With the lock down in place it seems there are a few more archers starting to shoot at close range, indoors.
I feel it is important to know the likely effects of shooting this way. Newer archers may be surprised by some of these.
I need to say from the start that I feel it is a good thing to do.
I also think it needs to be done " in context".
It is quite tempting to print off scaled down versions of normal target faces, and shoot at those. It does seem logical.
To put things in context; there are quite a lot of archers who do not do well when they shoot indoors. It almost seems as if it is a different activity. Their form doesn't change that much; if we observe only their posture. The archer may not notice the other changes, such as the stiffness in the follow through; and sometimes the delay in the release, or a struggle with the clicker.
If shooting 20y can have an effect that is visible to an observer, then shooting at 5y or even 10y could be even more obvious.
It seems to me that the short range adds to the feeling that we should get really tight groups and our expectations are already higher than is good for a relaxed shot process to happen. Add to that; the arrow lands as soon at it is released and the "twang" is almost part of the "click" of a clicker. There is no arrow flight time to maintain our posture through.
I feel it would be better to start shooting at very close range, without a target face and without a sight. Just make some good shots. At such close range the scores aren't of much value. Learning how to feel the relaxation is worth experiencing.Knowing that you maintained your posture until some time after the shot has been made, is of value. Knowing how you managed to do that is perhaps even more valuable.
Get used to shooting at close range without any expectations. Then learn how things feel when you just shoot well executed shots. Learn to tell the difference and how to avoid the duds.
You will see, without a sight, that you are going to hit the boss; your body posture will be directing the arrows towards the boss, and well away from its edges.
I feel it is important to know the likely effects of shooting this way. Newer archers may be surprised by some of these.
I need to say from the start that I feel it is a good thing to do.
I also think it needs to be done " in context".
It is quite tempting to print off scaled down versions of normal target faces, and shoot at those. It does seem logical.
To put things in context; there are quite a lot of archers who do not do well when they shoot indoors. It almost seems as if it is a different activity. Their form doesn't change that much; if we observe only their posture. The archer may not notice the other changes, such as the stiffness in the follow through; and sometimes the delay in the release, or a struggle with the clicker.
If shooting 20y can have an effect that is visible to an observer, then shooting at 5y or even 10y could be even more obvious.
It seems to me that the short range adds to the feeling that we should get really tight groups and our expectations are already higher than is good for a relaxed shot process to happen. Add to that; the arrow lands as soon at it is released and the "twang" is almost part of the "click" of a clicker. There is no arrow flight time to maintain our posture through.
I feel it would be better to start shooting at very close range, without a target face and without a sight. Just make some good shots. At such close range the scores aren't of much value. Learning how to feel the relaxation is worth experiencing.Knowing that you maintained your posture until some time after the shot has been made, is of value. Knowing how you managed to do that is perhaps even more valuable.
Get used to shooting at close range without any expectations. Then learn how things feel when you just shoot well executed shots. Learn to tell the difference and how to avoid the duds.
You will see, without a sight, that you are going to hit the boss; your body posture will be directing the arrows towards the boss, and well away from its edges.