Shooting Habits: Slumps

[chasewild]

In your shooting sessions, if you are not shooting as well as you like, do you set the bow down and come back later so you don't reinforce bad habits or do you try to work out the problem until you've reached a good stopping point?

If I'm blank bailing, I almost never have to set my bow down. 20 shots or so, and the gears are greased.

Stepping outside, if I have a few bad arrows, I try to work through the process. My thought is that if I can work through it, I've gained a better grip on what to do.

 

[Gorp2007]

For me, the best way to get through a slump is to put the bow down for a minute or two, relax, and start shooting a single arrow at a time while focusing on my shot process and focusing on being totally relaxed until the arrow hits the target. Most of my problems are from either lack of focus or being too tense, so taking a few deep breathes and focusing on a relaxed and natural shot helps with the tension and shooting a single arrow helps me stay focused. Once I'm back where I want to be I can go back to adding arrows per end.

 

[3forks]

For me, the best way to get through a slump is to put the bow down for a minute or two, relax, and start shooting a single arrow at a time while focusing on my shot process and focusing on being totally relaxed until the arrow hits the target. Most of my problems are from either lack of focus or being too tense, so taking a few deep breathes and focusing on a relaxed and natural shot helps with the tension and shooting a single arrow helps me stay focused. Once I'm back where I want to be I can go back to adding arrows per end.

I agree with this.

I’d add that sometimes being too tense is a result of being tired from shooting too much. I know a lot of us who are really into archery are OCD, and have a tendency to shoot too much.

When I overdo it and start getting tired, I tend to start tensing up in my release hand. As most know, even small differences in your shot process or form can cause misses and larger groups.

Anyway, maybe consider just quitting for the day if you‘ve been shooting a bunch and feel a little tired.

 

[chasewild]

I’d add that sometimes being too tense is a result of being tired from shooting too much. I know a lot of us who are really into archery are OCD, and have a tendency to shoot too much.

I agree with this, and I think the both of you are correct -- relaxed shooting is good shooting.

I have been able to "work through" a practice session slump, but ironically, it usually takes me re-focusing or zooming out a bit and relaxing the mind first.

 

[3forks]

I agree with this, and I think the both of you are correct -- relaxed shooting is good shooting.

I have been able to "work through" a practice session slump, but ironically, it usually takes me re-focusing or zooming out a bit and relaxing the mind first.

Yeah, I think it’s possible to try too hard. If I’m struggling at a distance that I normally shoot well, I just quit fighting it and move on to something else. It‘s not easy for me to do that, but I think it’s just like learning to let down instead of taking what you know will be a bad shot.

 

[Beendare]

Good timing....I was flinging arrows yesterday [recurve] pulling away from my face and letting the shot go early weak bow arm- you name it.

I always try to end on a high so I went back and shot blank bale concentrating on my shot- that helps me.

 

[lumis17]

I try to work through the problem; sometimes I can and sometimes I can't. Ending a shooting session on a bad note can ruin the rest of my day TBH. Luckily I'm pretty good about forgetting it by the next day.

On a similar note I usually try not to let down if I flinch at full draw. I try to power through it and get back to anchor and reset myself rather than letting the string down. It seems it's "best practice" to let down and start over, but, since I shoot a recurve, if I have an animal in front of me in stickbow range I don't want to spook the animal by starting my shot sequence over again.

 

[chasewild]

I really like the "let down" theory. I've heard it before -- of course -- but I never linked up walking away for a little while with letting down if something feels off.

 

[Ian Ketterman]

I agree with this.

I’d add that sometimes being too tense is a result of being tired from shooting too much. I know a lot of us who are really into archery are OCD, and have a tendency to shoot too much.

When I overdo it and start getting tired, I tend to start tensing up in my release hand. As most know, even small differences in your shot process or form can cause misses and larger groups.

Anyway, maybe consider just quitting for the day if you‘ve been shooting a bunch and feel a little tired.

I feel a little different. I treat myself like a pitcher, usually I'll shoot around and get a few rounds in then start shooting better/sight in new set ups. I like being loose and relaxed.

 

[ncavi8tor]

I will try to work through it unless I get tired. Once I'm fatigued continuing to shoot is only doing harm to my form and confidence.

NC

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