Avoid Target PANIC As one of my students stood on the practice range and warmed up for the start of a big tournament, I noticed a premature movement in his bow arm just before the shot was released. Approaching him, I firmly suggested, “Quit aiming and get your mind where it belongs.” He knew exactly what I meant. At one time or another, most archers are hampered by the effects of target panic. I like to describe the condition as the involuntary reaction to a “fear of missing.” It usually happens when too many negative thoughts are going through the archer’s mind, as the shot is being executed. The archer is uncomfortable with the situation and worried about missing, which then results in a panic attack. I truly believe the main cause of target panic is over-aiming. Far too much emphasis is
46 Archery Magazine February / March 2008
By Terry Wunderle
placed on “Aim! Aim! Aim!” When this is the primary focus, the brain is giving the archer a green light “yes” signal if the pin is on the mark and a red light “no” signal when it isn’t. During a typical shot sequence, the subconscious and/or conscious mind is sending these opposing commands to the voluntary muscles used in the shot process. Consequently, the shot execution starts and stops until the arrow is finally released. Such conflict heightens the archer’s level of tension. Since the emphasis is on aiming, the mixed signals end up giving the archer target panic. Then what is the best way to avoid or overcome target panic? For successful shot execution, the archer should shoot from the conscious mind and keep the focus where it belongs—on form. Most shots are missed because of a breakdown in form, rather than the failure to place the pin perfectly on the target. When muscles are tightened to center the pin precisely on the mark, one is actually causing additional sight movement and increasing the “yes-no” effect. A relaxed form that allows the pin to float will have far less movement and will let the bow arm react the same way each time the arrow is released. To avoid target panic, take charge of the thought process. Concentrate on producing each shot with perfect form, which is something you can control. Develop a positive mental image and greater confidence, as you produce the shot sequence from your conscious mind. By focusing completely on shooting with perfect form, your mind will not be giving you the conflicting “yes-no” signals that create target panic. If you are a finger shooter, make sure you have a consistent, clean release. For those us-
ing a mechanical release, I highly recommend one with back tension. There is no trigger to intensify the “yes-no” effect. All you need to do is allow the pin to float on the target and pull with your back muscles until the release goes off. With back tension, you are forced to shoot good form, if it is set off properly. Many of the archers whom I coach practice with a back tension release, but shoot a trigger release at the tournaments. Training in this manner helps them develop correct form and prevents them from experiencing target panic. Because target panic is a mental problem, eliminate it with your mind and focus on form. Right: Joey Hunt has used a strong mental program to fight off target panic and again become a top level archer.
Fletch Medic Nock Receiver
Zenith Archery Products has developed a new nock receiver designed as an upgrade to the industry standard Bitzenburger Dial-O-Fletch fletching jig. The receiver is designed to fletch the arrow shafts before the nocks are installed. The arrows are held firmly in place by the use of two inserts which are held into the receiver body by a long screw inserted through rear. One insert is for arrows using the Easton UNI Bushing system and the other for arrows using Easton Super UNI Bushings or any nock pin. The post at the end of the each insert fits directly into a UNI or Super UNI Bushing or directly into the end of arrows using Easton “G” nocks or Super Nocks respectively. This holds the shaft securely in place when the fletching is applied, especially
important when using fast set adhesives and applying pressure to the shaft to set the glue. In addition, the Super UNI Bushing post has been drilled to accept the end of any nock pin, holding it tightly while the shaft is fletched. An adjustable “V” plate is also supplied to allow various sizes of arrows to be supported without having to lean them down into the fixed “V” support of the jig. The overall effect of these changes allows for more accurate indexing from fletch to fletch, especially when fletching with today’s fast set adhesives on ultra thin, carbon target arrows. For more information visit the Zenith web site at www.zenitharchery.com or call (631) 929 3223. Archery Magazine February / March 2008 47