Target Panic Reality Check

[CLICKERMAN]

Fellas,

The offer to call me is still available and will always be available.  If you don't reach me just leave a message and I will call back at the earliest convenience.  

Thanks,

JT 253-686-3623

[khardrunner]

Just want to update... it's been almost a year since I talked to Joel Turner. Right now I am still TP free and shooting better than ever. I plan to continue to work on the things he spoke to me about and NEVER have TP again!

[cch]

ttt

[quail]

I never considered my random failures in execution "Target Panic" as I defined the term. However, talking with Joel about my shot and implementing a "mantra" term he suggested has taken my shooting to a new level. I am so looking forward to getting a copy of his new DVD. If he is ever close to Kansas City, I will find a way to attend his clinic. Listen to what this man has to offer....it is solid!

[Missouri CK]

I'll second that KC missouri clinic idea.  Might even be able to round up a few other candidates.   If I wasnt already committed for this weekend I would go to denver for the clinic.  Joel, why dont u make it a long weekend and head over to missouri after your colorado trip?
CK

[LongStick64]

Ok I think I have manifested a new form of TP for me, I've just been in denial of it. When I draw I get to anchor without problems but my arrow is pointing above the target so I swing down and release or I get stuck high. My problem seems to be I can't get settled into my sight picture to really start my mantra. How do I get over that hump so I can comfortably start the mantra.

[CLICKERMAN]

Longstick,

Please call me at 253-686-3623.  I will get you squared away.  

JT

[LongStick64]

Joel, Thanks much for the phone call today, a true honor to speak to quality gentleman as yourself. I went out after dinner and started to apply the principles we talked about and especially the part of linking the mantra to actually feeling the muscles pull was a real aha moment for me. Thanks again. I still have plenty of work to do by gradually adding stress to my shooting but I finally feel I have something tangible to work with.
Hope you get a clinic here in NY, hopefully with the numbers of NY/NJ TG members we have here we can set something up for you.

PS I forgot what number I was that called you, lol

[TURKEYFOOTGIRL]

I will be calling you soon Joel. I have been fighting TP for way too long.  What brand clicker do you recommend for a bow?

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

I recently realized that my arrows are the perfect length to add a little rectangular piece of leather between the insert and the point. At full draw, with a little expansion via back tension, it hits my finger and the arrow is away. Maybe it isn't exactly what you've been preaching Joel, but the idea came from this thread. I have never shot better in my trad career. Thanks.

[CLICKERMAN]

Turkeyfootgirl,

I would recommend the klickety klick, because the blade seems to be more robust than the cricket.

Trumpkin,  

Awesome thinking, that type of psychotrigger has been used for hundreds of years in Japanese kyudo archery, where the point is built up bigger than the shaft so when the archer pulls back tension, they feel the edge of the point on their knuckle and release the arrow.  Great idea!!!

JT

[Bowitis]

I sat in on Joel's clinic (put on by RMSG)this week end. It was the BEST money I've spent to improve my shooting!
(I have taken some of the best clinics out there.)
The other coaches spent the majority of the time on form. I had good form, but the mental game left a LOT to be desired. Joel and Matt (Joel's brother) showed me how to have a plan before I start the shot, and how to only shoot a perfect shot (mentally)and let DOWN on a shot that was less than perfect.
  I just wanted to thank Joel, Matt and Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear

[LongStick64]

I setup one of my bows with a clicker and started using the mantra to get to the psychotrigger, emphasis transferring the concentration to pulling right after I get to anchor and set sight picture......boy what a difference.

And I love Trumpkins idea, especially when using my hunting bow setup.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

I like this setup because it can ONLY be triggered by expansion, through back tension. I actually have to draw a final quarter inch to have the broadhead hit my hand.

[Jeff Roark]

I think I finally managed to get my clicker set up right yesterday and started using the "keep pulling" mantra after I got to my anchor and let me tell you, it absolutely wore me out! Between my shoulders blades as sore as heck today. I let one or two fly last night without the click because I couldn't get the expansion. I told myself this was a no-no and if I couldn't get the click from the expansion I had to let the bow down. I'll definately get stronger when using this technique, along with my shooting improving. I have to say I shot exceptionally well last night until the fatigue set in.

[toby]

I talked to Joel on the phone earlier after he sent me his phone number in response to a thread I started yesterday about my mantra triggering my release. I have struggled with mild TP for a very long time, but about a 5-6 weeks ago it really grabbed me. I couldn't even look at my target without releasing. I tried to "fix" myself with no success. I finally found this thread and bought MBB4 and watched Joel's segment very closely.

I had gotten to the point where 10yards was my maximum shot, and then it was "iffy".

When I tried to implement what he teaches, I would release as soon as I started the mantra, keep pulling, keep pulling..... I did position a feather to pull to, but the problem was, I had way too many things going through my mind.

On the phone Joel reinforced the importance of concentration on only one thing, and the importance of letting down when any other thoughts come into your mind or when you are no longer pulling.

He asked me to shoot a shot at twenty yards when I had the phone on speaker. I was obviously a little stressed, but went ahead and followed his instructions. The shot was perfect, not where the arrow hit, but in concentration. I drew, aimed and used the mantra to keep pulling until the feather hit my nose and I released. There were no other thoughts in my mind. He asked me to do it again, and I did exactly the same.

Joel spent a lot of time of the phone with me explaining his approach. He gave me a direction to go in, and a confidence that I will overcome this TP and get back to shooting well. Do I expect to have to work at it, of course, but just having the mind set that I can get back that part of my life that means so much to me is priceless.

Thanks so much Joel

[Rob W.]

I got a big portion of my life back with just a phone call! I now have a clear picture of what my shot to be and how to execute that shot. When it's not right I now have the ability to let down instead of shooting bad arrows all evening hoping for the best.

My wife also says a big THANKS! She hasen't seen me this happy with my shooting in a long time.

I'm excited to watch the DVD!

Thanks Joel!

[Green]

Even though there's a separate thread devoted to Joel's DVD, if you've read this far in this thread and haven't called Joel personally, and are still struggling with TP (be it holding off target, can't get to anchor without releasing, or can get there and can't release) then spending a half an hour viewing his video will put you on the path to conquering TP.

There's no substitute for good form and a good mental shot routine, but Joel teaches you how to focus, what to focus on, and most importantly what NOT to focus on that causes TP in the first place.

[cch]

Just thought I would bring this back to the top in case anyone had any TP come up while hunting.  I shot my second deer with Joel's method and it works really well in hunting situations.

[BOHO]

I had TP so bad I sold all my trad bows. Gave up. I couldnt hit a 5'x5' target at 10 steps. Its so discouraging. Just before that I was stump shooting and let go of the string at about 24". I can draw a full 28 if Im inside and know Im not gonna shoot but if Im in front of a target where I know Im gonna shoot I cant hit full draw and my bow arm shakes all over the place. Funny thing is it doesnt happen with a compound. Only a trad bow. Wish it was just the opposite.