Pre Shot routine

[PrimitivePete]

I've battled the shot for most of my shooting and what has helped me is to pay more attention to the pre shot sequence than the release. By focusing on setting up my shot from pre draw, draw, anchor, set, look. I find I'm more engaged with the shot itself. By fast forwarding through all the steps leading to anchor and release I tended to shoot quickly and without allowing for my form to settle.
Most of us learned by taking the shot one step at a time and I would bet that we probably has a slower shot cycle than now. Slowing everything down but ensuring a good flow between movements has provided me with a more comfortable feeling at anchor.

[McDave]

These are good thoughts, Pete.  I go through a similar sequence.  One thing that helps me fight my target panic is to not even start to concentrate on aiming until I have completed my shot routine and checked that everything is as it should be at full draw.  I do some pre-aiming as I draw the bow to make sure that the arrow will be pointed more or less where I want it to be, but all my concentration is on my shot routine until that is set, then I focus on the target and aim.

[acgesq]

I actually added a clicker to my bow,  not as a psychotrigger but to let me know when i have reach full draw to be more consistent.  I go through my routine, set up pull, anchor and then continue to expand until i hear the clicker, then i aim (so to speak) and release.  I am not releasing just on the clicker.  Seems to have tightened up my groups.

[Sam McMichael]

I use a straight draw rather than a swing draw. Like McDave, I glance at the arrow to make sure I am pointing more or less straight down range. Then it is look intently at the target until I reach anchor. I have no trouble reaching or holding anchor, but I do have to concentrate on not plucking the string. As long as I do that last part, things go pretty well, but otherwise it is back to practice, practice, practice on the release.

[1Arrow1Kill]

My shot thought routine:
'No Matter What' - Make a Great Shot Thought as I Draw and Stare at Target
'Anchor' - Feel Middle Finger Touch Corner of My Mouth
'Position' - Peripheral View of String Position / Good Back Extention
'Aim' - Settling Arrow Tip On/Below/Above Target Depending on Distance
'Smooth' - Clean Arrow Release
'Dead' - Follow Thru (Bow Stays Up on Target / Release Hand to Shoulder Spot
Initially it may seem like a long process, but after a few weeks it becomes a smooth, steadying and simple sequence to a great shot.