January 8, 2008

from B.K. of Germany:

"Dear Coach Lee,
 
Page 52 in Total Archery – “The string must be drawn back in a straight line from the set-up to approx. 2 – 3 inches (5 – 7.5cm) below the anchor point and not directly to the chin”.
 
In Germany 99% of all archers are coming directly to their anchor point on their chin.
 
My question is, why do I have to bring the string 2 – 3 inches (5 – 7.5cm) below the chin and why can I not make a draw direct under the chin?
 
Thank you."

It is very important to position the rear scapula correctly to be able to maximize the use of the stronger lower Trapezius. The reason why people want to draw directly to their chin is because they think of the shot as only a straight ‘push and pull’ action. You must understand that drawing and expansion is not in the same direction. Drawing is linear and expansion is angular (refer to the section “Technique – Angular Movement” for a more detailed explanation). Coach Lee therefore likes to emphasise this difference and break it into separate steps. Thus, drawing down and then to anchor is a linear movement and from this point this linear movement must be transformed into an angular movement during the loading/transfer stage and continue throughout the expansion stage. Also drawing down below the chin will assist in correctly positioning the draw scapula