Eye Dominance problem

[right_wing]

I have a 13 yr. old that has been shooting a bow for several years. He was taught to shoot with both eyes open. Recently he took a Hunters safety course, and during the course, learned that he is left eye dominant. But, he is right-handed and has shot right-handed for about 6 years. He seems to do OK until he gets excited (shooting at an animal) and his left eye kicks in. He has missed animals by 4 feet before at close ranges and we had no idea what was going on.

What do I do??

Do I...
Swith him over to left hand now?
Teach him to shoot with one eye closed (which is what he has been doing)
Or is there an alternate solution?


Big decision to switch him over because I don't know if the change will adversely affect something else


Opinions greatly appreciated!

[txhunter]

That is a tough one. I would probably attempt to make the switch. He is still young enough to successfully accomplish this and learn to shoot left handed. You can't fight a dominant eye and try to change it. Good luck with what you decide and keep us updated.

[LostHawg]

Well, I have the same eye dominance situation. BUT, I shoot both eyes open and instinctive.

When I was still shooting tech with sites, I used a peep and closed my left eye for the shot. It was quite frustrating. If you can get a left hand bow, I would recommend you try that if you're sticking with sites.

[Ronny]

I'm right handed and shoot everything left handed except my bow. I just close the left eye. I fill I can shoot as good as the next guy this way.

[johnny]

If you dont wont to swith him to life hand bow try a patch on the life eye

[bo-n-aro]

Only one thing to do.......... switch him to a lefty.
Over the last 35+ years I have seen many many an archer struggle with this and hands down the ones that switch improved and never went back.
It might take a few weeks to get the "feel" of things and the muscles tunned, but have him hang in there.
I would also suggest you keep him shooting with both eyes opened when he does switch.

[biggen]

Switch him over because you do not want him shooting like rns!

[LostHawg]

Originally Posted by biggen

Switch him over because you do not want him shooting like rns!

Ain't that the trufe!

[nothinbutwelves]

you can get a pair of sunglasses and everywhere he goes have the left eye of the glasses smeared with vaseline or plasticwrap his brain will switch eye dominence naturally.the best way is to switch him to a left hand bow both eyes need to be open for true accuracy as well as safety if someone or a no shoot animal is moving in from the side at the time of release and his left eye is closed it could be bad.the switch will be painless and his accuracy will greatly improve.

[Chunky]

I don't know about being able to switch his dominate eye. I know that some people are not strongly one eye dominate (my wife) and can switch eyes. I believe (but don't know) that it is like being ambidextrous (sp) with your hands. If you are strongly one way you can not fight nature. Otherwise, I would be a left handed pitcher on the Astros...they need help.

So, what to do? I have a close friend with the same problem. He stayed righty and closes one eye. He does alright and takes his share of animals, but probabaly not as good as he would have done if he had switched. Switching will be hard and need a strong commitment from your son, but if he can do it....it will be better in the long haul.

I would listen to what he wants to do after explaining all the facts to him. He will be the one doing the work.

[right_wing]

Thanks for all the suggestions/opinions!!

Never thought about the "eye ambedextrous" idea. Kinda makes sense to me though. If he does the "eye test", He goes to the left eye about 8 times out of 10. Didn't know what to make of that except maybe mentally he was trying to pull to the right eye.

Anyway, Sounds like he may need to make the switch.

He was just getting to the age where we could start to share equipment, which would help out my pocketbook. Now, all we will be able to share is arrows

Thanks again for input!

[biggen]

Hmmm, always thought I picked up the target with my non dominate eye!! Guess I am stuck with always closing one eye!