Tracking Arrow Trajectory

[dcolavito]

In Jay Kidwell's book he talks about the benefits (for instinctive shooters) of tracking arrow trajectory from as soon after release as possible and all the way to the target (rather than keeping eyes fixed on the target spot until arrow impact).  

Trouble is, I can's seem to move my eyes away from the target spot once they've locked on.  Much obliged for any suggestions.

Thanks !

[Night Wing]

I'm like you. I keep looking at the spot I'm aiming for and pay no attention to the arrow on it's way to the target.

[DannyBows]

I like to use tracers. It's much easier to see them in my periferal vision. I like Chartreuse 1/4" rabbit strips that are used in tying Flies. I use contact cement and spiral it around a time or two just in front of the nock. They look cool in the target, bright little 1" circles. Better visability in low light also.

[owlbait]

Get a dachshund or a Lacey!    Put a little blood on it, voila!

[Drummer@Home]

Yea I dont know about that one. yes its good to learn the arch of your arrow, but if your looking away from your point of impact your bound to start doing it before the shot. everytime I look, it dont go where I thought.  

[J-KID]

Dave,
Don't change your focus from target to arrow.  Just acknowledge the flight of the arrow in your peripheral vision.  We all love to see the flight of the arrow when we shoot.  The trajectory of the arrow will be remembered and you will be able to "see" the flight of the arrow before you shoot.  Just enjoy the flight of the arrow.  By doing so you become familiar with the flight.  In Masters of the Barebow, Darryl Quidort said he sees his arrow flight before he shoots.  Steve Fausel said he sees a picture of the target and arrow flight.  That adds another facet that could prove helpful.

[reddogge]

I find my arrow rises quickly into my field of vision so I can't help but look at it as it drops into the target.  Only time I can't is poor lighting or very far away where the arrow rises out of my vision above the target.

[Ravenhood]

When I am shooting good I see it rise and fall, When I am shooting poorly I tend to see it the intire flight as one trajectory.

[ncsaknech1ydh]

3 Rivers sells fur tracers with adhesive backing in several colors, hot pink works best for me. I use them on my target and hunting arrows, also just in front of the nock. I to keep my eye on the target with the arrow in my peripheral vision.

[mcgroundstalker]

Go back and read it again... Keep focus on your "spot" and let the arrow arch be picked up naturally.

Take one step at a time... You'll get there quick enough... Kidwells book is great!

... mike ...

[Ravenhood]

This has been a good post, it has helped me realize the importance of focusing on the target.

[Eugene Slagle]

Originally posted by Drummer@Home:
Yea I dont know about that one. yes its good to learn the arch of your arrow, but if your looking away from your point of impact your bound to start doing it before the shot. everytime I look, it dont go where I thought.      

I'm the same way, & at one point while shooting compound I started peeking,    needless to say I had to really kick my self out of that habbit.
I just keep looking at my spot till the arrow is in it.

[Jeff Strubberg]

I'd have to disagree with anyone telling you to shift your focus to your arrow in flight.  I can't think of a surer way to start dropping your bow arm.

Having said that, I haven't read Jay's book, so maybe that's not what he is expecting you to do.

[toppredator]

I like the tracer idea

[Terry Green]

Originally posted by J-KID:
Dave,
Don't change your focus from target to arrow.  Just acknowledge the flight of the arrow in your peripheral vision.  We all love to see the flight of the arrow when we shoot.  The trajectory of the arrow will be remembered and you will be able to "see" the flight of the arrow before you shoot.  Just enjoy the flight of the arrow.  By doing so you become familiar with the flight.  In Masters of the Barebow, Darryl Quidort said he sees his arrow flight before he shoots.  Steve Fausel said he sees a picture of the target and arrow flight.  That adds another facet that could prove helpful.

Yep....bright fletching and peripheral vision will train your brain the trajectory.

[Ragnarok Forge]

I read the book recently and he reccomends opening your vision perception to see the flight of the arrow.  You don't want to look at it with our eyes, just pick it up by widening your visual focus.

Bright fletch is the answer.  I love Fl. Chartreuse.

[dcolavito]

Thanks Jay and all!

Looks like I needed to re-read that section of the book.

"Don't change your focus from target to arrow. Just acknowledge the flight of the arrow in your peripheral vision."

[mcgroundstalker]

Now You've Got It!  

[SEMO_HUNTER]

White fletchings make a world of difference, but I think that when I started seeing the arrow fly was about the time my instinctive 3rd eye finally came into focus. I continue to burn a hole through the spot I want to hit, but I still see the arrow just fine all the way to the dirt....uh I mean target.    :p

[snag]

I've been splicing the ends of my fletchings with white just so I can pick up the image of a white dot as it sinks into the body cavity of a 6X6 bull elk this year...how's that for peripheral vision?