Picking a spot

[nhbuck1]

I find shooting at 3d animals more difficult to pick a spot on them and get distracted more easily any tips?

[drewsbow]

I try to pick a small arrow hole in the target to hit

[T Lail]

I agree, pick the very arrow hole that you want, concentrate and center it.......  

[Shadowhnter]

Its fine to pick something visable if its there. But let me submit, there isnt always a spot to look at on an animal. You need to learn to focus on a 1" imagined "area". Block out all but that 1", and allow the surrounding area to stay out of focus visually. It takes practice. You will be glad you discovered and honed this ability one of these days.

[KSdan]

Shooting trad for 30 years I never could "pick a spot" -particularly upon the draw on an animal(I would always end up shooting at a larger/general area on the target- especially an animal). Once again- as I mention here often-  read Jay Kidwell.  There is actually a "brain function" issue.  I resolved it with his "button" technique.  You impose/imagine an actual object onto the target.  The key is to shoot this way all the time- every target, every shot.  Your mind learns to always shoot at this same focal-chosen object.

Dan in KS

[Pine]

I had an old timer tell me once " there's always a spot . "  

[savagelh]

Just visualize it. Practice all the time not just when you're shooting. I visualize those little orange stick on target dots because that's what I shoot at indoors. Mentally place them on objects in day to day life and it will help when you're coming to full draw.

[nek4me]

I also have an issue picking the spot and have  read Jay Kidwell. In addition to what Dan has summarized Jay suggests you can practice  without a bow in hand by envisioning the "button" on any object you look at any time you have chance to. He also takes it a step further recommending obtaining an actual button of the proper size and color and carrying it around in a pocket and handling it when you have a down moment to get even more familiar with its features and help reinforce the concept in your mind. I've got my button and working on it.

[FlintNSteel]

Originally posted by KSdan:
 You impose/imagine an actual object onto the target.  
Dan in KS

I had never thought about doing that, but it really makes sense!  Will be trying it in future practice sessions.

[Friend]

Even with an actual spot, it is quite possible to not focus on the quite visible spot.

By maintaining focus completely thru the shot, the initial image is likely to become of primary importance and the acuity in refining the defined spot may be enhanced.

[KSdan]

Jay Kidwell explains how this same technique is used by baseball hitters looking at a "red dot" in the center of the ball. This technique also prevents a stimulus confusion issue which causes a type of target anxiety. I use those 1.5" orange stickers used for gun targets. Periodically I put them on my bale target. After a couple days the image is again infused in my mind. 365 days a year I shoot at the "orange sticker" that I impose on stumps, targets, 3d, and animals. Also calms the nerves on living animals because I shoot at "orange stickers" all the time. Nothing new!

[Ken Taylor]

I used to say to myself "pick a spot and draw", but then every once in a while my eyes would stray a little for some reason/distraction or other.

I changed that to telling myself to "lock my gaze" (on a spot) - I listen to that command much better, LOL!

Our conscious and our subconscious are almost two different people!