Archery & Punching
Why do we punch the release? For most of us, we were never taught not too. A lot of individuals have stepped into the archery world without proper instruction. This creates habits that can be hard to break, but that isn’t the only reason punching happens.
Sometimes we feel like we NEED to punch the release. You’re at full draw your pin is now in the yellow, and your hand automatically sets the release aid off. Often people who do this will say, this is just the way I shoot. There is no thought involved when that shot goes off; it really is just how you do things. At this point, most likely you will receive friendly advice from your friends or a coach that’s floating around. They tell you don’t punch the release, let it go off. This is great advice, but the question is if punching just happens without your conscious control, how do you fix it? This task seems monumental. Most people try to find a way to punch it in a controlled fashion, and we all know this will only take you so far. Other people will switch to a new release trying a hinge or back tension release instead of a button only to find they can jerk that to activate it too. Starting an unending hunt for the perfect release that leads to having seven different ones in your bag. But the real question we must address is where this NEED to punch comes from in the first place?
The reason this punching happened has a lot to do with what information stored in your subconscious, quiet hidden experiences linked to anxious moments from our younger years. These hidden anxieties then show up in our shot execution. This is anxiety that we don’t realize we have. You may feel very calm and collected, and for the most part you are. But the act of releasing your shot triggers a pattern. Your mind recognizes this pattern and refers to the stored information in your mind and acts accordingly. The outcome is an anxious moment during your shot execution. This is why it only shows up during your shot, leaving you scrambling for answers.
Fixing this problem can be done on the bale through repetition. But this will take a very long time and hundreds and hundreds of arrows. Plus, this solution often works in the short term only to eventually fail when the anxiety resurfaces. Through hypnosis, we can find the source of this anxiety and neutralize it utilizing hypnotic methods. Once it is neutralized, there is no reason for the anxious moment any longer. When the anxiety is gone, the need to punch will not be there. And the expensive hunt for the perfect release can end. With some practice, you will be able to execute any type of release the proper way without an anxious punch. You can get back to just enjoying shooting, punch-free!
If this sounds like something that could help you, please call 732-406-3498 for a free phone consultation or to schedule your first appointment.