Ask Kisik (FAQs)

I have heard comments about the “Hold” section of the shooting cycle. Many here are interpreting that as a “stop” and consequently are a bit critical as we have all been taught that the draw must be continuous. I have said that it isn’t a Stop but the movement becomes imperceptible as the transfer goes on to the back. Can you give me any pointers to help explain it?

Those are great photos of David on the website! In particular, I've been wondering what he does with the thumb of his string hand when he draws; the first photo in the sequence seems to show it tensed or pulled back, but it is hard to see for sure. I have been trying to find my optimal thumb position and it would be interesting to know what he does.

I would like to just ask a more general question on how to develop the back muscles and how to learn to feel that everything is in the right place. Also should one use a drawing band or bow with Formaster attached as part of warming up before a tournament (or practice) as the muscles take a while to tell you which ones are working?

Bow Arm -For the first few years as an archer I accepted the advice that shooting is the best way to develop archery muscles. However, last October I visited an archery shop at which a member of the UK squad works and he advised me to use a rubber band to develop bow arm posture (the vertical elbow crease). Previously I had thought that this was largely a knack as my arm would always rotate away from the vertical as I drew. He also adapted my built up (epoxy wood filter is excellent for this) Hoyt grip to look more like the Hoyt Ergo grip with the result that it is now easier to maintain the correct bow hand/arm posture.   Having read many leading books in the hope of mastering this skill, it seems the solution is to gradually build up the back muscles that stabilize the bow arm scapula using a rubber band to begin with (as mentioned on page 131 of TA) and to practice drawing and holding the bow (10 reps of up to 1 minute as endurance improves - TA page 145). Any comments you have on the best way to proceed would be very useful. Also advice on how to customize bow hand grips would be very useful.

There is a lot of discussion about the draw side scapulae. What happens with the bow side scapulae? Does it lower straight down as the bow shoulder is pulled down, is it drawn in toward the spine, or is it held where ever it is after setup is completed? The various photos in the book and on the form photo page appears to not support moving it in toward the spine but I'm not sure. Please help!! Thanks.

In your discussion regarding the question about the "Hold" section of the shooting cycle, you briefly mentioned "expansion of the chest". What is chest expansion and how is it done? I can increase the tension in my scapulae with no apparent movement of my chest or I can do it by also allowing my chest to slightly expand or move toward the bow/string. The latter is actually much easier so is this what you mean? I have also heard some folks describe it by saying one should relax the chest to get the clicker to drop. The latter doesn't seem to make any since because as I do that, the arrow moves further away from the clicker. (my shot collapses) What is chest expansion and how is it done? Thanks.

Your answer to question 6, has made me now fully understand what is meant by expansion and how to achieve it. However, could you please clarify what you mean by, “Meanwhile, the bow arm continues to reach out towards the target, assisting the bow arm to stay down”. Refer TA page 60, third paragraph. If I reach out I have troubles bringing my drawing scapula in. Thank you.

I had looked at the Scapulae Positioning pictures on page 105 many times without fully seeing the movement that is so obviously presented through the use of lines, arrows and ovals on those same pictures in Form Photos of your web site. That Form Photos picture is truly worth a thousand words! Which brings me to my question: are those Scapulae pictures that utilize the lines, arrows and ovals available in TA 2nd edition? Are there other clarifications, improvements or corrections provided in 2nd edition? If so, would you please post them on this website for us 1st edition owners to see? Thank you.

At our club there seems to be a difference of opinion amongst coaches as to the draw hand position on the face. Some of the older coaches say that the back of the draw hand should be vertical, parallel to the string, and others say that the top of the draw hand should make a solid and as much contact with the jaw as possible, which means a slightly angled back of the draw hand. Could we please have your views on this?

As an archer improves overall alignment and form, including keeping the crease of the inside of the bow arm elbow close to vertical, should the coach use "buzz" (of the bowstring humming against the armguard as it vibrates at the end of the shot) on the armguard as a evaluation tool? In other words can slight string contact with the arm guard be considered either a positive thing or an unavoidable result of good alignment?

I have purchased the book and thank you for the information. Whilst browsing through the KSL web site I could find a FAQ section for this book. Incidentally, I would like to post a question over here.   The setup is the positioning the draw shoulder and scapulae to align them toward the target. How do the archer achieved this without twisting his waist ? At this stage , what is the relation between the waist and the upper body ? What do you meant by the "Hip Open to the target"?   Please elaborate on the questions above.

