target panic
 

what do you do if you have target panic?

RE: target panic
 

let it go.

RE: target panic
 

You might want to try the scott releases with the spring trigger?? They are supposed to provide a more surprised release than the regular steel tab.

RE: target panic
 

Whenever I think I'm getting target panic, I just sit the bow down for about 3 weeks. It has worked everytime. Target panic is not something that is easy to work through, so I just do this and it works.

RE: target panic
 

Simple: Don't do it.

RE: target panic
 

I used to have the worst target panic you have ever seen about 12 years ago. With out spending any extra money there are a few things to try depending on what type of target panic you have. I took all my pins off but one, tightened the trigger tension on my release, and put myself through a regiment of pulling back, holding on the target until I had to let down without shooting to reinforce the fact that I could have released the arrow at any time but chose not to. I then spent ALOT of time doing blind bale practice. If you can spend some money the answer release is a great tool for anti punching, as well as a triggerless release(back tension). These methods took me from hitting the ground 50% of the time at 20 yards, to a state 3-D title.

RE: target panic
 

I've heard that if you picture the target naked it helps.:D

RE: target panic
 

Elkcrazy, has some good ideas there for you.

I also suffered from a horrible case of TP, a good number of years ago.

The best things to do are to;

A. Make sure your bow fits you perfectly. Draw length should be right on. Draw weight should be very light, so that its easy to draw back using the proper muscles. You should be able to pre-aim your pin, and draw back without struggling, or moving the pin much.

B. STOP SHOOTING

C. Make a bow simulator. A simple wooden handle, with a string through both ends. It should reach your perfect draw and allow you to hook your release aid to it.

D. Stand in front of a mirror and using perfect repeatable form, practice "shooting" your new bow simulator. It will teach you to use back tension to trigger your release. Back tension is the only way to cause a surprise release that doesnt lead to target panic. If you're mentally "triggering" your release, you will always anticipate the shot, and thats what target panic mainly consists of.

E. After a few weeks of shooting your bow simulator, pick up your bow, and shoot it at a blank target. (no bullseye) Just practice getting that feel you have with the simulator. (Keep the simulator around, and use it before you shoot, or on days when you cant shoot)

F. After a week or two of shooting your bow with no target. Add a target, and stay close. Concentrate on the target and not on your pin. Aiming is not forcing your bow or pin to point at the spot. Aiming, is simply staring and concentrating on the spot. RE-Learn how to AIM.

G. As you gain confidence in your new shooting style, work your way back to distances you had been shooting before. If you ever feel the TP creeping back in....Take out the bow simulator. Use that thing as often as you can.

I also wrote up a giant article on TP, so if you have any more questions, just contact me, I can give you a link.


Best of luck overcoming it----Matt:)

RE: target panic
 

Im a fan of the draw aim but do not release method mentioned above. Do this a dozen times for every arrow you shoot, makes a big difference

RE: target panic
 

There are some excellant suggestions that have been given.I would like to express my opinion.I have also sufferred terribly from target panic.So bad at one point I almost gave up the sport.Thankfully through dilligence I have overcome the malady.If Bernie Pellerite's and his wife are ever in your area take his weekend archery course.Quite likely the best money I ever spent.He advocates much of what the other posters have said.Make sure you are at a comfortable draw weight.If you can't hold your bow pointing it straight at your target and draw your string straight back without making a face you are over bowed.
One of the most important things if not the most important thing is to relax.You don't have to shoot.If it doesn't feel right don't shoot.The professionals let down 1 of every 3 shots.Take your time between arrows,whats the rush?I often practice with one arrow,even at distances of 50 and 60 yards.I think about my shot while retrieving the arrow and walking back,it also allows your body to become reoxygenated.
Executing your shots with back tension is critical.Have a pro shop owner who knows what they are doing measure your draw length,most archers draw length is to long and there stances are not open enough.Blind bale practice really helps.Get about 3 or 4 feet away from your target(so you cant miss)draw back and close your eyes and execute the shot while relaxed and calm and "feel" what it is supposed to feel like.Continue to practice in that way while imbedding that feeling in your subconscious mind.
Depending on the severity of your TP will dictate the release that you should use.Scotts spring trigger may work or the Answer release may work.I had to go completely to back tension.I went two seasons practicing,3d shoots and hunting with a pure back tension release,thats how bad my case was.Now I use a release that I trigger with my pinky,actually My pinky is laid on it and i fire the release with back tension.I may miss an opportunity at an animal some day because I can't stomp on the trigger but thats okay my shooting style forces me to aim. All of this is a journey and an effort but it is one worth taking!
I would suggest you look in to purchasing Bernie Pellerite's book.I have his tape series.Why not shorten the learning curve if you can.
Best Wishes!!

RE: target panic
 

Some very good suggestions there. I think that if you ask, every serious bow shooter, at one time or another, has suffered from some level of TP in their shooting career. From mild to severe, TP is a real menace. It can however be overcome.

Just so I don't end up repeating whats been typed, do an online search for Blind Bale shooting. Searching for Target Panic will likely hit on an article that includes Blind Bale.

What you need to achieve is the surprise shot. Target Panic defined is simply the fear of missing. Your brain takes over and you command the shot to go. Working on the blind bale will teach you how to experience the proper shot, which is one of surprise. Pulling through the shot will come along for the ride and you'll be back in the 10 ring in short order.

Drop me a line if you can't find an article on Blind Bale and I'll do what I can to find one for you. Don't give up, you'll be fine.

RE: target panic
 

One remedy. Hold on the target and don't release until you are set. Different releases, coming down or up on the target are not a fix for the problem. Disipline is the ONLY way to correct target panic. Start with holding on the target without releasing. Hold until you can't hold any longer. Do it over and over until you are on the spot and steady than start releasing. Repetition and mental desipline is the only fix. Period!!

RE: target panic
 

Proper technique coupled with concentration / discipline would be the answer.

Not a good idea. Hold a nominal amount of time, all while knowing that you are not going to release. Let down way before fatigue sets in.

Repetition alone without first knowing the proper method to execute the shot will do little more than reinforce bad habits. Learn what a perfect shot feels like before you do any of the above. Period.

RE: target panic
 

Every one has to do what is right for them as it relates to conquering challenges.For me target panic is a mental condition not a physical one.I needed not to try so hard,not to have it matter so much if I shot perfectly.Through that type of detachment and a complete focus on form I was able to come to a level of enjoyment and proficiency that I don't believe I would have achieved any other way.
I strongly encourage you to read everything you can get your hands on about target panic,see what the professionals say.If you read enough you will see a pattern,the same things being mentioned over and over again.Relax,have fun,have a shot sequence,challenge yourself to let down on a shot even when everything feels right,just to show yourself you are in control.If anything breaks down in your shot sequence let down.
I don't know how helpful this is but there are a lot of very good archers who have battled this,a lot of archers who have realized the importance of back tension,shooting back tension releases all year long and switching to index finger fired releases prior to hunting seasons,and even then using their index finger as a hook that doesnt move,executing the shot with back tension to get that surprise release that you want.
Good Luck!