bad habbit?

[bowmaster12]

I was out shottign today and decided to push my yardarge i went out to 35 yards and shot the way i normally do.  Pick a spot on the target stare a hole in it while i draw and shoot.  While results where not so good (wasnt expecting much first time i shot that far usually stick to 20)  so the next bach of arrows i tried something different.  I looked right down the arrow to line thing sup and what happend??? Dead 3-d target i didnt group that well but my hieght stayed constent.  is it a bad habbit to switch aiming styles at different distances? Or if it works go with it.  thankx for your thoughts  

[McDave]

I'm a "switch" shooter myself.  For my backyard distances that I shoot every day, I shoot instinctively, without reference to the arrow.  I shoot 3 under, and for distances of 30 yards or less, the arrow tip is far enough below my sight line that it doesn't interfere with my instinctive target picture.  From about 35 yards on, my arrow tip is just below, or on, or above, the target, depending on my distance.  I defy anyone to tell me how you ignore the arrow tip when it is blocking out the target!  It's right there, so why not use it?  I think that if you're shooting at unfamiliar distances, you're just lobbing arrows unless you have some aiming reference.  The most important thing is to keep your focus on the target, and just be aware of the arrow in your peripheral vision.  If you ever start focusing on the arrow, like you would the front sight of a rifle, you're going to blow that shot.

[A.S.]

Originally posted by McDave:
I'm a "switch" shooter myself.  For my backyard distances that I shoot every day, I shoot instinctively, without reference to the arrow.  I shoot 3 under, and for distances of 30 yards or less, the arrow tip is far enough below my sight line that it doesn't interfere with my instinctive target picture.  From about 35 yards on, my arrow tip is just below, or on, or above, the target, depending on my distance.  I defy anyone to tell me how you ignore the arrow tip when it is blocking out the target!  It's right there, so why not use it?  I think that if you're shooting at unfamiliar distances, you're just lobbing arrows unless you have some aiming reference.  The most important thing is to keep your focus on the target, and just be aware of the arrow in your peripheral vision.  If you ever start focusing on the arrow, like you would the front sight of a rifle, you're going to blow that shot.

DITTO

[JoeM]

I'm the same as McDave.   Today at a 3-D they had a billy at around 30-32 yds I knew I needed to have my tip somewhere near his armpit. 30 yds and in I pretty much just stare, any thing longer than that I use the point of the arrow or sometimes go to a point of aim.  Joe

[GMMAT]

I'm practicing almost 100% of the time, right now, from longer distances (40yds or more).

If you think you're not using the arrow to shoot "Instinctively" (even at shorter distances), my bet is you're mistaken.

Only thing I'm working on right now is making sure my bow hand is pushing towards the target.  At 40+ yds....if you torque the bow, it'll be evident.

Now I can tell you....if I ever shift my focus to the point of the arrow (point on aiming)...I'm completely lost.  I don't even like thinking about it.

But "somehow" I don't think I'm simply lobbing prayers when I shoot my 20"x 20" target from 40+ yds.