Who "aims" only AFTER a solid anchor?

[Ssamac]

I focus on the target right from the start and try to make the mechanics of draw and anchor almost automatic -- I don't want to think about it. If I focus on the target it seems that I get myself and the shot lined up correctly which makes it all go better from that point

At anchor I pause and "burn the hole" in the target (good analogy guys) and try to make the release automatic when I have it all lined up.

If I spend a lot of thought on the form I don't focus on target as well. To practice form I stand a few feet from the bag and don't bother with aim, just concentrate on form. I start out each session with a few shots like that. Afterwards, I don't have to concentrate on form since I've "reviewed" it already and have it pretty much set

IMHO
sam

[RC]

I once had a bit of a struggle and beat it by looking at the target,closing my eyes and feeling myself come to full draw and anchor...then open my eyes and bear down on my spot and make the shot. Drawn out but fixed my problem and got my confidence back. I now draw the bow to anchor then bear down and in my mind say "right there" before the shot. Makes me hold and focus.RC

[ChuckC]

I just (last fall) switched to lefty after a lifetime of target panic.  If I aimed (rightie) while I drew, odds are my release would be whenever my brain said I was done, and that could be at 24" or 30".  

Now, I use a very defined set of motions.  I draw back below my face, more or less straight across my shoulders to the stop.  The stop is my natural wall when my shoulders come together. I can't vary from that.  Then I lower my face / raise my hand to my anchor point. At this point, it is not a huge move, everything is nearly there already.

Then I get my face down till I see a certain sight picture, which now includes the arrow, although I don't consciously "aim" using the arrow, continue the pull/push and release after a short bit.  I do not short release and I now practice making SURE I don't release quickly.  

So far I am shooting better than I ever have, with no thoughts of TP.  I don't want to pre-aim ever again.  Sure works for some, but never again for me.  

Now, That said,  when I see game I always get a view of the critter and decide if I want to take it, then lock in on the spot I want to aim for and forget the rest except to monitor body and head posturing.

ChuckC

[Dan Jones]

My longterm case of the panic is perhaps incurable, but I find this topic relevant and perhaps even hopeful, so I'll toss this out: I'm stuck on learning how to shoot by not aiming until after I've reached full draw and settled in. I believe my panic is primarily rooted in the "burn a hole even before drawing" approach.  I can shoot beautifully and panic free as long as I don't aim at anything specific (a bullseye, a leaf on the ground, whatever.) Once I aim at a specific point, the arrow is released well before full draw is reached. Lately I've been trying to get to full draw before aiming, but so far I've not been successful. If I focus on the arrow as I draw, the release comes just as soon as I try to change focus to the target. If I draw off target, the release comes as I try to swing on target.  Same thing with eyes closed/opened.

I will greatly appreciate any help I can get with this obstacle.   Thank you.

[KSdan]

Read Jay Kidwell for TP.  He is a sports psych and helped many athletes in different sports.  I have a few top class athlete friends (Olympian, Div 1 collegiate)- they all have mastered these same techniques.  Its all about how the brain functions.  You can't just "work" it out.  You actually have to practice and train your mind.

Good stuff

[JDunlap]

KSdan, I read and watched the Kidwell piece today and put it to work this evening. It made an immediate difference. I have that version of tp called premature hold. The drills he recommended helped. I have a lot of work to do still, but, I can see getting over this stuff now! Thanks!