Questions About Clickers

[D.A. Davis]

I've got some questions about clickers. I'm really struggling with my shooting. I know that the target panic I suffered with when I shot compounds is a major contributor to the problem. I also know that the lack of strenght in my left shoulder after major surgery a year ago is also taking a toll on my shooting. Right now I'm shooting a 41# hybrid and it's about all I can handle. I've found that I can't hold anchor, and sometimes I can't get to anchor. For reasons that I don't understand, I'll release the arrow before I'm set. It's like I'm in a hurry for some reason. Will a clicker help me to slow down and get set in my anchor before I shoot? Are they hard to adjust to? Will either of the two clickers offered by 3Rivers do what I need, or are there others that work better? Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated.

[Lazy Ike]

D A I have fought TP for quite a while now.I put a "clickety" clicker on about a year ago.
It will definately slow you down....alot.
The real trick is to get the draw length set correctly. It is a great help to have another shooter assist you with this. I have found through much trial and error that the best draw length(for me) is to have it so that my draw side forearm comes into a straight alignment with the arrow(when viewed from behind)just before the click or at the same time as the click.
Tell yourself beforehand that you WILL NOT RELEASE UNTIL THE CLICK. If you're like me the tough part will be the times when you will swear that you have pulled/expanded far enough and the thing must be broken. It's not broken,but it is unforgiving . If your within 1/16th of an inch thats close,But you're not done keep pulling. I've found that I just have to trust and know that if I keep expanding it will click and the shot will be pretty good.
A couple of things I have found to help.
One... If you learn to draw so that you can feel the clicker string become taught or tight right at your anchor it's a great aid. You know that only another 1/8th" and you're in your follow-thru.
Two....(I have to keep reteaching myself this)when you come to anchor and feel the clicker string get tight all you need to do is just squeeze your shoulder blades together, and IT WILL CLICK. And you'll have the cleanest release this way.
This has taken me from a point that I would totallt miss the target butt ocasionally to Shooting upper 250 avg. off the shelf no sights.(well the arrow point, but that's a whole other thread LOL.)
Also do a search on clickers on here...there is a lot of good info on how to set one up

Hope this helps....

Ike

[Lazy Ike]

A couple of other things I forgot.
Make it your goal on every shot to pull THROUGH the clicker and not just to the clicker. It will give you a sronger smoother shot.
Also I don't know if you shoot 3D or plan on it,But the IBO has made limb mounted clickers legal for recurve unaided ( RU ) class for 2010.
If you need any help, just ask.
If you want to shoot controlled accurate arrows,the $15.00 for the clicker will be the best money you'll ever spend!!


Ike

[bshunter]

Keeeeeeeeeeep pulling, for me a clicker has helped me in so many ways and slowing down is one of them. Also, have someone watch your alignment as your setting it up and for me it ended up adding an inch to my previous draw length. Set it up shooting at a blank bale up close and only worry about getting it to click when your alignment is right. Lastly, do a search on clickers and there is tons of excellent advice, good shooting.

[crandog]

A clicker has helped me a ton.  However, I was wondering the other day if this is just a bandaid for a brain tumor?  Any thoughts?

[Lazy Ike]

It , in my opinion , does not cure target panic. It does, however, allow you to shoot like someone who has no TP .
In my case TP has changed as I have tried different things to overcome it.I used to not be able to come to full draw when on target.Now, I can come to full draw on target no problem, but once anchored I really can't hold and expand thru the shot with any consistency. And once in a while when I really am trying very hard I will have a really bad colapse release.
I keep working at it and one day I will beat it. But until then the clicker is my key to confident, accurate shooting.
BTW in one of the MBB dvd's,Ron LaClair says that a clicker is the only thing he knows for sure will stop target panic.


Ike

[Lazy Ike]

Oh , one more thought. I wouldn't say that a clicker is a bandaid for a brain tumor. It's much more like a pacemaker for a heart condition.
Just my $.02


Ike

[Lazy Ike]

Very Nice . I'm sure D.A. will find that very helpfull


Ike