At some point in your archery experience, if you’re in the game long enough, you will have to confront target panic. Just what is target panic? In general, it is an external force (often times the bulls eye) controlling your shot. It is often manifested by an uncontrollable urge to release the arrow, or the inability to hold on the middle. It can be experienced by new shooters, as well as shooters who have been in the game for decades. The malady is fairly common and has been addressed by many, with varying degrees of success. It is a tough issue to overcome but can be aided by a few things.
For an archer who is experiencing target panic, the first thing to do is acknowledge there is an issue. Many have labored with their shots for long periods of time thinking it must be some form flaw which has caused them to shoot poorly, or perhaps some equipment issue. There is a tell tale sign. When shooting blank bail, often times these archers can shoot beautifully, with little stress and flowing shots. Then when the target is introduced, a seemingly different archer appears and the shot looks quite different. Why is this? There are a few reasons posited, but often it is the anxiety of wanting to hit the bulls eye.
What should you do when finding yourself in this position? There are a couple of things to try. if you an Olympic recurve archer and have yet to employ a clicker, do so. And do so under the eye of a coach. The clicker will distract you from focusing on the middle by asking the mind to focus on actuating the clicker. It has worked for many, many archers.
What about barebow archers and archers who are currently using a clicker, but still affected by target panic? The remedy is a bit slower, but can be effective. The idea is that you should become in control of your shot, not an external stimulus. So, start with a very large target at a very short distance. As you draw your bow, the mind will think it very easy to aim at the middle and the anxiety melts. Practice like this and begin to retrain your mind. After a period of success, take one step farther back and repeat the process. Do not be in a rush to move back. It could take quite some time (and I mean days, or perhaps weeks) to earn the right to take another step back and shoot without anxiety. Do this until you reach your preferred shooting distance. Now go back to a very short yardage and decrease the size of the target face and repeat the exercise. Yeah, there are no insta fixes here folks; just hard work and a desire to improve your game. Do this under the watchful eye of your coach. He can tell you if you are on the correct path or if you have accelerated the process incorrectly.
Good luck. You can do it!
