I've got archerys worst disease!!!!!!

hunter9022 · 01-20-2003, 09:38 AM

Im finally admitting i have target panic. I cant hide it anymore. Im lookin for answers. My main thing is i can hold the pin on the littlest dot all day long. But when it comes time to actually shoot, i tremble and pull all over. I tend to hurry and fling my finger around the trigger and yank it. Will a back tension help me that much? I like shooting a caliper type release, but i have to stop this. Ive heard that once u start shootin a back tension, its tough to shoot caliper. ANY suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I figure id get this out of the way during the "off season."

footed shaft · 01-20-2003, 10:45 AM

Hunter9022:You are on your way to recovery,you admitted you have the problem.Now to cure it.There are going to be lots of response to this topic.I would recommend getting away from shooting little spots and using some that are WAAAY bigger than you would normally shoot.Target panic is really a fear of missing.(like you said,you can hold great when you know you are not going to shoot but shake when you attept to make a shot-that's a fear of missing)Start with taking your site off and standing very close to an eye level target(3/4 feet)Draw your bow and conciously see how SLOW you can pull the trigger until the bow goes off.This does two things 1-It tells your mind that it's OK to NOT know when the release goes off 2-Without the site you can't aim,you sre just FEELING the shot.When you feel comfortable with putting the site back on again stand very close to the target(3/4feet),use a very big spot 6/8",and again focus on squeezing the shot as slow as you can while the pin floats around on the spot.You will notice that you never get real "paniky"because the pin is always on the spot.If after a few seconds the release won't go off LET DOWN.Never force the shot to go off.Just draw and try it again.After you become comfortable with this range and target sise step back a yard or so,reduce your target size by 1"and do it all over again.Eventually you will be back to 20 yards shooting small(2/3&quot

spots again comfortbly.Like i said i'm sure you will get lots of responses,i have lots more i can give you but work calls,gotta go.Footed Shaft

Kanga · 01-20-2003, 11:31 AM

Footed gave some good advice.
You could also try a BT release and also some blind bailing draw the bow with your eyes open put the pin on the target and then close your eyes and feel the release go off.
But always breathe normally.

Aussie by birth Texan by choice

silentassassin · 01-20-2003, 11:41 AM

If your bow shoots as hard as mine does, the shear frustration of trying to get the arrow out would break me<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Protect your hunting rights, "Spay or neuter a liberal."

Trushot_archer · 01-20-2003, 11:42 AM

If you like the caliper style, pick up a Trufire X-caliper( they're on sale in the Bargain cave section on the Cabela's website) It has a "release to Fire" option that helped me a lot. Not quiet back tension, but it was all I needed. 2 Heinekens worked pretty well too...

Trushot }}------><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_clown.gif border=0 align=middle>

Edited by - trushot_archer on 01/20/2003 12:44:22

FLHunter · 01-20-2003, 12:02 PM

Any style release can be shot by a backtension release method!!!! Once you have mastered the BT release you will be able to command release when required to ie. in hunting situations. Backtension releasing allows you to concentrate in aimming through the shot. Bernie Pellerite's book "Idiot Proof Archery" available through Robinhood Videos has some very good information to get you going. Bottomline Target Panic can be beaten and backtension is one of the best cures.

Aim Hard!

hunter9022 · 01-20-2003, 02:03 PM

Thanks alot guys. Ive tried the standin real close and makin myself squeeze the shot, and that doesnt bother me. But, i do agree, i think its mostly that im afraid to miss. Ill definatly try all of these. Cause i HAVE TO GET OVER THIS!!!!

okbwhtr · 01-20-2003, 10:07 PM

Hey good buddy! You should order new video from Carter Enterprize called Straight talk from the pros. It worth the $25.00. All the pros giving there best advice. God luck,

IMN23D · 01-21-2003, 09:14 AM

If you are looking to keep a caliper style release, consider "the answer" by golden key. You can't punch it. Once you get comfortable shooting it, you can make it your only release. It has helped countless people with your problem around here.

Arthur P · 01-22-2003, 07:35 AM

There are breathing exercises you can do that will help calm yourself down. I've done some deep breathing exercises while hooked up to a biofeedback machine. You'd be amazed at what happens to your heartrate and brain wave activity just by controlling your breathing. Breath control is very important.

Just remember that target panic is almost always mental and rarely a physical or equipment problem. There is no piece of equipment you can buy that will cure it. The very best you can expect is getting a little control over it. You have to take care of the problem at the source, and that source is between your ears.

Edited by - Arthur P on 01/22/2003 08:39:50