Wrist Strain from Release
Kansas
Contributors to this thread:
This is just my second year as an archer / bowhunter. I practice shooting off and on throughout the year in short sessions - usually only 10-15 shots. However, with the season approaching, I've been shooting a little longer and a little more often. I believe this is the cause of the pain in my wrist (on my release side). It feels strained - as if I had over extended it in one direction and hurts when I bend it either fully forward or fully back. Has anyone else experienced this?
As I'm writing this, I'm remembering that I also changed the way I use the release. Perhaps that has something to do with it. I used to grip the stem of the release between my thumb and middle finger. But then I realized this was allowing me to impart some torque or side-load to the drawn bowstring just the same as a tight grip with my other hand could impart torque on the bow. Since this realization, I've been trying to shoot without gripping the stem of the release. I've allowed it to just be drawn straight between the bowstring and the wrist strap. Now I'm seeing that the full weight of the draw is being supported through the strap on my wrist whereas before. This wasn't the case when I was gripping the stem of the release.
Do you have any suggestions? Am I doing it wrong? Do I just need to back off on the repetitions and let my wrist strengthen slowly?
I would back off from shooting until your wrist stops hurting. You may develop bad shooting habits/form working around your sore wrist. As far as gripping the release, go back to the way you were originally doing It. Your description sounds pretty normal and as long as you're shooting straight and not causing injury, you're good to go.
I'd never pull back my bow with just my wrist, I agree with bowhuntks, I think that's your problem.
You don't draw a bow with your release. You draw a bow with your back muscles. My wrist is relaxed and basically limp as a draw my bow back.
I agree with West , proper fit and draw length, poundage are the first and utmost priority . You should push out with bow hand and pull with back simultaneously for a smooth draw. Try sitting down and doing it without raising the top wheel or cam . If you can’t then you pulling too much weight . Good luck
The wrist strain won’t have much to do with proper drawing form. It doesn’t matter if he’s using his back muscles properly, the attachment point is still the wrist alone, unless he grips the strap. West, you must prefer you’re strap really tight, if you can comfortably draw with your wrist completely relaxed.
I used a pistol grip for ever and loved it now i cant find them anywhere It was a lot more forgiving than a strap on haha
ksq232 - It sounds like you understand what I'm describing. I don't believe I have any issue with draw weight or length. I can and do draw pretty smoothly and with my bow directed toward the target. I'll make sure that I am gripping the release as I draw back. I guess the question that remains is what the proper form is after I've drawn back and am preparing to shoot. Do I let go of the release and allow it to just be pulled taut between the D-Loop and wrist strap, touching only the trigger? Or do I continue to hold the release with my other fingers and risk imparting some other forces on my shot?
The keeton release everyone was talking about last year is a hybrid wrist release and finger grip you’d probably really like one like that bodyman.
If anyone knows who sells the pistol grip releases id love to know