Selecting, Checking, Setting-up and Tuning a Recurve Bow WA and Olympic Solidarity Coaching Course Selecting, Checking, Setting-up and Tuning a Recurve Bow This set of slides explains the mechanical effects of the shot, how to choose and tune the archery equipment Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Equipment The Mechanical effects are different between the use of a mechanical release and the fingers. But whatever is used, these effects are similar. Here when shooting with the thumb, it is like a right handed archer using a left handed recurve bow. Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Same impact and efficiency Equipment In Archery consistency is a fundamental factor in efficiency Same characteristics of the equipment from one shot to another (same draw length, same form / same limb resistance…) + Same quality in each shot = Same impact and efficiency Self explanatory slide Said differently: Changes in equipment and technique (mental and physical included) can change the results. Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Equipment Good results don’t come from only buying the equipment in an archery store. This a real bow! Named the Spine Bow. It is a Compound bow. Many archers spend money to buy the up to date equipment with the expectation to shoot better, but the equipment alone cannot make the difference between archers. Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Equipment Eye? First thing we need to know in order to select some equipment for an archer (to buy, rent, loan…) is the shooting side of the archer. Two criteria are used in archery: dominant eye or the dominant hand. Coaches using any of these 2 criteria have produced good archers; hence it is up to you to choose one of these criteria. The ideal is to have the dominant eye and hand from the same side… Below are some tips in case of dominance of eye and hand are different: Give priority to the eye for instinctive archers (as long as the novice already knows that he/she will shoot instinctively; which is seldom the case) Since all novices are uncomfortable (even awkward) to handle this unfamiliar tackle, giving priority to the hand makes sense; it will not increase this bad feeling a R/H person shooting L/H (due to dominant left eye) has a strong bow arm – and reverse. A person shooting with the dominant hand will be able to handle a heavier bow than with the non-dominant hand or Hand? Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Equipment Choose for a Group For a club, school… the ratio of L/H – R/H equipment has to consider two alternatives: * The most popular one is to buy a % of each. This % varies a lot from one region of the world to another one. Probably 20% of L/H is acceptable. * Use ambidextrous bows, but there are no longer so many on the market. All of them have a weakness: poor bow grip, poor centershot, bending at the bottom of the window… 20% left handed Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Equipment Introduction of the small items for level 1 except the level 2/3 tab in the middle bottom of the slide. Defining tab size Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Preparatory Movements The use of a bow sling Introduction of three types of bow slings Some bow slings Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Wrist-strap and finger sling length: Equipment Wrist-strap and finger sling length: Adjustment Top left: The two most common slings. The three other pictures explain that with a long sling, the bow could fall/slide down like on the bottom right picture. If so, the archer cannot relaxed the bow hand, because he/she will be avoid of this bad feeling. To avoid this issue, once the bow stretches the sling forward, we should just see the beginning of the space illustrated on the bottom left picture. Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Arrow rests categories Equipment Level 1 Arrow rests categories Level 2 Self explanatory. For level 1 the following rest should be avoided: Made of rubber, like the Hunter type, because the arrow rubs a lot and the fletching rapidly becomes black Made of metal, since arrow and bow seldom match together, during the propelling step the arrow can jump on such a hard rest. Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Equipment Top left: Level 1 sights. The one on the right is the cheapest and hand made. Top right: level 2 sight Bottom left: a clicker which can be used at an advanced stage of the level 1 program. In case of release “under” the clicker, the arrow is not so much deviated and damaged. Bottom Middle: Advanced stabilisation Bottom right: shock absorber. Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Putting the string on the bow Equipment Putting the string on the bow Top left (the pictures are not great) shows a bracer affixed in a wall. An excellent system, but only for permanent facilities. Bottom left, the use of a commercial bow stringer. An expensive device that is not easy to handle by the beginners, particularly the short ones. WA recommends a simple loop of cord, a cheap and safe device. Are not illustrated and recommended the other popular methods because one is dangerous for the eye if the hand slips off the limb, the other one often twists the bottom limb Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Selecting the length of the arrow Equipment Selecting the length of the arrow For novices For others Standard Length Correct Length In contact with the arrow rest Left: Always add at least 1” to the draw length of a beginner for safety purpose Right: Self explanatory It’s not the bow that scores the points on the target face, It’s the arrows! Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Everybody can shoot with a light bow! Equipment Suggested Bow Weight for Beginners: Children 6-8 years ≤ 10 lbs Children 8-12 years ≤ 12 lbs Boys 12-14 years 14-18 lbs Girls 12-14 years 12-16 lbs Boys 15-17 years 16-20 lbs Girls 15-17 years 15-18 lbs Men 18-22 lbs Women 16-20 lbs In white a bow weight selection chart. Bottom left: weight and length specifications Right: draw weight changes generated by the difference of draw length Everybody can shoot with a light bow! Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Avoid to increase more than 2 pounds at a time Equipment Weight of the Bow for beginners / Test Avoid to increase more than 2 pounds at a time 10 times 10 seconds complete opening of the bow and 10 seconds normal stance. Time Action 1 Start opening the bow 2 - 7 Complete opening of the bow 8 Return 9 - 10 Normal Stance 3 times 20 seconds at full draw then 20 seconds of recuperation. 30 seconds at full draw then 1minute of recupération. During ½ heure Some bow weight tests. Time in seconds. 8 times without deforming. If 10 - 12 times with no deformity increase the tension of the limbs. Compound Bow: Open the bow without bending the back while sitting on the floor or legs off the ground. Pascal Colmaire – Training and Develpoment Coaching Director of WA

Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Equipment Selecting the Length of the Bow Draw length Bow length Up to 18" 48" 18" - 20" Minimum 52" 21" - 23" Minimum 62" 24" - 25" Minimum 64" 26" - 27" Minimum 66" 28" - 29" Minimum 68" 29" - 30" Minimum 70" Left: string angle change at the same full draw length with a short and a long bow Middle: Suggested bow length chart. A rule of thumb for not too short bows: add 40” to the draw length to get the bow length. Right: the use of the elastic string to determine the draw length of a novice. Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Add a clicker affixed on a (fixed) sight extension bar Equipment Clicker For new clicker users and growing kids As the archers technique improves move the clicker position to suit their form. Check every 2 months Add a clicker affixed on a (fixed) sight extension bar You cannot affix a clicker onto an extension bar that is sliding on the riser. Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Equipment Fletching angle and position Minimal spin Medium spin +/- 2,5 cm Self explanatory Fast spin Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Equipment More information in … Self explanatory Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Equipment Propulsion Left: during the propelling, the limbs move forward while the riser presses on the bow hand of the archer. During this step, this is the only connexion between the archer and his equipment; hence the shape of the bow grip is of some importance. Right: it is a small set of three pictures showing the: Bends of the arrows Lateral drifts of the string Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Arrow Flight Archers’ Paradox Equipment Releasing of the string from the fingers and the resistance of the arrow point (inertia and resistance) Pushing the arrow axis by the string creates some lateral movement The rationales of the arrow deformation during the propelling steps. Aligning the forces will create a “good” shot Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Equipment Arrow Flight Releasing of the string from the fingers and the resistance of the arrow point (inertia and resistance) Self explanatory Pushing on the axis of the arrow will create lateral movement of the string Aligning the forces will create a “good” shot Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Equipment Tuning Straight Limbs Equipment Choosing the Bow / Criteria: Good Vertical String resistance Limbs tight against the base of the riser Straight Limbs Symmetrical return of the string into the limb grove Straight Bow (centershot) Self explanatory. Valid from a level 2 bow on. Grip shape fitting the archer’s hand Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Static arrow spine Pre-select the spine of the arrow Equipment weight Pre-select the spine of the arrow The arrow is suspended between two points and a predetermined weight is suspended in the middle. Self explanatory The given bend of the arrow is called the “spine” of the arrow. Refer to manufacturer’s selection charts and information on using selected test equipment. Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Checking a carbon arrow for damage Equipment Checking arrows for straightness and damage Straighten Aluminium arrows only Checking a carbon arrow for damage Self explanatory Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Preparing the Bow / Selecting the String Equipment Equipment Tuning Preparing the Bow / Selecting the String Material: Dacron / wooden or old bows Dyneema, Spectra or Vectran / for other types of bows Range of bracing height: 64” (19.7 cm to 22.9 cm) 21 ½ cm 66” (20.3 cm to 23.5 cm) 22 cm 68” (21.0 cm to 24.1 cm) 22 ½ cm 70” (21.6 cm to 24.8 cm) 23 cm For each bow length (in Yellow) are given the brace height: Range intermediate Dacron thread has some stretch, which protects he bow against breaking, but gives less speed in the arrow. Number of turns in the string: Until homogenous +/- 10 turns - 1.5 turn / inch Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Equipment Arrow Maintenance Self explanatory Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Preliminary tiller adjustment Equipment Equipment Tuning Preparing the Bow Preliminary tiller adjustment a>b from 3 to 6 mm Self explanatory Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Equipment Grip Maker A grip can be modified, particularly the height. Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Preparing the Bow / Selecting the String Equipment Equipment Tuning Preparing the Bow / Selecting the String Bow Weight Number of Strands (recurve bow) Dacron Fast Flight S4 BCY 450 < 28 lbs 28 - 35 lbs 35 - 47 lbs > 48 lbs 8 10 12 14 14 16 18 20 7 8 9 10 10 12 14 16 Self explanatory Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Preparing the Bow- Centre Shot Equipment Equipment Tuning Preparing the Bow- Centre Shot Measure Self explanatory Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Equipment Equipment Tuning Placing the Arrow Rest Shaft Button No Yes Top illustration: chose the rest height to get the shaft touching in the middle of the button head Bottom left: Armrest leaning down makes the arrow falling down of the rest Bottom centre: Armrest horizontal, the arrow could move out of the button contact when it is windy (wind from right to left in this example) Bottom right: Armrest leaning a little up strengthen the contact shaft/button head Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Equipment Tuning Equipment Placing the Plunger Button, Sight and Arrow Rest No Yes 4 pictures from left to right: Left #1: Please explain how much the button should be out = the arrow point a little out (left in this case) of the string aligned in the centre of the bow. #2: Please click to see the sight pin moving down. Adjust the sight bar or plate to keep the sight pin always sliding along the string. This gives you the possibility of moving the sight only up (or down) if the distance of shooting changes. #3: View from the top, the arm rest should not extend the shaft that much, 1 mm is enough. #4: Self explanatory Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Equipment Equipment Tuning Nocking Point Club: 1 cm Personal: 5mm About 5mm higher than point of the square angle is an acceptable measure to start the tuning with. For club bows, since some novices will shoot unsighted with 3 fingers below the arrow, the nocking point should be set higher than for an individual bow, in order to balance a little the work from both limbs. Note: With a low nocking point, the arrow leaves the string with the tail down; hence the back of the arrow can hit the arrow rest, eventually the bow shelf With a high nocking point, the arrow leaves the string with the tail up; hence the back of the arrow will have a clear pass at the level of the arrow rest. So in case of hesitation, just chose a little high nocking point. When exercising under a low ceiling it is a trick to shoot with a high nocking point. Arrows stay free of the ceiling then. Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

