the step-back method

[targets3D]

I was reading an article on oldbow.com as several posts about the developing instinctive shooting by "step-back" method -  start at about 5 yards and focusing on "grouping" the shots. Once the groups are within a 4" - 6" group consistently, then to concentrate on MOVING THE GROUP into the bullseye. Once your groups are consistently to center, move back a yard. Repeat this process all the way out to 30 yards.

My question is how do you "move" the group while still shooting instinctively?

[s_mcflurry]

If it's too low, you aim a bit higher.  If it's too far to the left, you aim more to the right.  You keep going through this trial and error until you find that the bullseye and through repetition your brain will adjust.  Learning is a conscious effort and repeated conscious effort soon becomes unconscious.

[targets3D]

Originally posted by s_mcflurry:
If it's too low, you aim a bit higher.  If it's too far to the left, you aim more to the right.  You keep going through this trial and error until you find that the bullseye and through repetition your brain will adjust.  Learning is a conscious effort and repeated conscious effort soon becomes unconscious.

Thanks Mcflurry and please forgive my ignorance -  but does that mean I am sort of gap shooting? I am trying to get a to point where I can hit what I look at (as supposed to another spot)

[Don Stokes]

Don't get hung up on "instinctive". Do whatever works to get your arrows to the right spot.

Practice, practice, practice.

[cbCrow]

targets3D, couple of questions for you. Are your arrows right spine for your bow? When you anchor is your eye over the arrow as best as you can get? Have you practiced your form? What are you aiming at to get a group?  

[s_mcflurry]

Actually, it's difficult to say what aiming method I'm using myself.  I'm sure it's instinctive with a little bit of gap thrown in there.  But it's nothing I think about.  So, it's quite possible that when you're starting out it's something you may need to be more aware of.  When you get used to a certain gap at a certain distance, it'll be second nature, ingrained in your mind, and essentially instinctive.  But like Don said, don't worry about how you do it...as long as it gets done.  Also, good questions by Charles.

[recurvecody]

like don said dont get hung up on instintive shooting do what works for you. that was my problem i thought i wasnt doing it "right" and i figured out that if it works than go with the flow.

[pernluc]

Just practice everyday for an hour.

[targets3D]

Originally posted by cbCrow:
targets3D, couple of questions for you. Are your arrows right spine for your bow? When you anchor is your eye over the arrow as best as you can get? Have you practiced your form? What are you aiming at to get a group?      

Hi cbCrow - yes arrows are spined correctly - I shot with a sight on the same bow for a while. Form has really been my focus. The groups are looking OK and I typically aim my vision and bow arm towards the 10 circle on the target (I know sounds a little Jedi    :D . But I am really trying to shoot at what I look at -as they say. Today I attempted to aim down a little and seems to have improved things (I have no problems with horizontal plane)

[McDave]

As an alternative to the step-back method, consider taking only one arrow and shooting it from a different position every time you take a shot.  Or if you shoot the arrow from the same position, shooting at a different target with each shot.  Walking to retreive the arrow between shots will clear your mind and help get you ready for the next shot.

When you learned to throw a ball as a child, did you practice at each distance, or did you just throw the ball until your body figured it out?

I'm not recommending this method over the step-back method.  Use whatever makes you happy.  Or mix them up.

[cbCrow]

targets, try this; cut out a 8"*8" piece of cardboard and put a 2" dot in the center to use as your focus point. Do this in conjunction with what McDave said and practice, practice, practice. A good routine I use and show to others is to do 9-12 arrows at the blank bale(bag) followed by shooting as mentioned for another 15-20 arrows. Try it, I think you may just see some improvement.  

[targets3D]

CbCrow and McDave - thanks for the suggestions. Will give it shot

[zetabow]

The stepback method or walkback as I call it works with any unsighted aiming method, I start at 10y and work back to 80y, sometimes 100y.

You get good feedback on Bow/arrow performance and helps program a sight picture or gap for every distance.

For me I find it also helps me develop better focus, good shot discipline and most importantly is I develop the confidence to shoot any distance I choose.