Stickbow Target Archery Forums

I shot a lot of wonderful arrows when I was setting up my bow this weekend -- I was playing with center shot and cushion plunger tension, and was being careful to hold on target so as to most clearly see the effects of my latest adjustment.

Next day, anxious to shoot more great arrows with my wonderful setup, I rushed down to the range to squeeze in some shooting before supper. The arrows didn't fly nearly as well

I made a few shots on each of two days with each of my medium weight hunting bows. Good form, good results. The next day I went to the range to tune a target bow. No good, two arrows in the weeds.

I felt fresh in general but there was no sensitivity or consistency in my back. This is what I often mean in my posts by fatigue. Not so much that I feel tired but that I cannot shoot good groups. The source is usually not too many arrows on the day, but too much effort earlier in the week.
If I can make a good start but then begin to fade later in a long event I can usually gather myself and make a reasonable finish even if my drawing muscles begin to ache after 90 or more arrows. But I must be fresh and calm to make the good start.

The best thing about having a day where you are uncomfortable in your practice is then you can practice good form when it is hard to do. You can't buy that. When you are in a tight situation in a tournament you probably aren't relaxed and loose, this is where THAT kind of practice comes in. You won't explode and you will have learned how to execute adequately when 'not loose'. Always look for the positive, it'll make you stronger.