Stickbow Target Archery Forums

Hi folks, those who don't know me yet, my name is Madis (18) and I'm from Estonia, I've been shooting longbow for three years now, most of which has been under severe target panic.

Currently I am writing a research work for my school upon archery - Target Panic to be more precise and I would like to ask the members of this forum a few questions. I would be very thankful if you could take a couple of minutes and helped me out a bit.

Since my work should be scientific, I am attempting to get a slightly different approach to the problem. Most books and articles talk about the cures and that part of my work I have already fulfilled. What I'm trying to find out is not so much your particular case of panic but more
-What in your opinion are the main psychological causes for target panic?
-When did you start feeling it - how did you feel then and what did you do and what were your first reactions?
-Do you think there could be some connection with the archer's personal life?
-If you have panic is it the same at competition and at practice range?n
Maybe someone can suggest any sources for more information of that sort, I understand most archers have more interest in curing the problem than its real causes so I'd be very thanful for any sources on that as well as I am thankful to all of you who bother to say a word or two because any info whatsoever is of great value to me. Thank you

Madis
Welcome to the site!n You sure picked a monster of a topic to start off with!n As I understand it, target panic occurs in two forms; one for each style of aiming: For those who aim AS they draw, target panic manifests itself as the inability to get to full draw. For those who draw to anchor and THEN aim, it manifests itself as the inability to get on target. Interestingly enough, in both cases, the archer releases the arrow knowing full well, he is not ready to do so!n
Clearly this has to be the result of conditioned response--what else could explain such an over-ruling of the conscious mind?n
Jay Kidwell, a sports Psychologist, wrote "Instinctive Archery Insights," and he is the one who first brought it to my attention that TP was a result of this "conditioning" phenomenon
He basically compares TP to Pavlov's dogs, which learned that a bell was soon followed by food, and eventually began to salivate at the mere sound of a bell.

In archery, getting CLOSE to anchor or CLOSE to aim is the same as the Pavlov's bell. We KNOW we are going to get the "reward" (bullseye) as we approach our anchor or aim. This triggers the subconscious "salivation" response of releasing the arrow prematurely. When one finds themselves consciously fighting the subconscious response, it results in an inability to move (back to anchor or onto target).

The one thing that Jay does not account for however, is why for some, perfect form is achieved during private practice, and TP only happens during a stressful shooting situation.
That is the case for me. My form is exactly how I want it when relaxed, but when the shot really matters to me, TP kicks in. The more stress, the worse the TP.

That is the other "Archer's Paradox." The greater the desire to hit the bullseye, the less likely we are to hit it!n
As far as when I started feeling it--I think I've always felt it when shooting in front of others. It is brought on by the desire to hit the target....to be respected....to not look foolish...to be rewarded for for all the "blood sweat and tears" that have been poured into this passion.
The feeling is a sense of disconnection. Suddenly one becomes unfamiliar with the "feeling" of the shot. It's like being in someone else's body: "Where is the feeling I have during practice and how do I get it back??"n
Connection to personal life: not directly....only in the sense that one's pride is involved.

Same as in practice as in competition: No way.

In the next post, I will cut and paste some of the correspondence Jay Kidwell sent me.