Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Shooters FORM Board => Topic started by: Tancred on August 15, 2012, 12:24:00 PM

Title: First shots
Post by: Tancred on August 15, 2012, 12:24:00 PM
Hey Guys,

I've been shooting regularly, almost everyday, for about 4 months now with mixed success. Sometimes I'm spot on, most of the time my groups are still too big. But my first shots are always off the most. This concerns me, since you only get one shot at the deer. Any suggestions on how I can improve?
Title: Re: First shots
Post by: Rossco7002 on August 15, 2012, 06:57:00 PM
Before taking your first shot do 5-10 let down drills where you come onto target but don't release. After the warm up start shooting. I do this both on the range and when I get I to my tree stand - works well.
Title: Re: First shots
Post by: raghorns on August 15, 2012, 11:19:00 PM
Good advice Rossco. Thanks
Title: Re: First shots
Post by: arrowlauncherdj on August 15, 2012, 11:46:00 PM
I do that in the deer stand a lot, cant say it is perfect practice, but I'll pick a pine cone and make several draws on it just holding at anchor trying to visualize my shot.  Seems to calm me down anyway.
Title: Re: First shots
Post by: FarmerMarley on August 18, 2012, 10:58:00 PM
Practicing on close bales with no target has helped me A LOT! Try focusing on form as much as most people focus on hitting a spot. Find the form that feels most comfortable and repeatable and ingrain it in your subconscious.

Blank bale, blank bale, blank bale...I know it sounds boring but you should try it.

I am pretty new to archery but I have realized that form is everything! If you find the best form for you and ingrain it in your subconscious you will get better and better faster!
Title: Re: First shots
Post by: njloco on August 19, 2012, 09:15:00 PM
What FarmerMarley said, x 2.
Title: Re: First shots
Post by: reddogge on August 20, 2012, 03:29:00 PM
Carry a judo point and fling a couple before you climb into the stand on the way in. If it's dark fling a couple near the car headlights. Helps loosen the shooting muscles.
Title: Re: First shots
Post by: Tancred on August 20, 2012, 04:41:00 PM
Thanks for the replies. I think part of my problem is there seems to be too many things I need to be aware of. My mind gets bogged down in the details. And everything starts to feel contorted. Nothing seems natural right now.
Title: Re: First shots
Post by: longrifle346 on August 20, 2012, 05:45:00 PM
Go immediately to the blank bale! Do not pass go, do not collect $200. What you've just described is the perfect reason to shoot blank bale...to ingrain form until you don't have to think about it.