I am sure most guys don't have this problem - but maybe wives/girlfriends. Does anyone have an issue with shooting in front of others? If I am out by myself I can shoot groups of four consistent. Shot after shot after shot - right where I need it. I can even video myself (I do instagram challenges) and do just fine. But, the moment my husband is out, I forget to how to shoot...which ends up in an argument and us going our own ways. All is fine and dandy - I hunt by myself. But it drives me NUTS. Some day I'd like to do a league - but who knows if I could (though, I can shoot with my brother or a relative around...). Do any of you or your SO's have this? I really don't feel nervous around him - I just forget how to do it. So, it's easier to not even try anymore if he's home.
Pretty common. Join a league and get some exposure to it. Write your shot routine down and memorize it. Once you can start to focus on reciting each step every shot mentally it will shift your focus away from the pressure you're putting on yourself and into repeating each step the same way every time.
Its all completely normal. You want to impress him and you focus more on that than actually making the shot. When shooting forget about him and anyone else around and focus on the shot. I know its easier said than done but you can do it. Shooting in a league is a perfect way to get past that too as other recommend. or better yet have your husband go out with you overtime you shoot and eventually it will go away as its the norm.
Leagues will definitely help with this or at least a social shooting environment. I don't really have this problem with archery but put me on a golf course with a driver in my hand and I will crumble if several people are watching me.
This is the same advice you gave me for target panic, and it worked like a charm! I'd suggest the same for this scenerio!
Are you sure that right before you shoot he's not sabotaging you by adjusting your sight pins? I kinda know what your saying though, first time my wife watched me shoot the first arrow may as well of gone behind me. All the others after that were great though thankfully
When I tried my bow at the shop, I shot better then the guys who were shooting in the league. I impressed the guy setting my bow up. (Heck, I impressed myself!) I really didn't think I did anything different, but I obviously do. Other people usually aren't a problem. But 99% of the time ends in an argument about how I shoot with my husband. I'm glad I'm not totally alone, but it bothers me I don't even realize I'm doing it except when my arrows are all over. Thanks for tips. If my crazy life settles down, I do want to do a winter leauge.
We are usually alone in the tree... where it really matters in my opinion... I have friends that can shoot perfect indoor and outdoor scores, but when it comes to putting an arrow in animal, it's a different story... I like being "pretty good" in the leagues and at the range around others, but being successful in the field!
I got over that a long time ago mainly because of the range I use lol. Off to the left of us just 50 yards away is a baseball field and every night they are either practicing or having a game. Nothing helps you quickly adapt to tuning people out like cheering people rooting for their team while you're shooting your bow. My wife gets nervous shooting around the crowd but I tell her to pretend they are cheering her on. Seems too help her and my kids.
I usually choke under pressure when it comes to shooting in leagues, I have countless 2nd and 3rd place finishes lol. When it comes to shooting with friends or in the field I am dead on. Best not to think about anything but the target when you are shooting.
I've done this before. Draw, aim, then close you're eyes for a second and shoot. Feel the shot instead of feeling the pressure.... btw I'm a pretty sucky shot so this could all be balogna. Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
I'm with you 100%. I can shoot perfect groups at home but get nervous in front of other people. Too busy worried about others judging my form or completely blowing a shot I guess!
Absolutely! When I got my new Halon 32, the pro shop tech helped me in the indoor range at 20 yards to get me started, I was a mess!! He is a Pro shooter, need I say more. I did pretty good I must say.
Shoot together! Couples league! So much fun...Soon you're not thinking about who's watching, you're seeing everybody making good & bad shots, & you're having a great time honing your skills (with your best friend!)
