Crushed by Target panic

Originally posted by BobCo 1965:
 

Originally posted by LongStick64:
Can only explain it like this, you use the bale to ingrain the new trigger or remove the bad trigger.

From my experience, the flaw that I see in this is that the "bad trigger" or what I would call lack of proper execution is usually not apparant when shooting blind or blank bale. The removal of the "bad trigger" is not necessary since the execution takes place correctly with the blank or blind bale. The bale is great for embedding physical characteristics, muscle memory, etc of the shot and personally, I can honestly say that 1/3 of my practice is of this sort, but I am not sure this problem will be cured by blank bale. [/b]

I agree.  The problem, to my notion, can only be isolated, and cured during the bridge drills.

[Flingblade]

Thanks Jim.  I'll give that a try.  I need to order MBB3 but I was waiting until MBB4 is available to order them both.  The bridge drill is something I had not heard of before.  I have made alot of improvement in the last year but still have alot to learn and I am willing to do the work as shooting without tp is so much fun it is worth working for.

[BobCo 1965]

Jim,

Are you putting a target up when using this bridge method? I ask because I have personally worked with people who can shoot fine from any distance (sorry if I may have mentioned that) as long as there is not a target involved. I have also shot in unison with people having execution problems as we say all of execution steps aloud as they are being performed at 35 yards and at a target, and they can do it perfectly. The problem is still however that the sight picture is what triggers them when left alone. It's very much a psychological issue and not a physical one.

Whatever plan someone has I would say that overall have confidence, believe in yourself, set small obtainable goals, reward yourself and don't be afraid to try something different if you find the plan does not work.

Yes, but the target needs to be big to start with--say like a 9" paper plate, or even a 16" circle. Hitting the mark is not important initially.  Being in control is what we need to strive for.  As confidence and control begin to take over, you can make the mark smaller.  

I wouldn't wish this @#%@# stuff on anyone.  :^)

[BuckyT]

What exactly is "Target Panic"?

I have no clue??  What goes in y'alls heads when you draw down on the target?

I'm not making light of the subject at all!

Simply curious.

[Greg Skinner]

BobCo, you have summed up the problem perfectly.  I found that no matter what I did I could not solve the problem without having the target out there 20 or so yards away because the target sight picture is the problem - not my form or aiming style/technique.  And the more I focus or concentrate on that "spot" the worse it is - which is why "burning a hole in the spot" never worked for me.
 What has finally helped me more than anything else is to focus on consistent, repeatable form while not mentally stressing on the need to hit the target that is down-range.  In other words it doesn't matter whether I hit the target or not, but I have to execute good form or it is not a successful shot.  But psychologically it has to be done with the target downrange and I have to be actually shooting at it. Once I trick my subconsious into de-emphasizing hitting the target I can let the mechanics of a good shot sequence take over and make a good shot.

I don't know that I can say I have totally licked the TP problem, but I can come back to a solid anchor, acquire my target and let the shot happen.  Some days are better than others, but overall I feel that I am controlling it rather than it controlling me.

Originally posted by BuckyT:
What exactly is "Target Panic"?

I have no clue??  What goes in y'alls heads when you draw down on the target?

I'm not making light of the subject at all!

Simply curious.

"My" simple difinition of it is:  Not having complete control of every aspect of the shot sequence.

[LongStick64]

Ok so when we assume that when shooting the bale the problem is not there, haven't we then identified the problem. Or at least what is contributing to it. For some using the bale is a way to gain confidence in their form and slowly extend or bridge distance. For others the bale can be used as a way to relax when they are looking at the target and help eliminate the target fear and anxiety.
The way I approached the bale was hey if I don't have an issue shooting at 5 yards away what is the difference at 20 yards, it's the same target, it hasn't moved, it's not going to jump out of the way, it's the same target. So why am I doing things different at 20 than what I do at 5. Using the bale helped identify my problem. Some confidence work at the bale helped me overcome the problem.

[BobCo 1965]

Originally posted by Jim Casto Jr:
Yes, but the target needs to be big to start with--say like a 9" paper plate, or even a 16" circle. Hitting the mark is not important initially.  Being in control is what we need to strive for.  As confidence and control begin to take over, you can make the mark smaller.  

