I agree with Rob- two different set of skills. With that said- I think we put WAY too much emphasis on the "form" idea (I know some would disagree with me!)
The reason I went to trad decades ago was my experience as a collegiate athlete. Watch golfers, basketball players, quarterbacks, etc. Believe me, I have taught the fundamentals in a variety of sports; but beyond basic/simple fundamentals, no two athletes look the same! The goal is personal consistency and confidence, NOT PERFECT form!
No two scenarios in the woods are the same- and I rarely worry about position, angle, etc. I hear guys talk about hitting high from stands, bending at the waist, etc. I have never worried about any of that. Like my basketball and football days- lean left, lean right, fade away, etc. etc,- After the basics (knowing your equip., consistent anchor, good release, trust), the rest is a "head" game. Any kid can make a free-throw. Now take that same kid with the last few seconds when the game is on the line. FORM has LITTLE to do with it at that point! Think about that! He can hit it all day in his driveway- his form is fine! It is a different set of skills to shoot under pressure. And that is precisely what we need as hunters.
I find few trad archers who even train/practice the "brain skills" needed to shoot when the pressure is on. I just think we try too hard to get the perfect form. I watch guys do it all the time, changing this and that. What most of us need is to train our brains as suggested by Jay Kidwell's book and other sports psychs. The difference between one pro and another is NOT form; it is their ability to control their thinking when the time counts.
My 2C
Dan in KS
Topic: In your opinion what is the most important skill in shooting /hunting with trad gear! (Read 3971 times)
