Practising alone, or with others?

[The One]

I find that practising by yourself can encourage a lot of focus and concentration, and generally, I shoot better than when I'm practising with others. Perhaps it's because I'm too aware of others when shooting, and lose focus on the shots? I think it's good idea to practise with others on a regular basis, to replicate tournament conditions, though.

Thoughts anyone? When do you shoot best?

[Harald]

Totally agree in both the alone and the need for practise with others bit.
Had my best scores practising alone. This definatley goes for archery alone and not that other activity humans so frequently participate in.. :D 8)

[The One]

haha - yeah, definately.
:lol: :lol: :wink:

[Axilla]

Agree with the concensus that one shoots better alone. There's no one to observe your shots, and because scores don't matter they're going to be better. You are also not diverting attention to how others are shooting.

But do too much solo shooting and you'll choke at the line unless you can tune out what the others are doing.

You must shoot for pleasure on weekends, Harry - most guys do, or does this depend on whether you score or not?

[The One]

what? just weekends? :lol: :wink: :lol: :wink: :lol:

[DrRalph]

This is similar to another thread I think... but in my case I have shot best under tournament conditions, or at least when scoring at a club round. I get the best outcome when each arrow counts - it focusses my mind better.

[Axilla]

This ol' mule works too much during the week :( - can only chase ass on weekends 8)

[The One]

Well I have shot pretty much all my PBs in a tournament, but I was considering the difference in practice conditions in this case.

[NOCK HUNTER]

You should shoot alone even when you shoot with others 8)

(that was my deep & meaningful for the day :roll: )

[enseth]

I find that I can really only “practice” when I’m on my own. If I’m shooting at the same target as someone even at a supposed practice session I will automatically start competing with them, even if it’s only in my head. I guess I just have an overly competitive nature.

[The One]

I know the feeling - I often get too analytical of my shooting. There was a time where at full draw, I'd be adding up the score that I had for that end so far, and working out what I needed to shoot for a good end. That really did kill the shot a bit!!!!!! Luckily I've progressed abit from there, but I still find myself more conscious when shooting with others

[mbomike]

I'll wash it as fast and as long as I like :D

That was what we were talking about wasn't it? :oops:

[robbo]

I'll wash it as fast and as long as I like :D

That was what we were talking about wasn't it? :oops:

Mmm..not quite. :D

[mbomike]

Oh.......OK....Oops
Oh well I'll just have to go back to my dark corner.


























WASH WASH FAST FAST WASH WASH FAST FAST WASH WASH FAST FAST

[The One]

hmm....

disturbing....

[Flame]

hmm....

disturbing....

and you are coming over to QLD for the Nats :D

[mbomike]

NZ style:-

WASH WASH BAA FAST FAST BAA WASH WASH BAA FAST FAST BAA WASH WASH BAA FAST FAST BAAAAAAAA..........

3 million New Zealanders can't be wrong, can they :o

[Flame]

Those mushies must be real good :D

[mbomike]

Just a couple of rums under the skin :D

[Flame]

More like a barrel :D

[mbomike]

They were BIG glasses :oops:

[Flame]

I think they call them buckets :D

[mbomike]

Yes..hic......thats them.......................hic :oops:

[Harald]

Bucket of bunda .....sadly in my dreams only..... :D :D :P

[The One]

I take it you're talking about that most heinous substance that Brocqie was trying to ply us with at our '03 nats!!!!! That stuff is rank!!!!!! :(:(:( Mind you, his version of a rum and coke involved and 8:1 ratio of rum to coke :-? :-?

[Axilla]

Bundy Black is the discerning rum drinker's choice. Cheap at duty-free......

[The One]

Cheap for a reason... :wink:

[Axilla]

I'm back on bourbon these days anyway....... Last time across to Auck, Cougar Black from duty-free, washed down with L & P. Mmmmmm..

Hope this still rates as Psychology :)

[The One]

oh definately - it helps keep us sane from all of the shooting!!!! well at least we're talking about nutrition - a top archer's staple diet :lol: :lol: :lol:

[clever_guy]

You need to shoot with other archers, and train yourself not to be distracted by other archers - while at the the same time enjoying the comradery of shooting with other archers. When you are in your shot sequence, you attention is wholly on you shot sequence - and when you are done - its time for fun...

;)

You also need to challange yourself against other archers and there is no better training than to to practice matchplay against other archers in your ability range or above - it trains you to deal with competitve pressue.

-CG

[derekm]

train yourself not to be distracted by other archers
How do you fade out 2 young boys yapping in that tone that means mischief while moving and messing about or the big fat loudmouth who is intent on dominating the proceedings?
Should I go on an anger management course and stop being a serial killer ? :lol:

[kae]

Its simple, there's two methods,
1. stake them out and enjoy a clout shoot.
2. tell them that club shooting nights have changed.

Although there is a less keniving way.
Try to use mental imagery, know it sounds daft, but think of something pleasant when you shoot, not erotic thou, could be rather embarassing.
Helps you block out annoying disturbances, helps concentration and jitters.

[yavigaaz]

Hmm.. I've found a don't necessarily shoot better alone. I enjoy the company, and then when you're taking the shot, you sort of just focus and the rest of the world around you slips away. And all that is left is you, your bow, and the target that you're aiming at.

I reckon that, at least for me personally that, having others with you encourages you more.. like you feel more competitive.. but it doesn't quite feel like you're being competitive, at least in a casual shoot.

You're there with people, and you can talk and enjoy it.. But when you take the shot. You're almost alone... if you get what i mean?

- Jeremy

[RyanN]

Both Clever-Guy & Yavigaaz have good points,

Shooting alone keeps you focused on your shooting form & placement.
Shooting with others can help too, a bit of friendly competitiveness.

Best example is when I tried shooting a gum leaf at 80m, I started this by myself, but wasn't getting anywhere fast. A friend (and good shot) came along and said that he could do better.. then we kept shooting smaller and smaller groups. (He hit the leaf first, and was declared winner)

I learned more about myself shooting under pressure in that half hour than I had before in competition.

Two things hold true to this day,
1. I shoot my best scores when in a group of archers of higher ability/experiance.
2. My mate still kicks my butt at 80m :roll: