Target Panic?

[Ron Vought]

Alright. I have struggled with this issue for several years. I stand 10 yards from the target and my form is near perfect. I draw, full anchor at the corner of my mouth, and release with great arrow groups. I'm a bit of a snap shooter and rarely hold for more than a second. I move back to 15-20 yards I start short drawing by about an inch or two and arrow groups vary but mostly impact high on the target. I assume the high arrow impact is from short drawing? Is this a form of target panic and what recommendations do you have to address this issue. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Ron

[Flingblade]

Yes, target panic.  Check out the Target Panic Reality Check thread.  Decide on a non-anticipatory psychotrigger and a mantra to activate the shot and go from there.  Attend one of Joel Turner's clinics if you can.  He also has a DVD that will be available soon from A&H Archery.  Good luck!
Gary

[Ron Vought]

I finally have to admit that I'm a snap shooter and that's okay with me. I have tried holding anchor and I just can't shoot well that way even with continued practice. Holding anchor for 1-2 seconds just makes me shoot bad. I shoot accurately just pulling back the bowstring and touching the corner of my mouth all in one fluid motion. I guess a more controlled anchor 1-2 seconds isn't for me. I can't even get a good feel for that style of shooting even with a #40 pound bow. Through the process I am able to touch the corner of my mouth versus short drawing but there isn't much in the way of a pause or controlled anchor.

Some may call it out of control or bad form but I shoot well this way and feel comfortable doing it.

Ron

[LongStick64]

I have gone back to this style but i will tell you that you need to set the sight picture or some reference because while you may be in motion, when you think you are set the bow arm may still be moving to the target. And you do need to have a firm anchor. Until i made these adjustments i was shooting high too. When i slowed it down to catch me errors this is what i found.

[pamike]

i am with flingblade - i called joel and my shooting has improved sooooo much.  just need to remember to always follow the mantra!

[Ron Vought]

I was out this evening shooting some arrows at a foam block with no target face. I was able to pull back and pause before shooting however I occasionally slapped myself in the face upon release (maybe short drawing a bit?). I think the practice is maybe paying off now. I have been shooting at 10 yards and can pull, firmly anchor and release. I go back to 15-20 yards and struggle with the firm anchor but its getting better just shooting at the blank foam block. Working on the target panic portion. My form seems to be okay.

[Ron Vought]

I believe the cure may have been found. I started anchoring with my thumb (first knuckle joint) locked in behind my jaw bone and right under my ear with my middle finger in the corner of my mouth. With some more practice I believe the double anchor will work for me and cure this dreaded issue.

Ron