Step 9 - Aiming & Expansion

Up to holding, our mind has been internally focused, but now we must switch to what is called a narrow external focus (this will be discussed in greater detail under Chapter 8, Mental Training) and the attention must now be directed to aiming. Aiming must only start after the transfer/loading phase and once we have reached holding and not before. The ideal time from holding to release is between one to 3 seconds for best results.

The sub-conscious mind must be allowed to place the sight pin in the aiming area and the sight must be allowed to stay fluid and float around. "Aiming" should be approached without anxiety. It should be treated as just another step in the process of shooting an arrow, not the focal point.

When concentrating with some intensity, you can only tune into one thought channel at a time. Consequently, if the focus were completely diverted to aiming, the connection with the core back muscles would be lost. Obviously, some aiming will need to take place, but this should be done more sub-consciously than consciously. When some elite archers were asked, "How do you aim?" the answer invariably was, "I don't know. It just happens".

During the expansion, the tension increases in the Scapulae - the movement is very small, basically a micro movement. Meanwhile, the bow arm continues to reach out towards the target, assisting the bow arm scapula to stay down. This movement of the scapulae towards the spine, while relaxing and flattening the chest, coupled with continued reaching out towards the target, will allow for sufficient expansion for the arrow to move smoothly through the clicker.

The balance in the shot expansion must be 50/50. An imbalance of this ratio will affect the center of mass. If there is an imbalance, either the front will go forward or more likely, the dominant drawing side being the strongest, will take over and the archer will lean backwards away from the target.

During this stage, the focus must completely remain on the expansion. Any conscious thought about the fingers on the string or for that matter anything else, must be forgotten or the connection with the core back muscles will be lost, spoiling a smooth release.

Дата добавления: 2015-07-19