I started with a Nova myself because it was cheap and in case i didn't like bow hunting I did not have a lot invested. But i too had the same problem anything past 20yds i was nervous about taking the shot. As far as practice I usally shot 3 to 6 arrows then pull and take a few min. to look and study what i did or failed to do on the shots. to many shots in a row will hurt once yopu get tired your shots will be all over the place.