mental discipline

[addo]

Just been reading thread on mental strength and decided it wasn't the place to post this little conundrum.I have an abundunce of mental strength but the attention span of a goldfish.I walk up to the line,fire my arrows and thats it.I have a "shot routine" but it seems i leave it at home before i leave to go to the field.

After competing in my first proper tourny this weekend i've realised that i simply don't pay attention to the job at hand.I wanted to win a FITA star at the tourny,and if it wasn't for the timely advice of one of my target partners before the last dozen i don't think i would have done so.If my attitude to archery was any more laid back i'd be horizontal.

So my question is this.How do i aquire the discipline required?Is it a coaching issue or an issue that i could sort out myself?Maybe i should get one of my fellow club archers to stick me with a pin or something before i nock each arrow.

[Robin the Hood]

.... When you get some spare time at home, try and go through the procedure you believe is the correct way you should be shooting.
Note it down on paper, or better still the computer if poss. The computer allows you to add in ones you miss out.
However each instruction must be short and crisp and obvious in it's meaning. That is because the next recommendation is to use this as your discipline every time you shoot. Which is why it needs to be precise.
You may find that the list will start off quite short, but eventually it will expand with further detail. It needs to be read clearly in the same time it takes to shoot an arrow, once again short and crisp.
This is the difference between concentration at the front and using sub-conscious. Also by thinking of every arrow you will find it likely to become more consistent.
Oh and don't expect it to be a 5 mins job. It took me 3 hours plus to get it right.....

Paul....

[grimsby archer]

Originally Posted by addo

After competing in my first proper tourny this weekend i've realised that i simply don't pay attention to the job at hand..

It seems reasonable that being your first tournament, there were a lot of new things going on and new experiences that would naturally distract your attention.
You say you have a shot routine, but dont use it. Therein lies your solution.
A good shot routine, ironically, must be part of your shot routine.

[addo]

Originally Posted by grimsby archer

It seems reasonable that being your first tournament, there were a lot of new things going on and new experiences that would naturally distract your attention.

I had considered that as an excuse for shooting poorly,but i have to be humble and confess that i shoot the same way at my club and friendlies too.

A good shot routine, ironically, must be part of your shot routine

Brilliantly put I agree with you.I really must start to use my shot routine for every arrow.I believe not using a routine holds me back more than not using a clicker at the moment(lets not go there ) I'm putting my clicker on in a week or two and maybe that will enable me to focus more on the job i'm on the line to do.

Something has just occured to me whilst writing this post.I had a 20 minute session with a coach once and whilst i was under there watchful eye i shot very well indeed.In fact another archer spent an hour with me as well and i shot properley.I'm not very disciplined but under someones guidance i stand to attention.I need a babysitter,don't i?

[geoffretired]

I'm not very good with names, but a well known coach had a training area called his "magic garden". Here he would do his coaching and run clinics for those needing a spot of instant help.
Many came to be observed and guided into better ways, only to be told there was nothing wrong. Before the coach had made any comments on their shooting, the same archers noticed they were shooting far better in his garden than they had done at their club.
He said it wasn't magic, just them trying to impress him by giving it their best shots.

[Thunk]

Originally Posted by addo

I had considered that as an excuse for shooting poorly,but i have to be humble and confess that i shoot the same way at my club and friendlies too.



Brilliantly put I agree with you.I really must start to use my shot routine for every arrow.I believe not using a routine holds me back more than not using a clicker at the moment(lets not go there ) I'm putting my clicker on in a week or two and maybe that will enable me to focus more on the job i'm on the line to do.

Something has just occured to me whilst writing this post.I had a 20 minute session with a coach once and whilst i was under there watchful eye i shot very well indeed.In fact another archer spent an hour with me as well and i shot properley.I'm not very disciplined but under someones guidance i stand to attention.I need a babysitter,don't i?

Not necessarily; you need to acquire the mental discipline to eliminate all distractions and focus you mind soley on the job in hand. Once you learn not to hear sounds and other sensory input, you mind will naturally turn completely to the task you have set it- shooting an arrow.

Try meditation; not the branded sort - avoid anything with 'TM' after its name like the plague! But most FE colleges offer general evening courses in meditation and it's a great way to focus on a problem.

[not dead yet]

I had considered that as an excuse for shooting poorly,but i have to be humble and confess that i shoot the same way at my club and friendlies too.


friendlies..........................enjoy yourself yes.

no such thing as friendlies, i think we're all friends on the field but we are also there to do our best and WIN.

not a trophy hunter but i do go to win if i dont then i must try harder
whether its a fita star, a local club annual western. club target day

[addo]

Originally Posted by geoffretired

I'm not very good with names, but a well known coach had a training area called his "magic garden". Here he would do his coaching and run clinics for those needing a spot of instant help.
Many came to be observed and guided into better ways, only to be told there was nothing wrong. Before the coach had made any comments on their shooting, the same archers noticed they were shooting far better in his garden than they had done at their club.
He said it wasn't magic, just them trying to impress him by giving it their best shots.

Excuse my over familiarity geoffretired,but........................you beauty.I think you've summed my problem in one elegant post.I may need an audience.I've spent a long time trying to go un noticed as a human being.Maybe its time i exhibited myself.

I also think that NDY has hit upon something along the same lines as well.I really don't compete anymore at anything.I'm quite happy just to be "there".

Maybe the two of you have hit upon something that i've just mentioned in another thread.DESIRE.I want to do well but obviously i don't want it enough.Maybe its time i showed off a bit.I'm going shooting in an hour or so.......lets see if you've awoke the "beast".I've tried to follow the noble eightfolded path(buddhist) for a few years for various reasons but maybe i should ignore these teachings whilst on the line.A couple of county champions have told me i'm a natural at this archery malarkey.Lets see if i can make them right.I'll see if i can hold this new will to succeed in my head for an hour until i get to my club.

Thanks for both your posts

Went to field.Didn't do what i wanted to.Shot a round instead and retired after half the round cos i was shootin badly.Forgot about shot routine and ended up frustrated for the first time doing archery.TIME OUT.REVALUATE and perhaps try again Saturday.