Now to the point, the reason I am writing today is to have a few questions answered dealing with the SPT exercises. Do you advise doing the SPT exercised before or after shooting. Such as SPT in the morning and target shooting in the evening? Do you recommend doing the SPT exercises in the order A, then B, then C, then D. or can these be shifted. Also what repetitions do you recommend for C and D I have been unable to find any. As an ex gymnast of 15 years I have some concerns with the effects of shooting and doing SPT exercises on one side of the body. I have for some time done as much as I can to balance my shooting. Such as - If I shot 10 Arrows I will shift the bow and pull it 10 times on the other side, it is not exact but it is an attempt to keep my body more balanced. Recently when I began doing the SPT exercises I have also made attempts to keep it balanced by repeating all exercises and hold times on the other side. However I have been advised that it may be best to stick with just my shooting side. One, that it may not be necessary as you have not advised it. Two, its just more work and fatigue that may not be beneficial to my shooting. How do you feel about this? Thank you in advance for any insight you may give.

Could you please send me information on Coach Lee's camps and seminars?

Dear Coach Lee,  I hope that you are well and enjoying your move to the USA.   It was good to see you again and listen to your talk on B.E.S.T. I have been looking over the notes I made from your talk.  I hope that you do not mind me asking.   One of the points you made was that you wished to see the draw elbow, beyond the centre line of the arrow. This seems to break the line of force from the elbow to the fingers on the string. It was my understanding that the elbow joint should be directly behind the arrow - taking into account body proportions. This would seem to give more consistency if you use the analogy of the fingers are like hooks, attached by chains to the elbow.  Thank you for your time.

Coach Lee - I have been studying your book religiously since purchasing it this past winter. Thanks for putting together such a great piece of work!  Here's my question. I have just begun shooting recurve archery after shooting a compound for approx 20 years. I think my form is technically strong. However, one issue that I continue to deal with is that I consistently scrape my chin with the string (receive a burn mark on my chin from the string).   Here are some specifics on my form: My stance is open as you suggest in Total Archery. My anchor is slightly off to the side of my chin. If I were to make it any less of a side anchor, I would be anchoring in the middle of my chin.   Are there any elements of my form that I can check to help eliminate this issue?  Thanks a lot for your help!

Dear Mr.Lee,   I am coming from relatively small archery society, I am a member of AC «Kalemegdan» from Belgrade, Serbia. Archery society to which I belong is, as I said, relatively small, consisted about 100 archers, divided in 10 archery clubs, mostly recreate archers and just a few persons seriously involved in this sport, within the boundaries of their own capabilities. Unfortunately Serbia doesn't have certified coaches or other experts approved by FITA.   On the other hand by the summer of 2009. Belgrade is a host of UNIVERSIADE and we hope that the Archery shall be a part of the official program to this event. For that reason I strongly believe that in the near future Serbian archery will grow in large steps.   I am not going to say anything new when I state that yours «TOTAL ARCHERY» helped me, as well as many more archery worldwide, and that it is surely one of the most (or the most) useful books in this particular field, specially in situations where other professional help or assistance is not available.   For that reason I came to an idea to translate «Total Archery» from English to Serbian language, hoping that this should be one step in creating environment for significant progress of serious archery in Serbia.   Here I emphasize that this should be the first book about archery in Serbian (excluding Eugen Herrigel «Zen in der Kunst des Bogenschiessens» which doesn't have anything similar with the concept of your book).   Of course I am aware that there are certain legal aspects of this idea and some Copyright issues since I am a lawyer myself (specialized in Commercial law). I hope that you will find some time to inform me about your opinion about this idea and if you are attending Croatian «Grand Prix», Porec 9-13.05. it will be my pleasure to meet you in person, and maybe discuss about the details.  With respect

Hello,   I am an archer from Italy and would like to know what the shoes are called on photo 64, page 126 of Total Archery.  Thanks

Hi,  Could you put me on the email list for any coaching that Mr. Lee may do at the end of the year. Much appreciated.  Also, I am interested in Mr. Lee's testimony - his faith seems very real to him. I would like to read about his journey has he written it down?   Kindest regards.

