Missedagain,

A most interesting thing happened to me while I was practicing yesterday evening. I was out about 30 yards from the target (I know - way too far for a beginner like me, but that’s a whole other story). I shot 3 arrows and they all grouped to the left and down from the center about 18”. I stopped for a long time and contemplated my previous shoots; I’d never seen so many of my arrows group like that before – particularly at that range. Then I got the idea that I would try to consciously compensate by aiming my bowhand slightly to the right and up and see what happens. I nocked my last arrow, drew slow and easy, pushed my bowhand at the target (like Fred Asbell says in his book) while compensating slightly, and released. The arrow flew true to the target and struck the bullseye dead one! I can still see the graceful arch of the spinning fluorescent red fletching as it flew to the target and then the unbelievable sight of the arrow dead center in the target. After that shot, I packed everything up and went home – I didn’t want to spoil the moment.

I’m sure that it will be a long time before I do anything like that again, but I felt it. I finally experienced what it feels like to consciously (and instinctively) direct an arrow to a spot and have it actually go there. I know now that I can do this. It will take time and lots of practice to do it consistently, but I can do it. Gentlemen, I’m hooked and thank you!