Less arrows

[joevan125]

Since i started shooting less arrows my groups have gotten a lot smaller. Before i would shoot 12 at a time from the same distance. I shoot 3 arrows at a blank target working on release, anchor, grip and back tension doing this 10-12 times 3-4 days a week. On the other days i shoot from 10-20 yards 40-50 shots 3 arrows at a time. Also since i started doing this i have gotten a lot stronger and my concentration is at a all time high.

[TheFatboy]

I only shoot one arrow at a time. I find this way more effective than shooting many arrows at a time. After all, you only get one shot when hunting.

Besides, it's great cardio walking back and forth between the target all the time  :D

[Scooter]

Do you really see a smaller total grouping?  Are you plotting the shots?  By that I mean over 60 arrows is your total group smaller or just the sub-groups of 3 arrows vs say 6 arrows.  It is resobale to expect a smaller standard distribution or variability with a smaller sub-group.  Enough sub groups and the variation should be roughly the same.

I have not noticed any difference in total group size say between a FITA indoor target that

[AllenR]

Joe,

From personal experience, I'm coming to the same conclusion.  I've also heard this from some pretty good coaches and archers.

I've had some recent problems with my form so I tried the he-man way with 10 to 15 ends of 16 arrows an end.  I was going to cure my problem or else.  It was very nearly "else" before my shoulders complained & I started shooting 5 arrows at a time and thinking through each shot.

I find that I'm getting a much better handle on my form problem.  It seems to help mentally too.

Scooter, I'm not watching groups just yet since I'm still shooting blank bale.  However, I can see a big improvement in the occasional bow hand & arm problems that sent me to the blank bale.  Getting over that is bound to improve my groups.

Allen

[Don Baker]

I do the same as Fatboy-1 arrow at a time and the distance varies on every shot.
You will find that your concentration is much sharper as well-IMHO.
Don

[TheFatboy]

Exactly, Don.

I shoot in my garden, and I too shoot from various distances, sometimes kneeling, sometimes back or front facing target, balancing on one leg, behind obstacles as rosebushes or trees... the opportunities are endless, and they all have the same purpose; making it a hell of a lot funnier and rewarding!  
 

[mrpenguin]

I agree with Don and the Fatboy.  While I do shoot groups to check my consistency in my shots, I think it is imperative to change positions, kneel, stand, change angle, and I even hide in bushes in my yard or shoot through holes made by branches hanging low... anything to build confidence and practice for when the game presents an opportunity!

[mrpenguin]

I agree with Don and the Fatboy.  While I do shoot groups to check my consistency in my shots, I think it is imperative to change positions, kneel, stand, and I even hide in bushes in my yard or shoot through holes made by branches hanging low... anything to build confidence and practice for when the game presents an opportunity!

[AllenR]

Everyone makes good points, but IMHO, your practice should match how you play.

For hunting & 3D, the one arrow at a time practice is essential.  In both of those you have to make the best shot you can on the first and only arrow.

For paper punching target shooting, it depends on which particular game you want to play.  I shoot a lot of 5 spot, so my 5 arrows at a time work for me.  If I was shooting a Vegas target, it would be 3 at a time or for FITA, it would be 6 at a time.

One reason to shoot the number that you compete with is that you have to condition yourself to shoot multiple arrows with good mental focus.  When I first started 5 spot, I noticed that my first arrow would be gread, the next one good, the third one bad, the fourth one also bad because I was flustered from the 3rd and my 5th one would be good because I had gotten myself back under control and focused.

I've since come to understand that every arrow has to be shot with full focus and conditioned myself to do it.

This isn't better or worse that one arrow at a time shooting. It's just a different aspect of archery that requires different training.

We've all heard of guys that were deadly on fur, but horible when shooting at paper.  In many cases it's not because they are poor archers, it's because they aren't mentally conditioned to shooting multiple arrows.  It is a skill that hunters and 3D shooters don't need, but target archers do.

Practice how you play.    

Allen

[ishoot4thrills]

I think Byron Ferguson shoots only 3 or 4 arrows at a session, claiming his concentration level greatly deteriorates if he shoots more than that in an end.

[waiting4fall]

One arrow at a time here. Shoot, get it, throw it somewhere else, repeat about 6 times.

[Don Stokes]

One arrow, judo point, and a trail through the woods.

[shortstroke 91]

I'm a 1 arrow fan myself, only time I shoot more is when I'm compairing fletched vs bareshaft. Like has already been stated you only get one while hunting so the first one better count. I have also noticed I don't get tired and can actually shoot for a longer time since I'm not wearing my muscles and mind out.