Breathing during the shot.

[jonsimoneau]

What do you guys feel is the proper way to breath during your shot sequence?  Do you inhale as you draw, exhale as you draw..etc?

[SPARKSNACKER]

This is how I do it, every time:
1. Bow at my side, take a deep breath in and out.
2. As I raise my bow, I inhale deeply.
3. As I draw, I exhale slowly, to about half way, and release the arrow.

I find that if I hold my breath during the draw, I'm more shaky.

[BobCo 1965]

There is a whole fairly complicated breathing regimen out there. I have seen people really get wrapped up in it to the point that it actually interferes with the shot. Another warning to be careful, I have also seen and personally experienced an injury related to breathing and shooting archery. I actually thought I had a heart attack at one point because of a sympathy pain that came around to the front of my chest. The injury actually occured in the back and the doctor knew exacly what happened. It had to do with chest expansion at an incorrect point of the draw. I knew I was breathing incorrectly during the shot, but it was past the point of no return.

The technique that I use and teach is breath in during draw, 1/2 exhale at anchor and hold the rest until follow through. Usually at the release you'll get a small uncontrolled puff outward.

I don't know and wouldn't presume to give you an answer.  I can say that I asked the same question of a well-known and very good shooter, and his response was,

"I do know this...If you're thinking about it...you're about to fail in the shot process."

[njloco]

Slightly deep breath (don't over do it)while drawing the bow, shoot relax and enjoy your perfect release and shot. If your holding long enough to have to exhale or breath in again, your doing something wrong.