The best cure for target panic is some quality coaching. This will cure the panic, and also prevent it from happening in the future.

Shoot yourself in the foot. That will do it.


Actually, Back when it was a problem, I would put up the bow at the first sign of panic. No need in creating bad habits. I have not had it in years, and dontcare to get it back.

There are different forms of target panic and they can be correctd in different ways. What exactly is your problem and maybe we can help some more.

I doubt simply not shooting is going to correct anything. Ignoring a problem usually doesn't fix it. You need to find a way to correct the bad habbit.

Also keep in mind it is nothing you are going to cure in a matter of minutes, or over night. It may take weeks of working at it, depends on how often you get a chance to shoot. And if you don't find the original reason you got it you may never get rid of it.

I have it all written out and described, but I can't seem to copy and paste on this site anymore. It isn't an option in this window? This is the only site I visit that does this, and it didn't used to be that way. If I have time later I may type it all out. I would like to know what your problem is though.

It would really help to see you shoot. I agree a few lessons or having someone watch you would not hurt. However they don't know what is going on inside your head.

The best way is to forget everything you think you know about archery and start from scratch again. Making sure your form is good and your bow fits you. After that it's all a confidence game.

I have trouble with the pin freezing below the target and punching the trigger. I call it doing a drive by. When I can get the pin up on the target I slap off a shot as the pin crosses where I want to aim. I can shoot fairly well this way, but it is a poor way to shoot and very frustrating when it bothers me. There are a few ways I could go about fixing it, but to be really frank I am just to lazy and stubborn to do it.[]. Like I always say, "Do as I say, not as I do.".

Paul

ROTFLMAO!

Paul Everything you said I agree with 100 percent,and I'm too stubborn and lazy also[:@]

I had it really bad a few years ago on the 3d course and indoor. So, i quit shooting for a few months. I bought back tension releases, shot blind, got real close to the target, anything and everything. But, it always came back. I didn't shoot for almost 2 months, but when i picked it up, it was as if i had never had target panic in my life. Since then, i still shoot the back tension and up close shots for a refresher, but as soon as i start jerking the trigger i just hang the bow up for that day. The one thing i tell everyone i shoot with that has target panic is, "The arrow is still going to be in the target when you get there, so don't look it when you shoot." Kinda like pickin your head up in golfing, you're just dropping the bow out of fear of a miss.

Dare I say it: “Target Panic” Oh my now the cat is out of the bag! what is it and how can I get rid of it.

Target panic has been described as many different things. The most common is not being able to get your aiming point on target or releasing the arrow in a panic as you jerk the bow and or the release. The second situation is usually caused by the first.
I’m amazed at how many people recommend stop practicing. I refuse to believe this is a good solution. I think it best that you begin to understand the root cause and deal with it. I’m not sure where I read this but it is the best advice and description I have ever seen on the root cause of target panic. The archer has a “fear of missing”. OK OK before you start puffing out your chest and saying things like “I’m not afraid of anything”, hear me out. This is a subconscious thing, your mind is messing with you. It is a safety mechanism your brain uses to keep you from failing. Your brain prevents you from getting on target so you can’t shoot. If you can’t shoot you cant fail/miss. It’s sort of a built in excuse. It is caused by your deep desire to hit the target and your fear that you may not.
Ok here is a simple test to illustrate the theory. Draw your bow without an arrow on it. Can you place your aiming point on the target? I have never met anyone who says without the arrow they still have problems holding on target. So if you are one of the many what does this prove? It proves the problem is psychological not physical. Your body is capable of holding the bow on target and since there is no possible way you can miss, well your brain is capable too.
I could show you some other examples but I think you would be much more interested in making it go away. If you want it to go away the first thing you need to do is admit that you have a fear of missing. Then and only then can you address the problem. Heck if you don’t care if you hit the bull or not what is the sense of competing. Put in those terms everyone who competes must have some fear right? Most of the time our fear drives us to improve. It’s part of the human experience. Over the next couple of paragraphs I’ll give you some suggestions of how some people have found ways to overcome the problem. All of them are ways of manipulating the brain into working properly.
Giving up: It has been said by many that just putting the bow down and not shooting it for a period of time resolves their problem. I like shooting to much to make this a viable option. What this does is gives you a chance to relax and often the next time you pick up the bow you are not in a pressure situation where you expect to perform. “Hey I haven’t shot in two months I’m not supposed to be dead aim today” You have created a self imposed excuse so your brain doesn’t have to. The temporary elimination of the panic has allowed you to shoot better which intern gives you renewed self confidence so for some people it does help. Unfortunately when you put your self back into the pressure cooker, it returns. As you’ll see as we move forward here self confidence in your shooting ability and understanding your limitations is the key.
Self confidence and limitations, let me explain what I mean by these. Today’s limit maybe different then tomorrows limit. You need to understand emotionally as well as intellectually that it’s ok to miss as long as you are trying your best. Meet each shot not as a requirement too hit the center but as a challenge to hit the center. You need to want to hit the bull with all your heart but understand that if you don’t, you most probably will the next time. This is a fine line but understand it’s the fear of missing causing the problem. Concentrate on patting your self on the back for the good shots, “boy that one felt good”. This helps you to concentrate on the fact that you are capable of hitting the bull. This is where the confidence comes in. If you truly believe you are capable of hitting the center spot on anyone shot. Then you will have no fear. I know easier said then done.
Tricking the trickster, how to build your conscious and subconscious confidence. Repeatedly drawing the bow without an arrow and holding it on target helps you to develop a good sight picture and trains your sub conscious brain that you can do it. Without an arrow knocked I think you will find this task to be easy. It also helps you develop the conscious confidence that you can do it. After you get comfortable with that try shooting at real close range. Pick the distance that your 20 yard pin is right on. Usually some where between 11 and 20 feet, yes I meant feet! I have found it dam near impossible to miss the spot if you are standing that close. This also reinforces the idea that you can hit the target. Doesn’t hurt to repeat to your self “I know I can hit what ever I want”. What ever it takes to become self confident in your ability will improve your situation.
Slapping the release is a symptom of the problem but it may also need some additional mind training. Blind shooting which is closing your eyes can help you train your body to recognize the correct way to pull the trigger. Practice a smooth release by squeezing the trigger with good back tension and do it repeatedly more then you think you need is a good idea. This will help to redevelop that muscle memory. Just make sure you remove the target we wouldn’t want your brain to get the idea you were missing. Remember you need to train your brain. I’m a finger shooter and this helps me to also concentrate on a good release which is the Achilles heel of all finger shooters.
I’ll leave you with a short story that to date has left me target panic free for the last 20 years. I was one of the two best shooters in my club. Normally the best shooter in the club (Steve) beat me by several points each week. (Usually because I would collapsed on the last flight) One night I didn’t collapse, I shot great all the way through (some sort of accident). Steve needed four perfect arrows to beet me. His first two hit the mark and on the second shot the stick on arrow rest he was using flew off and landed in the dirt. I was certain victory would be mine. Steve picked up the arrow rest flicked off the sawdust and stuck it back on the bow. After eyeing it a couple of times in several directions he shrugged his shoulders and drilled the next two arrows right in the bulls-eye. The arrows were so tight that they were touching each other. I was flabbergasted! I asked him how he was able to do it. I explained I would have fallen apart for sure. He said he never even considered failing he believed he could do it and was excited he had the chance. He said heck that’s why I shoot so I can have the chance to prove to myself I can do it. It was an epiphany for me. It changed my whole outlook. From then on we competed on even ground and I won almost as often as I lost but I was never afraid of missing. I knew I had the power to become a good shot I just lacked the confidence.
Good luck I hope this helps you shoot better and develop a healthy thought process in your approach to every shot. Fear the fear!

