mentally draining

bowmaster12 · April 30, 2009, 03:00:00 PM

I just got done doing alittle shooting and i found myself extremly drained mentally is this from the extrem consintration needed to shoot trad gear? have others experinced this? Could it be a sign of shooting to long?

traditional beagle · April 30, 2009, 03:14:00 PM

Can't say I've ever been mentally drained. But, I do get frustrated many times with my shooting and it usually is because I am not concentrating hard enough. Without a sight to help tell you that you are on target, then it does come down to focus, and I can see getting mentally drained. Hang in there like a hair in a biscuit.

George D. Stout · April 30, 2009, 03:25:00 PM

Thinking is not always the best way of going about this business....at least not to the extent of being drained. You instill the fundamentals and follow them. If you are "mentally draining" yourself, you need to re-unthink this process 8^).

mcgroundstalker · April 30, 2009, 03:40:00 PM

When I was new to Trad Archery and learning the basics it was fustrating at times. Just keep with it and make it fun. I like to think that 90% of this game is mental. If your shooting session is interesting, you'll get better.

I need to take One-Shot-At-A-Time and make it count. Use a judo point and (aim) at a blade of grass or leaf. If you shoot at a 3D target, take One Shot then pull your arrow. Change location and shoot again. Think it out after you shoot. Have Fun!

Get hold of them books and videos. They help alot also. Best Of Luck To Ya!

... mike ...

BRITTMAN · April 30, 2009, 03:58:00 PM

I think the guys have hit the nail on the head . When I get mentaly drained from shooting it comes from putting alot of pressure on myself almost like a job but when I go out just to shoot my bow because I love to shoot my bow its alot less "mentaly draining" . Take a few days or maybe a week or so off untill you get that feeling of "man I cant wiat to get home and fling a few arrows" feeling and I bet your draing feeling will be over and you will shoot much better .

Mike

Stone Knife · April 30, 2009, 04:02:00 PM

When it becomes a chore you need to take a little break and then come back. Also some times when I shoot I just do it for the heck of it and just shoot and don't think.

Gatekeeper · April 30, 2009, 04:18:00 PM

I can't relate...shooting the bow is an escape for me. I have gotten physically tired before and a short break cures that. Good luck.

OkKeith · April 30, 2009, 04:33:00 PM

Take a hint from Chevy Chase in Caddie Shack!

Relax, Just be the arrow (ball)... na na na na na na na na na na.

Be more about the PROCESS (consistant grip, smooth draw, soild anchor, pick a small spot, make a good release, follow through the shot) than about the GOAL (hitting a bullseye).

Shoot a good arrow, and the acuracy will be there, and not wear you out.

OkKeith

jimmerc · April 30, 2009, 05:59:00 PM

I get mentally drained thinking about shooting my bow when I can't!!

wollelybugger · April 30, 2009, 06:24:00 PM

You might need a check up if you are that tired.

thp · April 30, 2009, 06:33:00 PM

You are doing it right according to Geoff Colvin authoer of Talent is Overrated What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else.

He talks about a concept called "Deliberate Practice" which is mentally exhausting. Much more to the idea, but lots of stuff in the book is directly applicable to archery. A very good read.

Plumber · April 30, 2009, 07:45:00 PM

I like to shoot 1-2 arrows at a time when Iam trying to fuigure something out.It gives me time to think in between shots.but if your just shooting chill out your are going to wind up hateing the sport.It will become a mental strugle just to go shoot.you will be frustrated before you get started.

Brian Krebs · April 30, 2009, 09:46:00 PM

You can cut down on monotony a thousand ways; but the easiest is putting a target up where you shoot from.
That way; you pull your arrows; turn around and shoot at the target where you shot from before.
Then your not walking to the target and back to shoot again. And you can vary the distance too.

I love to rove; shooting uphill and down; across ravines; at balloons; at lit candles (at night).

And if you really want to spark it up; shoot straight up. That brings life to every shoot !! :rolleyes:

jacobsladder · April 30, 2009, 10:03:00 PM

Terry Green hit the nail on the head for me a month ago...get away from the target shooting and the groups ...put on a blunt or judo and start shooting at stumps , pop cans, mushrooms, etc etc...and watch how good you shoot and gain your confidence back... I was having a terrible time grouping...so i decided to start hunting 20 0z pop bottles.... tossing them out a head of me as far as i can.... i couldnt believe the difference..i was amazed at how accurate i was ..and when i did miss...it was very close.