target panic need help
 

I think this problem I have is called target panic. I freeze off my target and I can't aim. I try very hard to over come it, but that makes it worse. I tried a trick I didnt put a arrow in my bow. I pulled back and acted like I was going to shoot I could put that pin site right on my target. Why cant I do this with a arrow in my bow? If i do have target panic how do I over come it? This isnt the first time its happened to me. This happen way back in the summer and some how I got over it. With the season starting in 2 and 1/2 weeks I am getting a bit scared.

RE: target panic need help
 

has the string popped your arm alot.....i know i did it alot when i first started and i got to the point where i was scared to release.....if ya did, just bend that elbow, lol.....i dont know why youre doing what youre doing, but you can bet i'm going read the other replies so if there's something i need to worry may happen, i need to know how to fix it, lol.....good luck.......

RE: target panic need help
 

You might want to try just putting the bow down and relax for a little bit. Take your mind off it and then come back a little later or even the next day and take a few shots from a close range. If things feel good then backup and try from a longer range.

RE: target panic need help
 

That's it... TP, and it sounds like a doozy case. You can get beyond it, but you need to relax. Start with blind bale shooting.

Move close to the target (10 feet) and remove any reference of aiming. No dots, nothing but a clean target face. Concentrate on drawing and holding on center mass of the target bag. You need to let the shot happen. Don't command it. You removed the chance of any miss, (which by the way is what target panic is... anxiety, sudden urge to shoot, anticipation, ie: fear of missing), by standing at 10 feet. Concentrate on pulling through the shot. The shot should explode and you should have been surprised that the shot went off. Practice this drill until you have felt the way a perfect release should feel. You'll know.

Now, after an hour, a day, maybe two, you should be able to hang a target. Not a little one... a large single colored target... yellow... white... just not red. There's a reason for the color not being red and I'll spare you the scientific reasoning. Stand at 10 feet and draw the bow. Let the sight pin drift in and around or across the target face... while you continue to pull through the shot. Let it happen... don't command it. If you feel like saying "NOW" and mash the release... stop. Go back to the blind bale and keep working on your shot execution.

You should practice this method and move back as your ability to properly effect the shot improves. You can gradually reduce the size of your target as you progress. Capture the way a bow was meant to be used and you'll impress your friends... old women and little children. Ok... that crack about women and children was a joke, but you WILL impress yourself and that's all that matters. Confidence will put the arrows in the 10x!

Note: There are a number of articles posted in just about every hunting magazine that helps archers understand the basics of good shooting form. Calling on an accomplished friend can help... using back muscles to trigger the shot, practicing with a back tension release is SUPER for curing TP, standing upright as if a string is attached to your hat while you execute the shot, having a friend trigger your release, (the 10 foot rule applies to this one), while you stand at full draw - he uses monofilament fishing line tied off to your release trigger, etc, etc, etc. It all boils down to having good shooting form. Read all you can and take what applies to your situation. Don't try to run until you get your shoes tied. I know you can do it. :)