Target panic is a phenomenon that affects many archers, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
It is a form of shot anticipation that can cause a loss of confidence, poor aim, and, ultimately, a decrease in performance.
This disorder, if left unchecked, can become crippling to the archer, leading to frustration and a lack of enjoyment in the sport.
However, target panic can be overcome with the right approach and techniques.
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From changing release aids to practicing blank bailing, we will share the best techniques for purging your system of this affliction and improving your aim.
What is Target Panic?
Maybe you have heard the term before. Target panic is characterized as shot anticipation that can become debilitating if not addressed.
It involves a shooter’s inability to control their reaction to the moment of trigger release.
If you want to overcome target panic, it is essential to recognize and admit that there is a problem. This can be difficult for many archers, requiring them to confront their fears and anxieties.
However, once this step is taken, various methods can be used to address target panic, such as changing the release aid or practicing blank bailing.
With time, patience, and dedication, archers can learn to pull through the shot using only their back muscles, which can help establish good follow-through habits and improve overall shooting.
First Steps Curing Target Panic
Admitting the presence of a problem is a crucial initial step in curing target panic. Acknowledging a problem requires courage, especially regarding something as fundamental as aiming and shooting.
That´s why recognizing the existence of target panic is always the first step toward overcoming it.
Target panic is often caused by the anticipation of the shot, which can lead to a flinch or jerk of the bowstring. One way to solve this problem is to work on your release.
Back-tension releases are popular among archers who want to overcome target panic. The SCOTT Little Bitty Goose Deluxe is a popular bowhunter model, providing a smooth and consistent release.
Experimenting with trigger travel and pull will help identify the best combination for you.
Ultimately, curing target panic is a process that requires time, patience, and dedication.
Techniques and Tips to Cure Target Panic
One crucial technique in curing target panic is experimenting with different trigger travel and pull combinations to find the most effective one for the individual archer.
Triggering the shot using your back muscles is one way of doing it.
A common problem with target panic is the tendency to punch the trigger with the index finger, which can cause the arrow to get released prematurely and result in an inaccurate shot.
Establish good follow-through habits if you find the perfect combination to pull through the shot using only the back muscles.
Blank Bailing
Blank bailing is a process that involves shooting arrows without a target, focusing only on form and shot execution.
This technique will help you break the habit of target panic and concentrate on executing the shot correctly.
Additionally, working with a coach or experienced archer who has overcome target panic is very helpful. They can provide valuable insights, advice, and techniques for overcoming this affliction.
Before you go…
Curing target panic takes time, patience, and dedication. With the proper techniques and tips, overcoming this debilitating disorder and becoming a better shooter is possible.
Happy shooting.
