Scoring better at longer distances

[Cakemeister]

I've just submitted my first 1st class score having shot a Long National- I actually scored better (on average) at the longer distance than the shorter. Any reason for this? Anyone else experienced it? I'd have thought the shorter distance should be easier to shoot at.

Pete

[Dave]

Pete_T - 3/8/2005 2:52 PM I've just submitted my first 1st class score having shot a Long National- I actually scored better (on average) at the longer distance than the shorter. Any reason for this? Anyone else experienced it? I'd have thought the shorter distance should be easier to shoot at. Pete

</p>

I've often found I shoot better at 80yrds than 60yrds (well I did last year - shooting has been somewhat disrupted this year...). It may have something to do with fletchings kicking in over the longer distance and stabilising the arrows more - I'm sure Joe would have a better explanation though </p>

[Barry C]

I have the opposite problem, my scores tend to be better at short distance for my handicap. I wish it was the other way round, I feel the competition is won or lost at the longer distances.

[Dave]

Barry C - 3/8/2005 3:33 PM I have the opposite problem, my scores tend to be better at short distance for my handicap. I wish it was the other way round, I feel the competition is won or lost at the longer distances.

</p>

There's always endurance to consider - the target may be nearer but when you've been pulling your bow for a few hours you do start to feel it (okay, you might not Barry, but us 'oldies*' do )</p>

^{*especially those of us who don't get chance to train more than once a week}</p>

[Barry C]

I don't feel tired because my bow is the correct poundage for me

[Dave]

Barry C - 3/8/2005 4:10 PM I don't feel tired because my bow is the correct poundage for me

</p>

I don't think my poundage is wrong for me; when I get to train 3-4 times a week I can shoot all day and not feel it - it's just the current lack of training that sees me wither a bit towards the end of a tournament. I suppose I could always reverse my site and use Tina's 24lb bow for the next one </p>

Nice league score BTW Barry </p>

[Barry C]

Thanks dave. What makes me tired at tournaments is all the standing around and waiting. When I get home im shattered mentally. My uncle who was trying his best to teach me golf was saying something like switch on for the shot then switch off. It's difficult for me to master, but somthing I want to in the future.

[morphymick]

I've just been checking my scores, for what they're worth, and discovered I average better at 70m than 50m.
Not by much I'll admit, around 20 points, but it's definitely significant.

Must be the lunch break in between. Too many cakes?

Mick

[Furface]

There's a;lso the possibility of a tuning phenomenon (we don't talk of "problems" do we). What happens to your arrows at the shorter distances? Do they just spray all over the shop, or do they seem to be going right or left? If the latter, it could be your button, and your sight is set for the longer distance.
Also a tad of pussychology. Do you relax for the shorter distance, when there is less "challenge"? I seem to remember some of your best shooting (grouping) to date occurring in heavy driving rain, quite a challenge. This could mean that you revert to bad habits, such as a dead release.
Another possibility. Were you aware how well you were scoring, and anticipating getting a 1st class score? Nothing screws up good shooting better than knowing "If I can only...."
Oh, and well done, from one who has never done it!

[Little Miss Purple]

I did that at my 2nd competition furface, was on the leader board after 80 yds then went to pot thinking about it!! I struggle at 80 as I cant see my sight on the target so its pretty much point and hope!!