Newbie question

[Cavalry Scout]

I am practicing almost every day. I just put together my new arrows.  Seem to be right on.  My issue is: I put one or two out of three in the cicle (bout 5in from 15 yards) and then one just about anywhere on the target.  Next group, I cant pay to hit the circle???  I have noticed that when I really slow down and look down the arrow shaft, and follow through looking at my target, that I get better results.  Being an experienced rifle and compound shooter, I know Im not doing something consistently.  How do I figure out what it is??? I dont have any local trad guys around.  All input is appreciated and Thanks

[moebow]

CS,

" when I really slow down and look down the arrow shaft, and follow through looking at my target, that I get better results"

There is your answer.  You need to be sure that you are in the same position each shot AND are releasing the string the same way every time.  Keep it slow and methodical in the beginning and your speed will come later.  Do not rush it!

Arne

[Flingblade]

CS,
When I shoot a rifle my concious mind is focused almost entirely on shot process; solid base, breathing, heartrate, and engaging the trigger and very little concious thought goes to aiming.  Once the scope is doped it only takes a second to acquire the sight picture then the mind goes right back to form and shot activation.  Transfer that to shooting your bow.  Focus your mind on your form and shot activation rather than the target.  I have been in your shoes and the more I focused on wanting to hit the target the more frustrated I got.  Shooting traditional is far more mental than shooting a rifle or compound imo.  You've come to the right place though.  moebow is a great coach and has some great videos and there are several other great coaches here that can help as well.  Good luck!

[Cavalry Scout]

Should I try grouping or just shoot one at a time?

[moebow]

I personally favor shooting groups.  There are many that will advise just one arrow.  My thinking is that as you shoot multiple arrows, you begin to see a pattern in your shooting.  That pattern is a great way to determine if you are shooting the same way each time.  When you just shoot one arrow, you may or may not hit where you want but you will be less able to determine what in your shot caused a hit or a miss.

If for example, you are shooting 5 arrow groups, and 4 of them are tight and one is a "flier" you get instant feedback and can determine what may have changed.  But if you are shooting just one arrow, you have no immediate shot "feeling" to compare too.

Archery is partly a sport of consistency.  If you are only shooting one arrow, and never repeating a shot, how can you tell if you are improving your form consistency or just reinforcing a form that may change from shot to shot?

Arne

[Flingblade]

I shoot groups now but take a break of a minute or so between each shot.  Saves walking back and forth as I am shooting at 30-50 yards.  As hunting season nears I will switch to shooting one broadhead tipped arrow at a time to force all concentration on one shot as that is typically all you get in a hunting situation and this gives me confidence in shooting broadheads.

[Cavalry Scout]

Wow, 30-50 yards.  Im happy when I do well at 15!  But, I am committed to getting better.  Thanks for the advice.  I will put up some pics of my form when I get someone to take them.

[Flingblade]

CS, I don't always do well at those distances but having recently learned techniques to overcome target panic I am now able to drill down on my form and have found that an error in my form that doesn't cause a miss at 15-20 yards can cause a miss of a foot or more at 30-40 yards.  Once you have your form down try shooting at longer distances.  If I hit high or low I figure my form was good but anything left or right indicates a problem with form.  I think most coaches agree that the biggest form issue for most is not getting into the back muscles; lack of or losing back tension.  There are many videos by moebow, ranger and others that will help with that.  Also, Terry's form clock is a great illustration of proper form.  I wish this site had been around when I started shooting; would have saved me years of frustration.

[Cavalry Scout]

Fling/Moebow, Thanks for the insight.  I am reading up on back tension and have been into the clock method. It is making more sense now.  Could be using too much elbow and not enough back. I think I have some alignment issues, bow arm and shoulders, working on that. Cant watch many video, in the process of moving and my work comp wont allow some wedsites. I am looking down the arrow shaft to the target now.  Kinda seeing it with the target all at once.  Make sense?  And trying to keep my eye on my target while the arrow is in flight.  I think that keeps my focus.  Thanks again.

[Cavalry Scout]

I think I might have put most of it together.  Bow arm was out of position and had all my weight on my lead foot.  Got the arm in a better spot, weight on both feet and bending at the waist.  Much better this evening.  Thanks again!