Practice Better Practice

BY ADAM KRAMER, T.H.E. GREAT RIVER ARCHERY CLUB

As archers we typically rely on the idea that by spending more time shooting our bows, more success will most likely be achieved. Our sport has associated hours at the archery range with shooting better, and if we spend every evening sending arrows down range, that tournaments will be more likely to work in our favor. This has personally been my roadmap to success but have now realized recently that conventional practice sessions have been working against me. By taking a new approach to an old ideology you can get more out of each rep, and even gain confidence when range time is limited or not available.

Effective practice sessions begin before they start. Prior to beginning get in the right mindset. Have a set number of arrows in which to shoot, and something to specifically work on during that session. These goals will differ depending on the level of shooter. A novice may try to focus on anchor point acquisition, as compared to a more experienced archer who may try to work on release execution or cadence. The idea behind these goals is to be more efficient with precious time. Do not rely on blindly falling into better archery at some point. Work with fervor towards becoming a more capable archer by setting forth a “practice outline”. This should become cumulative as time goes on. Review what was worked on in prior sessions so those things are remembered and continuously incorporated into the evolving process. By setting a limited amount of shots prior to every session, each repetition will be better utilized since our focus will be more concentrated on the progress of obtaining the previously set goal. If we simply go into autopilot mode and send a dozen arrows downrange every end we can easily fall into practicing our own failure. Develop a more determined, organized, and concise mindset when practicing and you shall become a catalyst for improvement.

Time spent shooting is definitely well appreciated, but time without a bow in our hands can be equally valuable. Most of us wish we could shoot everyday but that simply is not feasible. Modern life has a knack for making this happen. Envisionment is a powerful drill that is easily accessible and can have a profound impact. The next time you are driving to work or lying in bed at night go through the perfect shot. Imagine being on the course of the next tournament, approaching the next station or stepping onto the line waiting for the whistle to signal the commencement of shooting. Talk yourself through every part of the round. Place your feet, load the bow, set the grip, draw, and then say your individual shot mantra. Pin to the middle right away, begin rolling the release, strong pressure forward and back, relaxed bow hand until after the shot, roll the release, roll, roll, roll....Envision the shot breaking and the arrow going extra middle. Imagine what the proper follow through would like. This builds confidence prior to a competition, calms an anxious mind, increases mental awareness during the shot, and reinforces the recipe for a great shot. Envisionment is easy to access and can be easily implemented anywhere at any time where physical practice cannot always be opportune.

In sports, an afterschool practice would consist of drills/ exercises and scrimmages to prepare for an upcoming event. An archer can use a similar model for their own betterment. Leagues are like a scrimmage where an archer can put their shot process into effect while scoring and shooting amongst others. Leagues can help solidify your mental game because it allows for external stress (scoring, people watching you shoot, unfamiliar range) to be brought up against your mental toughness. Shoot a league with the single goal of wanting to make each shot with perfect form and process. Disregard the scores and this will encourage more focus on improving your shot, which will in turn boost scores. Use the same result-yielding method that you have created in league to help achieve success during the tournament and hunting season.

Archery is a sport where practice can be enjoyed just as much as competing. It can be used as therapy, a social event, or a way to keep active. But each of these sessions should be utilized as an opportunity for improvement by being focused and determined. If range time is simply not available then use envisionment to continue building confidence and solidifying your shot process. Participate in mock head to head shoot offs with other archers, and learn to perform under pressure. Soon you will find yourself in critical moments with a higher level of competence and experiencing greater results.

Keep

punching clocks and busting nocks, Adam

About The Author

I live in Rice, MN with my wife Alexandra (married 2020) on a small farm. I grew up in Wisconsin where I found competitive archery at a young age. 4H and NFAA were my main sanctions of participation. After graduating from UW-River Falls with a meat animal science degree, I moved to the greater St. Cloud area. Since then I have begun to experience the great MN archery community and hope to contribute to its enrichment through writing and volunteering at my local club ( T.H.E Great River Archery Club). Currently, I work at Archery Country in Waite Park, and breed cows for Select Sires in central MN. My hobbies include enjoying archery with friends and family, hiking, snowshoeing, camping, raising livestock, reading, and watching MASH. Archery is life and life is good!

40+ Target 3D

July 29th & 30th, 2023

Registration

Adult (18 and up): $20 ½ price for 2nd round

Location

Saratoga Archery Club 1720 Cty Rd 9 Tracy, MN 56175

1 mile south of Amiret

More Info

Marshall American Legion Post 113

Youth 17 years & under shoot FREE!

Todd Nelson

507-829-4436

Hours Sat: 8am–2pm

Sun: 8am–2pm

Harold was one of the nine founding members of the Saratoga Archery club over 60 years ago. Each of those founders invested $900 of their hard earned money, which was a lot back then. Harold was a very active member his entire life, even after he could no longer shoot he spent much of his retirement maintaining the range. There would be no Saratoga Archery club today without the passion and dedication of Harold.