January 27th & 30th 2013

January 27th & 30th 2013
Classes resume January 2013 at the Canton range with a new schedule:

NO Saturday Session this week! A Hgh School tournament has been scheduled for Saturday!!

Sunday, One afternoon indoor Session only at 3:30.(No Sunday Morning Sessions!!)
Wednesday, 6:30 pm

Please arrive early to gear up and check in.

To participate , Please reply with the day and time selected in the subject line. and your name, right or left handed, and if adult or youth via learnarchery@yahoo.com if you have not already done so, so we have enough equipment and staff available

Sunday Jan 27 & Wednesday Jan 30th: Balloon Shoot & Knock-out games!

Last week members of the JOAD and SOAD programs scored and earned rank and pins, and awards will be presented on Sunday (everyone did GREAT!)
This week, we will have the balloon shoot game along with the "knock-out" game. Everyone, please stretch out, get your gear set up and select 1 balloon to blow up and put in the big bag with your symbol or initial.
We will have a few warm up rounds of knock-out and start the games.

Knock-Out:

Strategy and skill as a warm up game... 3 arrows.First round: Eight and better are kept and scored arrows are kept to shoot for the next round.Next round "9" and better are kept (arrows are getting down to one or two in a quiver )Down to Gold!!!(with what's left in your quiver; usually only one or two competitors are still standing)
(those Knocked-out, may begin practice for the balloon games, or scoring)

Balloon Shoot:

The idea is shoot YOUR balloon first, before your competitor pops theirs.
They then step off, and you shoot for theirs.
If you shoot theirs first accidentally-they win and they move to the next round.
You will be out a round, but can restart shooting, independent of the game,with others to create an underlying game.
Strategy is important.Timing is important.
Use the skills we've trained for in these games

4 tournament opportunities coming up.

Participation in any of these is a great experience.

State Tournaments
State JOAD Tournament (youth only)Sat Feb 16
State Tournament (youth and adults), Sunday Feb 17
Location: Conyers
Registration deadline: postmarked by Feb 9
Details: http://www.gaarchery.org/


National Tournaments:

Membership in USA Archery required : https://webpoint.usarchery.org/wp/Memberships/Join.wp

Dress code enforced: http://www2.teamusa.org/USA-Archery/Resources/Rules-and-Policies/USAA-Dress-Code.aspx

JOAD Indoor Nationals (Youth only)
US Indoor Nationals (youth and adult)
Location: Snellville GA
When:Feb 22-24
Details: http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Archery/Features/2012/December/19/USA-Archery-Opens-Registration-for-US-National-and-JOAD-National-Indoor-Championships.aspx


Reminder,Now One afternoon Sunday session only!
3:30 session:indoors; Head to the back of the store to the indoor range to check in

2013 JOAD/SOAD annual :membership application Time for renewal!
(if you joined between June 1 and Nov 30 2012, your JOAD/SOAD membership expires end of May 2013)

January 19,20,23, 2013 : Score; Tournament Prep!!

January 19,20,23, 2013
Classes resume January 2013 at the Canton range with a new schedule:
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. indoors(we arrive at 10 to set up)
Sunday, One afternoon indoor Session only at 3:30.(No Sunday Morning Sessions!!)
Wednesday, 6:30 pm

Please arrive a few minutes early to gear up and check in.

To participate , Please reply with the day and time selected in the subject line. and your name, right or left handed, and if adult or youth via learnarchery@yahoo.com if you have not already done so, so we have enough equipment and staff available

Jan 19, 20, and 23rd: SCORE!!!

Tournament Prep!

How does your routine work when the need to make the high score, or beat the other competitors and take home the gold medal, trophy or the coveted "hot Soda", comes into play?
When an archer concentrates on score, or outcome, they give themselves a disadvantage. Keeping the mind on the process, each step...each piece...one after another, gives the most composure, and best results.Give yourself a goal of a “personal best”. Test yourself with a tournament size target face.

