My recipe for a good practice session

[Rob W.]

I first have to say I'm no expert. I'm not really even that good of a shot. I just thought this might help some of you. It has improved my shooting and boosted my confidence a bunch.

I have about a 10 yrd shot in my basement. I would rather be out stump shooting but with less light, work, and family most days I get just get some time in the basement after dark. I can always hear the kids running around or asking for something and feel rushed of the bat. I then hurry my shots, take a bunch of them, short draw, etc. etc...

This is what I came up with to fix all that.

1- Ask lovely wife to distract kids for at least 30min.

2- Put on head phones and turn to station that fits the mood of the day.

3- Shoot at suspended ring in front of target. only when it is fully opened while spinning.


The head phones seem to block everything out. I can feel my anchor better and my brain is focusing on so much I don't hear any bad dialoge in my head telling me what I just did wrong.

I shoot from my usual ground hunting positions and wait for the slowly spinning circle to close before I draw. I then hold at anchor until it opens fully and then take the shot. Sometimes it stops, never opens and I let down. Sometimes it opens fast and I shoot almost immediately. Either way I'm at anchor and focused on only the circle.

All this has turned my practice sessions from frustration and doubt to fun and the occasional happy dances back to shooting position with a soundtrack playing all the time!     :D    

Here is a pic pay no attention to my ancient basement.

Maybe this will help someone with their practice.

   

[McDave]

I can certainly relate to your wanting to get away from the bad dialog in your head. Another thing that helps me to do that is to focus my attention on increasing my awareness of what's going on in my body. My theory is that people who are excellent in hand-eye coordination sports have a much higher awareness of the tiny changes in muscle and joint movements than the average person.   When I'm focusing on body awareness, I'm purposely not trying to make any judgements as to whether the movements and pressures I'm observing are right or wrong; I'm just trying to increase my awareness of them, letting my body learn from them without so much interference from my conscious mind.

[reddogge]

I, too, shoot in my basement frequently, especially during winter and have a 9 yard shot. But I don't do the headphones because I like to hear the sound of the bows. They all sound a little different.

[Hopewell Tom]

I shoot in the basement too, 10-15 yards possible. BUT I'm definitely a poorer shot than you. My water heater, oil tank and water softener all have thick wooden shields in front of them. When I first set it up one of my first few arrows would have drilled the water tank. I've improved over that session, but the shields remain.

[Ed Q]

I like the ideas of music and the spinning ring. I had thought about using some earbuds/headphones with some soothing music to help calm my mind and focus better. May have to follow up on it after your experience. And the spinning ring sounds like a good idea to help me focus on holding a bit longer and working on getting my snap shooting under control.

[gringol]

I like the ring idea.  

Just a thought, shooting occasionally with a bunch of distractions might actually help during a hunting situation.  I don't KNOW this, but if you can make yourself focus on that ring while a bunch of other stuff is going on, maybe you'd be less likely to look at the horns when that big bruiser walks broadside at 12yds...

[DamselflyFarm]

The ring idea is brilliant. A spot on which to focus. The learning of shooting patience. I like it. Thanks for sharing this.

[statikpunk]

I really like the spinning ring idea, your shooting when the target is presented not when you think its perfect, just like in hunting you shoot when the target is presented. good idea!

[Retnuh Wob]

That is very interesting. I know that music is processed in the right hemisphere of the brain which is also the side you rely on for instinct shooting. Maybee you have stumbled onto something here. Good work!

[limbow]

Thanks for the idea(s). I have been struggling the past few years getting to anchor every time I draw my bow back. In the last month or so it has gotten tremendously better. I think going down in draw weight has helped my form immensely and the smoothness of my new Whip HS may add to it all as well  

I am heading to the basement now to give the headphones and ring a try.

[So-Mo Archer]

Thanks for sharing, Rob. I have a lot of the same issues you do, so far as practice goes, and the earphone thing sounds better than my midnight sessions (I do need sleep with a 5 and 7 year old running wide open all dy    ). The ring idea is a boon! I tried it today, and was surprised at the result!