What to do when your shooting becomes terrible

[Ulysseys]

My shooting has become terrible over the past month or so, anybody ever run in to this?  I can't say exactly what it is other than I'm having trouble holding on target I guess.  I shoot a "modified" gap style, with the arrow in my periph. vision and have been a very accurate shooter for some time but now I'm all over the place.  I checked and retuned my bow, everything on that end looks great so I'm assuming it's me.  Any suggestions?

[Jayrod]

Take a break then go back in a couple days..you will pickup bad habits if you continue when you go back to shooting take your time and concentrate

[MJB]

Quit for the day..

[Piratkey]

Originally posted by pred80:
Take a break then go back in a couple days..you will pickup bad habits if you continue when you go back to shooting take your time and concentrate

+1    

[Alexander Traditional]

I have to say the same as the above. I'll come home from work and be tired and can't concentrate,but I'll shoot anyway. I'll swear that I'm doing everything all right,but I just can't shoot. I'll put it up,and get a good nights rest,and go out and try again,and always do better the next day.

[cacciatore]

I quote the other guys.
I was shooting everyday and too much,I quit for 3 days and slowed down.
In case move to 5 yards and work on your form.
It is a never endind progress!

[Nathan Killen]

Yes sir....been there ! I also take a break from shooting and it helps. I've noticed when I'm not shooting up to par its usually my release or I'm collapsing at the shot.

[Alexander Traditional]

Hey Bill this may sound dumb,but I do it and I think it helps. When I'm shooting very good, I will write down every little thing I do. When I'm rested and feeling good I will go out and try to re-do everything from that day. It eventually starts to come easier and easier.

[McDave]

It could be any or a number of things, and as people have said, will probably go away on its own in time.

However, wouldn't it be nice if you knew what caused it, and then you could nip it in the bud the next time it happens?

Ideally, you would get some coaching, either locally or from one of the many fine archery instructors who put on classes around the country from time to time, such as Rod Jenkins.  Next, video yourself and send it in to the shooting form section of Trad Gang.  Arne is pretty good at picking up things from videos that people send in.

Last, take your shot apart and really focus on each component, shooting at a blank bale so you aren't distracted by trying to hit anything.  Common causes of slumps are failure to maintain a strong bow arm, torquing the bow or string, lifting your head (peeking) at the moment of release, failure to follow through, creeping (take a close up video of your arrow on the rest as you shoot the bow and observe whether it has any forward movement prior to release).  These aren't always easy to notice.  For example, if you are used to moving your head or torquing the string, it may feel natural to do those things and you have to increase your level of awareness to notice them.

[Scott E]

When you go back to shooting put only one arrow in your quiver and after each shot take a second to think about exactly what you did and what you need to do for the next shot.

If you can post a video in the shooting form section. That could help but my guess is it's mental. Sometimes I get too caught up in aiming or thinking about what I'm doing and my shooting tanks. In those times I get close to the target and blank bale.

Good luck

[Lone Ranger]

I have dropped shooting for a month or more (6-7 weeks (during the summer)) and upon return often have much better grouping and shot placement than before- (though my muscles cant shoot as many rounds)

L.R.

[lbshooter]

I think every body  has run into this at some point. Given the bow/ set-up is unchanged, the newly developed inaccuracy is caused by either a change in form or a break in concentration.  A break in concentration is easier.  Once recognized it can be addressed without much energy. A form change is more difficult, particularly if you are unable to pinpoint the change. Sometimes you restore it sometimes not, and need help.  Long ago I adopted a practice that helped immensely when my shooting would deteriorate.  When you are shooting your best write down every aspect of your form. Stance, anchor point, head position, grip, etc. Carefully  document  the shooting sequence. This is your shooting reference.  Since doing this, if my shooting deteriorated, I have always found the aspect(s) of my form that fell apart and corrected it successfully. I have also perfected specific aspects of my form.  Over time you will develop the ability to consciously recognize a change in form or concentration very quickly. Just some thoughts.

[damascusdave]

Depending on what you have for bows and accessories I would suggest considering quiting entirely and selling all of it to me...or you could take a Rick Jenkins course

DDave

[damascusdave]

Sorry, Rod Jenkins and I guess the other Dave already mentioned that option...he usually gives better advice than I do

DDave

[2bird]

From the above posts it's pretty obvious that everyone experiences slumps in their shooting and everyone is on the money with their tips.

Now I will speak for myself but I bet others will agree..

Your diet plays a big factor into your mental concentration, if I drink too much coffee or eat s sugary snack before I shoot I'm all over the place, medications can affect your shooting too.

your mood as stated earlier (being tired from work) can greatly affect how you shoot. Just like in boxing if you don't keep your cool and get mad you will tend to lose, it's the same thing with archery, ask yourself, have you been stressed lately? This is hard for me because I'm very competitive by nature so when I miss a shot, especially an easy one, I tend to beat myself up for it, which in turn screws up the next shot (vicious cycle) just got to let stuff like that go, when the arrow is gone it is gone just move to the next shot    

one more thing that we often overlook, how's your eye sight? maybe you need glasses or a stronger prescription? my dad has always been a phenomenal shot (handgun), out of the blue he started shooting worse and worse, my sister is an optometrist assist and convinced him to get his eyes check, he walked out with new glasses and he was back to great shooting.

Just some things to think about, best of luck to you.

[Archie]

I would absolutely recommend taking some videos of yourself and critiquing them yourself.  

Also, when I'm having trouble, I can re-zero myself by drawing an arrow on a viable target, coming to the point of release... and then letting down without releasing the arrow.  That helps me to assess whether I am focusing and controlling the shot properly.

[Fletcher]

Blank bale and shot sequence.

[Paul_R]

I have those days too (not fun). It usually boils down to being distracted or otherwise not fully in the game. Best to just put it down for a while till it's fun again.

[Tim]

Archery and golf are very similar and that little changes in form can really play havoc.  In both hobbies over practice is not a good thing.  As folks have mentioned.  Take a break for several day or even a week.  You'll come back refreshed and with a clear head.

[el chupa nibre]

Originally posted by Fletcher:
Blank bale and shot sequence.

X 2!