ORIGINAL: FSUBIGMAC
Let me rephrase that about target panic -- I dont think its as much target panic as it is my finger slipping off the trigger when I'm not expecting it to. What you described above is what seems to be happening ( the full body flinch). Its not like I say "trigger in 3...2...1 NOW" I usually take aim and try to concentrate on a very small point at the target. However, sometimes when I subconsciously go to shoot I get the full body flinch.
That is your subconscious (which has been improperly trained) screaming NOW.... and your conscious mind stopping yourself. You got the little devil and the little angel on either shoulder.
My target panic was a little more clear cut... you are trying to stop yourself... which in my mind shows you know you got it... you just don't want to admit it. Brother, ain't nobody I know of that hasn'thad target panic... not anybody whose been shooting more than two weeks. But its kinda like the clap.... you gotta get rid of it or you'll have it forever.
I have thought it may just be that I am not thinking about it and my muscle is so relaxed that its not actually hitting the trigger hard enough (making me think I need to back some bolts out on the release so I can get more of a suprise release).
Its quite the opposite. Every muscle is really very tense. You shouldn't be hitting the trigger period. You should have your finger on it. I hate long releases for just that reason.... when you try and relax and at the same time try to reach up to the trigger... you can creep the bow. That will make you freak out too. Shorten that thing up to the first joint in your finger (middle/main joint). You'll be able to lay your finger on it, and pull through the shot is much much easier that way. I know a few guys who shoot long releases and actually have the mindset to pull the trigger smooth like they would on a rifle... two of them are Navy Seal Snipers, the other one is an army sniper (probably half my customers are military.... with the largest Navy base in the world right here in Norfolk/VA beach and two or three huge Army and AF bases in 20 minutes of each other).... common ground is they have some of the best available training in the world on trigger control... and right or wrong, it works for them. Everyone else (you and I included) have to go about it another way.
When it doesn't happen I usually am touching arrows at 20 yds. I also think I may be over stretching my finger in order to get it fully on the trigger ( the gap between the release and the wrist strap is too far -- it IS adjustable). Your thoughts Mr. Duck Hunter?
yeah you are over stretching. And the reason you can slap shafts at 20 is because you have focused on something else... like JUST slapping the trigger.
Also should add that when I do get that flinch my finger is always slipped off the trigger. Its like my subconscience pulls the trigger but my finger misses and my brain just says OH SHAT!!! In other words I don't see it coming until after it happens if that makes sense
What kind of release are you shoot right now?