Jay Kidwell target panic exercises

GregD · October 27, 2007, 07:50:00 PM

I was wondering how everyone is doing with their T.P. Jay sent me some drills to do and I ordered his book wich has a lot of good info in it but My T.P. is no better. I have become very good at all of Jay's target aquisition drills and can even do them on deer with total control but if I actually want to shoot I release 2 or 3 inches in front of my face. Am I the only one who is continuing to have problems with this? Has anyone had better luck doing something different? Thanks Greg

foxbo · October 27, 2007, 09:07:00 PM

Get a light weight bow, possibly one of the cheapy all glass models. Get super close to your target and practice drawing and holding with your eyes closed. After you can do that, then start releasing with your eyes closed, step by step. Take it slow.

mmgrode · October 27, 2007, 10:16:00 PM

Greg, you're not the only one with that specific problem brother, I do it too. It's got to be a mental thing. If I draw and don't intend to release I can reach anchor easily even with heavy bows, but when I intend to shoot it doesn't matter if the bow is 70# or 30# I just can't get it those last two or so inches. I'm also looking for some help. Thanks for posting this Greg. Matt

deadpool · October 27, 2007, 10:18:00 PM

I would have a special cut to my draw shaft tipped with a tri blade head like a muzzy to act as a break to get my mind and body to stay in that specific anchor

Randy Morin · October 28, 2007, 08:53:00 AM

Try some shooting at long distances where you will come to full draw without the correct sight picture (keeping bow below where it needs to be) and slowly bringing bow up into position while you are at full draw. Then you can shoot or not. Change it up.

Also, you can shoot with a alarm (stop watch)that is set for say 6 seconds. You cannot release until that alarm sounds. You start the alarm and then go through your sequence. You will usually have about 2 seconds at full draw for example in my case.

Also a cricket clicker set-up on a bow can help.

Also, I started using a "reminder" word that I say and feel only after I have reached full draw. My word is "patience". You can come up with your own. After I say and feel "patience" at full draw I continue to expand my draw (minutely) and dont think about my release much. Also, when I switched to a dead hand release (meaning my hand doesnt fly back but stays on my face) it helped with TP. It also helped with left/right misses big-time.

Good luck and remember to enjoy this challenge of overcoming your bad habits. I enjoy shooting now as much as ever.

Ray · October 28, 2007, 10:09:00 AM

Greg & Matt your shot sequence is what is messing you up.Try anchoring then aim,it makes aiming harder but it will correct the short draw problem.I think we all can pick up most bows without an arrow draw and anchor.This is all our heads need to know,if it can be done without an arrow it can be done with an arrow.Good luck - Ray.

vermontrad · October 28, 2007, 10:17:00 AM

Get a clicker or as deadpool said (that can also be done with a 2 blade head mounted horizontally) and don't let go of the string 'till the click or tap of the broadhead, and draw slowly.

bayoulongbowman · October 28, 2007, 10:18:00 AM

BUY THE BOOK! its good read!!!!!

GregD · October 28, 2007, 01:23:00 PM

Bayou I have the book and agree it's a good read. Did it help you with T.P. ? I don't know wether to continue doing Jay's target acquisition drills or try something else. I know Jay was trying to help dozens of guys on this site and I am wondering how everybody made out.Like I said originally I have become very good at the drills but honestly no better when actually shooting Greg

Steelhead · October 28, 2007, 02:16:00 PM

This T.P thing is agonizing and frustrating as you know.I shot for about 10 years with no problem.I then had some pretty serious injuries and when I started shooting again I developed this mysterious inability to get to full draw when shooting an arrow..No problem just pulling the bow back with out attempting to shoot an arrow.

I slowly broke the problem and have been getting to full draw and holding with out issuers for about 1 year with no issues.

I 1st starting drawing with my eyes closed without shooting.I then would draw with eyes closed and open them and shoot the arrow.Always making sure I was at anchor.The next step was drawing with eyes open but not looking at the target.Then aquiring the target and shooting the arrow.I did this for about 4 to 6 months and gradually got my problem under control and have been shooting at full draw naturally for some time.After you lick this problem never ever shoot an arrow with out being at solid anchor again.You gotta retrain the mind and body at the same time.It can be beat.Start all over and stay after it and you can get over it in time.Be patient!

Another good exercise you can do indoors is just pulling your bow back with an arrow on the string and aiming at a spot and not releasing.Close up bail work is good and the use of a clicker can help and a lighter bow as well can be of benefit.

I was inclined to post because this is a problem no archer should have to live with or accept.It can be dealt with.Best of luck.

Flints · October 28, 2007, 03:01:00 PM

I tried anchoring, acquiring the target and then
releasing which did minimize premature arrow release but I ended up with lots of fliers. I was releasing at full draw without good target acquisition.I got into an exercise routine which made holding at full draw easier (and cheaper than buying a low poundage bow even though that is a great way to go).I find I have to keep looking at the target center as I draw in order to minimize fliers. This helps keep me pushing my bow arm at the target. Talking myself through my shot sequence has helped with my target panic as much as reading Dr. Kidwell's book. Exercise has helped me use my back more. I visualize myself pulling back, cocking an old type crossbow which gets me anchored with my elbow in line putting me "behind" the bow. I still get fliers but they are fewer and I'm not releasing an inch or so too soon. Residual from my t.p. has left me with a sometime jerky release but keeping my elbow firmly back and trying to keep my hand "glued" to my face helps.I've gotten a ton of good advice here. Not all will work for everyone. Don't become discouraged. Try as many methods as possible and keep what works. It's a fun ride. Best of luck.