UGHHH so frustrating!!

[Bob B.]

Just gotta vent, been working on my paper too long and today is bugging me.  The mental part of shooting is driving me crazy!!    

So in between working on my class stuff I went outside and shot a few arrows .... UGHHH!  I am all over the place at 15 yards, some times barely on target.  But twice I walked 40 yards out and had 3 touching in the heart!  This mental thing is driving me nuts.      

Ok, rant over, I feel better.  Back to my paperwork.  Thanks guys.

Bob.

[JAG]

It seems when I shoot at long distances I concentrate harder, and am able to make the shot.  When I play at short distances I don't concentrate as well all the time.  But let me say When I'm preping for season, I do all I can to concentrate and make the first arrow hit the mark.
Just try to make your first arrow hit exactly where you want it.  Then try to think of each following shot as the "next" first.

Johnny/JAG

[Jim Keller]

I just got mbb4. It's all on the mental part of shooting. Joel Turners segment helped me TREMENDOUSLY. I recommend it to anybody struggling with tp. It has made my shooting fun again after 40 some years of fighting it. Good luck.

[Friend]

Many times the closer targets are the toughest.

Seems like they should be a dunk shot but in reality they pose greater challenges for many, especially when the close target is low to the ground.

Just some things I have noticed that have produced some positive results.

Best of luck!!!!!!!!

1. Focus and adhere to shot execution even more.

2. Bend at the waist as you would shooting from a tree stand.

4. Relax and aim at anchor. Remember to move at the waist when adjusting for elevation.

5. Lock on target, then slightly increase controlled back tension, then fluidly allow the shot to happen.  

Seems like peeking can raise its ugly head on close targets. Keep your head down and relaxed while maintaining focus on the target throughout the complete shot follow thru.

[J. Holden]

What I've found to help me is shoot one arrow at a time.  Go retreive it and then shoot another one.  This way my brain get's a break, I can simulate that first shot and I can think about the shot.  Good luck.

-Jeremy  

[Jake Diebolt]

Ditto the one arrow at a time. I tried it the other day and was amazed at how my shooting improved. FOCUS is the key. Slow down, make shots count.

If you're having trouble focusing on the target, focus on your form instead. Do a mental check to make sure everything is right. When my shots start going wild, it's usually because my form is suffering (with me, it's usually sloppy bow arm, or a grip issue). A training session spent on proper form is never wasted!

[Flying Dutchman]

The mental check is important. Shooting not too many arrows is important too.
I was totally out of form, due to a dislocated collarbone and all the muscles around it. I learned myself another technique making me able to shoot anyhow.
Now my shoulder is much better and I am returning to the old and proper technique. It is amazing how difficult it is to get rid off the wrong technique! Everytime I repeat in my head, with every shot, if everything is as it should be. After three weeks the results are coming however.
I also train at different distances between the 15 and 40 yards, three arrows at the time. When I start to miss,that's for me an indication I am getting too tired and I stop.

After a few weeks 15 yards became easy,all my arows are dead-center most of the time. Just don't give up!

[GREATBROWNKNOCKEMDOWN]

Bob, i have been having the same problem, but it's only when i have been shooting with other people    When i shoot by myself i don't have the problems, yeah and it's killin me.  Think it's all in my head.

[Huntingnut]

I agree with the one arrow at a time idea.Shooting multiple arrows makes me concentrate more on the group size than anything else, and usually leads me to having a bout of target panic.

The other thing I do is keep a Judo in my quiver.Go stump shooting, or throw a styrofoam cup in the yard and shoot at it.