I read an article once where blank bale shooting with a trad bow (not for release purposes) was very beneficial for instinctive practice. Wish I could find that article again. May be in an old mag I have. I will try and find it.
I use the bale to begin nearly every practice session and I know it can be very beneficial. The thing people have trouble understanding about using the bale is that it's purpose is to develop/perfect form. It's not about aiming, arrow flight or bow tuning... a good place to experiment with release, hand position, anchor.. The hard part is learning to focus on those type things and forget about the normal things we look for when shooting. woodsman
This is what I am talking about woodsman. I don't even really know how a good trad form and release should feel like. I want to start off right and KNOW how my shot should FEEL. Not at all concerned with accuracy right now. I want to be able to draw, hold, concentrate and release without even thinking about form. It has to be ingrained into my subconcious mind so that when a shot op presents itself, all I have to do is find the spot and let my mind/body take over.
Would you try shooting from 20 yds blindfolded Jeff? Of course that is why you stand so close. You want to absorb every part of the shot sequence over and over without the distraction of trying to hit your mark.
Read this Jeff. Maybe this guy explains my reason for this type practice a little better. http://www.stickbow.com/FEATURES/SHOOTING/ontarget.CFM
I shoot a lot of real clsoe trad shooting just to keep the muscles used & my form consistent. Not sure if that counts as blank bale, I don't close my eyes.
I don't close my eyes when working the bale but I do understand the reasoning of it. Many people find it difficult to not focus on visual feedback, such as aim or where the arrow hits. Closing your eyes will let your mind focus on the "physical".. perhaps "physical" isn't a good choice of words but it let's "feel" the release, feel the back tension. etc... Another technique that has worked well for me is what I call "The Large Target". It can be a valuable tool for some people, maybe not for everyone but it helped me a lot. The "Large Target" is the step where you take what you've learned at the "Bale" and combine it now with the act of aiming at a target. The "Target" should be large, 2 or 3 foot in diameter outside rings with a series of smaller rings but leave the center bullseye 10 or 12 inches in diameter. I'd reccomend a much large target at longer yardage. It provides a huge bullseye that's much easier to get-on and stay-on. It will actually train the mind to relax and let you focus more on the aim. Of course, the size can be reduced as you proceed. Start close and work you way to further distances. Mark scoring rings on your target. Shoot a certain number of arrows (8)? at 10 yards, 20 yards and 30 yards.. perhaps 24 arrows total. Add up your score.. this is your score to beat, your gauge for improvement. Once a week or two weeks, shoot for score.. this tells me if I'm improving. When I ace that target at ten yards I'll shoot 20, 30 and 40 yards or Reduce the size of the target. I know, I know.. It sounds stupid but trust me it will help. It's actually a "cure" for folks with Target panic, a training program to regain "control". Improved control and concentration is a "good thing" for every archer. woodsman
