A Little Gap Shooting Help Please

[BobCo 1965]

For years I have been aiming with a Secondary Vision style followed by a Conditioned Instinctive Style.

I want to give Gap a real go this year though.

My problem is seeing the arrow and the target at the same time. I can see the target fine, but the arrow is pretty much a double blurr to me. May have been from years of not really looking at it at all. I should mention that I am right eyed dominant and shoot right handed. Any suggestions?

Also when shooting gap do you consider your target where you want the arrow to go, or where you aim the arrow? They seem like two different things to me.

Thanks.

[cliff77]

Assuming good form, consistent anchor, identical draw length, I find my point of aim. With my setup its 60 yds. At first I tried to gap like I'd use sights, intentionally trying to get the precise gap between the target and the tip. That would mean a constant shifting of view from tip to target, and holding 60#s for awhile got to be tiring.
After a lot of practice I noticed the gapping becoming almost instinctive, it would just feel right for a given distance. So I just focus on the target now, guess the distance and move to the gap, then let it go.
Now I'm having trouble with 20 yds and less. The gap is larger therefore the ease of error seems to be too. Finding out that instinctive release works better for me at closer range.
Well, that's my way, but as I learn it could change too.

[Curtis Haden]

Bob, I can't offer advice, because I don't gap, but if you haven't watched Rod Jenkins' segment on "Masters of the Barebow" vol. 1, I think you would find it enlightening.  Very straight-forward and easy to understand explanation of the system Rod uses.

[toddster]

What Bradd said.  As was taught in the Marines, the human eye can only focus on one object at a time.  Either the target or the front sight (arrow) will be clear.  Best thing I found was what Mr. Wesley taught me.  First, form has to be mastered and flawless.  This has been said by the great (pick one) and thousands of times.  Then move back to 10 yards after placing a secondary aiming point on the target (I use a little balloon).  Now, come up and concentrate on the center of the object to be hit, but putting the arrow on the secondary aiming point.  don't shift your focus back and forth, just on what you want to hit.  This will take some time to get use too, but in short time, will be mastered.  shoot 3-5 arrows.  Analyze where they hit in group form.  Now adjust the secondary aiming spot opposite of where the arrows went.  Go back and shoot again, if your form is right, the arrows should of moved closer to or in the target.  Once you have this, every day shoot 4 ends of 5 perfect arrows.  You will be amazed at how quick you will put them in there.  Using a tape measure measure your gap for 10 yards from the center of target to perfect secondary aiming spot, (this is your gap at 10 yards).  With each arrow of your end being 5 points, when your total up to 90.  move back to 15 yards and repeat, measure your gap and when you hit 90 again.  Move back to 20 and repeat, yada-yada.  Before you know it, you will not need the secondary aiming point, for your mind will know where to put the arrow (average about 4-5 weeks).  Now, anytime you have a problem, you have your data for the arrow/bow set up for the gap at that range, and can go back to reinstill confidence if needed.

[SHOOTO8S]

Focus on intended target...never look at the arrow point, just see it! Yes, it will be out of focus. but with a little time and practice the secondary vision can and will see the point, without focusing on it with enough precision to know when the point needs to be 1/2'' higher or lower.

[Chris Wilson]

Originally posted by SHOOTO8S:
Focus on intended target...never look at the arrow point, just see it! Yes, it will be out of focus. but with a little time and practice the secondary vision can and will see the point, without focusing on it with enough precision to know when the point needs to be 1/2'' higher or lower.

What Rod said.