Punching the release

[total_intent2kill]

Just wondering (starting to shoot bow), what does he mean when he says "Punching the Release". Is it when you just pull the trigger really fast? 

[Button Nubbs]

Yes its almost like you slap the trigger with your finger

[halflife65]

Just like slapping your finger on the rifle trigger.

Probably usually starts because you are trying to time your sight pin going over the target and you jerk on the trigger.  Like a rifle, it doesn't take much of a mistake to throw your shot off.

This gets compounded in exciting situations, like hunting.  A few years ago, I missed with a rifle because I just pulled up and started yarding on the trigger.  I was able to make a whole lotta noise and the deer was relatively safe.  Good lesson (although painful).  I worked on that in the off season and don't do that.

The worst thing that happened to me is that I had done that the year before and it worked - I got the deer.  Got lucky the first time, it induced me to skip steps the next year and it bit me in the long run.  Keep proper form and everything will work out - either rifle or archery.

[brianb231]

Now I know this seems a little odd, but give this a try. Instead of using your normal trigger finger to hit the release, "which is the problem causer", slide your release over and activate it with your middle finger. It will not effect your shot as far as accuracy. You will punch the trigger far less if at all. Sometimes it is an instant cure. Seems odd, I know, but trust me and give it a try.

Let me know if it helps,

Brian

[Kain]

Just wondering (starting to shoot bow), what does he mean when he says "Punching the Release". Is it when you just pull the trigger really fast? 

Its kind of an exaggeration of what is actually happening but even a very subtle "jerk" or "now" release can throw off your shot.  This can be amplified at longer ranges to be several inches off.  My problem is kind of a "flinch" when I anticipate the shot.  Some people call it "target panic".  Doesnt mean Im actually freaking out.   

Its the same exact thing when shooting a gun.  Its the old saying: squeeze the trigger dont jerk the trigger.  It is easy to say and to do if you concentrate but hard to make it a habit without thinking about it. 

With a bow release it the difference between:
"Squeeze the release" and "begin squeezing the release".

[outdoorstoreys]

Any magic pills to cure this?    OK how about just some advice.

The big issue i see with peoples shooting habits are; consistency, perfect practice and getting rid of the word squeeze.
If you squeeze the trigger you are directing force left or right. Try saying press over and over in your head as you make you shot. Also-- you want a surprise break.  That means you know your going to fire/release, but you want the actual fire/release to be a suprise.  so the next time your shooting try saying, press press press press press as you slowly press the trigger to the rear. 

[CoachNemo]

My issue was not having a great feel for the trigger.  How much I can "pre-load" it before it releases.  Now I am much more smooth in my release because I can feel the "sweet spot" of the release.  I am a complete newbie, but I have taken 3 lessons at Nest Step Archery because I did not want to practice or develop any bad habits.

It has helped me a lot and my groups have gotten quite a bit tighter, which I feel is a direct result of doing this nightly for the last 4 weeks.

The wife cracks up every time I put the release on and start aiming my cord at one of the cats   

[total_intent2kill]

I was wondering because I think this thread would help me also. I have already shot my bow a few times and learned the lesson of not "bowing" in my arm. . .the hard way (and that lesson lasted me a few weeks  ) But know when I go to pull my relase it is just like when i first started shooting my rifel I close my eyes (which I am working on keeping them open) and I PULL the trigger instead of slowly doing so. . .my husbands grandpa told me to do the "put your finger in the air and practice". . . so that helped me. . .a liitle not sure if that is what y'all are talking about.  Hum. . .