However, because there are no scientific studies of this debilitating condition, most of what we think we know is based on personal experiences and assumptions. But, as a bow hunter, it is important for you to understand that such a condition exists and that even if you are not currently experiencing any of the symptoms, there are steps that can be taken to alleviate your syndrome if it appears suddenly. develop.
So what is objective panic and how do you overcome it? Well again, because there are no definitive scientific studies on the subject, there is no clear definition of what exactly target panic is or what causes it, but some of the generally recognized symptoms are: the inability to place the peephole in the center of the target, freezing above or below the target (usually below), the inability to launch the arrow at the target, pull the trigger instead of squeezing it, or achieve a surprise release, and last but not least , “drive by shooting” in which the archer pulls the trigger of his release aid while the sight is moved past the intended target.
However, while we do not know the ultimate cause of target panic, the general consensus among archers is that it is caused by anxiety regarding some aspect of the shooting process and therefore, although it has not been clinically shown to work. , the following steps are not strictly based. about the systematic desensitization process:
1. Learn to shoot with a hinge-type release aid – The anticipation of the shot is believed to be one of the main causes of target panic. Therefore, the hinge-style release aids (also known as “back strain relief”) are specifically designed to cause the release to be a surprise to the goalie. However, when you first learn to use this type of throw, you should use a rope loop held in your bow hand instead of your bow.
two. Shoot your bow with your eyes closed – although we often live to do so, no one can sustain a perfectly steady bow at its maximum tension. Therefore, the second step in eliminating shooting anxiety is to shoot with your eyes closed. So, start by getting a big aim and significantly reducing the shooting weight of your bow. Then, stand a short distance from the target (3 to 5 feet), position an arrow, draw your bow, and aim while focusing on the peephole. Then close both eyes, relax, and release the rope while concentrating on the feel of the shot. Repeat until you feel comfortable.
3. Shoot a bare bow – Because the sight pin often serves as a distraction, the next step is to remove the sights and fully focus on the feel of the shot. So stay close to the target and focus on how the bow feels in your hand and how it feels as you pull and release the string with your eyes open. Also, imagine that you are following the arrow in its flight towards the target.
Four. Shoot with your sight and a target – you must then enter both a staff and a target. But, you still don’t want to aim! Instead, put a new target face on your target, replace the sights on your bow, and adjust them up so that your arrow is not hit the center of the target. Next, stand close to the target (3 to 5 feet), draw your bow, set the sight in the center of the ring of ten, and fire an arrow repeatedly. But instead of concentrating on the sight and holding the bow steady, let it drift and focus on the feel of the shot as you release the arrow as described in the previous step.
5. Go back to the 5-yard spot and aim – for this step, you will have to go back five yards, face your target, place an arrow, draw the bow and aim at the center of the target. But, DO NOT SHOOT! Instead, simply aim at the target for 15 seconds while concentrating on keeping the pin in the center of the ring of ten, and then relax your drawing for 30 seconds. Then do this step repeatedly.
6. Shoot 5 yards – for this step you will need to stand about five yards from the target, place an arrow, draw the bow and aim at the center of the target as in the previous step, but in this step you will actually shoot the arrow at the target. However, because your sights have been adjusted upward, your arrows will hit the target well below your front sight, allowing you to focus on the feel of the shot rather than shooting small groups. Then repeat this process at ten, fifteen, and twenty yards until you feel comfortable.
7. Shoot for score – In this step, you will use everything you have learned in each of the previous steps but, in this step, you will actually try to achieve small groups. So, go back up to five yards and readjust your sight so that your arrow hits the center of the target when you aim at it. Then face the target, place an arrow, draw your bow, and aim while trying to keep the peephole in the center of the ring of ten. However, your primary focus should be on the feel of the shot, including the correct way to shoot, when the arrow is released; not the peephole as expected.
8. Go back to your original release aid and take some weight off. – Once you are comfortable with the seven steps above, you are ready to return to your original pull weight and release aid. So, start by keeping your draw weight low and standing within five yards of the target. Then draw your bow with your original release aid and aim for the center of the ring of ten but instead of concentrating on the peephole, focus on the feel of the shot as you fire the trigger. Then once you are comfortable with your original release aid, return your bow to its original weight while continuing to relax and focus on the feel of the shot as you release the arrow, with the exact position of the sight glass being a secondary concern.
So if you are one of the many archers you have had in the past or are fighting panic to target, then fear not because instead of being forced to abandon your favorite sport, all you need is a little. of mental panic. retraining! So, while not clinically proven, the eight steps mentioned above will certainly help desensitize you and steer you away from your anxiety regarding the injection process. That way, instead, you can relax and focus on the feel of the shot with considerations such as choosing the correct aiming point and the right time to release the rope being secondary, albeit important, concerns. Just not all your focus!