically improved to fur- careers (including that of ther enhance its value. There are more than a few top Archery Pro Shop Owner) and is now volunteering shooters who rely on Archer’s Advantage to give them his time for the Fort Beloit Archery Center where he an edge. has helped create one of the largest archery facilities in If you want to improve your uphill and downhill the U.S. At The Center, he teaches, gives seminars, slope shooting, Archer’s Advantage is the answer. If and helps shooters with equipment and tuning prob- you like to investigate details and experiment with lems. He currently is also a staff shooter for PSE. your equipment, Archer’s Advantage provides excel- Roger has taken dozens of state, regional, national lent support. Even if you just like super-neat, custom and world championships and currently holds or co- designed, accurate sight tapes, it is a worthwhile holds four world record scores in field and indoor investment. You can contact Archer’s Advantage at archery www.archersadvantage.com and at 1.310.783.0657.

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archery focus 42 Dan Quillian Wooden Arrows– Myths and Truths T Since the invention of the bow and arrow the tradi- properly aligned (usually done with a spine tester). tional arrow shaft material has been and is wood. For this reason alone most traditional shooters want to ARROW MYTH #3 Arrow shafts can be spined by raditional Archery use it. In the period of time between the early 1960s a machine that feeds them into an electronic spine when the compound bow began to sweep the market tester. until the rebirth of traditional archery in the late ARROW TRUTH #3 This is not so, because an 1980s and early 1990s, much of the knowledge that arrow shaft has four sides relative to the grain of the was in the hands of average shooters disappeared as wood, it will have two stiff sides and two weak sides. the older shooters and arrow makers dropped out of The stiff sides are the ones where the grain runs the the sport. Many of the new generation of arrow mak- entire length of the shaft. The weak sides are the ones ers lack the knowledge of archery physics for proper- where the grain runs out of the shaft. Because the ly matching wooden arrows to traditional bows. New arrow bends around the bow when it is shot, the bow materials, new glues, and new strings further cock feather should be lined up with one of the complicate the problem and many misconceptions stiffer sides and the arrow needs to bend the same have developed, I will try to debunk some of these. way on the spine tester as it bends when it goes around the bow. This can only be done by hand with ARROW MYTH #1 Right-handed archers should proper indexing of the nock being all important. shoot right-wing feathers and left-handed archers should shoot left-wing feathers (or visa versa, I’ve WOODEN ARROW MYTH #4 I am going to buy heard it both ways). me some cheap practice arrows and learn to shoot ARROW TRUTH #1 A properly matched arrow (cheap arrows are fine for just practice). allows the fletching to completely clear the bow, be it WOODEN ARROW TRUTH #4 Cheap practice right-wing or left-wing, and modern high-speed arrows are not arrows. They’re sticks with feathers on photography has shown that even helical-fletched them and no two will shoot in the same place so arrows do not even start to rotate until the arrow is you’ll never learn to shoot. Ishi said, “Any old stick well past the bow. will make a bow, but it takes a damn good one to make an arrow.” ARROW MYTH #2 Matching arrows to weight will only give you a set of matched arrows. WOODEN ARROW MYTH #5 I like nocks that fit ARROW TRUTH #2 Although there is some rela- on the string tight so I won’t have trouble with them tionship between arrow mass and its stiffness, the falling off. only real way to measure and match arrows is by WOODEN ARROW TRUTH #5 A tight nock will measuring the deflection of the shaft in 1000ths of an cause the string to pull the back end of the arrow in inch with a two pound weight hanging in the center toward the bow, causing the end of the arrow to slap of the shaft and the grain of the wood in each shaft the bow, thoroughly messing up the shot and ruining archery focus 43 bows (see photo). Remember a stick with feathers does not an arrow make. Arrows should always be properly matched to the bow you are shooting and you should never shoot a damaged arrow. I always break a cracked shaft as soon as I notice the crack, so I won’t accidentally shoot it later.

WOODEN ARROW MYTH #7 There is no reason to shoot wooden arrows from a compound bow. WOODEN ARROW TRUTH #7 Actually there are a num- ber of really good reasons to shoot wooden arrows from a compound bow. Wooden arrows cut the noise of the bow by at least 50% and that means better hits and you will also be able to recover your deer more easily. Also, because the fre- quency of the vibration of the shaft material is much lower, more of the energy of the bow is delivered into propelling the Ryan Wright shot these wooden arrows from a hunting weight compound arrow and less in making it flex back and forth (see photo). bow at 20 yards to demonstrate the potential of properly matched woods. the fletching. The arrow nock should be just tight enough to WOODEN ARROW MYTH # 8 I have a 50 lb draw bow, so keep the arrow from falling off the string. (I wonder how I need 50 lb arrows. many deer are spooked by the sound of an arrow nock snap- WOODEN ARROW TRUTH #8 Correct arrow spine is ping on the string.) determined by a large number of factors such as bow design, bow material, bow string weight, arrow length, point weight, WOODEN ARROW MYTH #6 Compound bows are so and shaft material, not just draw weight. powerful that they will cause wood arrows to break when shot, possibly injuring the shooter. WOODEN ARROW TRUTH #6 Traditional bows, pound for pound, place more stress on arrow shafts than compound

SPECIAL OFFER for READERS of Archery Focus Dan Quillian is a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Dan Quillian is offering his Video Association and the Outdoor Shooting the Bow in the Traditional Writer's Association of America. Style to readers of Archery Focus Dan has taught, or helped, thou- sands of bow-hunters in his bow magazine for $8.95 + $3.00 S/H (US clinics, both locally and nationally. only). Send your check or money He has run an indoor archery range order for $11.95 to: Dan Quillian, and pro shop. 483 Cloverhurst Ave, Athens, GA Dan has produced a video tape 30606. on traditional archery techniques.

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