Target Panic

[PSE Mikey]

I am struggling a bit with target panic when shooting spots.
I am jumping back in the game after being sidelined from shoulder surgery. In practice I can shoot 300-50X, when it comes to compitition I shot 298 and a pair ot 297`s. The X count also drops to the 30s to 40, and the shoulder gets tight and I start flinching.
I know practice is important, but I don`t want to pick up more bad habits. Any suggestions? :(

[firestormshooter]

With those kind of scores, I wish i had your bad habits.

[PSE Mikey]

firestorm, I don`t think you want those bad habits. :D
Seriously, I see the differance in my x-count. My groups on the target begin to open and I start pushing the bow. Even though the total score is ok, the target shows that I am struggling with my shots.

[Grnmtn]

Stop focusing on the pin and focus on the center of the x. Your second sight will keep bringing the pin back to the center without you thinking about the pins exact location. Your form must be good enough to give you the ability to keep it in the 300 range so... Try to stay more relaxed and let the shot happen and erase from your mind that "NOW" impulse. One arrow at a time the same way every time, first arrow or the 60th.

[Area_D]

I'm not one of the Pro's, but I can understand what you are going through so I will try to answer with a couple of points.

Focus on the process (shot sequence), not the score. Tell yourself that you don't care where the arrow goes as long as you shoot each shot like you do in practice.

Don't think about the score until the end. Pull your good arrows last and take a good look at them. Ignore the bad arrows. Don't think about your bad arrows and especially don't talk about your bad arrows. Try to forget them and remember only your good arrows.

Since you can shoot a 50x, you have the skill to shoot a 60x. You just need to work on the mental aspects of the game to build concentration & confidence.

good luck,
Area_D

[mikey custom-g]

Originally posted by Grnmtn
Stop focusing on the pin and focus on the center of the x. Your second sight will keep bringing the pin back to the center without you thinking about the pins exact location. Your form must be good enough to give you the ability to keep it in the 300 range so... Try to stay more relaxed and let the shot happen and erase from your mind that "NOW" impulse. One arrow at a time the same way every time, first arrow or the 60th.


germantown i like that concept. i too get this panic thing here and there,,,,,mostly i get "jumpy" from drinking coffee and my general hyper italian nature. but as you say,,,,,focus on the area that you intend to hit and not the pin. i recall so many times looking for the pin,,,,then the animal. really we should draw with our eyes on the animal,,,,anchor up the bow and then when the pin gathers into the strike zone,,,,,hold down firm the bow from moving and begin to press the release......i am relating this to hunting......but i like this as a lesson for focusing. it really compares to trap shooting a shotgun too. igf you get hung up the front bead of the gun,,,,,you'll never catch the clay target. you have to mount the gun (or bow) then trust in your mount(repetition) and go for the target,,,,not follow the bead.....you need to trust your eyes more......and i need to check this oput next time i shoot some practice archery......thanks....

[bowmaster_elite]

working out the shoulder couldnt hurt..

[PSE Mikey]

Originally posted by bowmaster_elite
working out the shoulder couldnt hurt..

bowmaster, believe me, I have worked hard in rehab, wieght strengthening, and physical therapy after my shoulder surgery. I know my problem is coming from TP, because of the scores I shoot in practice.
After reading all the comments, I see my biggest problem, is self discipline and that I should be shooting one arrow at a time. Not worrying about the total score.
Thanks for the help and comments guys, I`ll let you know when I am back in my game! :)