| Target Panic!
"Target panic" is a malady that effects many archers. In a effort to help these archers, I have added two texts offering solutions to the problem. This should hopefull lead to an objective solution that the archer can use to his advantage. If you have problems or with to add to this site please E-Mail me at mfoster@spots.ab.ca |
 |
The Problem
"Target panic" is a malady that effects many archers. Defining it is a difficult task because the symptoms are different for individual archers. In general it is characterized by a premature release of the arrow before the bow hand can bring the arrow fully onto the target. As stated, this malady can manifest itself in numerous ways. It may be that you simply release to soon or you lock-in to an area and cannot move the bow hand to the target. Many variations of this theme may be present. Target panic has its roots in Classical Conditioning. Understanding the nature of the subconscious learning that leads to target panic will help us formulate a strategy to cure it and increase the confidence you have in overcoming the difficulties associated with it.
The Source
Let's briefly visit the original experiment performed by the Russian Psychophysicist, Ivan Pavlov, that brought us to an understanding of this method of learning. Pavlov experimented with dogs and discovered that he could elicit salivation (the response) to a tone by pairing the tone (neutral stimulus that does not cause salivation) with meat powder (unconditional stimulus that always causes salivation). Pavlov presented these stimuli in a specific order beginning with the tone and quickly following with the meat powder. The dogs quickly learned to associate the tone with the meat powder and would begin salivating when the tone sounded. We learn all types of associations in the same way.
Let's take a look at how target panic is learned. In the normal shooting process the unconditional stimulus that always causes the response of release is coming onto the target. So you bring the bow on target (unconditioned stimulus) and release (response). Now we have to identify the neutral stimulus that precedes the unconditioned stimulus. To do this we simply ask what it is that occurs right before we come on target? Well, let's see now... We draw - hold - come onto the target (unconditioned stimulus) - release (response) - follow through. So the neutral stimulus that is now causing the response of release is the HOLD! Coming to full draw naturally causes a premature release. The hold is the triggering mechanism that is causing the problem.
The Cure - A Two Step Process.
Step One
First, we must teach the mind to unlearn the that "release" is associated with "hold." To do this we will create a new association. Set up a target, a grassy hill side would work fine, with no associated "bulls eye." Practice by counting as you draw and hold planning to release at the count of three. Do not aim at anything. Just draw - hold and count to three and release. Continue this process counting to two and four and five and six. Mix the numbers up until you can hold till you get to your target number and release. You are teaching your mind that the hold is not the triggering mechanism for the release.
Step Two
Now chose a target with a bulls eye and draw - hold and count as you come on target. Release as you say the number that you come to as you come on target. If this is difficult return to step one until you have regained control.
If you suffer from target panic
email me specific information on the symptoms and what you have tried to
overcome the problem etc.
jkidwell@goodnews.net
Text by Perry A. Ratcliff
advantage@worldnet.att.net
Who knows why people start to have target panic problems after years of little trouble. There are two approaches to solving your problem.
Approach 1:
Begin shooting a lot with your eyes closed at close range. Only shoot this way until you feel that your form is really solid. This usually takes from a few shots to a couple dozen shots.
Remain at a very close range and begin shooting with your eyes open. If you feel yourself tighten up or your form degrade in other ways begin alternating your shots between eyes open and eyes closed. Keep shooting at this close range until you can consistently shoot good shots with your eyes open.
Now step back to 20 yards, shoot an indoor target, and watch your form go to hell again "it almost certainly will". Alternate ends between very close range (five yards or so) and 20 yards. You will feel a large difference in your form between the two distances. If you begin breaking down again at five yards don't be surprised. A short return to eyes closed should fix your five yard shooting. Continue alternating between 5 yards and 20 yards until you observe no breakdown in your form at 20 yards. Then keep this up for a couple of weeks to drive good shooting form deep into your subconsious.
Return to alternating between 5
yard and 20 yard shooting any time you feel your form start to go. When
I have form problems I shoot between 1/3 and 1/2 of my arrows at five yards
for weeks at a time during practice sessions.
Approach 2 :(assuming you are shooting with a release):
Buy a Stanislawski style release.
Start by shooting close. If you don't you will likely miss the bale entirely
when your form breaks. An original Stanislawski type release will not allow
you to punch shots or freeze on the target. If you freeze the release will
never go off. If you try to punch the release you are likely to miss the
whole bale. It won't take too many lost arrows before you develop the discipline
required to prevent punching the release.
 |
|
|