concentrating on my arrow, not target?

[redclay]

When I'm shooting, I found that with my better shots, I am not even looking at the arrow. Then, others I can't get myself not to try and line the tip up with my target. Why is this? I would like to not even see my arrow and shoot instinctively, but sometimes I can't help but try and see a gap with the arrow and target. Is there any excercises or things I can do to get my mind off the arrow and on the spot I want to hit? I did it before, but then tried gap shooting which probably didn't help.  thanks

[Danny Rowan]

Just concentrate on the spot you want to hit. Use your mind, visualize the shot and make it. Do not know what else to tell ya, it takes intense concentration.

Danny

[Shakes.602]

Yup, Pick A Spot and Burn a Hole in that Spot with Your Eyeballs........The Arrow Will Follow!

[Cupcake]

Recently I have stopped looking at the tip of my arrow and just concentrated on the sight picture and it really has made a difference.  Somehow your mind makes the connection and it all happens.

A couple weeks ago I went to the annual Big Bear two day shoot in So. Cal.  It is mostly wheelie people but a good smattering of trad guys.  Anyway, I won the William Tell for traditional and brought home a nice trophy and I owe it to NOT looking at the arrow.

On Saturday I paid my money and hit the apple once so I was in the finals for Sunday.  There was one other trad shooter, he had three shots to my one and we both missed them.  So now it was down to shot for shot who hit the apple first.  I concentrated on NOT looking at the arrow and just getting the sight picture.  I stood there, pictured it, raised the bow and drew.  The shot left perfectly in line and in slow mo I watched it pin the apple dead center, slightly high.

It is interesting, these shots are a very Zen thing and they come and go.  It is not always there but when it is you know it as soon as it leaves your fingers.

Kevin