Diagnosis please....

[threeunder]

Over the past couple of months, I've been working on taking time to aim my shot.  My shooting has improved dramatically.
I acquired a bad habit (for me) of snap shooting and not picking a spot.  I've been working hard on taking my time and getting comfortable with where I'm aiming while at full draw.
What I've discovered, though, is that if at full draw my aim lasts more than 2-3 seconds, my accuracy falls WAY, WAY off.
I begin thinking more and more and more about my aim point.
Is this normal? or ???
Ken

[McDave]

I've found that it's difficult to maintain back tension the longer you hold the shot. Set up a video where you can see where the arrow crosses the back of the bow at full draw.  When you play the video, does it show any forward movement of the arrow before the shot?  If so, you've found your problem.

[CLICKERMAN]

Aiming should not take more time.  There should be no conscious movement into the center area.  Just draw back and get your sight picture, that is the first half of the shot.  Your aim should be done in under one second after hitting anchor.  If it is not, you are thinking about aiming harder, but that does not make aiming better.  We cannot physically aim better than we can mentally aim.

Get the aim done, give it to the subconscious, ie. just watch the sight picture to keep it centered, then concentrate on shot activation.

[longbow safari]

well put clickerman

[threeunder]

That's the way I shoot my best.  I just hear so much about holding that sometimes I feel I may be shooting too quickly.  Thanks everyone.
Ken

[docmerrow]

Practice a 2 second hold.. Your brain will begin to release on its own at the end of 2 secs.. Rick Welch style

[gonefishing600]

Originally posted by CLICKERMAN:
Aiming should not take more time.  There should be no conscious movement into the center area.  Just draw back and get your sight picture, that is the first half of the shot.  Your aim should be done in under one second after hitting anchor.  If it is not, you are thinking about aiming harder, but that does not make aiming better.  We cannot physically aim better than we can mentally aim.

Get the aim done, give it to the subconscious, ie. just watch the sight picture to keep it centered, then concentrate on shot activation.

That was beautifull, I wish I had said that!!!

Bravo!

[cjgregory]

I'm of the opposite than clickerman.  I draw and maintain the string hold with my back so I can hold for as long as reasonable necessary. If you are not able to hold it with your back you are using your arm and shoulder.  

I need time for my shot to "settle".  Holding longer doesn't make you a better or worse shooter.  Just different styles.  If you use your arm and shoulder you will not be able to hold it back for long and you will have trouble aiming.  Doing two things at once is counterproductive.  You are either drawing and anchoring or you are "aiming".  Holding an anchor and aiming at the same times aare TWO things.