How to get better- practicing

[Destry]

Well I just started shooting a recurve and I've already had to re-serve the string, a friend of mine that use to own the archery shop in Tyler told me to get good with a trad bow to take 1 arrow and start at 5 yds shooting a 4" circle and if you hit move back to 10 and 15 and so on, but if you miss your mark you have to start over back at 5 and that has helped me quite a bit. Out of 5 times going through the routine I can make it to 20 3 or 4 times and occasionally 25 yds. I have noticed if I don't have a good release with my string hand sweeping my face then I can forget about hitting the mark. This way of practicing has been helping me but I want to hear some things y'all do that help so I can try them too.

[Dry Bones]

Well that certainly is a good start, and it sounds like you have been spending some time doing it. At close range practice your draw cycle. There should be several check points along the way and making sure you are fluid into each should increase your accuracy. At first it's all mechanics. Just like anything else be it riding a bike or throwing a ball. Once the basics are hard instilled then you can fancy it up a bit. I don't believe any little league slugger ever automatically had great movement on his curve... Not intentionally at least.
The other part is making sure you can stand to physically shoot the bow a good bit without the flaw of fatigue. once muscles start failing it is time to let them rest. Take it from a hard headed individual. You create terrible habits and sloppy form shooting to long.

[Draco]

That is a good way to do it but don't just do that. I really like to shoot at longer ranges a lot. It seems to heighten the amount of concentration to hit the target. It makes the closer shots seem much easier.

[BRIAN OKONSKI]

What was mentioned above is very accurate! But I would decrease that 4" spot to the size of a dime or just a recent hole of a previous arrow!!! Good luck

[masonred]

I'm doing something similar. As suggested to me start close, use 3 arrows shooting at a paper plate (with dot in center), as you get better take a step back. With 3 arrows you don't get fatigued and the dot is the spot to hit not just plate. When you stop hitting plate you are at your max range, for hunting. I don't measure distance just move arrow holder back as appropriate. Also taking shots from different angles, distances and using quiver keeps it from being to structured , I added this last part.

[jerp]

Every time someone new to trad asks the forum for advice I pass along what I think was the tip that has helped me the most. That is, to separate your form practice from your target practice. It is hard (almost impossible for me) to fully focus on a target spot when my brain is cluttered with numerous form thoughts - "use back tension, relaxed hand, head straight, anchor points, don't drop bow arm" etc. For that reason I am a big proponent of very short range blank bale practice. I have a bag target I covered with carpet so my eyes are not drawn to a spot, and I shoot from maybe 3 yards. I will shoot arrows thinking about just one form element at a time, then shoot a few putting it all together. This will help develop a repeatable draw/anchor that becomes automatic -so on the range my full attention and focus can be on where I want the arrow to hit.

[Phillip Fields]

I like to take 4 or 5 arrows. Stand at the target and throw them out to various distances and shoot from where they land. For hunting practice I use my bow set-up just as its set up for hunting except for using field points instead of broadheads, I will use broadheads just before hunting season. I take a 3d deer or pig target, stand at the target and throw the arrows to various angles and distances. When you shoot at the target, ignore the scoring rings and shoot for what would be a killing shot.

[SwampRabbit]

Here is what I do:

Blind Bale - What Jerp pretty much described. Shoot into nothing at close distance, just focus on the release, bow arm steady, back tension, etc.

Walk Back - I shoot a group of 3 into a small pie plate, if they all stay in, walk back, if they don't, walk forward. This helps me figure out my grouping range. I have also done the 1 arrow as well.

Random distance shooting - Throw some arrows or randomly place them. Start from the nearest or furthest and shoot them into what ever target.

Spots - I have bag with just spots spray painted on them. I'll pick a random spot and whatever distance and shoot.

3D practice - Shoot at a 3D target (deer or hog) as if I am hunting them.

Balloon popping - Tie a balloon to a 3D target and focus on that particular spot (instead of the vitals.)

Rabbit Balloon popping - Blow up a balloon to the size of a curled up cotton tail and put it on the ground. If really windy, tie it to a washer. Put one or two on the ground at different distances and shoot at them.

Nock aiming - I will intentionally shoot 2 arrows at a time, and aim for the nock on the 1st arrow wherever it hit. I find that I tend to have an issue aiming when another nock is in the picture. I have to force myself to relax. I finally got my first robin hood practicing that.

Stalking/Position - This is where I pretend to stalk the foam. The goal really is to start off, slowly walk to a point and randomly pick a position like sitting, kneeling, canting below a branch, etc.

My Favorite - Shooting with other people and playing games. I don't get to do this as much as I'd like, but I try to as much as possible.

Depending on the time of year, how my shooting is, etc, I will mix and match this stuff. I tend to shoot better when I am having fun, rather than be too clinical about it. I can get frustrated pretty easily with myself, moreso when it is close to a hunt because I know what is on the line. I could care less about winning or placing in a 3D shoot... in fact 3D shoots are really just a place to go shoot with other people and have fun. I'd never go shoot a 3D shoot by myself.

Oh and BTW, I am probably in the bottom 20% of trad shooters on here... I'm not very good and could probably use a better routine

[Destry]

Thanks for the good ideas fellas

[limbbender]

Good advice above from others.Shooting just one arrow at a time works best for me.It allows total concentration on the shot and prevents me from becoming complacent on my shooting.Also shooting a properly tuned bare shaft will allow you to check your form as it will magnify any issues related to the shot execution.As mentioned above do not shoot to the point of muscle fatigue, it will create bad habits.

[Chunky]

When I am in a slump or trying to teach someone new, I have have them shoot from very short distances (point blank), like above only not one arrow. I have them pound the bulls eye until they feel like they can't miss. I think this programs the brain into hitting the bullseye. Then step back a step or two and repeat.

If the group starts getting big, move a step closer and drill it into the center again.

I know the things like back tension, smooth release, and all the rest are important...but I feel like most of our misses come from the area between the ears more than the form. I want to program the brain to expect to hit the center. Repetation and muscle memory of something good happening. I think that is hard to learn at 20 yards.

[caughtandhobble]

Great advise above... All I can add is make as many 3D shoots as you can. I see that you're from Lindale, there are some of the best trad shooters in the world that are pretty close to you.

No matter how many arrows you choose to shoot at the target, try your best to keep focus on each and every shot. Put together a shooting sequence that you can always fall back on if/ when things go south. Put something together like; grip on bow, string hand placement, anchor (use at least 2 anchor points), follow through (keep bow arm up and aimed at target until arrow hits). Most of all have fun, don't turn shooting into work!!!

[Destry]

^^ who might that be I would love to get together and shoot with somebody

[muddydog]

I shoot very close about 10 yds max and focus totally on form. For longer distances I much prefer to stump shoot. You really can get a good feel for your bow when every shot you take is a different target and range.

[Felix40]

^^ who might that be I would love to get together and shoot with somebody

Pm sent with my number. I'm no pro but I've been shooting for a little over 10 years. I could use someone to shoot with to keep me motivated. My regular shooting buddy has gone to a compound You can come by the house or I can meet you at the Mineola nature preserve. Their range is considerably nicer than mine.