Target Panic?

[3seasons]

Hey guys I need some help. I’ve got and had target panic for ever. I can still shoot pretty good but I just have to adjust for the low sight plane. Its more aggravating than anything else. I don’t have a problem when I’m hunting just on targets. I can shoot a 5 shot group in a tennis ball at 30 yards but it will be about 6 inches low. What can I do to correct this mental problem that I have. I know a lot of shooter go through this. Thanks for your help.

[Dawg]

You're right, it is fustrating. The only thing I can say and this will probably sound kind of wierd, but don't think about it. That's the way I overcome my target panic. Focus on the spot on the target but don't focus on your thoughts. I think we all try to think too much at times and we'll over due it.

That's my 2 cents!

[The Kid]

i just try to focus on not doing the bad things like not torqueing, same ancor point, not dropping my arm after the shot, don't get worried about it because as soon as you start worring is when you start shooting badly.

[kingfisherfd2]

I think that T'bone and David Blanton have a blog about this on the front page. I think there might be video. If you are shooting a wrist wrap trigger release, it might be as simple as changing release style.

[dbHunterNY]

Quick Hunting Shots

I've found myself shooting more poorly when I try to be extremely accurate shooting at paper targets. It seemed I could have tight groups, but I would be aiming longer than I really needed. My groups were always to the right or just under dead center (I shoot right handed). What helped me was shooting at a 3-D target. However, simulate quicker hunting shots. Have some one move the target without you looking. When turning to look at the target, pick a point, and then only take two or three seconds to aim and release after fulldraw. This helped me in other ways, but I noticed it broke my habit of producing unwanted results by aiming the way I did. I've heard Randy Oiker talking about something really similar to what I typed, too.

I'm not a bow expert at all, but I hope this helps.

-Dan

[3seasons]

Thanks for the info, I looked up David B.’s blog it had a lot of good info on it. I did try a release that didn't have a trigger on it at all. I can’t remember who made it but it released by pressure. I shot it well but I didn't trust it enough to hunt with it.

I shoot 3D some not as much as I used to, but like some of you said as long as I pull up and shoot and dont think about it too much I do better than if i think about it or hold it for to long.

Again thanks for all the info.

[BearClaw]

I've had it too and still fight it once in awhile. Try to have someone watch you when you shoot or video yourself. Sometiem the harder you try the worse it gets. Try to relax and focus. Let the pin float on the point you've picked out. Just watch the point of impact after you release. Focus on these on just push the release. It's frustrating when you know you did something you know you shouldn't. I know as soon as I release and I flinch or relaxed my bow arm right before the shot, I know I did wrong. Stay with it, try not to get discouraged. I don't do it much anymore, Just practice and you'll work through it.

[jbeck]

The best thing to get rid of the dreaded target panic is to remove the target. I sight my bow in, then every night I shoot at a blank bale and just imagine the pin on the dot. I focus on making a smooth release everytime and don't worry about where the arrow goes. By doing this you make a smooth release second nature which alows you to concentrate on aiming in the future. Good luck