Getting Excited - Newbie First "Successes" Photos

[Kenneth]

Awesome job!!            As others have said keep at it at that range until your consistently shooting groups like that then move back in small increments 2-5yds and continue the process.

[JSimon]

Nice Shootin! Looks like you're well on your way.

[thunder1]

 good shooting

[Gumby]

It feels good when it all comes together.
Keep it up!

[pcappy08]

keep up the awesome shooting and im going to have to make one of those targets for the garage!

[legends1]

Very good!What is very cool is seeing how excited you are.You are on your way.Have fun!

[NorthernCaliforniaHunter]

Funny you asked about the "click" because I found that to be one of the first manifestations of poor form (which always seems to follow over-thinking the shot). It may very well be caused, as is the case for me, by the string rolling off of your fingers - the result of too deep a grip (relative to the first groove in your fingers).
Picture the release originating between your shoulder blades and bring your thumb to the top of your shoulder upon release, that is, straight back.

Again, don't over think it, feel it. "Become the arrow". From what I can describe it, when it's 'clicked' for me, is that the shot begins with a knowing that you are going to hit your target, which you intently look at. Imagine a laser and burn a hole through a spot - that kind of intensity.
Next, feel the ground at your feet and check your posture, touch your shooting hand to the string and without taking your eyes off the target inhale while fluidly bringing the bow naturally up and finding your anchor. "Use the force", cause dang I can't describe it any other way, and "know" when to release. It's crazy.

Now, forget everything you just read and let us know what the everything-comes-together shots feel like to you and what makes it all gel in your universe... Pretty soon some crazy smart archer will see the connection and jot down a one size fits all formula but until then I think you'll find this is a journey between you, your bow and what it is your aiming at/for. Happy trails...      

[turkey522]

Lookin good.  

[inn8hunter]

Originally posted by NorthernCaliforniaHunter:
Funny you asked about the "click" because I found that to be one of the first manifestations of poor form (which always seems to follow over-thinking the shot). It may very well be caused, as is the case for me, by the string rolling off of your fingers - the result of too deep a grip (relative to the first groove in your fingers).
Picture the release originating between your shoulder blades and bring your thumb to the top of your shoulder upon release, that is, straight back.

Again, don't over think it, feel it. "Become the arrow". From what I can describe it, when it's 'clicked' for me, is that the shot begins with a knowing that you are going to hit your target, which you intently look at. Imagine a laser and burn a hole through a spot - that kind of intensity.
Next, feel the ground at your feet and check your posture, touch your shooting hand to the string and without taking your eyes off the target inhale while fluidly bringing the bow naturally up and finding your anchor. "Use the force", cause dang I can't describe it any other way, and "know" when to release. It's crazy.

Now, forget everything you just read and let us know what the everything-comes-together shots feel like to you and what makes it all gel in your universe... Pretty soon some crazy smart archer will see the connection and jot down a one size fits all formula but until then I think you'll find this is a journey between you, your bow and what it is your aiming at/for. Happy trails...        

Ok NC:

You just put me in a hypnotic trance after reading the routine u described. - lol.

It is funny that you mentioned too deep of a grip on the fingers. I think I read where you want a deep grip and was really digging the fingers in yesterday. I still struggle with "letting the string" go with out snapping my fingers off per se.

I haven't repeated that group, so obviously much, much more work is needed. Thanks for da advice.

Tim

[Whitetail Nut]

looken good keep it up. looks like your going to have to buy a fletching jig before long

[Grizzzly]

Takes time to be consistent. It seems the best shots come naturally when you are not thinking or trying too hard & you know it's good as soon as you release. HIT YOUR ANCHOR,PICK A SPOT & LET HER FLY. I seem to shoot better while moving around a target outside at different angles,kneeling, visualising hunting scenarios, stumping etc. I think it takes your mind off of your form & helps u concentrate on the shot placement better.The first shot is the one that matters. U overthink everything too much shooting at the same spot over & over. Like u said end on a good shot. Also recheck your brace height occasionally, that can change on you depending on the string you use, not sure what you r shooting. Good luck !! John

[jomama]

ya gotta love it when a plan comes together.

[Bonebuster]

In all of this...don`t forget to have fun.
Everything is easier if it`s fun.

When I first got back into shooting a trad bow, it took me a long time to work out my own style of shooting. It was when I began doing it "my" way when I really began to get consistent. "My" way was a combination of everything I learned, and read, and watched.

Success is measured by how much fun you have. If you`re having fun, you`ll keep at it. If you keep at it, you`re gonna get good...real good.  

[8leg-lover]

Don't be scared of the outside spots. It's just another spot. Remember the saying "aim small, miss small" I don't care how small a spot is, I try to find an even smaller spot in that spot even if I have to create it in my minds eye. Try shooting some dimes wedged in a split on the end of an old arrow in front of your target that already has spots on it. Talk about having to stay focused! Just don't mix up the ones you've hit with your other change and try to put one in the soda machine at work. Doesn't work out to well. Your doing great. Good work!!  

[the longbowkid]

nice group:thumbsup: (nice target too)!!! When I started out, I got up to 1 in groups, Don't know were that went!!     is that greatstuff in the target?      

[m'gobo]

Thats awesome. keep it up.

[inn8hunter]

Long:

Read up a few posts of mine. It is a industrial polyurethane insulator that is 2# cu.ft. a friend sprayed in a box for me. He usually uses 3# per cu. ft. density, but that truck is shut down for the winter. I am not sure what density that Great Stuff is though.

We experimented with the 2# to see how it would hold up, but as a precaution, I laid a 1/2" rubber matt at the bottom of the box and the arrows are hitting the rubber mat now but NOT going through it.

I think you'd need a lot of cans of great stuff to do this, but if anyone tries it, do it in 2" layers to allow drying.

The nice thing about this target, is when the middle wears out, we'll cut it out and spray in a new middle.

Tim