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problems reaching full draw

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lonbow:
Hello everyone :)

I have a question about my problem concerning draw length, that I would like to get rid of. My draw length is 27", but it´s very difficult for me to  draw any bow further than 25 or 26 inches when I´m shooting at a target. I know that it´s a mental problem, as I´m very easily able to draw my 36 lbs black locust bow that I´m currently using facing a wall (I´m physically able to shoot bows of more than 100 lbs). But as soon as I´m shooting at a target I´m not able to reach my full draw length anymore (with any draw weight), as I´m geting very nervous. I´m reaching my anchor point each time, but my bow´s arm won´t extend for full draw. I´m trying to get rid of that problem since quite a long time, but it doesn´t seem to work. My drawlength is shortest when I start my shooting session and I´m able to draw the bow a bit further after 30 to 50 shots or so. Shooting a few days later, my draw is short again, so I have to extend it. But I´m almost never able to reach my full draw.

Do you have any idea what might be the problem and how I can solve it? This would be a great help! Thank you!

best wishes,
lonbow

lonbow:
I also have to add that it´s very difficult for me to stay in the full draw position for longer than 0.5 or 1 seconds. Facing a wall, staying in the full draw position for 2 or 3 seconds is no problem.

Gimlis Ghost:
How is your line up of arm and shoulder?
I had a similat problem in unconsiously not reaching full draw. I realized I was letting my bow arm not go far enough back to line up with my shoulders. Arrows were loping to the target, obviously much slower than they should be moving. Once I consiously corrected for that my velocity and accuracy improved.

You might be trying to obtain the best sight picture at expense of best form. You might try aiming with your bow arm side eye. That would put your arm further back while relieving stress on your neck.

Eric Krewson:
Target panic, it is a monster that I have faced for the last 20 years, not so much at home but get it bad during tournaments.

I dropped my poundage and do much better but I feel your pain.

TimBo:
Yep, target panic.  Yours is one classic version; the other is that you can reach full draw, but can't get on target before releasing.  Try Jay Kidwell's book Instinctive Archery Insights.  I have gotten pretty good control of my TP at this point, although I think it is sort of like being an alcoholic (luckily no experience there) in that you have to watch out for a return.  There have been tons of digital ink spilled on this subject here, on the Leatherwall, and on TradGang, but I would try the Kidwell book first before getting swamped with other suggestions.  Blind bale practice (shooting very close and only thinking about form with your eyes closed) is beneficial and maybe something to do while you wait for the book to arrive.  The overall problem is that your brain is cutting corners; you need to re-train it to not assume every shot will result in an immediate release.  Good luck - you can beat TP, and I would recommend doing it before archery becomes not fun.  I quit shooting for about 12 years because mine got so bad. 

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