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3 P's to Improved Target Archery Shooting

Boss Crewmember Eli Rooney
May 10, 2016
3 min read

What can you do to be a better shooter that doesn't require spending copious amounts of money on equipment or buying the most expensive target bow?

That's simple.

The three P's that I have come up with over the years that pertain to this exact idea are

- Practice

- People

- Persistence

There are some people that are just born with natural talent, and they don't seem to need to spend a day on the range to shoot any better than they already do. But that's rarely the case. Those professional archers you see standing on the podium repeatedly put in excessive amount of time in behind their bows.

PRACTICE

From practicing different distances to just working out the kinks in their release or form, consistent execution comes from repetition. In one of my undergraduate classes, in any motor skill that we learn, for one to be considered elite it would require a minimum of 10,000 hours of practice to effectively call the motor skill natural and free of flaw. This definitely holds an argument that the more you practice, the more consistent you will get. This does, unfortunately come with the flip side of injury due to overuse. However, as long as the practice is structured and built with variety, injury can be avoided.

PEOPLE

The second P, people, is a little less obvious. From my personal growth and experience I can proudly say that the biggest way I have improved my shot has come from those that I affiliate with and shoot with in a competition setting. I firmly believe that shooting with people that are better than yourself challenges you to be better than you are. Not only are you feeling pressure to perform to a higher caliber, but you also are able to watch and learn from people that are already successful in some regard in these competition settings. Sometimes there is more power in watching a great shooter perform than there is in trying to learn on your own.

Another aspect of people is how you engage in shooting. The group you shoot with should be supportive of each other. Encourage one another to do well and to enjoy the sport for what it is. Character and personality is everything in this sport, and it speaks volumes for how you can perform with a positive and supportive group of shooters behind you. Yet another characteristic is that the people you shoot with will hold you accountable. They expect you to show up and be at the shoots or practice sessions so that you all can share in these experiences.

PERSISTENCE

The last P tells us to never give up. There will be good days, and there will be bad days. The beauty of archery is that every arrow nocked is a new shot; each new shot is a new beginning. When you're having an off day, recognize it and grow from it. Don't hold a grudge against the bow, it didn't do any thing wrong. Recognize that you didn't perform your best and walk away smiling ready to hit the course tomorrow with a new light and a rejuvenated spirit. If you give up or get down on yourself, you take away the possibility to get better. Persistence allows you to overcome the things that otherwise would be long term problems.

These 3 P's are easily accomplished and well within the bounds of any archers ability/budget. I can't guarantee success with these P's, but I can guarantee that you'll find positive reinforcement to assist in becoming a better archer.

As always, shoot straight and may your arrows fly true!