Rotational draw issue

[9 Shocks]

I was shooting the best I have ever shot before deer season started and should have just said if it aint broke dont fix it but I decided to work more on rotational draw and really work on expanding and getting my back into the shot more.  I have no problems getting to anchor and feel rock solid and have my back engaged but now I am having some target panic.  After watching moe bows videos he mentions you should have your bow hand on target and when you come to full draw it will be slightly above your target and you will come down to the target by bending your waist.  Well I am releasing as soon as I see what I want to hit resulting in high shots or I catch myself dropping my bow arm to see the target.  My left right isnt really a problem just shooting high or low.  Its a sight picture and bow arm problem I feel.  Although my back is fully engaged.  Any tips on achieving target acquisition when lowering to the target.  I shoot somewhat of a gap style and aim off my arrow point. 3 under.  I am a little frustrated and concerned.

Thanks,

Kevin

[fnshtr]

For what it is worth... I have to remind myself to take my time EACH time I shoot. I would love to snap shoot like I see others do... and many are very accurate with that method but it just does not work for me.

It seems to take more focus and concentration for me with each shot. A mental shot sequence works best for me and seems to slow me down and I shoot much better.

I'm sure Arne and Dave will chime in soon with some exceptional (as always) advice. I would recommend that you listen closely to them.

Good luck.

[moebow]

Kevin,

This really isn't a "rotational draw" issue, it is a concentration issue.  This can and will happen with any technique IF you loose the "concentration" part.

You are mixing and matching a couple things in the technique though.

"After watching moe bows videos he mentions you should have your bow hand on target and when you come to full draw it will be slightly above your target and you will come down to the target by bending your waist."

Your bow hand will be slightly above the target at "THE START OF THE DRAW" and lower to target DURING the draw.  So when you reach full draw, your bow hand will be essentially on target.  This presumes a target at shoulder height!!!  It is essential in all techniques to keep the bow arm 90 degrees to the spine!!  THEN, IF your target is below shoulder level, you "bend at the waist" to set your aim/sight picture. This part ONLY happens AFTER reaching full draw/holding!!

Here is what I THINK is happening to you though.  As you LOOK at the target and POINT at the target with your bow hand, you are allowing your mind to only think about the sight picture.  You need to think through the steps to get to full draw, THINK about transfer, THEN set the final sight picture, THEN move your thinking back to finishing/executing the shot.

Here is an experiment you can try to emphasize the difference between LOOKING/POINTING at something and THINKING about shot execution.

Stand in a room with a light switch on the wall and set your self up to pretend to shoot at it.  No bow or arrow just make believe.  Now, look  at the switch and then point at the switch with a your bow hand.  Got it?

Now WHILE continuing to LOOK and POINT take your string hand and reach up and unbutton then re button a button on your shirt.  No cheating!  You must remain visually in contact with the switch.  Don't look down or break contact visually.  Do you recognize the distinction between LOOKING/POINTING at something AND THINKING about performing a specific task like unbuttoning your shirt button?

The same is true with the archery shot.  While LOOKING and POINTING, you use your conscious mind to perform the tasks (steps) of the shot, WITHOUT breaking visual contact with the target.  BUT, as soon as your brain (conscious thought) starts thinking about the "aim", then your shot execution becomes subconscious and the subconscious will try to shortcut the steps of the shot. At this point, can you say "uncontrolled release??"

In my experience, this can and will break the chain of subconscious thought that leads to uncontrolled release, or other TP symptoms.  And, YES!! I know this is just the opposite of commonly held belief -- that the shot should be subconscious and the aim conscious.

Keep your THINKING (consciously) on the steps of your shot, let your subconscious only do the aiming part and you will find complete control of your shot!!

See if that helps.

Arne

[Matt Parker]

I had the same problem and that is why I only use a clicker now. I think the key is to focus on your form and only your form. To me it doesn't matter how I get on target. After I know I am on target then I totally focus on my form, which for me with a clicker is to keep pulling. This gets my mind off of the shot which keeps me from getting target panic.

[9 Shocks]

Thank you everyone for your input.

Arne,

I will work on looking and pointing and running through my shot sequence. I spent some time at the range tonight working on this and honestly feel like I made some progress.  If i get "locked in" with my form and focus on the target the shot goes off without a hitch.  I can tell when Im using back tension.  The whole shot just feels better and is generally on target or within and inch or two of where I am looking.