Archery is an immediate results sport. After each shot we note whether or not the arrow hit its mark"and how far from the mark"and we adjust accordingly. It's logical to believe that if we judge the results of each shot and analyze our form in accordance with each shot, then we'll be able to determine any adjustments needed. Over time, and through many hours of practice, we should be able to improve our accuracy. Unfortunately, for many of us it doesn't work this way. It seems that only a lucky few are born with the mental make-up necessary to avoid target panic and over-analysis and improve gradually but steadily through trial and error practice.

Shooting at a blank bale is a common method many use in an attempt to cure their target panic. One of the causes of target panic is too much concern and focus on the results of each shot. In theory, shooting at a blank bale transfers your focus from the target"and your results"to the shooting process where it belongs. Certainly for some this shift in focus is enough to curb the urge to release too soon, or to freeze, or to fix any number of target panic related symptoms.

I struggled with target panic for years and blank bale shooting was one of the methods I tried to get a handle on it. Taking more of the focus off of the target and transferring it to the shooting process is important and goes a long way toward curing target panic. Unfortunately, (the method of) shooting at a blank bale was not strong enough for me to overcome the powerful urge I had to release too soon. Essentially there were two problems I encountered. First, I was so conditioned to pick a spot that I did this automatically"which can defeat the purpose of shooting at a blank bale. I found it impossible for me to shoot otherwise. Second, at some point you have to shoot with a target on the bale and unless you have completely extinguished the behavior"which I hadn't"it will come back with a vengeance.

Blank bale shooting might be effective for some, but for me it didn't offer enough change in my way of shooting or thinking to provide any relief from target panic. I did eventually cure my target panic using a technique known as a Push Release.