feel like i'm going nowhere. my shooting isn't improving

[ozy clint]

i practise everyday but it seems i'm not getting any better for my efforts. i try to get my form the same each time but accuracy still suffers. to shoot a tight 3 shot group is a highlight for me. i know i'm capable of it but i just can't seem to pull it together. any hints or basic accuracy execises? effort without results is a real drag.

[hunt it]

Clint,

What distance are you shooting at? I always recommend to new shooters to shoot at 10yrds no more for first week or two then 15yrds for next couple of weeks and so on. As you mentioned consistency is one of the keys. Is there no one close you can shoot with that can help by watching your form. Always remember to keep that bow arm up and concentrate on that spot till the arrow hits.

[McDave]

The key to consistency is consistent form.  Ideally, you would attend a shooting clinic or have someone who knows good form coach you.  I see you're from Australia, and I don't know how available those things would be down there.  But if you can post a video on this forum, folks can give you some advice.  If you have never been coached, it is likely that something in your form is not up to par; probably something you are unaware of.

You didn't mention how long you have been at this game.  Like any sport, we have our Tiger Woodses and our All-thumbs, but for the majority of us it takes several years of regular practice, meaning several times a week at least, before we can begin to tighten up our groups with any regularity.

[ozy clint]

i've been shooting since feb this year. all shots are within 15m. i think you're right mcdave. my form feels right most of the time but it obvisiously isn't. i just need some experienced shooters watch me. i'm going to canada after xmas. i'm sure there will be many more oppurtunities to shoot alongside some of you gurus over there. one thing i have going for me is that i will not quit!

[Benny Nganabbarru]

Get yourself the "Masters of the Barebow" DVDs. There might be a style of shooting demonstrated there that suits you, and helps improve your shooting.

[Matabele]

Coming from Zim where coaches are about as rare as hens teeth, I know what you mean!!

It helped me no end to read G. Fred Asbells book called "Instinctive Shooting", it'll give you the fundamentals. And like Ben said Masters of the Barebow will really demonstrate visually the differences in form.

For me I knew back tension was important but its only recently that I am really using back tension effectively. What worked for me was to draw the bow to anchor and then freeze for 10 seconds, all the time doing a mental check on my form...bow hand relaxed, bow arm elbow slightly broken, anchor nice and tight to my cheek etc. Then when you are ready to release make a conscious effort to pinch your shoulder blades together and simultaneously relax your release hand. The shot should go off almost by surprise. I think the timing of back tension and release is pretty important. I did that for about a week to engrain the form and now can draw and shoot much quicker but more accurately by far.

For me the most important form aspects are bow arm position (not too rigid and dont drop after the shot i.e. follow through) and correct back tension.

Sorry not sure if you actually wanted all that but not having an experienced shooter to turn to myself I know how frustrating it can be.

Cheers!

[artifaker1]

One thing that has given me problems with consistency is riser torque. Try putting powder on your bow hand or glove so the bow will move freely and balance in your hand when you draw.
Sometime when we get into things like this in order to get really good we have to learn to make finer distinctions about things that control the process. And then make intuitive decisions on how to improve the process. It is easy to say but harder to put into practice. But if you learn to do it you will see a greater ability in other activities that require spacial perception as well.

[SHOOTO8S]

Anytime a shooter reach a place of no improvement, its time to start again at the beginning to see what may have been overlooked or perhaps look at a different avenue to reach desired goals.

[jeff keyes]

I recommend shotting at only five yards, untill your arrows are in jeopardy. The smaller the spot you aim at the better.Dont move back too soon!Anchor at the same spot every shot. Always STAY BEHIND THE ARROW!Good shooting!

[AllenR]

Contact Marcus or Erica Anear at Urban Archery.  they will be able to suggest a coach or tell you where to find one.  Marcus is primarily a compound shooter and Erica shoots compound and Olympic recurve, but they know a lot of people in the archery community.