What is the best way to approach the B.E.S.T system. I understand core strength is paramount to being able to support a lot of the movements? Should core strength be the first to achieve and then train after with the rest of the technique building? Or is there a way to build technique without having the most efficient core strength. Until you've built your core strength? Best Regards.

Where can I buy a copy of Total Archery in the USA?

Dear Coach Lee,   You mentioned in Total Archery the use of a 'variable delayed video box" in conjunction with a video camera and monitor for use in coaching and self analysis. I have not been able to locate a retailer here in the US that stocks such an item. Do you have an internet source that one of these units can be purchased?   Thanks.

Dear Coach Lee,   I have a 12 year old daughter (of a good athletic build for her age) who represents her county on a regular basis shooting the recurve bow. As she is now starting to move up to the next level of her archery. For example, better quality limbs and arrows and increased coaching without making her become bored and turning her away from the sport.   I was wondering how you approach the subject of improving the strength and endurance of a young archer without building increased visible muscle mass that would not be acceptable to see on a young archer or child. Are the techniques employed in the book suitable for juniors? I would say not. Any improvement would I believe allow for a more constant and consistent draw and her 'anchor' to be maintained. Her coach has noticed that the draw may not be being carried out correctly at the moment, i.e. too much weight on her top finger and not spreading the load to the index and lower fingers. I believe we can iron this out from sections of your book and the photographs that go with it.   We also have the problem that she does not really like to eat or drink in the mornings. Which is awkward when it comes to an early start for a competition. Although she will readily drink 'Lucozade' type products and cereal bars. Could hydration in the morning be a substitute for solid food until she or other archers are ready to eat properly? For her it is probably nerves which is something we will have to overcome by mental training before she can reach her true potential.   If you are able to give me any advice for my daughter which I may also pass on to other club members both junior and senior I would be most grateful.   Are you doing any seminars or coaching sessions in the UK that we or other club members could attend as it would be most beneficial?   Many thanks for your time.

Since 2 weeks I am studying your wonderful and convincing view/book on archery. As I am a common-style archer the question arises of how to change to the KSL-style shooting technique. As in our club there are no coaches that studied your approach and still teach the common-style approach Ii find it difficult to get myself started in changing my style to the KSL-style. Is there a way to start changing my style in a gradual manner or would it be preferred to start all over again? Kind regards.

Dear KSL,  I agree with everything you have said in your reply, however is it true that training in Korea is different to anywhere else in the world? If a young person were on a training program in Korea at what ages and poundage would they be expected to cope with, also would the training program support these demands.   Thank you.

Many thanks for the wonderful website and book!   My question regards the set-up. Should an archer turn shoulders into line before or after raising the bow. My current procedure is as follows. I raise the bow, turn the bow shoulder into line at the same time pulling the draw scapula down into the set-up position. Then I start the draw. I have tried to turn into line before raising the bow and have found that the set-up position does not feel consistent.   Thank you.

I've been trying to find out if, when aiming, you should focus on the target and blur the sight or vise-versa. Is there a best way or is it personal preference? Thank you.

Dear Coach Lee,   I've had a great time reading and using the KSL shot cycle on the website and have put it to good use. I do however have a major problem, I don't seem to be able to get good clearance on the string as it hits the forearm hard and occasionally get caught under the guard (OUCH!). Must the bow arm and hand be in a straight line with the shoulders? Or would it be a good idea for me to tilt my bow arm forward to allow more clearance, if so by how much should I tilt? Please help me out, appreciate it.   Best regards.

A couple of questions on the Endurance SPT that weren't made totally clear by your website: Exactly how far through the shot cycle is one supposed to go? Do you just come to anchor and hold, or do you fully expand and hold? Where can I find rubber bands that can stretch to a full draw length?

To be able to get maximum speed for my arrows I have turned my 46# limbs in as hard as I can. Even though I'm shooting very well I am getting a lot of limb tip flutter. Will this affect the accuracy of the arrow? Many Thanks.

Hello,  I am a Spanish medicine doctor interested in bow shooting.   With the help of other bow shooters, we are trying to translate your article of the angular movement into Spanish, but we have some difficulties with the anatomical concepts you write in the article. I would like to know the scientific names of the following: chest bones chest joint When you describe the movement of the scapula to the backbone you say that it is a micro movement(and it looks like it were smaller than the movement of the chest bone to the chest joint, I can't understand that.