target panic?
 

I have seen it discussed before but never paid attention as I didn't feel it applied to me or ever would. With my new ovation, I have a harder cam and am having some wildly different results in my shooting. Typically I can place the first shot or two perfectly, but as I shoot I tend to get locked on a spot below the bullseye and have a terrible time moving the pin up to center. Some of the shots come off so bad that I have even missed the target completely. If I come down on the target at first draw I seem to be ok, but if I have to move I do some really bad things like grabing the bow which I use to only do on very seldom occasion. I am planing on adding a wrist sling today and other than practice I am kinda stuck on this one. If anyone has any thoughts on how to cure this, I would really appreciate hearing from you.

RE: target panic?
 

The worst thing you can do is get into the habit of releasing the arrow when you're not on target. If you can't get into the dot, LET THE S.O.B. DOWN!

I've been dealing with target panic for almost 15 years now, even shooting instinctive with my stickbows. Sometimes it's not so bad, sometimes it's pure ruination. I've finally found something that has helped me, from Ted Nugent of all people. Don't know if it'll work for you but...

Target Panic

Another thing, if it just started since you got this bow, go back to your old bow for awhile. You've got to be comfortable when shooting.

RE: target panic?
 

I am recovering from the same target panic you have now. It's a bad one and I tried a lot of things to get rid of it. The only thing that worked was going to a back tension release. Your form of panic is called "gold shyness." This link is a good one that I found while doing research on the subject. It’s been about 5months and now my target shooting is unbelievable!

RE: target panic?
 

Welcome to the Target Panic Shooter's Guild. I suffer mildly from the same affliction you described. I am currently in the process of trying out a No-Peep device which eliminates the need for a peep sight. It's supposed to help TP. Results forthcoming.

http://www.timberline-archery.com/np.asp

Good luck!

RE: target panic?
 

Does the new bow have more letoff than the old? I have a hell of a time shooting the newer bows with high letoff. Just feels unnatural not to have tension pulling on you.

RE: target panic?
 

Thanks for the input. I printed out your info and will get to work on it this weekend. By the way the bow is the same letoff as the old one-65. The let off didn't seem to be an issue as long as I shot a release with my old bow. I do feel like 65 is to much let off for a finger shooter.

RE: target panic?
 

Practice,Practice,Practice.I start out at 10yds.and when I can hit my mark consistantly,I take a step back and so on.You have to be comfortable w/your new bow and by lot's of practice you will get in tune.Make sure your poundage is not set too high.
Elkshed

RE: target panic?
 

I suffered from it about 4 years ago. I started punching, yanking, just coming unglued the minute the pin got near the target. I sought help of a world class shooter who had been through it. He told me of many other great shooters who had gone through the same thing. In his opinion...and mine there is NO SHORTCUT. You can NOT CHEAT. Their cure consisted of totally blind bale shooting. No paper plate, no target of any kind and no distance over 10 feet for weeks or months if need be. I sought the cure in the off season so followed the routine.

The Key points.

1: DRAW LENGTH.... DRAW LENGTH.... DRAW LENGTH.

2: If you're shooting a release.... get the tip of your finger off it. The release trigger should hit you trigger finger at the first joint.

3: Your finger should just curl naturally around the trigger. You don't pull with your hand or arms.... back tension back tension. Some people get the hang of it better by invisioning a spot about 3 inches behind your elbow at full draw. Make your elbow touch that spot to trigger the release. You don't pull with your finger. Pushing those shoulder blades together will make the shot go. Your bow and trigger hand should be totally relaxed.

4: Get a routine... a by the numbers type thing. What ever fits your fancy. Mine is kind of nock the arrow,... see the target... raise the bow... draw... come to full anchor.... close your eyes, take up the slack on the trigger and tighten the back muscles. If the shot doesn't go off within 8 seconds from the time you hit anchor.... LET DOWN and start again. If it doesn't go off your draw length is probably TOO LONG. DO NOT MAKE THAT TRIGGER TOO SENSITIVE.

5: It's not HOW MANY SHOTS..... IT'S HOW MANY GOOD SHOTS Don't over do it... a half dozen arrows and take a break... a half dozen more and take a break. It was winter when I was doing it. I had my target in the garage. I'd go shoot 6 or 8 arrows during commericials. I'd do it all night.

6: DON't CHEAT!!!!

7: The shot should come as a surprise. I shoot with a very open grip. After about a week of shooting the shot went off and I launched my bow across the garage floor. Now that's a surprise shot. After Len repaired the cam I was back in business.[&:]

8: I don't care how mild a case you think you have or how well you think you have it down.... don't think about opening those eyes for a couple weeks. It'll amaze you the groups you'll start shooting with your eyes close.

9: After about 2 months I went to the next step..... shooting at a BIG target at close range. You may take longer or less... but certainly no less than a couple weeks... a month or more is best. Shoot at No more than 10 yards when you start targets(BIG TARGETS). Do that for a few days. See the target.... let the shot happen. Concentrate on a spot on the target... NOT THAT DAMN PIN. Just let the pin float(your peripheral vision will see the pin) AGAIN... if it doesn't go off by itself in 8 seconds ..>> LET DOWN.

10. If you shoot even one shot where YOU triggered it or yanked it or made it happen.... STOP.... go back to the blind bale.

11. After a couple days of the pie plate you can move back a few yards. Again.... big target. Over the next few days shoot a little further and a little further. Start shrinking the targets being mindful NOT TO MAKE THE SHOT HAPPEN or you go back inside to the blind bale.

12. It's absolutely some of the best practice you can do is to start and end EVERY practice session with a few blind shots. Trust me... you'll be a better more consistant, confident archer than you ever were in a couple months if "YOU DON'T CHEAT".

13. There have been those who NEVER got cured .... but this system has been the savior for scores of world class shooters.


14. You'll be doing pirouettes in no time.

RE: target panic?
 

Damn-I wanted someone to give me a band aid that I could put on and be shooting robin hoods tonight or at least by monday. O well I guess I will have to try the long route. I hope I have enough patience. I seem to use most of it up sitting in a tree.

RE: target panic?
 

Yep. I sure wish they had a pill to cure TP, but they don't.;)