I wouldn't wish this @#%@# stuff on anyone.  :^)

Sounds like a good plan.  

[BobCo 1965]

Originally posted by Greg Skinner:
   In other words it doesn't matter whether I hit the target or not,    

Very important step to recovery!  

[McDave]

What exactly is "Target Panic"?

I have no clue?? What goes in y'alls heads when you draw down on the target?

I'm not making light of the subject at all!

Simply curious.  

To be a little more specific, there are several types of target panic:

1.  Premature release, or the inability to come to full draw and hold it there until you're ready to make the shot.  People may be able to draw and hold the arrow without any problem if they don't expect to shoot the arrow.  Sometimes they might be able to draw and hold the arrow until they're ready to shoot when they're alone at home.  But as the pressure mounts, there comes a point when they can't come to full draw; either the arrow just hangs up at about 3/4 draw or it involuntarily goes off at about 3/4 draw.

2.  Inability to bring the arrow on target.  A person may be able to draw and hold the arrow, but is unable to bring the arrow on target, whether instinctively or using some aiming method.

There may be other forms of target panic, but these are the ones I'm familiar with.  The cause is purely mental.  If a person is overbowed, it might cause similar problems, but being overbowed is a physical problem, and therefore is not target panic.

[McDave]

(Sorry, I've had a problem getting double posts lately for some reason).

[ron w]

I have the same problem.....I have read all the books, I have watched the videos. Lately I have found that if I pre-aim [line things up but don't draw] then close my eyes ,draw, anchor, then open my eyes I can then get on target.....I know it 's crazy......but it works for me. Do it over and over, and it's starting to get me back on track.

[Flingblade]

Great info on this thread.  I am going to get the videos and try the bridge drill at bale.  My question and primary concern is how do I bridge from target to live animal hunting situation? Has this been addressed in any of the videos or books?

[McDave]

I don't think there are any drills that will prepare you for the last shot in the nationals where you are tied for first place, or for the one shot you're going to get at a trophy animal.  I think the best you can hope for is that if you've conquered target panic when you're shooting in your local tournaments or shooting at jackrabbits, then hopefully it will carry over into the more stressful situations.

In other words, any drills are only going to get you to the point that they will work in situations where you have a chance to practice them.

[GregD]

Longbow Kid, If you want to try Jay Kidwells book send me your address and I'll mail it to you. Good Luck, Greg

Originally posted by Flingblade:
...  My question and primary concern is how do I bridge from target to live animal hunting situation? ...

Interesting question.  I’m not quite there, but I “think” I can answer the question with certainty. CONFIDENCE.  We use the bale to drill in the shot sequence… every aspect of the shot sequence.  We use the bridge to build on what is learned at the bale and gain confidence in our ability to perform.  That’s why it’s a slow methodical process.  When you can do at five yards what you’ve done at four yards, you begin to “KNOW” that you can perform.  I feel certain if you follow the drills, and don’t deviate from them, you’ll “KNOW” when you can perform without issue.

[arrow flynn]

i changed the shot sequince if you swinge draw go to set draw if you split draw go 3 under use aglove go to atab take aweek off and then do you are now a new archer with out tp worked for me ican hold on the long shots used to be really embarissing also use a clicker

[Gene R]

I have struggled with TP for years too. I know the frustration well. I have had it beat at times I thought to have it come back. What I have done recently when it hits me is to count in my mind while drawing the bow back. I keep extremely focused on the spot while I am executing the draw but at the same time counting in my mind up to the number it takes to get to anchor. I then associate the release with the number it takes to get to full draw. This takes some of the trigger from the sight picture and focuses it on the number it takes to get to full draw. It seems to work for me, I am then able to get to fulldraw, focus on the spot, hold and release with pretty good accuracy. Hope this makes sense to everyone. Don't know why it works for me but it does seem to help.

[arrow flynn]

try this if you use aglove go to atab if swing draw go to set draw etc it tatakes you out of a brain pattern or rut i dont know how to explain it but it worked for me now i can hold on a target and aim and pull halleuya