If you have access to purchase BOW & ARROW HUNTING MAGAZINE in their April 2003 issue they have a very informative article called TRIGGERING THE SHOT ( BY JOE BELL ). This article deals with target panic, punching the trigger, back tension releases,holding on the shot and what I believe to be the most important aspect of all the mental part of it ( the subconsious shot and shooting under pressure) etc.Sounds like it would benifit you to read this article, it contains lots of info and helpful advice and solutions to some of your problems.3D Bowhunter Magazine also has a great article on dealing with shooting under pressure.

hunt4hobbie I have no where near the experience as some of these old timers when it comes to bows, but I do have a question for you, when do you flinch, before or after you release?

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Proud father of a Devil Dog

Tazman, It is before I release the arrow. I can usually recover after flinching and still shoot very well. I have been doing it for about eight years now.

[Deleted by Admins]

hunt4, if you flinch before the shot, you're anticipating the shot. Flinching is always a reaction to the "anticipated" recoil at the shot. Be it rifle, shotgun, or bow. The bow does react in some way when shot. If you use a wrist strap/trigger release, shorten it if you can. Use the first knuckle of your finger, not the tip to shoot. It may sound strange, but you have less control of the release that way. But it is much harder to punch, also. And that's good. Just rest the first knuckle on the trigger and squeeze the right shoulder muscles to pull back slightly on the right hand, which should be relaxed. It takes some practice and time, but your release will be much cleaner and smoother. And don't forget to follow through. Let your release hand move straight back over your shoulder. When I execute a good shot, my release hand pivots at the wrist and moves straight back, finally resting on my shoulder. My right arm (I'm right handed) moves very, very little.

Phil.
&quot;Could you guys be quiet, my dad's trying to shoot.&quot;<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>

Many people has mentioned Too long of a draw, and I think they're accurate. YOu're probably overextended and holding for dear life so when you release, your body is simply 'snapping' back to its original position. Take an inch off your draw and see how if feels... I know taking an inch of a man's draw is like taking an inch of his ___s, but remember that size doesn't matter, but accurate shots do! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Phil. thanks for the info. I had a friend tell me the same thing last night. The only thing different he said to do is make the trigger harder to pull I have mine set very light right now and use the second knuckle.

hunt4, hope what I mentioned helped. It's amazing how the little things can move your shooting up a notch or two. The surprise release will help remove and control the flinching. Good shooting.

Phil.
&quot;Could you guys be quiet, my dad's trying to shoot.&quot;<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>

What I have found that works for me is to lock in at full draw with my middle finger resting on the trigger.My index finger is on the other side of my release against my jaw.I squezze my right back muscle and my hand contracts a little triggering the release.Try and not execute the shot by moving your finger.Practice with your eyes closed very close to your target until the execution becomes automatic.You should get a surprise release every time if done right.Then back up to about ten yard and concentrate on aiming and let the shot happen.Only do this after alot of blind practice when the release becomes automatic so you won't have to think about.

CB

WHACKEM N STACKEM

You've worked yourself into a very bad habit, hunt4hobbie, and it's going to take some real work to get out of it now. You're going about it the right way. Hope it works for you.

When I switched over to release, I made the same mistake you did and adjusted my releases as light as I could without having the things go off accidently. Wound up with the flinch too, and started trying to get rid of the habit by doing the same thing. Finally got tired of fighting it, so I sold my short bows and went back to fingers. No trigger to anticipate. You just quit holding the string when everything feels right and let it slip away.