Just gotta talk about this....sometimes I shoot so badly

[RecurveRookie]

Amen Brothers!  You are preaching to a really big choir!  When I have a day like that, I shoot closer and know that either tommorrow or the next day will probably be better!  It usually is.  The other day, I missed the bag and watched my arrow skip 40 yds across my yard and drill through one of my old plastic lawn chairs!  I said....  "****!, hey! nice penetration!"

[Greg Skinner]

When I have bad days like that I just spend the practice session working on various aspects of form. I know(from experience) that I will come out the next day and shoot the exact same way and my arrows will go where they are supposed to - don't ask me why.  Probably if I had a coach watching me he could detect some little screw-up that is the root cause of my poor shooting, but I reassure myself with the knowledge that it is a temporary condition and tomorrow will be better.  

In any sport even the very best of the best have their bad days.

[ddauler]

In any sport even the very best of the best have their bad days.


Yep even Major league pitchers can't throw a strike some days.

[RedShaft]

You need to get over to the shooters forum and read up on target panic! before you get into a real mess. trust me. its time esp this time in the season to think about working on form for a bit and dont worry where that arrow goes.

[BOWMARKS]

Had one of those days today. The harder I tried the worse I shot.%$$#%%^^%%$  

Some days it just ain't worth getting out of bed and going to the archery shop!

Bisch

[Richie]

Happens all the time  

[kibok&ko]

yep

[Slickhead]

sometimes I can shoot the wings off a bee.
Other times I couldnt hit the wing of a 747 at 10 yds.
I think shooting in part is hugely a mental game.
Yea you have to have proper mechanics, but like the line from Cool Hand Luke "if your mind aint right"
You arent shooting well.
Best to lay it down and shake it off.

[sheephunter]

Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.  

[Maxx Black]

My shooting on Monday was OK at my range at home(25yrds). Got to indoor range for practice with the boys from our club and couldn't hit the target at all . (20yrds). I stopped and went back yesterday by myself at ten yards and one arrow,concentration being the key. Maxx

[rraming]

This thread makes me feel better - If I pick up a recurve and shoot poorly I can usually grab a longbow and shoot it well - don't know why but it works that way for me. Since I usually shoot a longbow poorly, maybe I should start with that and go to the recurves - ha!

[Brock]

everyone goes through it...when I see it happening this is what I do.

- go out and draw bow with no arrow on string and focus on target but hold at full draw for 2-3 seconds and then let down slowly.  I do that a few times.

- then if that went well I will draw an arrow back while focusing on target at about 5 yards again....not shooting but letting down slowly after 2-3 seconds.

-  if that goes well then I pull back same speed, routine, etc as before....focus and hold and then release when it feels good.  If I pluck string or drop bow arm then I draw again and close my eyes that close...and release arrow concentrating on bow arm, release, back tension and keeping hand to side or rear of anchor after shot.

- then I shoot only ONE ARROW at a time...taking my time with breaks in between until I am able to once again focus, hold momentarily, and release as I intend.

I think we all need a refresher or tune up after long lay off from shooting...and also during seasons as I tend to shoot less during a season as I am in woods every spare moment.  

[dirtguy]

Try reading "Zen in the Art of Archery"

[ddauler]

What Brock said works for me I have started doing the drill from Kidwell book. Instinctive archery insights to prevent target panic. They work for that and this.

[arrow flynn]

If you were new to say golf you would think nothing of going to the club pro to take some lessons. And especially after an afternoon after losing your golfballs in the rough.do you think something magical is going to happen oneday and all of a sudden after practicing yourmistakes you will put them all in the center?find a professional coach and cough up the bucks. Its the successful. Protocol.signed.  been there done that.

[Keith Langford]

Man, glad to see its so much of a widespread problem, some days I'm Howard Hill and some days I am over the hill. very frustrating

[SkottyBoy]

Yep.  Some days I'm glad I built such a good backstop!

[Rob W.]

Don't hold on so tight.  

[arrow flynn]

I need a beer.