Know a good shrink?

cbanman · 10-30-2002, 09:07 PM

Target Panic. I'm sure this is vulgarity around here but does anyone know a sure fire solution?

Matt / PA · 10-30-2002, 09:21 PM

Not sure there is one real "Sure fire" way to cure it......everyone has their own mehods, from "Blind Bale" shooting, to voodoo dolls. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

Me personally , if I find myself getting a little "Punchy".....and I can tell right away when I am, I focus completely on the shot and let the pin "Float" around the center of the target. I don't mean waving like a prom queen, I still try to keep the pin on the target, but I no longer "Worry" about it being there. I then completely concentrate on the mechanics of the shot, using as much back tension as I can and embracing the surprise of the shot going off.
My accuracy goes up about a million% over trying to hold rock steady and timing the shot by hitting the trigger when the pin is dead center.
I read an article by Randy Ulmer once that illustrates this.....he said that when you let a pin float around the target, more of the time that it is floating it is heading TOWARD the center of the target. SO in effect if you just let your mind do its thing your arrows just sort of magically find there way into the center.......if you are hitting your release when the pin is in the center of the target, the pin already has nowhere to go but AWAY from the center and you'll end up with much more inconsistent accuracy.
I also seem to stay around the center of the target better if I float than if I try my hardest to hold rock steady......rock steady is impossible unless you have your bow in a machine, so seperate the target from the shot, enjoy the snap of a surprise release and your arrows should find their mark.
Or something to that effect

I almost forgot.......
Also avoid tension through your arms and hands by pulling against your back muscles.....and don't strangle the release. Tension starts in your hands and if you have tension there, you have it all the way through your arms and your back muscles can't do their job properly.Tension causes a less steady hold and a desire to get the shot away more quickly.......and don't "Overbow" yourself.

Edited by - Matt / PA on 10/31/2002 19:54:42

walks with a gimp · 10-30-2002, 11:26 PM

Geezz, pretty good Matt/PA! I think I learned something! Kill anymore deer yet?

Deleted User · 10-31-2002, 07:24 PM

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cbanman · 10-31-2002, 07:44 PM

I believe in the 'floating thing' but sometimes (most of the time) it's hard to get that far. I tend to hold the pin just below the center. I can't get it any closer. I pull the trigger at that point or try to jam the pin up and pull at the same time. Neither have a good result. I've been dealing with this crap for 5 years now. I've tried the back tension release and sure enough, you can make them go off just like a trigger if you want. It sucks. I think the solution is to go buy a new bow and that will motivate me to make sure and spend the time to get through this. I have success killing deer but on the range it's a bit embarrassing. Thanks for the input guys.

cb

HuntingBry · 11-01-2002, 06:49 AM

Matt/PA gave you some great advice (I learned some things too there, thanks Matt). If you are freezing below the dot (or above as was my case) the best thing to do is go to an empty bail. At first, go about 5 feet from it and draw your bow, make sure you are on the bail, close your eyes and feel the release. Do this until it has become second nature and your conscious mind has been take out of the release. Then take some shots at the empty bail from 5 feet with your eyes open making sure not to focus on any part of the bail or aim at anything, just feeling the release. Then do the same at 10 yards, then 20. Then if you have a spot target that has a blank backside put it up backside out and concentrate on just putting your arrow on paper. Then if you have a large spot target use that and just concetrate on getting your pin in the middle ring and releasing, and progressively move to the center. If you do this and follow everything that Matt said you should be able to get over this. Take baby steps though, don't try to do it all at once or you will overload your mind and start punching again. Good luck.