Aiming before the shot?

[Cmane07]

Hey guys I have a question. I have been having a slight problem hitting my anchor when shooting 20 yards and under. Sometimes I will release before I am at anchor and will still hit where I am looking but I no that my hand never touched my face. However when I shoot further distances where I have to concentrate harder I have no problem with full draw and my anchor. Am I aiming too much before I reach draw at close distances?

I shot a buck recently at 2 yards and hit him great but I know I never touched my anchor.  The very next day I shot a doe at 10 yards and missed and there is no doubt I wasn't even at full draw when I released.  Any advise? Do I just need to concentrate harder?

[Don Stokes]

Caleb, you can't aim too much, but you might try coming to full draw as you raise the bow, timed to get on target at the same time you reach anchor. If I find myself releasing too soon, I make a few shots with my eyes closed for the draw, opening them at anchor. Reprogramming. Lots of ways to kill this beast.

[McDave]

The problem isn't so much short-drawing the bow, which some people do on purpose on close shots, but short-drawing the bow when you don't intend to, which can lead to target panic.  If what you're doing is leading to target panic, then you will find it increasingly difficult to come to full draw, and eventually won't be able to come to full draw at any distance.

If you think this could be a problem for you, then I recommend you review Joel Turner's target panic thread in this forum, and buy his DVD, because it's something you want to nip in the bud if you can.  Joel has also been very generous with his time talking with people on the phone, and has helped me out in the past.

[Terry Green]

Yeah...you are dealing with Target Panic.  I aim before I even raise the bow...just my style...but I've never had target panic.

Maybe you could work on the bail and incorporate a 'double anchor'...that way your shot wont go till you have reached full draw.

[Ron Vought]

A clicker will help as well. I have one on my hunting bow now and also hunting with it. It gets me to full draw and anchor. Not desirable however it works for me.

Joel Turner's methodology with a lot of other folks here will provide good information but I agree....it appears you have a form of target panic. Its very frustrating to deal with target panic but when you come to terms with it I will guarantee you that your shooting will greatly improve

Ron

[Cmane07]

Thanks guys I will check out this info.  I shot all yesterday afternoon with no problems.  It seems if I just mentally think to hit my anchor and then aim I do just fine.  I guess I just need to go through this process in my head before I shoot a deer as well.  I'll keep working on it and thanks for the replies!

[Ron Vought]

Keep working it. Its a mental game we need to overcome. Getting to full anchor and being in control of the shot is the key to success and accuracy.

Ron

[Bullfrog 1]

Aim AFTER full draw. Problem solved.   Bill

[Terry Green]

Originally posted by Bullfrog 1:
Aim AFTER full draw. Problem solved.   Bill

Maybe...maybe not...depends on the style of the shooter.  Its not a broad brush statement of fact. I'm proof of that....among many others I know and hunt with that are VERY successful aiming before the shot.  Aiming after anchor is disastrous for me....just my style.

Again, either way, a double anchor will solve lots of problems.  Consistent anchor, and allowing proper alignment on every shot...no matter when you aim.      

[Bullfrog 1]

Terry, guess you are right. That is what works for me. You say you utilize a double anchor. I just watched your shooting form video. What are they? Looks so fast I don't even see one anchor?  Thanks.  BILL

[tracker12]

The transition back to traditional has been evolutional for me.  I shot very quick at first and it was an ok start.  I then stated aiming the arrow at the target as I drew again heled with the groups. But in the end to really get very consistent I needed to sraw to my anchor concentrate on the spot, amake sure I am on target, then release.  I am now shooting good 5 arrow groups. Not just 3 or 4 as it was before I transitioned.  Plus I now find that I shoot better one arrow groups.  Each day I grab my bow walk to a different spot each time and shoot a shot at my 3d target.  No practice.  Most all my shots are in the vitals.  That tells me I am ready for the woods more than shooting good groups after 30 minutes on the bale.

[LongStick64]

I aim before the shot, during the draw, at anchor and after release. Maybe it's not really aiming but focusing on the spot. Either way I expand(push/pull) to anchor and check my sight picture the instant I hit anchor and away she goes. Instead to thinking about getting to anchor maybe try thinking of getting to full alignment. If your shoulders are both inline and your draw elbow is slightly inside the string, you end up at anchor.

[Ravenhood]

I have to have 100% concentration on aiming , start to finish anything less and my bow drops as I get to full draw causing a jerked shot and bad result. It is really hard some times to get to 100%

[shirikahn]

My father taught me to start picking a spot before I get even slight tension on the string.  then to continue focus through pulling dead to anchor.  If you don't make anchor, don't release.  Just what I was brought up with...

[Terry Green]

Originally posted by Bullfrog 1:
Terry, guess you are right. That is what works for me. You say you utilize a double anchor. I just watched your shooting form video. What are they? Looks so fast I don't even see one anchor?  Thanks.  BILL

I bring my middle finger to the corner of my mouth....then keep coming back actually pulling my mouth anchor reaward till my thumb base knuckle slides in behind jaw under my ear.....then the arrow is gone.  No, it doesn't take me long cause I'm 'on target' well before i get there.