I have major target panic. When I try and line anything up on the target, I lock up. However if I simply look as a spot, rais my arm, draw my bow slowly till my middle finger touches the corner of my mouth and release I am fine. This is how I tought myself to shoot. I cannot however not anything if i try and hold for say 2 seconds. I can notice my bow arm moving, almost coming to level like I am settling in for a compound shot and so I miss. So I shoot when the finger touches my mouth. I want my groups to get smaller, so I need some advice. I shoot a group about the size of a pie pan at 20 yards.

My best advice is to take a Rod Jenkins clinic. I had target panic and snapped shot for 18yrs. After taking the clinic I am getting better. Its a process. I have hope and a solution.

I would start with shooting at a 2-3 yards and shooting blind folded so that way you can focus your mental side of the shot on how your form comes together.

I can second the blind bailing. Since I built a target to do this my shooting has improved 100%

I have struggled with the same thing.  I've done a couple of things that have really helped me.  First,  I only shoot 1 arrow and then go get it.  I don't shoot groups anymore and my shooting has improved dramatically.  The second thing I have done is to use multiple anchor points.  I now put my middle finger on the corner of my mouth, thumb knuckle on my earlobe and feather on my nose.  I don't focus on my aim until all 3 anchor points are locked in.  I now have a shot sequence that doesn't focus on aiming until I am at anchor.  I used to struggle getting to my anchor point.  I found out that when my bow arm was pointing on target I would release regardless of where my draw hand was.  I don't do that as much anymore.  To take the focus off of aiming I count my anchor points and start focusing on my spot as I do this.  I mentally say the word ONE when I touch my face with my middle finger.  I don't start aiming until I say ONE.  I mentally say TWO when I touch my nose on the feather and say THREE when my thumb knuckle touches my earlobe.  I sharpen my focus on the spot and keep expanding until the shot breaks.  If I find myself struggling to anchor I repeatedly go through this mental countdown, come to anchor, aim and let down without shooting.  Has helped me.  GOOD LUCK

Hang a roll of tape form a string in front of your target, spin or swing a little then you wait to get an opening through the center of the roll. It really helps to get you to hold, just don't shoot til you get the shot you want even if you have to let down.

Thanks for the input guys! I am going to take your suggestions and apply them this week!

Check the target panic thread by Clickerman

Give me a call, I have some ideas for you that will change the way you think during your shot.  253-686-3623

Joel Turner

Joel is the man. He helped me out. I'm shooting better now than ever. Listen to him carefully and try to do what he is telling you. It will all make sense.

Ron

Call Joel as soon as you can.  I talked to him when my target panic was getting its worst.  I would either snap shoot at 3/4 draw or look away, draw to anchor, look at my target and try to hold for a five count every shot. I was getting really disappointing and thinking about quitting until the bug bit me again someday. After talking to Joel, I understand why that was happening and gave me clear, easy to understand directions on how this can be corrected.  Breaking down the shot sequence into smaller, easily focused on pieces makes a world of difference.  Diligent awareness of your each and every movements is key to good concentration and repetitive shot sequencing.

Lower draw weight bow until your form settles down and you can hold anchor. Works for me. Worked my way down from 65# longbow to 40# recurve as I age- I'll be 65 in a few days. I love the 40# because it's so easy to hold and shoot. My hunting accuracy is better, and the bow is powerful enough. About ready to put the 50# limbs on- arrows made and ready for it.

QuoteOriginally posted by ranger 3:
Hang a roll of tape form a string in front of your target, spin or swing a little then you wait to get an opening through the center of the roll. It really helps to get you to hold, just don't shoot til you get the shot you want even if you have to let down.

That's a neat idea  

QuoteOriginally posted by Mr. fingers:
 

QuoteOriginally posted by ranger 3:
Hang a roll of tape form a string in front of your target, spin or swing a little then you wait to get an opening through the center of the roll. It really helps to get you to hold, just don't shoot til you get the shot you want even if you have to let down.

That's a neat idea      [/b]

That is a neat idea!

I have also a tip for you. This is what i taught to myself in order to overcome "target panic".

First try to create at least to anchor points, for me those are my index finger to the corner of my mouth and thumb joint against my cheek bone.
1. I choose a spot that I want to hit
2. Forget the target for now and push and pull to the anchor
3. Now decide that you are NOT shooting. Just aiming.
4. Align the arrow in your peripherial vision to the target line.
5. If you see an opportunity, then shoot but don't take it as granted. If something is less than perfect, put it down.

But the thing here is that you really decide not to shoot. You just get the anchor right and aim "for fun".
The actual shoot is like a reward for the proper preparations.
Works for me and it makes you appreciate every arrow shot.

You could try parking your car next to your target. Pull back your bow and lock into your anchor while aiming at your car...once you are locked in then you can turn to aim at your target. It could get costly that way but I am sure it wouldn't take long to fix your problem either. lol

Maybe you are best served as a snap shooter....snap shooting is a style and NOT target panic.  I have seen folks hold have target panic and gasp at release.

Shoot the way God intended for you to...you do NOT have to hold long to be a good shooter, all depends on your make up.  Some are better off to hold, and some are better off to snap shoot. HH was a snap shooter....so don't confuse snap shooting with target panic.

   

Take a look into your grip on the string, use a deeper grip and you might find that you feel stronger on the shot, which will help you "hold" longer, but your focus shouldn't be to hold as it is to be to pull.

I agree with Terry. I hold( really pause) for just a quick second and release. If I try to artificially hold a while it messes me up. Target shooting and hunting are two different things.

As Terry says, many people are happier as snap shooters.

However, if you want to hold, there seem to be a few key factors you have to learn to deal with.  Everything has to be solid enough so you don't start shaking as you hold. The meaty part of your bow hand between your thumb and your lifeline should be solidly pressing forward against the bow grip when you draw the bow.  Your fingers should be lightly curled around the handle so you don't have to reflexively grab the handle to keep it from jumping out of your hand when you shoot the bow.

Your string fingers should be hooked around the string enough that you don't feel like you're having to strain to keep from shooting the bow until you're ready. I'm not convinced that a deeper hook than that adds anything to the shot, but you need at least that much of a hook.

There is a sweet spot you can reach as you tense your back muscles where it feels like you are holding the bow with them and have minimal tension in your arms and shoulders. Everyone has to discover how to do that for himself. It is difficult to explain or demonstrate.

Not just me, but everyone I have read or listened to has to fight the same urgency to get rid of the arrow too soon, including Rod Jenkins, so I'm sure he will discuss that with you. Even snapshooters. The best thing I ever did for myself was to learn to anticipate this urgency rather than dread it, and just view it as a normal part of the shot.  There are many other ways to deal with it, including those discussed by Joel Turner in this forum. Don't think it will ever go away; it may well get worse as you get to be a better shot. You just have to learn to deal with it.

At the point of release, you will begin to relax various muscles which are better held in tension until after the shot is released. The extent to which you can hold this tension until the shot is released will determine how good of a shot you are.  You will have your share of good, explosive releases, and your share of crappy releases. Learn to become aware of the difference, other than just by the result.