savedbygrace

What is it used for and how do you do it?

Paul L Mohr

It is used for practicing your release, form and anything else that deals with your shooting sequence. It is a more relaxed way to shoot and can help keep away or cure most forms of target panic since you are not worried about aiming or missing the target. Sort of like dry firing a rifle to cure flinching.

You stand very close to large target so you can't miss. Then you draw your bow, close your eyes and slowly release an arrow. Most times if you do it right the bow will jump right out of your hand. That is what a sling is for. This is the same surprise release you are looking for when actually shooting. Your not concentating on aiming so you can concentrate on everything else.

Another good thing to do is blank bale shooting. This is where you shoot with your eyes open from a bit farther but do not aim for any particular spot. Again, less stressfull.

Another good excersise is aiming at a multiple spot target, but not releasing an arrow. Pick a spot to aim at, draw and aim, but don't put your finger on the trigger. Just hold the bow there for a while and then let back down. It's hard the first few times, but once your brain figures out you are not going to release an arrow you really calm down. This is great if you have trouble freezing above or below the target. It also helps you hold steadier and really builds up the muscles. Letting your bow down is actually harder than drawing it in most cases. You will get tired fast doing this, so don't over do it.

Good luck,
Paul