Lydia Windell, March –
During a tournament, there’s often that one arrow where your shot process falters. Maybe you lose focus and release an arrow you didn’t mean to. Either way, the result is usually a less-than-stellar shot. As an archer, dealing with pressure and nerves can make it difficult to stay focused for the rest of the tournament. However, it’s crucial not to let one bad arrow ruin your entire day. Here’s how I clear my mind and move forward after a rough shot.
For me, my mistakes usually stem from timing or bow arm-related issues. If a bad shot results from my form, I take a moment to close my eyes and mentally reset. I visualize myself executing a perfect shot, focusing on my bow arm or whatever aspect of my form needs adjustment. This technique, called visualization, allows me to reinforce my ideal shot process. Before drawing back, I stare at the target and picture myself shooting with perfect technique. By doing this, I set myself up for success on the next scoring end. This practice not only boosts my confidence but also keeps me focused on shooting my next arrow with the goal of scoring a ten.
In addition to visualization, I incorporate tournament-style practice into my routine. This could mean scoring my practice rounds or creating external pressure with small wagers. For example, at my team’s practices, we sometimes hold mini competitions for candy. While it may seem small, the added incentive creates a bit of pressure, which helps simulate a real tournament setting. This way, when competition day arrives, I am already comfortable handling stress.
My practice schedule isn’t overly complex; I typically shoot three times a week. However, with a busy schedule, that can sometimes drop to two sessions. Despite this, I always make an effort to maintain consistency because my time on the range is valuable—it helps me feel prepared and confident for any competition.
However, if a bad shot stems from stress, mental pressure, or nerves, I take a different approach. For me, the biggest struggle in tournaments is not always my technique but my confidence. When I start doubting myself, I remind myself of all the practice I’ve put in and the good groups I’ve shot before. Since I’ve been involved in archery for years, I lean on my experience. But even if you’re new to the sport, simply recalling your recent successes in practice can make a difference. This is why a consistent practice schedule is so important—it builds a foundation for self-confidence.
Ultimately, after a bad arrow, I don’t dwell on it. Instead, I shift my focus to making my next shot better. In my opinion, this is the best way to recover. If you fixate on one bad arrow, it can spiral into an entire bad round. Archery isn’t about perfection—it’s about how you manage your imperfections in competition. Whether you’re facing a minor setback or a major challenge, committing to your shot process and staying composed is key. Over the years, I’ve developed habits that help me stay calm, and I hope this advice helps you weather your own storms on the range!
