Need some advice, losing confidence fast

[medic77]

Anybody have any special practice tips for me?  My mind is going wrong in a bad way.  My last couple shots at deer have been less than stellar and now my practice sessions have gone to poo also.  I take great pride in my shooting ability and practice almost daily but my mind is getting in the way.  

Tell me I'm not the only one this happens to and how did you fix it.  I need a slam dunk on my next shot.  A "chip shot" if you will.

[JamesKerr]

It almost sounds like you are experiencing the early stages of target panic. I would drill myself on form and not worry about accuracy for a week or so until you feel like you have control of your shots again.

[gonefishing600]

I studied the stock market for years, and became very knowledgable about it, only to find out later, I didn't have the stomach for it when it came time to put my hard earned cash on the line.

Howard Hill once said you need to decide weather your going to be a hunter, or a target archer, because they are completely different.

Hope this helps!

[RedShaft]

happens to me also, your best bet is to slow down with your practice and don't over due it. don't get into a bad habit. maybe for a while shoot only a few perfect arrows and put the bow away each day. Your a good shot and you know it!! don't let the mental aspect mess with you. spend some time stump shooting or trying at small game and you will be back on track.

[medic77]

I think that I need some of that old Saturday Night Live skit where a character named Stuart Smalley stood in front of a mirror saying, "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and gosh darn it people like me."  Ha.  

The funny thing is the shots feel perfect but the outcome is far different.  Geez this isn't my first rodeo.  Thanks for the advice everyone.

[BOHO]

get up close and close your eyes. feel the shot rather than see it. just use a big target. good luck

[Roger Norris]

Everyone goes through a slump. I did this fall. My advice....go back to the basics. Don't change much,just focus on doing it right.

[BDann]

Rick Welch taught me to shoot one arrow at a time, walk to the target, and then shoot the next one from a different distance. When you get tired, take a break. Practice your form, have a pre-shot routine, and have fun with it!

[Charlie Lamb]

let the next one walk, but practice draw on it. Sometimes when you want something too badly it messes with your head.

[ron w]

That one arrow at a time thing is good to do, also talk yourself through the shot. Break it down into segments,target,draw,anchor,focus,release and follow thru.......good luck.  

[JoeM]

Originally posted by Charlie Lamb:
let the next one walk, but practice draw on it. Sometimes when you want something too badly it messes with your head.

X2
I draw on a lot of deer i have no intention of shooting.  Also when practicing I spend some of my time either holding for 10 seconds or blind baling.  It helps me really feel in control of the shot.  Keep your head up it happens Joe

[mountain lion]

The mind can be an evil little booger, don't think about it. You know what your doin, just focus on a spot and shoot! It's suppose to be fun don't forget that, take care and pick a spot!

[Dogboy900]

Happened to me too right about 2 weeks before a big trip. It started when I put broadheads on to practice and suddenly I was much more aware of the arrow than before.
Luckily I realised what the problem was and it all came together for the trip.

I still struggle concentrating on the target rather than trying to aim with my arrow. I have to try and stare through the spot I am aiming for and consciously ignore my arrow to shoot well.

Good luck, it really just about gave me depression for a while! I almost went back to wheels but I am sure glad I stuck with the recurve and worked through it instead.

[vintage-bears]

The best medicine for me is 1 arrow with a judo point and start shooting at leaves in the grass.
You will be back in form in no time and your confidence back!

Best of luck......Philip

[Rob W.]

I keep telling myself it's not rocket surgery!  

[medic77]

Thanks everyone for all the great stuff to work on.  I really like the advice to remember to have fun.  Sometimes I get so caught up in the "kill shot" that I forget that this is all about fun and enjoying the great gifts that the "Big Man" has created for us.

[Jeff Roark]

Originally posted by Charlie Lamb:
let the next one walk, but practice draw on it. Sometimes when you want something too badly it messes with your head.

I think this is some super good advice. I think it gets you comfortable being around the animals.

[Bill Skinner]

Get a lighter bow, at least 10 pounds lighter than what you are shooting now.  Work on form for 6-12 shots at the start and finish of each practice session, to warm up at first and and to correct what you did wrong during practice.

[mrjsl]

Originally posted by Rob W.:
 

I keep telling myself it's not rocket surgery!    

These exact words go through my mind when I'm shooting too!

[L. Harris]

Relax!!!! Your way over thinking it and putting preasure on your self! Relax and focus.