Each month, on the third weekend we score.
New students begin to learn the ins and outs of what each ring is worth, the power of the lines that edge the rings, and what arrows may help in a strategy to gain points . New archers keep score and may keep the scorecards to have a log of their own progress. If students are a member of the JOAD/SOAD program, they can turn in cards to earn rank and pin awards. This continual "dry-run" makes scoring at an event more comfortable and into a no-brainer.

Since the State JOAD and State tourney, AND the JOAD Nationals and Nationals are coming up in Feb, we will score on the size faces based on your entry divisions. We will score as we have in the past, shooting indoor rounds - 30 arrows ( 10 ends -3 arrows each), and all must be on the appropriate target face at your distance. We will use the scorecards you are familiar with, and students will score in an official manner, with two archers scoring and checking together.

4 tournament opportunities coming up.
Participation in any of these is a great experience.

State Tournaments
State JOAD Tournament (youth only)Sat Feb 16
State Tournament (youth and adults), Sunday Feb 17
Location: Conyers
Registration deadline: postmarked by Feb 9
Details: http://www.gaarchery.org/


National Tournaments:

Membership in USA Archery required : https://webpoint.usarchery.org/wp/Memberships/Join.wp

Dress code enforced: http://www2.teamusa.org/USA-Archery/Resources/Rules-and-Policies/USAA-Dress-Code.aspx

JOAD Indoor Nationals (Youth only)
US Indoor Nationals (youth and adult)
Location: Snellville GA
When:Feb 22-24
Details: http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Archery/Features/2012/December/19/USA-Archery-Opens-Registration-for-US-National-and-JOAD-National-Indoor-Championships.aspx


Reminder,Now One afternoon Sunday session only!
3:30 session:indoors; Head to the back of the store to the indoor range to check in

2013 JOAD/SOAD annual :membership application Time for renewal!
(if you joined between June 1 and Nov 30 2012, your JOAD/SOAD membership expires end of May 2013)
Please arrive a few minutes early to gear up, and sign in. Begin to know your distances and target face size by putting them on the appropriate target. This one hour class allows students to gear up & continue with training basics in safety and form .Coach supervised training includes recurve bow and all safety equipment. Continuing, ongoing instruction , accommodating various skill levels,covering: refining form, understanding equipment needs, equipment purchasing options, tournament rules, timing, string alignment, concentration, back tension.

Class fee for open sessions as posted at the Canton location is $15.00, check or cash
·Put your sight on the bow to learn where it is set based on the distance you shoot, and check the left/ right position of the aperture.
Wear snug fitting, layered clothing, ( must have closed toe shoes for out doors or can not shoot), tie loose hair back, and remove jewelry that may interfere with string release (usually bracelets, necklaces).

January 12,13, 16, 2013 :Training: Breathing

January 12,13, 16, 2013
Classes resume January 2013 with a new schedule:
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. indoors(we arrive at 10 to set up)
Sunday, One afternoon indoor Session only at 3:30.(No Sunday Morning Sessions!!)
Wednesday, 6:30 pm

Please arrive a few minutes early to gear up and check in.

Training: Breathing

Last week we asked students to step into the future and look back at where they are today, and set up a guide to get to that “future self”.
We provided goal setting packets and training logs to those interested. We also worked on foot/hip position and shoulder position-the foundation of the shot sequence, the basics of “stance”, adding in a "jump" to get the natural foot position.
This week we move to breathing .

Training:Breathing
Breathing should be as consistent as the other elements of your "process". Timing is a big part of the steps . If you take a deep breath and hold it, then pull back the bow string, you will find that you are "up in your chest" and lose the flat back and center core stability. The sight will jump and beat with your heart, making aiming challenging, and you may release the string prematurely because you simply can't hold your breath anymore. Breathing should be timed to bring air in as you "open" the bow, and slowly let about half of it out as you come to rest at full draw anchor. There are several methods of brething to get the most from your shot. The following is an option we have found to give best results. (From USA Head Coach Kisik Lee,KSL International)

A deep diaphragmatic settling breath should be taken and exhaled prior to raising the bow.

1. While raising the bow inhale deeply and naturally, using diaphragmatic breathing , which will create a natural feeling of gaining strength.
2. Approximately 30-50% of the breath must be let out slowly and naturally when coming to full draw, but before anchoring, and then held from this point for the few seconds of aiming with an inflated/tightened abdomen till after the release and released during the follow-through.
   

To participate , Please reply with the day and time selected in the subject line. and your name, right or left handed, and if adult or youth via learnarchery@yahoo.com if you have not already done so, so we have enough equipment and staff available

Reminder,Now One afternoon Sunday session only!
3:30 session:indoors; Head to the back of the store to the indoor range to check in

2013 JOAD/SOAD annual :membership application
Time for renewal!

New Saturday sessions begin!

New morning indoor sessions begin Saturday January 12 : 10:30-11:30 a.m.
We will be at the range at 10, setting up-feel free to come and help, and get geared up and check in before the start time of 10;30!

January 6, 2013 New strategies for the year

January 6, 2013
Classes resume January 2013 with a new schedule.
Sunday, One afternoon Session only at 3:30.
No Sunday Morning Sessions!!

 

Training: New strategies for the year.
"A goal without a plan is just a wish"
Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900 - 1944)

As it is a new year it’s a great time to be thinking about what you want to accomplish as an archer. Some students are new and just know they want to shoot and find out about archery, the basics and variables in equipment, and have just begun to get a feel for the programs basic equipment.
More seasoned archers may have new equipment after the holidays, or have been shooting for a while with their own equipment or program equipment, and want to learn to “tune” their equipment.

In either setting, or any endeavor for that matter, if you can step into the future and look back at where you are today, you can set up a guide to get to that “future self”.

What do you see for yourself as an archer? Does a competition interest you? How does that look? What will it take to get there? Do you want to be able to shoot longer distances, or perhaps beat a score you earned previously. Maybe have better endurance while shooting, or understand your equipment better, and find ways to make it perform to its optimum ability. Perhaps find ways to draw out your own optimum ability as well. What kind of training and practice time are you able to invest in your “future self”?

We will talk about goal setting strategies at our next session, and work on foot/hip position and shoulder position-the basics of “stance”.


To participate this Sunday,

please reply with Sunday 3:30 in the subject line, and your name, right or left handed, and if adult or youth via learnarchery@yahoo.com if you have not already done so, so we have enough equipment and staff available

Jan 2, 2013: Wednesday, 6:30: Balloon Shoot, and "Knock-out" Games!

A new year begins!

Jan 2, 2013: Wednesday, 6:30:
The Balloon Shoot, and "Knock-out" Games!

Note:
As we have entered winter weather, Sunday morning Classes beginning January 2013 will be discontinued, and we will hold only a 3:30 afternoon indoor session.
Sunday's e-blasts will review details, or, check this blog or website for time shifts.
Additional sessions may also be offered.

Wednesday:

This Wednesday, we will have the balloon shoot game along with the "knock-out" game. Everyone, please stretch out, get your gear set up and select 1 balloon to blow up and put in the big bag with your symbol or initial.

We will have a few warm-up, sight-in rounds of knock-out, and start the games.

Knock-Out:

Strategy and skill as a warm up game... 3 arrows.

First round: red and better are kept . Red scored arrows are kept to shoot for the next round.

Next round gold "9" and better are kept (arrows are getting down to one or two in a quiver ,and usually only one or two competitors are still standing.)

Down to center Gold 10!!! (with what's left in your quiver)
(those Knocked-out, may begin practice for the balloon games, or scoring)

Balloon Shoot:

A game of focus, and handling nerves.
The object is to shoot YOUR balloon first, before your competitor pops theirs.
They then step off, and you shoot for theirs.
If you shoot theirs first accidentally-they win and they move to the next round.
You will be out a round, but can restart shooting, independent of the game,
with others to create an underlying game.
Strategy is important.Timing is important.
Use the skills we've trained for in these games


To participate this Wednesday,please reply with Wednesday 6:30 in the subject line, and your name, right or left handed,
and if adult or youth via learnarchery@yahoo.com if you have not already done so,

Head to the back of the store to the indoor range to check in.


Please arrive a few minutes early to gear up, and sign in. Begin to know your distances and target face size by putting them on the appropriate target. This one hour class allows students to gear up & continue with training basics in safety and form .Coach supervised training includes recurve bow and all safety equipment. Continuing, ongoing instruction , accommodating various skill levels,covering: refining form, understanding equipment needs, equipment purchasing options, tournament rules, timing, string alignment, concentration, back tension.

Class fee for open sessions as posted at the Canton location is $15.00, check or cash
·Put your sight on the bow to learn where it is set based on the distance you shoot, and check the left/ right position of the aperture.
Wear snug fitting, layered clothing, ( must have closed toe shoes for out doors or can not shoot), tie loose hair back, and remove jewelry that may interfere with string release (usually bracelets, necklaces).

December 23 : One Session only at 3:00, Balloon Shoot!

December 23 : This Sunday: One Session only at 3:00
Last Session of the year!!!We wish you and yours peace, and a wonderful holiday season.
Classes resume in January 2013 with a new schedule.
Indoors....Brrrrr
Please advise if you plan to attend!
Many students have plans to be out of town. We will hold the 3:00 shoot if we have enough interest.
Home page will post closed/ or Yes, Open, with balloon shoot. We will also send emails to those that signed up if not enough interest.

Last week members of the JOAD and SOAD programs scored and earned rank and pins, and awards will be presented on Sunday (everyone did GREAT!)

This week, we will have the balloon shoot game along with the "knock-out" game. Everyone, please stretch out, get your gear set up and select 1 balloon to blow up and put in the big bag with your symbol or initial.



The Balloon Shoot, and "Knock-out" Games!

We will have a few warm up rounds of knock-out and start the games.

Knock-Out:

Strategy and skill as a warm up game... 3 arrows.

First round: red and better are kept . Red scored arrows are kept to shoot for the next round.

Next round "8" and better are kept (arrows are getting down to one or two in a quiver ,and usually only one or two competitors are still standing.)
Down to Gold!!!(with what's left in your quiver)
(those Knocked-out, may begin practice for the balloon games, or scoring)

Balloon Shoot:

The idea is shoot YOUR balloon first, before your competitor pops theirs.
They then step off, and you shoot for theirs.
If you shoot theirs first accidentally-they win and they move to the next round.
You will be out a round, but can restart shooting, independent of the game,
with others to create an underlying game.
Strategy is important.Timing is important.
Use the skills we've trained for in these games

To participate this Sunday,

please reply with Sunday 3:00 in the subject line, and your name, right or left handed, and if adult or youth via learnarchery@yahoo.com if you have not already done so, so we have enough equipment and staff available

One Sunday session only!
3:00 session:indoors; Head to the back of the store to the indoor range to check in
2013 JOAD:membership application time for renewal

6:30 Wednesday session: Closed for Holidays

Please arrive a few minutes early to gear up, and sign in. Begin to know your distances and target face size by putting them on the appropriate target. This one hour class allows students to gear up & continue with training basics in safety and form .Coach supervised training includes recurve bow and all safety equipment. Continuing, ongoing instruction , accommodating various skill levels,covering: refining form, understanding equipment needs, equipment purchasing options, tournament rules, timing, string alignment, concentration, back tension.

Class fee for open sessions as posted at the Canton location is $15.00, check or cash
Put your sight on the bow to learn where it is set based on the distance you shoot, and check the left/ right position of the aperture.
Wear snug fitting, layered clothing, ( must have closed toe shoes for out doors or can not shoot), tie loose hair back, and remove jewelry that may interfere with string release (usually bracelets, necklaces).

