A short discussion on another thread got me thinking about this "archers disease" again. I think I have it under control, if not cured, & actually haven't thought much about it lately. I believe my short drawing & snap shooting is finished, but now I've come upon another phenomenon; a flinched release. As a long time snap shooter I never understood the term accurately, because it's nearly impossible to flinch while using my old technique. But now that I hold a couple secs I experience this occasionally. I'm real sure I can get by this ok too, & it sure beats the heck out of where I was at. It has been a long battle & I may not be as close to whipping it as I feel. Either way it's just a part of the tremendous challenge of archery to me, & progress feels great! Anyone else made good strides in conquering TP?
Traditional archery is a journey, not a destination.
Hey Vic, I just close both eyes when I shoot. That way I can't panic at some thing I can't see. Simple but effective. Course I don't hit much of what I shoot at.
Yup, had it so bad almost quit! Now I dont have any of that TP crap! maintain your back tension....ah heck, why try, you are the master and should be teaching ME! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>!
Naa Dan, I think we helped each other out awhile back when we were working our way thru TP problems. I'll remember that stuff from now on, besides da Cobster is the ole Master. As we both know, there's lots of wisdom hidden in his jestful post above. Don't let him fool ya, he's a crack shot. You are right again Dan (did I say that)? <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>, good back tension & maintaining concentration on the spot all the way thru conclusion is the ticket against flinches for me. Bill, I never had a twitch of TP while shooting at critters, maybe adrenaline but luckily always have done fairly good on game shots. I'm a little concerned about this new "target style" shooting technique tho, seems like more room for error in some ways. God I love this archery stuff! Never seen anything so basically simple, yet so challenging. Sure feels great when you see that you've made some headway!!
I have been able to control TP for the most part. I still have an occasional relapse though. I found that counting to 3 after the anchor is achieved helps. I normally only reach 2 though. At least I hit and hold an anchor. I have found it helpful to couple the counting with starting the draw while aiming at the target. Dick
Feels great to actually FEEL full draw don't it Dick? Congrats on your progress!! That stuff is a bugger to whoop, but I'm thinkin the only ones who eventually don't are the ones who quit because of it.
arrowsmit - I have never understood target panic. I have form problems, release problems, hitting the target problems, but its never a chronic thing and certainly no "panic" involved. For me, as I increase my skills, I am more aware of the shot - the hold, the release, the anchor - all of it. I'm slow, but AM learning.
Stealthy, it would sure be hard for anyone not having experienced it to understand. Actually most of us that HAVE had it don't understand it either! LOL! I think maintaining a solid anchor & complete follow thru (just good fundamental form) is good insurance against it. I hope you never do understand what it's like.
I started suffering short draw syndrome and pushing the bow arm at release sickness, but havn't had any target panic. <img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle> Actually, I'm not so sure target panic is the right term. I envision seeing a target and breaking out in a cold sweat and then running for cover. I think I just got lazy in my shooting and developed some real bad habits, because getting rid of them has been all about getting back to basics and retraining myself the right way.
I've always been a snap shooter, meaning I release as soon as my hand hits anchor and I didn't even realize I wasn't reaching anchor but was releasing a couple inches before anchor. No wonder I couldn't get consistent arrow flight or accuracy. Floating anchor, short drawing, moving bow arm and on and on and on and on. <img src=icon_smile_blackeye.gif border=0 align=middle> I'm working my way out of it though. Actually shot real well last trip to the range.
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Make em sharp and shoot em straight, or leave em home.
Target Panic Revisited
