Bad shots

[Cherokee Scout]

While on the range recently, we discussed what is the most important element of good shots or what causes the most bad shots.
Is it a bad release, moving the bow hand, not concentrating on the target, etc?
We know all of these are elements, but what do you think causes you to miss the most or make the worst shots?

[Matt E]

Most archers haven't properly tuned their bow.

[DEERSLAYER1961]

The pressure you put on yourself to make a good shot.  Pressure Pressure Pressure!!!!!!!  Thats what does it.

[Littlefeather]

PANIC and the "fear" of missing cause the most misses and bad hits. When the mind gets in the way of the act of shooting-we miss. Your subconscience knows what to do but all to often we clutter the shot with worry of a miss and then we do miss.

Dropped bow arms are the result of trying to see the arrow hit the target before it hits the target. Generally, anyway. CK

[bentpole]

I feel it's a bad release.But you have to burn a hole with yout eyes on that target!

[Sharpster]

Droping my bow arm!!!!!   :mad:  

This is one aspect of shooting form that I have not been able to completely conquer. I have to realy concentrate on my bow arm when shooting.

Seems like the instant I release, my bow arm gains about 200 lbs.

Littlefeather, I am talking about target shooting.

-Sharps

[robtattoo]

What causes more bad shots than anything else? The six inches between the ears.

[Littlefeather]

6"? Pinhead!   :D

[robtattoo]

Pffft! Fathead!  :D  :D

[Buckhorn47]

If one can see an arrow hole in the target and use the centre of that hole as the aiming mark, the arrow will hit that spot. That total concentration aided by proper form makes it happen. What causes the missed shots, the flinch, the bad or premature release or any combination of the variables involved in shooting is not properly seeing that arrow hole in the first place.

[wingnut]

Yep when I make a bad shot it's because my head got in the way.  Not the outside but the inside.  If I think too much, well it's "shoot the mountain" time.  If I just react to the practice, the arrow will hit where I look.

Mike

[ChuckC]

not picking a spot.
ChuckC

[Pat B]

I think lack of full concentration at crunch time would cover most of the problems discussed above. If you are well practiced, you should not even have to think about the shot...it should just happen.     Pat

[longbowben]

Looking at the hole animal insted of a tiny spot.

[Bill Carlsen]

I'm with Shapster on this one...bow arm needs to stay put after the shot. On game, it seems that picking a spot would have helped on those that I have missed.....or just more practice from the treestand we have set  up just for that.

[wapiti792]

Oh let's see...having a heart rate of 200, respirations at 60, standing 20 ft up a tree (most) wearing a safety harness, extra clothes, trying to shoot a live animal. That's why. You have to manage all of the things you aren't used to with only the clothing and the height being done in practice. Then it's the bow arm, pick a spot, good anchor, release clean, watch the animal as it leaves to see its reaction. I am amazed when we as bowhunters can keep all that together to execute a good shot!

It's a credit to our little group doing it without "modern" equipment, and it's damn hard controlling it all to put that arrow right where we wanted. We should celebrate the good results more because it is tough to do. Next time you have an animal down think of all the things that had to go right to hold that beast in your hands!

[TSP]

I think you basically answered your own question...poorly-applied form kills the making of a good shot faster than anything.  Target practice like 3-D, blue dots, etc. is basically repetitive form practice but with distractions like talking, goofing off, waiting in line, etc. its easy to not practice good form components on every shot.  Other than that I'd say shot distance.  As in hunting, longer shots invite poorer results, all else equal.

[steadman]

On targets it is my bow arm, and my release hand that causes bad shots. But on game it is definitley concentration, trying not to shoot the whole animal as mentioned above. Also the fear of missing. Man no wonder I miss a lot!  

[longbowben]

Im with you bud.If it was easy it wouldnt be fun.

[Big Dave]

Droping bow arm and the presure to make a good shot.  :D    :D    :D