Target Panic

Target Panic 22 June 2010   I've been practicing archery for five years now. I use a compound bow, and I was shooting without any difficulty. I was shooting awesome, and with lots of confidence. I still have the same confidence but in this month I've been struggling with target panic, I want to get rid of it. It doesn't let me shoot well, and here is my question: how can I get rid of target panic? I would be very pleased if you help me with this, I really need help, and would be graceful if you do.   Hope you can help and thanks!!!   Rachel, Puerto Rico     Hi Rachel,   This is a problem many archers have/had. I think it is a problem with your focus. You have this too much on where you want to hit the target (aiming) instead of your shooting.   Try this: go and shoot on 18 metres and use a 122cm target face so you do not have to worry about the aiming. You will hit the target centre with your eyes closed. After a few rounds on the big target face you shoot one arrow of six on a 3-spot face, but remember to stay focused on your shot!!! The next end you shoot two arrows on the small face and the rest on the big and so on. This way you will get more familiar with focussing on your shot and aiming at the same time.   Another thing that would be a good help is short distance shooting, and when you have anchored, close your eyes and focus on your shot, but also shoot and aim with your eyes closed, so imagine yourself aiming on the gold. This short distance shooting should be down before and after every training session. This way you can start and end with shooting with the right focus and in the correct way without the "disturbing" bow sight.   Hope this will help you.   Good luck,   Wietse