See you on the range!

Coach Jefflyne Potter

USA Archery Level 3 N.T.S.Coach

Wednesday, Dec 19 :SCORE

Our Last Session of the year will be the Sunday Dec 23rd   3:00 afternoon session, if we have enough students interested in attending. We will NOT hold a Sunday morning session.We will be closed Wednesday Dec 26, and Sunday Dec 30.

IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED ORIENTATION: To participate this evening, please reply with Wednesday , in the subject line, and your name, and if right or left handed,and, if adult or youth via learnarchery@yahoo.com if you have not already done so, so we have enough equipment and staff available .

New students may blend with the 6:30 regular,and SOAD and JOAD training class.
JOAD/SOAD:membership application

Wednesday, December 19, 6:30: "SCORE"

How does your routine work when the need to make the high score, or beat the other competitors and take home the
gold medal, trophy or the coveted "hot Soda", comes into play?

When an archer concentrates on score, or outcome, they give themselves a disadvantage.
Keeping the mind on the process, each step...each piece...one after another, gives the most composure, and best results.
Give yourself a goal of a “personal best” .
Each month, on the third weekend we score.
New students begin to learn the ins and outs of what each ring is worth, the power of the lines that edge the rings, and what arrows may help in a strategy to gain points . New archers keep score and may keep the scorecards to have a log of their own progress. If students are a member of the JOAD/SOAD program, they can turn in cards to earn rank and pin awards.
This continual "dry-run" makes scoring at an event more comfortable and into a no-brainer.

We will score as we have in the past, shooting indoor rounds - 30 arrows ( 10 ends -3 arrows each), and all must be on the appropriate target face at your distance.

Mail in National tournament: Adult(SOAD) youth (JOAD) $10 to submit score

This week is the last week to turn in scores for this 4^th quarter event.
We will use the scorecards you are familiar with, and students will score in an official manner,
with two archers scoring and checking together, and can submit scorecards for a National mail-in tournament.
Official categories as outlined by USA Archery: http://assets.usoc.org/assets/documents/attached_file/filename1/50560/Age_and_Distance_Charts_for_the_JOAD_Mail_In_Tournament_Series.pdf

Two archers scoring and checking together.
JOAD/ SOAD may turn in scorecards for achievement awards.
New archers will learn how to score, the meaning of the rings and appropriate conduct and procedures.
ALL students, please head to the indoor range
See you on the range!

Sunday,December 16, Score!

Sunday,December 16, Score
Because the weather is predicted to be raining and thunderstorms, we will hold 11:30 & 3:00 Sunday class indoors.
The 11:30 class is an outdoor only class, however BWG has graciously agreed to allow us access to the indoor range this Sunday.
We will be sending out the new winter schedule, beginning mid-January, shifting the morning class to a different day/slot.
Please send an e-mail to let us know if you plan to attend, and session time, so we can have enough staff and equipment available.
Join us!!
All Wednesday 6:30 Sessions are indoors.

Our last class for the year will be Sunday Dec 23 at 3:00, depending if enough interest.
We are looking at only holding the 3:00 session since so may folks will be out of town.

Sunday, December 16: "SCORE"

Sunday Dec 16,& Wed Dec 19.

How does your routine work when the need to make the high score, or beat the other competitors and take home the
gold medal, trophy or the coveted "hot Soda", comes into play?

When an archer concentrates on score, or outcome, they give themselves a disadvantage.
Keeping the mind on the process, each step...each piece...one after another, gives the most composure, and best results.
Give yourself a goal of a “personal best” .
Each month, on the third weekend we score.
New students begin to learn the ins and outs of what each ring is worth, the power of the lines that e
dge the rings, and what arrows may help in a strategy to gain points . New archers keep score and may
keep the scorecards to have a log of their own progress. If students are a member of the J
OAD/SOAD program, they can turn in cards to earn rank and pin awards.
This continual "dry-run" makes scoring at an event more comfortable and into a no-brainer.