String of your Preference Equipment Equipment Tuning Nocking Point String of your Preference Since metal nock-sets can damage the nock, the tab and sometimes the bow forearm of some novices shooting without an armguard (unsafe), nocking points made from strand are recommended. Here are two samples of nocking points made from a strand. Must be tight, leaving little space around the nocking point Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Equipment Equipment Tuning Nocking Point There should be little space either side of the nock which must support the weight of the arrow, and must only release when the string is given a light tap with a finger. Left: if the 2 nocking points are not too tight, the arrow should be able to oscillate a little bit Right: A good pinch string/nock should be such as the arrow should: * remained nocked to the string when shaking the bow with the arrow loaded point down (string horizontal and up) * leave the string on the simple flick (as shown) Important for light bows Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

No Defects and Straight Equipment Equipment Tuning Preparing the Arrows Same Model and Series Same Length No Defects and Straight Same Point and Balance (FOC) Vanes: Same Model and Position Same Weight Nocks: Same Model, Orientation and Space In Yellow: Self explanatory Illustration: how the FOC is determined All arrows should be marked by the archer according to the rules. Number the Arrows Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Preparing the rest of the equipment Equipment Tuning Preparing the rest of the equipment All Bow Accessories Same Finger Protector Control Clicker: should not make the arrow pushing the button into the riser. There should be no arrow jump at the click. Good Control of the String Release Self explanatory Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Change one variable at a time Equipment Equipment Tuning Objective: Good Arrow Flight (level 2) Arrow Grouping (level 3) Change one variable at a time Methods Moving Back Good for lateral flight Bare Shafts Only Shafts and Arrows level 3 Objectives: Useless to tune on grouping with level 2 archers since they are still inconsistent; for instance during a 70m round they can shoot ends between 40 and 55 points without any equipment change. Hence for them just help them to get a good/clear arrow flight. 3 methods are detailed over the next slides; not the paper one Paper Not so effective, needs good finger release Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Equipment Tuning/ Nocking Point Shooting Bare Shafts from 3 to 5 metres Lower nocking point Lower nocking point Good N.P. Self explanatory Known from many coaches and archers. Raise nocking point Raise nocking point Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