bow bender: Great 1st post and welcome to the forums!

That actually makes sense.

This is only a guess but I am thinking you are having problems with your pin floating all over the target. So far this is normal. The normal but disastrous response is to hit the release or let go when the pin is going by center. The arrow goes well off course and you kick yourself. Am I close?


Typically, an archer who is using a release has become comfortable with punching the trigger at the exact moment that their pin crosses the target. And, usually up until that point, they are doing pretty well at hitting what they are aiming at.

But then... they notice a slight flinch. Still... the majority of their arrows are on target... but every now and then... they have a few "fliers" due to this little annoying "flinch". If not corrected, it continues to get worse, until their confidence is shot, and they are not sure if they can hit the target with their next arrow.

First off... Shoot some "Blank Bail." Get within 5 feet from your target, and shoot with your eyes closed. Use proper form, and slowly squeeze your release. Your release should be UNEXPECTED. Do this and allow your body to feel what a "Proper Release" feels like. In this manner, you are developing "Muscle Memory". Do this with about 10 arrows before you start shooting... and then about 10 arrows after you finish shooting. (Again... this is done with your eyes closed.) Larry Wise told me that the first 10 shots on the blank bale are the most valuable. So, if you can blank bale several times a day, it will speed up your “recovery”. If you can’t get out your bow several times a day, a good substitute is a loop of string. Make the loop equal to your draw length, loop it over your thumb, hook up your release and shoot it. If you are getting a good surprise release, the string will shoot several feet out.

Be sure to allow your pin to "float" and don't get too concerned with the "Perfect Sight Picture". Over time, you will become steadier, but for now, let the pin float. At this time, don't be too concerned about where your arrow goes, but instead, be concerned that you are triggering your release in such a manner that the release is "unexpected" or a "surprise."

When you aim, you should pick a spot, and absolutely "glue" your eyes to THAT spot. DO NOT take your eyes off of that spot! Allow your pin to float... and do not take your eyes off of that spot!!! Slowly initiate your release in such a manner that the release goes off by surprise. When you release, DO NOT look for your arrow! Continue to stare at the same spot.

If your pin was not on the exact spot you wanted... Don't sweat it! What you want to do, is to be able to tell exactly where you pin was located at the exact moment of release. This is done by gluing your eyes on the target.



If you can say "My pin was low left" and that is exactly where your arrow went, you are in good shape! Again, you will become steadier as time goes by. But, if your arrow goes someplace else than where your pin was during release, it will be a problem in your form.

The key to this whole thing boils down to (3) three things:


Proper form.
Allow your pin to float.
Your release should be a surprise. [/ol]

If you can nail these three things down... you will find that you no longer flinch!
Good luck & please keep us posted as to your progress!
Allen

Note: This post is partly copied from a post by Donnie on Archery Net.

Welcome! Great first post.Some may question drawing a bow without an arrow on it because of the possibility of a dry fire,but your point is very well made.I suffered with target panic for quite a long time and through perseverence and a number of the methods you have referred to as well as shooting back tension only for over a year I overcame it.
I would also suggest to any one sufferring this malady that they relax,remember that it is supposed to be fun and with time and a relaxed mind they will prevail.