Punching

[Coasthunterjay]

i was told today that im punching my release. any hints or tricks to watch for to stop this?

Thanks guys........

[demontang]

Yeah treat the release just like a trigger on a rifle, squeeze it. The release of the arrow should be a surprise, it your are just hitting the release then it will throw off your point of impact. Just being close to a target so you can just draw back get settled in close your eyes and gently pull the trigger tell it lets lose. By doing this you wont be trying to hit a spot on the you will be focused on the release of the arrow.

[Coasthunterjay]

Hummm? i kind of like that...just close my eyes and visualise it all in my head untill im comfertable and able to do it while maintaining my point.

[demontang]

It helps a lot because you don't rush the shot trying to hit one little spot when the pins on it.

[Bscman]

Stand about 5-10yds from the target (a big one, like a triple stack of hay bales).

Draw, get on point, and close your eyes.
Concentrate on your release--not your target. This will help you break the "trigger punch" habit. It can also help if you have a problem with anticipating the shot--which, more than likely, is the root of your problem.
With your eyes closed you don't have to worry abou the target, just the release. Practice this until it becomes routine (20+ shots per session).

As mentioned, treat it like a firearm...and slowly squeeze the trigger.

I've also heard of some using their trigger release in a similar fashion to a back tension release. Put your finger on the trigger at full draw and continue pull back. If your release is light, and doesn't have much creep, this will cause the trigger to break and release. The benefit is that your don't have to communicate with your brain to get your finger moving...it just "happens" so to speak. You have to have your release adjusted "just right" to get this to work, though.

Another option would be a "reverse trigger" type release. Truglo makes one (I have a couple). They allow the release to be fired in two different ways:
1. Traditional, pull the trigger to release.
2. Reverse, hold the trigger during draw and let up on the trigger to release.
They take some getting used to, and aren't the best for a hunting scenario, but you won't have nearly the problem with anticipating and trigger punch.

Lastly, if you've got some shooting experience and good form you would try a back-tension release.

[robodad]

What I have learned is to pretend like you trigger finger has been cut of at the first joint from your hand and place the trigger in the crook where the joint would be then when you draw, just try with your whole hand to pull the release of the string by slowly making a fist, never use the tip of your trigger finger as you will punch it most of the time !! 

Good Luck !!

[Coasthunterjay]

How much are those releases? the tru glo and the back tension release?

[demontang]

The back tension releases arn't cheap and you will want to get one with a safety. Carter makes a nice one that's like $120. If you use a back tension release make sure you have someone show you how they work or it might hurt when you punch your self.

[Coasthunterjay]

How does it work?

[demontang]

With a back tension release you pull with your little finger and as your pulling the arrow will release without having to pull on a trigger. They arent the best thing for hunting but they help with your form and for target shooting they are great.

[coonhound]

I used to fight that like no other...My solution was to get a release that was attached to the wrist strap with either a rope or NCS (nylon connection strap).  I shortened it up as short as I could get it and I then pull the trigger with the joint closest to the hand.  The next thing I did was switch to my middle finger. I anchor by putting my jaw bone in the crook between my thumb and index finger leaving my middle finger open for the trigger.  My shooting improved unbelievably after adopting this style.

I was at a 3D shoot with a top shooter and he knows a few competitive archers that utilize the middle finger.  His thought was the deeper you are in the finger along with the middle finger you create a "dumb finger" that's not so apt to be twitchy.  When you get that deep into the finger it's also easier to adopt the back tension style of actuation.

I wouldn't advise a true backtension release for hunting, when the adrenaline kicks in it can be disastrous.  I know a few people that do use them for hunting but I believe they are the exception.

Coon

[bow4elk]

I've done a lot of coaching on this topic...happy to help...PM me and we can talk on the phone.  Happy to help anyone for that matter.  It's Target Panic.  It can haunt you if you don't correct it.  Masking the symptoms brings only short-term success.

[Timberstalker]

I have hunted with back tension since day one.  I actully have probably only shot about 100 arrows with a caliper release.  I was taught by a target shooter and he gave me no other choice.  I believe it is the only wy to go, and will never switch.   

[Hoytstaffshooter83]

all the help is good but not really that correct, you dont squezze the trigger at all, if you shoot proper back tension no squeezing is involved.. remember your brain can only do 1 thing at a time, either you are focused on aiming and letting the shot happen or squeezing the trigger or punching it and making it go off....... you need to focus on the kill zone and let the shot happen, true back tension cures any form of target panic as you dont make the bow shoot, you just aim until it goes off.... also a back tension release works by using your rhomboids (muscles in the middle of your back) to externally rotate your scapula (shoulder blade) and that little movement makes the releases go off,think of pulling your relases elbow through a wall behind you, that will engage your rhomboids and make it go off. when shooting a caliper this way make sure you have your 2nd knuckel on the trigger.... then anchor and aim and pull the back elbow thus engaging the rhomboids and making the trigger go off....... as I have said many times on here before this is the ONLY way to shoot, but you have to learn to do it properly....... if you do you will see your groups tighten up  and your target panic will be gone because you can no longer anticipate the shot, only focus on aiming and letting the shot happen

[blmathis12]

LEARN TO SHOOT BACK TENSION!!! or buy a cant punch no punch you dont need a three finger 3d/indoor release to shoot back tension plus its not an ideal hunting release!