Well i have moved my weekly practice shooting into my basement for the winter. I really only have room for about a seven yard shot. With some modification i may get close to ten. I know it is best to shoot at all distances but for the next few months anyway i will be indoors. I read somewhere that arrows shoot pretty flat within twenty yards and if i can hit well at 7 i should be ok consistant out farther. Any truth to that??? I am doing lots of form work at this point, working on consitancy more than anything.
Now is a great time to work on form. Where you hit at seven yards won't matter. Don't even try to hit anything smaller than the target itself - no dots or bullseyes. Just work on making your form as perfect as possible and that will carry over to outdoors when you get there.
When shooting form is always of the most importance.
At close range, I prefer no target, just find a spot then another, just concentrate on form like Joe said.
I have a large bag target in my shop/basement 5 yds from where I stand. I use this strictly for working on my form and get some practice in before I head out into the woods.
In the winter months I usually shoot 30 arrows per week to keep the muscles in tune but ALWAYS making sure my form is perfect.
Been doing the same at about 10 yards or so. Working on keeping muscles strong, form & concentration, holding longer than normal, focused on that spot.
I also shoot in my basement. My shot is 13 yards. Actually, I use this range all year.
I shoot blank butts mostly but sometimes I'll move a Field Logic Glendale Buck or Rinehart Coyote into the lane.
I'm still hunting though as I have a bit over a month left to introduce myself to a nice buck....or another Doe.
I practice with a purpose. I have an 11-shot shot sequence. I make sure each is correct but most are subconscious until I anchor. Then I work on making sure the target is next to the last thing I think about. My first priority is using my back to execute the shot so I will follow-through properly.
A big challenge while performing the shot sequence is to commit and move on. In other words, once I've anchored, forget that step and go tot he next. When I've aimed, take the mind off aiming. It is more difficult than one thinks to not think about earlier steps before executing the shot.
These days I'm also working with my 10-year old grandson who has reached the age (4th grade) for NASP now. I have him shooting from 7-10 yards. It is great that he is asking me for help (so I don't push it). He's been tinkering since 3.5 years old.
Instead of being content to shoot less draw weight as I age I have been making a determined effort to shoot more each year...my basement shooting is mostly just to maintain the muscle conditioning I need to do that...at age 62 I can shoot over 60 pounds both right and left handed and 55 pounds all day long
DDave
At 10 or less yrds I shoot bare shafts in the basement. If my form is good they group with the fletched anyways. A bag will not tell poor impacts as well as a foam target. But it is a great way to train and keep your setup in tune nonetheless Shooting blind is also a great way to practice.
I live in michigan and deer season is over.. Theres 12 inches of snow on the ground and i just down wanna stop shooting..oh sure theres bunnys to hunt and ice fishing to do but I love to shoot bow..so I shoot in the basement..its finished with family room, master bedroom and bath. What i do is get back by the woodstove and shoot across the family room, thru the bedroom dr and into my bag target..about 10-11 yards.. good practice and fun..Please dont tell my wife..
:nono:
I shoot in my basement all winter pretty cozy beside the coal stove, ten yard shot. I hang a ping-pong ball from a string with a small screw-eye in front of a block target. One or two arrows at a time to minimize damage and we go through a lot of ping-pong balls. I do find however, that moving back outside to 20-25 yds. requires a little adjustment as that short-range sight picture is so ingrained.
I practice in my basement all year long,15 yards. Keep my muscles fit and cohordination,along with improved form.
That far doesn't make a big difference in using different bows.
It is also the first step I use for fine tune a bow,if the bare shaft show some froblems so close there is no way it will shoot good farther.
Fleatrap1 If that's the only distance you can get it's fine. It's not about the distance it's all about form. Take your time and do everything correct. Pick a spot,draw, anchor,clean release, watch the arrow hit. Keep your muscles in shape so every thing becomes natural. I like my Rhineheart 18 in 1 target.Small loaded with spots to hit and they last forever. I'll bet one would be perfect in your case. If you wanted to go up in weight now would be a good time for that too. Practice makes perfect. Do everything correct.Distance will come when the weather gets nicer. Watch the pipes and breakables!
13 yds. in the basement all winter long. Great for form and way better than not shooting at all.