I got a clicker to help with my target panic. What is the proper way to do this? Just stand close and shoot over and over? I was told to get to where I can shoot with the click everytime then concentrate on holding after the click. Anyone who has used one and beaten TP please post here and give me some tips.

For MODs for some reason Shooters Forum wouldn't let me post there so please feel free to move this thread if need be. Thanks guys.

Get the new edition of Jay Kidwell's book "Instinctive Archery Insights. "  He is an archer and sports pyschologist- will teach you the real deal on TP.  HUGE success with most and I think almost 100% with Olympians.

I use a clicker- though it improved much of my ability, it did not cure TP on animals.  I was dealing with what is called "Stimulus Confusion."  The clicker does not even address the issue I dealth with.  I now understand it and have the remedy.

Good luck
Dan

The clicker has helped me immensely.  I get the clicker string set to the draw length that I want, which should be what is comfortable to you and locked in to a solid anchor.  I draw and aim and then squeeze the shot off with back tension.  Usually when I draw back, I will draw it to the click and then I settle in, I have crept forward just beyond the click and then the back tesion gets it to the 'release' click.  You really don't realize how much you creep until you use one of these things.  I have no plans on taking mine off because it helps to be consistent every shot.  One example is when I shoot through a chronograph, it will read the same every time.  I replace the chain with military parachute cord and you really don't know it's there, except for the click.  With a flemish string, I don't even tie it off.  I haven't had any problems with it moving at all.  I do put some moleskin on both sides of the metal to quiet it down for hunting.  Good luck.

ABM is right on track, the only thing I do different is I move it to behind the fadeouts ( I don't want it on the limbs) I also use 30lb test salt water line.

I pretty much do the same thing as AMS, with a few exceptions though:

I rig my clicker up so I can detach it. A short piece of 200# FF bowfishing line through the spring with a knot on the end and a section of FF serving materaial with a slip knot works well.

I draw, anchor, aim, and push/pull through the shot, letting the clicker trigger my hand to stop holding the string -- kind of a FITA way to use a clicker.

After thousands and thousands of shots, I can change my clicker use for hunting to where I draw through the clicker, anchor, aim and shoot. With this method, the clicker just keeps me from short-drawing on animals. It doesn't actually trigger the loose.

Pretty much what everyone has said above. The clicker put the fun back into shooting. I use it for everything, especially hunting. I did a quiet along several months back. Do a search and you should find it. Good luck.

Thanks for the replies. How long before the clicker starts to work? I heard for some people it may take days while others can start getting the feel of shooting again in a few hours using a clicker. Should it actually do its jobs and fix everything if I commit myself to it?

for right now, just concentrate on push/pulling at anchor and making it click every time. as soon as you hear that click, the arrow is on it's way. Do not be concerned about where you are hitting and about your accuracy right now.
you have adding something to your shooting and it will take a week or two to get used to it, when you do, you will find your subconcious mind is making adjustments and your accuracy will improve greatly.
Also, i changed my practice sessions from an hour or longer, to just 15 or 20 minutes. My accuracy has improved greatly.

For me it worked on the vary 1st arrow I shot, it was like a light bulb went off.

Make a commitment to your self that you will never let an arrow go with out it clicking, this changed the whole way I shoot an arrow with spectacular results.

It's not magic, it takes self discipline and self control that's all, target panic is the lack of self control.

Get serious about your form, it's all about your form and your shot execution sequences.

As you practice, exercise extreme self control.

1st, get your form down to where you don't have to even think about it, start up close with out a target, you may even close your eyes, just feel the shot sequence and your form.

2nd, Now that you have your form down, learn to aim, if your form is down pat you will be able to make small adjustment to hit your spots.

Avoid exploding at the shot, make a controlled shot.

Great ideas for the clicker midfications.

I will encourage you again though. . .Think for a moment about sitting in a black room and someone hands you a juicy wonderful tasting, sweet smelling orange.  Now stop thinking about it. . .tell yourself, do not think about that juicy orange.  You will not be able to stop. No amount of physical practice or self will can stop it.  

The brain is made to work a certain way.  I spend time with professional/collegiate athletes.  And the best all use some form of sports pyschology because it goes way beyond the physical practice or the will for control.  

I will say it again- get Kidwell's book and study target panic and how the brain actually works.  Stong-will does not get you through it, nor shooting mega numbers of arrows.  

TP is nothing physical or self willed.  It is a brain issue and how our thinking was designed to work. A clicker can help, I use one.  But the KEY is knowing how your brain works and re-training your actual "thinking."  It is the ONLY complete remedy for TP where it will not return.

I was just with a good friend of mine, third in the world pole-vaulter.  He almost lost his career because of "TP" in vaulting.  Once he learned these techniques he went on to break the American record and on to the Olympics.  He now uses the same techniques in golf and other sports- he now LOVES the pressure because he KNOWS how to work with it.

Sports psychology really is amazing stuff.  

Dan

I agree Dan, it is all in the mind, never say I don't want to miss because that's exactly what you will get.

Say to your self, I will hit what I am aiming at & your brain will obey your command.

The brain can only do what you tell it to do, it can NOT do a thing, it only does.

Example:  Don't think of a red fire truck.
         Don't think of a polar bear.
         Don't think of a rainbow.

You and I both know you thought of each, the brain never hears the DON'T part, it only hears, red fire truck, polar bear, rainbow.

So just tell your brain what to do and it will do it.

Thanks for the replies. Ok so today I went and seen my trad shooting mentor. He watched me shoot and suggested I move my anchor and shoot the way he does. Which is by locking your thumb under the jaw. Its working I can actually draw and hold now. Its still not perfect I still have my moments but for the most part im feeling pretty good. He gave me some drills to do and he thinks ill be ready by October since its going well right now. I dont know why but I feel like a new man just by moving my anchor. I dont know if this is typical but im still using the clicker to help me along.

Just curious - who is your mentor?

Steve

Guys name is Ron not sure if hed want me to post his last name. Hes from out of state and moved down the road from me a few years ago. Hes a big Bear Archery fan and has been shooting recurves since he was a kid. Hes a retired school teacher so I think thats why hes so good at helping me along.

mr. amb helped me with mine...i just replaced the string with a thin paracord......MAN HAS IT HELPED ME!!!!

Id really like to get Jays book but we dont have a credit card anymore. If anyone is willing to sell his book or loan it to a young archer til I beat the TP id really appricate it. Please if anyone can help reply or PM me.

ttt

A better book than Jays IMHO is "With winning in mind" It is GREAT for the mental side of all sports. Also, Understanding winning archery is really good also.  BILL

You guys explained the use of the clicker very well. I've been using one for 16 years now. My friends give me a hard time for "cheating". I just laugh and keep shooting. I absolutely love how it keeps me shooting consistent.

Im really starting to fall in love with the clicker. I got rid of the chain and just put the rope where the chain was. Its helping me alot. Me and my 6 year old cousin shot today I took a few 20 yard shots and  felt real good about it. And yes the new anchor wasnt the cure I was hoping it would be but im working through it. I plan to get a clicker for my cousin when he gets bigger so he doesnt have to fight with TP like I have been if it ever occurs for him.

But my ring finger is taking a beating even with a shooting glove I have a blood blister a few layers of skin down. Im going to shoot through the pain because I dont want to miss a day of shooting. Whats the cause of my finger taking a beating?