Holding the Bow and Loading the Arrow
Pictures here are to help the single-handed archer learn to load. It took me some time to develop all techniques I use. I first put the bow on a saw horse and loaded. I sometimes still do. I often hold the bow between my legs while loading the arrow and attaching the release. The technique here is easy and requires no special equiptment. It should be practiced.
Easy Loading With One Hand
It is easy to hold the bow for loading. I hold it by the bowstring. I can hold it or carry it in this way for hours without tiring. I am not under any stress here. I often wear a glove on my arm if I shoot a lot. I have a white sock on here for better picture detail.
The Arrow it Loaded
In the picture below I have placed the arrow on the bowstring. I use a Tiger Tuff rest which holds the arrow in place for hunting. A target rest would be just fine. You would have to keep the bow tilted at a bit of an angle on some rests just as two handed shooters do. The arrow is in place and being held by the rest and arrow nock.
Note that the loop is ready for release to attach. The peep sight is aligned correctly.
Attaching The Release
In the picture here I am attaching the Scott Little Bitty Goose to the loop on the bowstring. If you don't use a loop you should. The bow is held in complete comfort.
No Stress! No Strain!
The release is attached and the clip is ready to be loaded between the teeth. There is no hurry and I can wait for some time to finish and fire. Once the clip is in the mouth one won't want to wait tooooo... long.
Placing the Strap
In the pictures here I am keeping the strap on the release near the shoulder. It should be noted that it is much easier to pull the bow with the strap near the shoulder and the cord on the release shortened. When the strap is moved toward the elbow much more muscle strength is needed in the arm without a hand. Young children should be encouraged to exercise that arm regularly or the shoulder will not develop properly. No big deal!
Bob Harrell