Target Problems

[bulldog42]

So I'm just needing some help when it comes to my target practice and wasn't sure where else to turn to. I've been shooting for about 6 years now, but recently I've been having real issues with my target practice. For some reason I can hardly keep a group of 4 arrows at 20 yard within a 6"-10" circle when before I could keep it within a 4" circle or smaller. It has gotten to where it gets me highly irritated while shooting and then it just gets worse. What is confusing me though is that I am able to easily hit leaves, small grass clumps and other small objects while stump shooting at 20 yards and every now and then even out to 30 yards. I'm not sure if I'm basically having target panic and wondered if anyone else has ever had these problems? Thanks for any help!

[macbow]

Unless your over bowed it sure sounds like a form of target panic.
Forget about shooting groups of arrows for a while. Shoot one arrow and make it count. If you have multiple targets then go ahead and shoot the next.

Stump shooting and roving like you described is,also benificial.

[kat]

I agree with Macbow. Shooting one arrow at a time makes you concentrate more.

It also helps to just go back to basics and talk yourself through the shot until you get back on track.

[bulldog42]

Alright I'll give it a try. I've also found myself holding at my anchor for far too long so I'll have to work on that also

[mcgroundstalker]

When I shoot in my back yard, (within the city limits) I loose interest pretty fast... Out on the 3D range or stump shooting in the woods is fun and helpful...

You are guilty of being human...    ...

[Pine]

I have had that and for me its because I'm thinking to much . When you stump you probably don't care as much and you just let it happen .
And there is a difference between concentrating and thinking . Thinking can get in the way .

[fujimo]

sorry fella...   :(  
for me...i never shoot targets anymore- coz i find i kinda zone out- first shot is good, and then they get progressively worse- i stop being able to "pick a spot"- no matter how much time in between shots-
i do way better  stump shooting- even picking out a green blade of grass on a green lawn!!- in my mind its more similar to my ultimate goal- hunting- small , almost indiscernible fine points on the target, at unknown ranges.
i dont beat myself up anymore over it, i just dont shoot targets anymore!!
everybody does everything a little different- just do what works for you.
other posters advice sounds very valid though!!!
good luck mate
cheers

[bulldog42]

Well, I'm glad that I'm definitely not the only one to have experienced this problem. I also live in city limits so stump shooting isn't always available when pressed for time although I wish it was. I can definitely say it has also been an issue of loosing interest when shooting. Thanks for the insight guys!

[Hud]

Take the target face off, and pick a spot on the bale, or cover it with a 30 gal. white trash liner and put a black dot on it.

[legends1]

without seeing you shoot anything would be a guess. Would be helpful if you have a shooting coach in your area to catch what could be going on. If a Rod Jenkins clinic comes your way he is a great coach for all levels of shooting. Target panic can be a real beast so you will want identify that as soon as possible and address it before it becomes a real problem.

[bulldog42]

As far as a shooting coach, I only know of a handful of traditional shooters in our area, none of which are coaches. I'll look into the Rod Jenkins one though.I did battle and got over target panic back when I shot compound but never in traditional.

[nineworlds9]

You can tape/attach random objects like plastic bottles, ping pong balls, Solo cups, 'dollar store' stuffed animals to your target whether bag or bale to shoot at to keep it interesting.  A small object or dot helps you focus.  Single arrow practice is very effective, I stopped going for groups long ago.  Just relax and keep it simple.

[Pat B]

Shooting groups for me is difficult. Each additional arrow in the target detracts from my concentration. Try shooting one arrow at a time, retrieve it and shoot again.
 Another option is to hang a small object, like a pine cone about 3' in front of the backstop and shoot at it. I made a simple tripod from 3/4" rigid conduit and hang the pine cone from it. When you hit it it swings and adds to the fun.

[Sam McMichael]

When my shooting goes south, I often find that it is a failure of back tension. The more I shoot, the more I pull only with arms and shoulders, which is very problematic.

[t2onboard]

I can shoot in garage, practice range, or field/hunter/animal course. Yes, even if I start a warm up in garage, I'm good for 30 arrows, or practice range (20-60), I'm good for 30 arrows, but the fun comes on the field course. I'm not an x man, and I'll shoot 2-2-2 at each target face and walk the range 4-6 days a week shooting at the designated stakes. Anymore, I'm pretty much in the target, but if I lose concentration, I shoot one more with heart. Smile. At the range yesterday my wife, compound shooter, and I at the 80 yard walk up were just having fun. We shot that puppy four times with four arrows before we were satisfied. We just make it fun. Like you found, it's much more fun to walk around shooting. If it's not fun, don't do it. Smile.

[Scott Barr]

Do some research on target panic.  "Holding too long" or shooting before reaching anchor or releasing before sight picture develops are all forms.  I have had them all one time or another.  Shooting groups is certainly a common way of getting this. Hit me after about two years if shooting groups. As others said and backed by such notables as Rod Jenkins and Steve Welch, shoot one arrow at a time and make it count.  This and letting down often should get you back into acceptable form. Stump shooting works for the same reason. Good luck.  My experience is that once you get TP you will always have to manage it. Scott

[Shakes.602]

I agree with The First Arrow is the One that Counts! My experience has been, when my muscles are cold, or are just warming up, shoot Closer to the Target. As you warm up and get better "Groups" move back. Keep doing that until you can shoot the Group you are happy with at the Distance you were striving for. Just my $.02!!

[bulldog42]

Yeah I went back to one arrow and it's helped a bit but not much. The issue I'm having is holding to long and it's like a mental block that won't let me draw and release with one fluid motion. It's getting to the point where practicing anymore is extremely frustrating. I'm going to try to do some more research on how to beat this. I know a major problem is me getting so aggravated and worked up over it while practicing. Definitely doesn't help my shooting any.

[mcgroundstalker]

I have an idea... Most of us understand that this type of archery is 90% mental, so... Upon reaching anchor, keep back tention and imagine your arrow flying to and hitting your target... After your minds eye completes the shot you release via pull through...

Hey, it worked for me! It's like taking a practice shot or standing outside yourself watching... Remember- It can't feel like work, it's gotta be fun, relaxing and interesting.

Just my 2 cents...     ...

[bulldog42]

Thanks again for the inputs. I'm going to white out a side of a bag target I don't use and put a single black dot on it and see if that makes a difference. I'm good out to 15 yards but the second I step beyond that, I start to stray big time when I used to be perfectly fine out to 25.