Target out of focus.

[J.Nordwell]

I've noticed that when I shoot while focusing on the target its hit and miss! LOL  But when I look at the tip of my arrow and have the target out of focus my shooting is spot on. The only thing I can figure is I need a ( pin ) to look at like my compound days. I focused on the pin more so then the target. Any thoughts would be great.

[turkeyslayer]

dont look at your arrow,just look at what you want to hit & hit it....

[BLACK WOLF]

Go with what works...FOR YOU!

If you're spot on by focusing on your arrow tip...than that's what I would use...unless you have some reason why you don't want to focus on your arrow tip.

Ray  

[macster]

I have been experimenting with this same thing and so far it feels pretty good. It does feel weird not focusing on the target, which I have done for the past 20 years. I am tired of not hitting exactly where I want every time.

[Team Roper]

Just thought I'd throw my two cents in for what it's worth. When I aim, I focus on my spot and still see my arrow out of my peripheral vision. As long as I maintain back tension and keep my bow arm steady this seems to work for me.

[Flinttim]

The human eye can't focus on two things that far apart at the same time. So what you experiencing is normal. Shooting rifles I want to see the sights as well as I can and let the target be a bit fuzzy.Shooting bows instinctively, for me at least, it's the opposite. I want to see the target clearly and the whatever I'm referencing (arrow tip, etc) to be out of focus. Biologically speaking, we can't have our cake and eat it too.

[NDTerminator]

If you would be more comfortable with a pin for reference, try an SRF Sight.  Simple device that's simply amazing....

[kctreeman]

To make sure that I am only concentrating on the target and nothing else , I like to use this practice method, Get some birthday candles and light them some night and stick them in the ground  I shoot at them from my elevated deck. It promotes total concentration on the target. I like to get some of my compound buddies out there with me to see if they can keep up.  I usually end up snuffing more candles than them. Warning this can be hard on cedar arrows and the fletching.

[ChuckC]

shooting handguns, I was taught to keep the front sight in focus and let the target and the rear sight be out of focus.  Sounds just like what you are seeing.  As above, you cannot focus on both the tip and the target.
ChuckC

[smilinicon]

looking through a peep sight will give you a huge depth of field. For shooting, you can stick a small peep on your shooting glasses (place it exactly where you look through to shoot and it won't interfere with normal vision). You then will see the target, front and rear sights in perfect focus.

I suppose it could work in target archery, but the loss of light would be too much for hunting.

Cary