using multiple targets to circumvent target panic

[Scott Barr]

Like so many archers I am constantly working to beat target panic.  Some days are better than others and some methods work for a while until my brain figures out how I have been tricking it.

Recently I have been setting up three targets on the same bale. While at anchor, I hold my aim on a target until my sight picture is fully developed -- and don't release. I repeat this one or more times all while on the same draw. Finally I either let down or release on a chosen target. I have found this beats my urge to pre-release before acquiring a complete sight picture.

Have any of you tried this or heard others that have?

[McDave]

I think you're on to something. Your method seems similar to one of Jay Kidwell's methods that he describes in his book, "Instinctive Archery Insights."  He advises drawing and acquiring a sight picture on a target, and then purposely moving your bow up or down or sideways away from your spot, and then re-acquiring a sight picture, and then repeating that several times before shooting.

You may want to use both your's and Kidwell's methods for variety.  As you say, and as has been my own experience, no single solution seems to permanently fix the problem, so we have to keep looking for new things to try.

[DaveV]

The aim and let-down routine is a fairly popular anti target panic technique. I don't see how adding more targets changes it.

Or are you saying you maintain full draw as you focus and refocus on multiple targets? Sounds interesting, if you don't succumb to shaking before you're done.

[moebow]

One drill that I use (and is similar to the OP's thoughts) is to come to full draw and then do a figure 8 with the arrow tip around the target, settle on target then decide to shoot or let down randomly.  This helps to get the archer to control the shot AND make a conscious decision to shoot or not.

With multiple targets, I think the same thing would work.  Make a decision to shoot OR NOT AFTER reaching full draw AND deciding which target to shoot at.

Bottom line is for the shooter to teach himself to ONLY decide to shoot/aim AFTER reaching full draw/anchor.

Arne

[Scott Barr]

Dave:  yes, I focus on one target and refocus on another while maintaining the same draw.  And yes for years I used acquiring the site picture and letting down as an anecdote for TP with some success.  Problem with this for me is it causes self talk of "don't release" which tends to cause me to do what I hope to avoid.  Multiple acquiring of sight pictures gives my brain something to strive for and practice rather than deny its target panic urge.  McDave and Moe:  thanks for your adding some context to what I discovered.  Makes sense.