Dave,

I'm not sure what videos you are referring to, maybe you could send me
the links. If you are referring to 2004 Olympic footage, then I would
say you are correct, not many of the archers are utilizing the BEST
method, but that's because Coach Kisik Lee, hadn't arrived here yet.

I would never suggest that I know more than some other coach,
especially Coach Kisik Lee. I think his experience and record speaks
for itself. I'm not so sure I was so strong in my choice of words when
describing Rick Mckinney's book. I might have said his book is enough
or something like that. In any case, I have not read Mr. Lee's book at
the moment, but I'm sure it is very good as well.

It would be foolish for me to suggest that Mr. Lee's book is not worth
picking up, and it would be equally as foolish for me to disregard the
BEST method. I missed the opportunity to participate in Coach Lee's
coaching seminar held in March. But I will participate in FITA's
International Coaching Seminar to be held in South Korea later this
year. Many of the things we have learned about archery in this country
are being turned upside down by Coach Lee, but I think it is for the
best, and I look forward to learning as much as I can from his system.

With all that said, there is no one way to shoot the bow. However, to
answer your question, I really think it depends on your long term
goals with the sport. I mean if you are shooting for recreation, then
it may not be such a big deal how much of the BEST method you adopt
versus some other technique. However, if you plan on being
internationally competitive, then I would suggest you focus on the
BEST method, as that is being adopted here in the U.S., and it is not
so far stretched from other methods that you cannot accommodate
yourself to it.

I think the main differences as I understand them lie in the angular
vs. linear approach, as well as the load/transfer stages of the BEST
vs. continuous movement approach as taught here and elsewhere in the
past. I think there are many who do not buy into Coach Lee's system,
as it may be viewed as a bit radical, or even strict. However, all
sports change over the years, new innovations become standards, and
Coach Lee is sort of a pioneer in our sport, he is making an impact
that will be adopted and we are right in the middle of this transition.

I think adopting the BEST method will help you to streamline and
simplify your technique in the long run. Keep in mind, many of the
important aspects of archery are still valid in McKinney's book. I
think Coach Lee's approach may take things a bit further.

I hope this was of some help.

-Daniel



--- In AskArcheryCoach@yahoogroups.com, "HikinOut" <hikinout@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Daniel,
>
> I was looking at some videos of the US archery team and some Korean
> archers on youtube. I have also looked into the steps of the BEST
> method that coach Kisik Lee is teaching. The interesting thing about
> the US teams video is that not every archer is using the BEST method
> verbatum. I saw some variations. I know you have suggested to others
> that the Rick Mckinney book "the simple art of winning" is the only
> book you need. In my technique, I am using some things that work well
> for me from coach Lee's method and I am using other things from other
> books that i have read. I do not have a coach but feel i am
> progressing. I would like your opinion as to my approach. Do you
> think it is a mistake not to follow one method or another to the T?
>
> Thanks,
> Dave
>