- Checking the shaft stiffness Equipment Equipment Tuning - Checking the shaft stiffness Shooting Bare Shafts from 3 to 5 metres R/H archer Shaft too stiff Increase the weight of the bow Change for a weaker shaft Use a longer Shaft Use a lighter string material and /or less elastic Use a heavier arrow point Soften the spring tension of the button Self explanatory Known from many coaches and archers. Shaft too weak Do the opposite to the above Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Variable distance tuning – Right handed archer (a) Equipment Variable distance tuning – Right handed archer (a) Aiming point at +/- 20 cm from the top. Sight always set at 15m Shoot at 20, 25, 29, 32, 34, 36, 38 ... till a hit close to ground. A vertical line of impacts proves that the arrow flies straight. Self explanatory and known from many coaches and archers. Note: the selected distances are different from the ones recommended by the author of this test. They just allow more arrows as reference, particularly on the long distances. Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Variable distance tuning – Right handed archer (b) Equipment Variable distance tuning – Right handed archer (b) This walking back test is also known as the French test. In France it is known under the name of its author: the Schraen test. The above adjustments and those on the next slide are those provided originally by the author. Nowadays several coaches and archers use other adjustments (same examples in Orange). As long as the adjustments allow to get all the impacts on the same vertical line, it is fine. This explanation is for a right handed archer. Move the plunger button out/left Try stiffer arrows. Decrease the power of the bow. This explanation is for a right handed archer. Move the plunger button in/right. Try weaker arrows. Increase the power of the bow. Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Variable distance tuning – Right handed archer (b) Equipment Variable distance tuning – Right handed archer (b) This explanation is for a right handed archer. Soften the inside spring of the button The pressure button requires to be moved to the right. Try weaker arrows. Increase the power of the bow. This explanation is for a right handed archer. Stiffen the inside spring of the button The pressure button requires to be moved to the left. Try stiffer arrows. Decrease the power of the bow. Same comments as the previous slide Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA Equipment Equipment Tuning / arrow flight For a right handed archer, if the archer is left handed do the opposite to that explained below. Shooting from approximately 18 to 30 metres. Shoot 2 or 3 fletched shafts and at least 2 unfletched shafts.. If the unfletched shaft impacts to the left of the fletched shafts. Increase weight of bow String lighter and /or less elastic Change for a heavier Point a softer shaft a longer Shaft Soften the spring tension of the button A way to remember what to do in which case is the following. Imagine your arrow is totally stiff. There will be no bending (archer’s paradox) and the arrow hits outside. Imagine your arrow is totally weak. The arrow will bend around the bow and hits inside. If the unfletched shaft impacts to the right of the fletched shafts. Do the opposite Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

The method of using the sight pin Equipment The method of using the sight pin Self explanatory. In words: correct the sight in the direction of the hit. Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

The method of using the sight pin Equipment The method of using the sight pin Exercise for the archer’s understanding of the RELATION between the sight adjustment and the shooting direction Self explanatory Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Sight Adjustment Equipment Get used to watching this process By requiring from your students that they must always observe their sight correction, they will develop a relation between the sight move and the impact move. Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Adjustment of the sight extension Equipment Setting a sight on a bow Adjustment of the sight extension Have a vertical line across the target but. At a short distance, with the sight set for that distance: aim and shoot at the bottom of a vertical line Move the sight down after each shot until you hit the top of the line All arrows should be close to the vertical line. In case of a diagonal line, cant the sight bar the same side as the diagonal of impacts. Self explanatory. In case that there is no possibility of canting the sight bar, you can put a spacer under the sight base (contact with the riser). Your aiming point must be the same for allarrows. Pascal Colmaire – Development & Education Director of WA

Thank you… Ready to answer your questions! Pascal Colmaire – WA Development & Education Director