I've been really working on my form. I've identified my biggest flaw being my anchor. When I hit it, I shoot really consistent. I have a question for you guys. What can I do to help with this?
If I consciously think about it, I'll hit my anchor. Is this one of those things that will eventually get ingrained? I'm really struggling right now. I'm a fairly new shooter. I went full traditional a few years back then went back to the compound. I've been shooting nothing but trad bows for the last year and I'm finally getting good enough to identify my problems. Now I'm trying to fix them.
One option is to buy a clicker a lot of guys find that that audible "click" helps a great deal in this department
I have been using a set routine each shot and use a clicker to trigger the shot. Stance, keep shoulder down, draw, anchor, expand to get alignment, keep pulling with back muscles until audible clicker (all this happens while picking a spot(unconsciously). If I do this right my hand comes back and thumb touches opposite shoulder and I usually hit what I am looking at. It has helped me tremendously. Ken
Thanks guys. Now when you use the clicker, it sounds like that is what triggers your release. Is that a correct statement? I'm trying to understand the clicker.
If you can't get to a Rod Jenkins clinic, Masters of the Barebow Volume III should be a huge help.
Chad
Come to full anchor, hold on target for count of 3, then let the bow back down. Try it in front of a mirror. Just don't release and shoot the mirror...
Yes, the click triggers the shot.
If you have a safe spot to practice (no kids/animals/stupid people), come to full draw with your eyes closed. Only open your eyes when you have settled in to your form. Then look at what you want to hit and concentrate and follow the rest of your shot sequence(or if really close and safe shoot with eyes closed like true blind bale shooting).
I strongly encourage a verbal or mental shot trigger mantra (like a clicker). Rick Welch uses the word "release" after two "hold its". Some use "hold/focus/release". I also now archers who just say "breathe, breathe" and keep expanding through the shot.
If you can get your hands on a light weight bow in the 30s or 40lb bow would help.
These are all temporary solutions for what sounds like target panic. The solution is much simpler than you could ever imagine. Buy the iron mind archery dvd on target panic and your problem can be solved with some work. I had it worse than anyone alive and I can overcome it now thanks to that dvd
You need to ask why you don't come to anchor every time. There can be a few different reasons.
It is possible that you bows draw weight is too heavy and after a few shots, fatigue and lack of concentration set in. I am a huge advocate of practicing form on a low draw weight bow. The draw weigh should be so low as never create an issue in you practice. I recently bought a take down recurve with two sets of limbs. One set is for form practice, the other for hunting and hunting practice.
If it is target panic - its all in your head and the methods mentioned above are worth investigating.
I think you guys may be on to something with the target panic. I will look into that further. Thanks guys
All great advice. No expert here, but my brother and I have shot bows on and off for years. I believe it mostly takes patience and practice. I anchor while trying to keep constant pressure on the string back through elbow with the back engaged also. This can eliminate collapsing on the shot which usually results in an erratic release and a poor shot. Also try to keep bow arm on target until after the arrow impacts. Have confidence and most of all have fun!
Sounds like you are snap shooting man. Slow down take your time and make. Every shot your best shot and yes you should consciously be sure you come to anchor and then do yourself a favor and hold a few moments once you do.
If you can get a bow of less weight -10 and blind bail with a safe target. 4foot in front of a safe target ,you close your eyes and concentrate on coming to full draw, FEELING your anchor and release/shooting into the target eyes still shut . do this everyday before you practice till your anchoring improves . Then make it part of your pre practice without releasing. make it muscle memory
Do a search for 'double anchor'....that may be the missing link...it was for me years ago...and the final link to my best shooting..
Talk to Joel at Ironmind Hunting. He does an excellent job of helping people with the mental aspects of shooting as it is probably not a form issue. His materials can explain in detail how the methods mentioned previously work and how you approach it.
What Terry said!
Close your eyes and draw the bow, where did you anchor ? Don't force yourself to an anchor you think is best, let your body mechanics answer it for you. Too many choose anchor points based on others. Choose the anchor that you can duplicate without conscious effort, and one where it fits you.