We will score as we have in the past, shooting indoor rounds - 30 arrows
( 10 ends -3 arrows each), and all must be on the appropriate target face at your distance.

Mail in National tournament: Adult(SOAD) youth (JOAD) $10 to submit score

This week is the last week to turn in scores for this 4^th quarter event.
We will use the scorecards you are familiar with, and students will score in an official manner,
with two archers scoring and checking together, and can submit scorecards for a National mail-in tournament.
Official categories as outlined by USA Archery: http://assets.usoc.org/assets/documents/attached_file/filename1/50560/Age_and_Distance_Charts_for_the_JOAD_Mail_In_Tournament_Series.pdf

Two archers scoring and checking together.
JOAD/ SOAD may turn in scorecards for achievement awards.
New archers will learn how to score, the meaning of the rings and appropriate conduct and procedures.
ALL students, please head to the indoor range

Please send an e-mail to let us know if you plan to attend, and session time, so we can have enough
staff and equipment available. 

If you have completed Orientation-join us!!

Sunday, December 9: "Draw/load"

Sunday, December 9: "Draw/load"

Sunday Dec 9,& Wed Dec 12.

We have been working through the steps, one "chunk-training" element at a time, and this week we move from “see your shot” to drawing the bow with the big back muscles, and putting the power into the back. Loading the back with all the power created by the drawing motion gives the power and alignment necessary to launch the arrow more accurately than using an arm shot, and provides more endurance. The loading of the back is necessary for any discipline -recurve, compound, bare-bow. We will work on techniques to get the rotation with angular movement, and “load” the back.

 We will hold 11:30 & 3:00 Sunday class outdoors.  Beautiful weather predicted. Remember-bulky clothing creates string clearance issues.

Please e-mail with time attending to participate. must have completed orientation.

Sunday, December 2: "See your Shot"

Sunday,December 2,
We will hold 11:30 & 3:00 Sunday class outdoors. Looks like beautiful weather. Remember-bulky clothing creates string clearance issues.
Please send an e-mail to let us know if you plan to attend, and session time, so we can have enough staff and equipment available. Join us!!
All Wednesday 6:30 Sessions are indoors.

Sunday, December 2: "See your Shot"

Sunday Dec 2,& Wed Dec 5.

We often say: “See your Shot”, meaning bring your draw hand up so that it is in front of your face about nose height, in your line of sight to the target, and you will “see” your shot…see the hand that is holding the string. This sets your alignment into an angular rather than linier motion, allowing your draw rotation to take place more easily, and the back to load, as the bow arm is slightly off to the left (for right handed shooters).

“See your Shot” can also mean that you do not blink. A recent article reviewed greater successes in archery with a simple awareness of not blinking, and maintaining eye focus for the few seconds of draw /load /anchor/transfer/ hold/ aim/ release/ follow-through.

The mental portion of “See your Shot”, means to visualize the entire shot sequence in your mind with eyes closed, by removing yourself from the line, and mime the entire shot sequence, with eyes closed, no equipment, going through perfect form, seeing your shot, all arrows landing in the gold.

We will work on these training techniques this week.

Please send an e-mail to let us know if you plan to attend, and session time, so we can have enough staff and equipment available. Join us!!

Nov 28, Tournament prep, 5:30 early start session

Wednesday Nov 28,JOAD & SOAD
6:30 indoor session.
+ 5:30 early start for those interested in tournament prep


Pleasereply with Wednesday , and the time attending in the subject line, and your name, and if right or left handed,
and, if adult or youth via learnarchery@yahoo.comif you have not already done so, so we have enough equipment and staff available .(must have completed orientation)

We will be indoors for Wednesday sessions.
New students may blend with the 6:30 regular,and SOAD and JOAD training class.
JOAD/SOAD:membership application


November 28

As so many students are considering tournaments, and many are attending the Dec 1st competition in Conyers, we will offer a 5:30 start for those wishing to shoot a 60 arrow run. This is an opportunity to test your endurance.
Students may also attend at 5:30 and leave at 6:30, or drop in at 6:30 at the regular time, what ever schedule works for you. We just wanted to offer this support to students as we were closed for the holiday on Sunday.

