First shot question.

[Dorado]

Ok, I wouldn't call this a problem. Just something weird I noticed that I'm doing while practicing. I've started recording my shot placement the past few weeks. How far from center, what direction, etc. and I noticed a weird trend. I'm usually practicing at about 15-30 yards, and the first shot of the day has been a near perfect bullseye. Either in the center black or touching it. But the rest of my shots usually group 4-5". When I first get out back and I lose my first arrow, it's in the black, the next shot will be off usually 3-4" with a grouping of 4-5" around it. My groups usually open up the longer I'm shooting. But that's to be expected with a #60 bow.

I've been trying to figure out what I'm doing so right on the first shot but not on any of the others. Any thoughts?

[sleepyhollow]

more intense concentration on the target for the first shot, then get lax for the follow up shots.

try one shot at any yardage,go get the arrow and try another one shot at a different yardage...

[Jerry Jeffer]

Your first shot is the one you will have while hunting. Good luck.

[dbd870]

Originally posted by sleepyhollow:
more intense concentration on the target for the first shot, then get lax for the follow up shots.

Yep; happens to me at times as well.

[Dorado]

Originally posted by sleepyhollow:
more intense concentration on the target for the first shot, then get lax for the follow up shots.

try one shot at any yardage,go get the arrow and try another one shot at a different yardage...

That sounds like something I'd do. I'll work on keeping my concentration for the rest of the set. Thanks. Sometimes difficult to see the problem from the inside.

[Bjorn]

Make every shot your first shot. Groups don't count if you are practicing for hunting.

[Keith Langford]

Dont shoot groups, shoot one arrow, go get it and shoot from a differant spot, you cant focus shooting shot after shot. one arrow, go through your routine every shot, focus, then start over for the next shot and dont try to rush between shots, you will be amazed at how much better you will get. Rick Welch teaches this in his shooting school.

[b.glass]

I haven't kept record but I've noticed that my first shot is usually one of my best during a practice session. It gives me a confidence that I will be more likely to make the shot in the field. I just need to get a deer walking or standing still within bow range.

[Zradix]

maybe you're subconsciously afraid to ruin your arrows...