Well, I am suffering the consequences of not staying in constant practice this off season. (got too focused on the bass bite!) When I picked up my bow a month or so ago I thought everything would be fine, until a few bad days turned into more. I thought it was my old beat up bow, I was able to find a new bow in my price range but ...no luck more bad days. I kept missing left, moved the sight still hitting the same spot, I'm pretty sure im flinching during release. I am officially dealing with the dreaded target panic. for the past week I have only shot blind and practiced aiming. I plan on continuing this until the last week in august or so. I know thats probably not really enough time, but time will tell. Wish me luck.
Sure, practice is important, but once your bow is dialed in, accuracy shouldn't be an issue. Even after a long off season. Honestly, I let my bow sit for most of the year, but when I shoot for the first time of the season, usually in August, I'm still accurate from the gate. After time, it's like riding a bike, you don't forget certain things.
One thing I did was buy a thumb release and practice with that. I found it really helped to switch it up. Now I shoot better than ever with my wrist release. I spent alot of time practicing aiming and shot execution on a blank target from close range. Then I gradually increased my range back out to 20 then eventually 40yards. Now I don't feel I have an issue with panic.
I hear that! That's why I usually keep my sessions short. Just a few shots tells me what I need to know.