For those students that can not attend the Wednesday session, we encourage you to work with your stretch bands , and "holding" with equipment in front of a mirror, noting form elements that need correction, and time your holds. Start with no more than 30 seconds in best form (or less).Rest for twice as long. When your hold becomes deteriorated in form, stop. Don't practice bad habits. Keep the focus on form:hips and shoulders at different angles,head in a box, front bowarm shoulder down,alignment, back tension and use of back tension, and endurance.

For new students attending on Wednesday, we will practice basics and review basic elements.

Closed, Sunday Nov 25

Sunday Training Sessions, Closed for Thanksgiving.


Sunday Training Sessions, Closed for Thanksgiving.
Learn Archery will be closing for the Thanksgiving holiday and will not hold classes Sunday November 25
Classes will resume Wednesday, Nov 28 for the 6:30 session.
Thank You to all of our archery members and friends !
 We wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!!
Coach Jefflyne
Coach Rip
Coach Zac

Nov 11: "Set", to "set-up"

Nov 11, 2012

Set-to “set-up”

The process from fully positioned body, hands and mind, from “set” to “set up, is a fluid, scooping , sweeping motion. The previous decisions for hand positions, draw and bow hand are “on purpose” and placed. The decision on what to aim at has been made. Keeping the shoulders low, the draw hand is held at position but raised up along the imaginary  “pole” near the arm pit, arms simply sweep up and finish “opening” the bow… “expanding” the bow. (thinking expand –NOT pull against), as there is no shift in foot balance, no leaning back to offset the weight the archer is pulling- it is an expansion. Bow Hand moves up above the target. Eyes remain focused on the target aim point. The bow is slightly left of the target, the arms at eye level. After the arms are at eye level, turn the shoulders toward the  bow arm (which is pointing to the side of the target) keeping hands in position, all at shoulder height, eyes focused on point of aim., wrist is near nose. Draw will start from THIS point.

November 4 2012: What are you aiming at?

November 4 2012

We had a great Pumpkin shoot last week-cold and windy, but the pumpkins , ghosts, and zombies were pummelled!

Eye focus-what are you aiming at?

Seems so simple, doesn’t it? Just aim at the gold and release!

Then why don’t all the arrows land in that sweet spot in the center?

Yes there are many factors in form that need to be addressed, but learning the technique for aiming can add improved results. The goal is to hit the target…so, be sure you are aiming at a very specific point on the target-not the aperture, not toward a target area, but a very specific point. Aiming is not done until the archer reaches “hold”. Aiming before that, produces inconsistent results. Aiming requires just a few seconds- but does require the few seconds, and we teach the basic 1,2,3 timing from the beginning.

Look around at trees, flags, items moved by wind. Feel the wind on your skin at “set”. The decision to aim at the x, or slightly off, is made at this point, not at full draw. Consciously getting to hold, then allow  the time to focus through the aperture to the point you are aiming at (and if windy, that point may be a little left, right, above, below). For barebow shooters-although there is no focus through the aperture-the training is the same.

A common break in eye focus is watching the arrow in flight-a quick turn of the head results in a change of eye focus right at the last second, changing the aiming point. Eyes should remain on the target at the chosen aiming point –“laser pointed”; head remains steady, fingers are released by the last rotation of the scapula to the spine.

We will review some focus drills students can do at home and in practice, to gain a calm, relaxed “moment of stillness”, and avoid the natural incessant scanning of the eye.
Take a look at Brady Ellison and how his eye focus remains at the target after the release of the arrow.