What to do when your shooting becomes terrible

[cahaba]

I usually take a couple of days off. I write down all the things that are conducive to proper shooting and concentrate on them and try to apply them when my next shooting session comes around. Lack of concentration is usually the culprit for me.

[Dogboy900]

I had a terrible slump in form before a big hunting trip at one stage. I was shooting every day and grouping great and overnight it all fell apart. I got really frustrated with it, and realised it coincided with switching to having a couple of broadheads in the mix. BUT it wasn't only the broadheads that were going astray.

After beating myself up and trying to figure out what I had changed with my form I realised it was that I was beginning to concentrate on the end of my arrow rather than where I wanted the arrow to go! I still have problems with that now and again but at least I know what it is!

[kadbow]

If I get in a funk I shoot a different bow for a while and it seems to bring my focus and form back.  If I have been shooting a longbow I will shoot a recurve for a bit or vice versa.

[ISP 5353]

Lots of great advice given already.  Shooting should be fun.  When you are shooting good it is really fun.  Everyone has good days and bad, you are not alone and you did not forget how to shoot!

It you are spraying arrows at 20 yards move up to 5 yards and shoot a few.  Try a trick shot or two.  Grab some flu flus and shoot at tennis balls in the yard.  Just do something to have some fun and stop chasing really small groups for a few days.  Your accuracy will come back,  Don't get down about it.  Positive mental attitude and strong concentration will win out.

[meathead]

It happens to me on occasion.  Almost always on my little range here at home.  It is just from lack of concentration because I get bored shooting the same shots day after day.  I just get away from that situation and just stump shoot for a week or two.  Always seems to get me back into form.

[Zradix]

make/buy a new bow...lol

..really though...If it going on for a while I check my equipment, paper test my setup again...just to be sure it's me, then work on the basics..a mental checklist really and get back on track.

[Sam McMichael]

Pour three fingers of Scotch and come back another day when I am not distracted.

[Gdpolk]

Drink a beer. Blow it off. Take a few days off.

It happens.

[Firstlight]

It's pretty much all been said, but when in a slump I slow it way down and hit the blank bale.

I try to feel each part of the shot (eyes closed).

Recently I was having a problem and realized the string was hitting my arm.  Upon the blank bale it became clear I was heeling the grip / riser.  

Rotated the elbow out after adjusting my grip and problem solved.   It felt good to self correct.

[Legolas]

I am having big problems also as I got a new bow and having a devil of a time getting the arrows tuned and shooting a decent group. I am committed to making this bow work but I am just not there yet. Confidence is so important and if the equipment is not working it messes with your head!
I thought for awhile that the new string was causing too tight nock pinch and giving me erratic arrow flight. Bare shaft shooting is all I am doing and it seems so fickle. Arrows are not as consistent as I expect them to be.
I also am amazed when I get mad and  Will  an arrow to the bullseye . Sometimes the arrow acts like a bad teenager and misbehaves till I force my will through it- you know what I am saying?

[Paul WA]

If you want higher scores try golf.

[LongStick64]

Slow down. Probably the hardest thing to do when your shot sequence is ingrained in.

[Greyswampfox]

When I start spraying arrows, my focus is typically the cause.  Sometimes shooting just one arrow, pulling the arrow waiting a minute or so and shooting again works for me.  Other times as mentioned previously , changing up my practice sessions is the key.  Shoot different targets, small targets, moving targets,  shoot kneeling or sitting etc.  Make it fun and interesting.

[DDFlongbow]

If I have 30 min. to shoot I will shoot blank bail for 15 min.