My groups at 20 and 30 yards are really good. When I push it out to 40 they start to spread out a bit, and 50 is just embarrassing. I've been shooting for about a month now, and feel I should be a better shot by this point. I've identified my main problem area as shooting high or low. My groups at 40 start out OK, I usually can hit the tape (about a two inch orange square) on the first 3, then the next 3 start to wander. What are some habits that you guys do to keep your accuracy in check?
Accuracy
- Thread starter skunked
- Start date
nateysmith
New member
- Aug 8, 2013
- 89
Skunked, I have been doing quite a bit of research in this area as well. If you would like, send me a PM and I can send you links to various things I have read. The main thing that I have learned is there are a few things that can affect it. You can be torquing the grip. Meaning holding it too tight. You could be letting your bow down before the arrow hits the target. You want to try and keep your pin on the target the best you can until it hits the target. I have been told both things, but most say to focus on the target and not the pin. Let the pin float on where you want to hit and then as long as you aren't jerking the release it will hit where you want every time. I am by no means an expert and anyone is welcome to correct me if I am wrong.
buglelk
Administrator
- Nov 30, 2012
- 388
Skunked,
Here are a few things I do to help with my aim and release (to improve my groups):
1. Draw back and aim at the spot with your finger on the trigger, hold for 10 seconds, then let down.
2. Shoot at 5 yards. Take your time, again, count to ten before you release. Work on your form and release.
3. When you are shooting, focus on the target and aim, let the release come naturally as you apply pressure on the release. Keep focusing on the spot for 3 seconds after you release. This will eliminate the desire to peak and come out of your form before you release (or on the release).
A few other things to consider...shooting at close distance will help train your muscles and create muscles memory. If you have bad form at 5 yards, you will have bad form at 40 yards. Work on your form and release/follow-thru at close distance. Squeeze the release. It's not a "punch" or a one-time pull. Apply pressure and squeeze thru the release, all the while concentrating on the spot on the target. Pick a spot on the target to aim for...don't justaim for the 4" dot, or whatever it is you are shooting at. Pick an arrow hole in the center of the dot to aim at. "Aim small, miss small". Increase the distance...I shoot out to 100 yards...not that I would ever consider a shot that far in the field, but it helps my form and my concentration. When I step in to 40, it feels like 5 yards used to feel...
The good thing about extending your range is it tells you right away where your limitations are in the field. You will hit a point where your groups fall apart. That is a good indicator that you have exceeded your accurate range, and you can set a realistic limitation of how far is too far for you in the field.
Good luck, and post up some photos of your groups on here so we can watch as they tighten up over the next 5 months!
Here are a few things I do to help with my aim and release (to improve my groups):
1. Draw back and aim at the spot with your finger on the trigger, hold for 10 seconds, then let down.
2. Shoot at 5 yards. Take your time, again, count to ten before you release. Work on your form and release.
3. When you are shooting, focus on the target and aim, let the release come naturally as you apply pressure on the release. Keep focusing on the spot for 3 seconds after you release. This will eliminate the desire to peak and come out of your form before you release (or on the release).
A few other things to consider...shooting at close distance will help train your muscles and create muscles memory. If you have bad form at 5 yards, you will have bad form at 40 yards. Work on your form and release/follow-thru at close distance. Squeeze the release. It's not a "punch" or a one-time pull. Apply pressure and squeeze thru the release, all the while concentrating on the spot on the target. Pick a spot on the target to aim for...don't justaim for the 4" dot, or whatever it is you are shooting at. Pick an arrow hole in the center of the dot to aim at. "Aim small, miss small". Increase the distance...I shoot out to 100 yards...not that I would ever consider a shot that far in the field, but it helps my form and my concentration. When I step in to 40, it feels like 5 yards used to feel...
The good thing about extending your range is it tells you right away where your limitations are in the field. You will hit a point where your groups fall apart. That is a good indicator that you have exceeded your accurate range, and you can set a realistic limitation of how far is too far for you in the field.
Good luck, and post up some photos of your groups on here so we can watch as they tighten up over the next 5 months!
I have run into the same problem on occasion. What I found helps is follow thru, or continuing to aim till the arrow impacts the target. relaxing the grip of the bow. and try not to be intimidated by the distance. I think I get nervous at the longer distances and forget the basics of shooting
Garrett Weaver
New member
- Dec 28, 2012
- 168
2'' group at 40yds, sounds pretty good to me. Sounds like after 3 arrows your getting tired and your form is suffering. I would look for some excersises or workouts to build stamina so you can shoot more accurate strings. Good Luck and Good shooting!
cowboystl1
New member
- Dec 16, 2013
- 864
i agree with weaver as-usual if you have only bn shooting for a month it sounds like your tired start at 40 and 50 then move up.
I've made a few trips to the range with buglelk's tips, as well as the tips from some of the links provided by UtahElkHunter. The "surprise release" came as the most useful it would seem, along with buglelk's #3 tip of keeping my head down. My groups at 40 are passable and my groups at 50 and 60 are tightening up as well. Forthe other novices out there, I can say the best advice throughout has been to watch the target all the way through. Thanks again to everyone who chimed in. It helped a lot.
There are days when I will shoot multiple arrows from the same distance; other days, single arrows from different distances.
And other days, like Friday evening last week, I shoot one arrow. And one arrow only. I'm sure folks will agree about the value of shooting 'one shot groups' to replicate what happens out hunting [running 100 yds with your backpack, dropping and doing 25 pressups being entirely optional!]
Good luck and good hunting.
And other days, like Friday evening last week, I shoot one arrow. And one arrow only. I'm sure folks will agree about the value of shooting 'one shot groups' to replicate what happens out hunting [running 100 yds with your backpack, dropping and doing 25 pressups being entirely optional!]
Good luck and good hunting.
