help - bad shots before season with my trad gear

[chuprinko]

Hi all, Looking for some season opener panic advise.
I used a recurve as a kid (15-20 years old), then used a compound for a few years, then life got in the way. Two years ago started archery again jumped into trad and love it. Starting making all my own gear, (bow, flemish strings, quiver, arrows, etc.)and am super pysched about getting my first deer all trad.  
Last year shot great all summer (instinctive). Day before season opening my shots were everywhere, could barely hit the target. Panicked and went back to compound. This year practiced and shot trad (59 bear kodiak recurve and BBH longbow) all summer and did great, nice tight groups. Last Thurs and Fri before season opener, shots  where everywhere.  Almost went back to compound, but am thinking its just nervous jitters about going all trad. I went out Saturday with the recurve but never had a opportunity to shoot.
Anyone else go through this?

[Matthew Bolton]

Yep. For me it is exactly as you described. You're all worked up about the season coming in so you don't worry as much about focusing. The way to beat that is to just slow down and make yourself do it right.

[ericmerg]

blankbale short range with just 15-20 shots at distance for confidence is what im doing from now till season( besides when i do 3d shoots)

[Green]

To me it sounds like you're no longer following your shot routine and you're worried more about the outcome of the shot. Focus on your sequence, and the shot will take care of itself.  As suggested above, work on this at 5 yards or less at the bale.  Best of luck to you this season.

[chuprinko]

Thanks for the ideas guys. I did some short shots today at lunch and everything was fine till I started thinking too much.  :(   I will just try and remember I do this for the enjoyment and keep it fun.

[njloco]

Just pick out that little tiny spot and let the rest take care of itself.

Good luck.

[NBK]

Originally posted by njloco:
[QB] Just pick out that little tiny spot and let the rest take care of itself.

Bingo!
Know your range and believe that you can do it.  Your practice has given you confidence born of demonstrative ability.  Only look at the spot you want your arrow to hit and it will be so.  Afterwards you won't be able to remember the actual act of shooting, you just do it.