Freezing up low on target.

[Greg Dearth]

I've been using various drills and such to overcome my problem of freezing up low on target. Some days I do ok and other days I struggle. I am open to any and all suggestions that may help me with this problem. Thanks, Greg

[swamp donkey]

The fastest way is use a clicker on your bow. If used properly the clicker gives you instant control. Then once you're in control for a month or so switch to a mental clicker, such as counting to yourself and releasing on 3.

[Cecil]

Get close to the target and try it. if you dont freeze shoot close till you get comfortable again.

[s_mcflurry]

Go to a lighter draw weight if you can.  Come to full draw on your target, hold for 5 or 10 seconds on target, then let down.  Repeat this for a couple of sessions.  You have to retrain your subconscious and holding for that long will allow your conscious mind to do the retraining.  The important thing is to use a target for this (dot, vitals on a 3D, etc.) and not blank or blind bale.

[Greg Dearth]

Thanks Guys for the tips. I have used a clicker in the past and am now trying to regain control without one.  I have aready been drawing on target and letting down. It does seem to work ,I believe I just need to do more of it. Keep the info coming, I appreciate all the help I can get. Thank, Greg

[AllenR]

I can't see you shoot so I don't know exactly what is going on with your shot, so this is just from past experience from myself and a few others.

Most archers who are freezing off target do it because they are using the sight picture to ignite their release.  The way most learn to shoot, this is pretty understandable.  

The way to control this is to separate the sight picture and the release.  Unfortunately, this is not easy, especially if you've ingrained this into your subconscious.

First step is to develop your shot sequence on a blank bale. Work on a smooth, steady expansion to release.  Once you begin expansion, never stop until you've completed your follow through.  

Then put up a larget target, at least 24" and begin close, no more than 3 yards.  Work on immediate target aquisition.  Get your sight picture on the target immediately.  Shoot at this distance for 3 days.  If you don't freeze on the big target at 3 yards, move back to 5 yards for another 3 days.  If you have even one freeze, go back to 3 yards.  Don't say "well I won't freeze on the next arrow".  Likely you won't but you will have lost the opportunity to train your subconscious to not freeze.

Continue stepping back in 2 yard increments until you get to 30 yards.  Then begin gradually reducing the size of the target.

Two keys to this are 1) never stop your release once started.  Hesitation on your release will take you back to freezing   2) any time you have even one freeze, stop and go back to the previous distance.  If you freeze again, go back to the bale.

This takes a little time and a lot of self discipline, but I've seen it work several time.

Good luck,
Allen

[Greg Dearth]

Thanks Allen, Your suggestion sounds very similar to the bridge system a friend of mine is using. I will have to give a try, Thanks again...Greg

[Ravenhood]

Thanks Allen, Been shooting for 45 years, been freezing low for as long as I can remember,I have never spent the time to work it out the way you and others have suggested, I have always went for the quick fix and it has never lasted. Today was the first time I realized that the sight picture is igniting my release.I hope this works for me and others. Thank you Greg and Allen.       Mark.