Say, what? How can that be? First off, I've let it be known in multiple posts that I don't believe blank (or blind) baling represents effective relief to most archers afflicted with target panic (TP). Nothing's changed there. Thing is, we are all human, and humanity is by its very nature, not patient. Most who advocate blank baling as providing for the alleviation of TP recommend doing it for weeks, if not months, on end. A non-starter for most.
So back to the original question - how might I actually be "enjoying" it, and why would I be doing it to begin with?
Two-part answer:
1) After having had arthroscopic shoulder surgery, I now shoot shorter arrows with a different spine (to accommodate the decrease in strength and flexibility accompanying the results of said surgery). Basically, I just wanted to see how those arrows were flying without the attendant pressure of feeling I needed to achieve any kind of score.
I do recommend a certain amount of blank baling to all who are either starting out in archery, or changing something about their shooting style or equipment.
2) It really is fun to watch the arrows group so well without worrying about where that grouping is on the target face. I've also placed a camera tripod with my digital 35mm video cam on it in order to get a feel for how I'm drawing and where I'm drawing to (using a recurve as opposed to a compound with a hard stop).
A camera on a tripod can indeed help any archer detect minor flaws in his game. Using the audio with each arrow can likewise help figure out the reason for a mis-hit, and why those mis-hits go where they do.
I've been blank baling for a few days now, and plan to do it for at least a few more. I've noticed some things about both my set-up and drawing process I'd like to work on. While shooting at the blank bale, my mind is quiet, quiet, quiet. Serenity is rare when trying to shoot for a score; even if you're doing it in your back yard without anyone watching.
Now, do I think this blank baling kick will result in better scores once a spot is in front of me? Don't know yet, but it can't hurt. My form should be improved, the arrows more closely matching my new shorter draw length, and more consistency might even come out of it. We'll just have to wait and see. Meanwhile, I do think that such a regimen can often be helpful to virtually all archers, and I know that I won't be limited to blank baling for a fortnight or more. It's all good.
Try it for the above reasons, understanding that you don't have to keep it up till the cows come home. It just might have otherwise unanticipated positive results.
So back to the original question - how might I actually be "enjoying" it, and why would I be doing it to begin with?
Two-part answer:
1) After having had arthroscopic shoulder surgery, I now shoot shorter arrows with a different spine (to accommodate the decrease in strength and flexibility accompanying the results of said surgery). Basically, I just wanted to see how those arrows were flying without the attendant pressure of feeling I needed to achieve any kind of score.
I do recommend a certain amount of blank baling to all who are either starting out in archery, or changing something about their shooting style or equipment.
2) It really is fun to watch the arrows group so well without worrying about where that grouping is on the target face. I've also placed a camera tripod with my digital 35mm video cam on it in order to get a feel for how I'm drawing and where I'm drawing to (using a recurve as opposed to a compound with a hard stop).
A camera on a tripod can indeed help any archer detect minor flaws in his game. Using the audio with each arrow can likewise help figure out the reason for a mis-hit, and why those mis-hits go where they do.
I've been blank baling for a few days now, and plan to do it for at least a few more. I've noticed some things about both my set-up and drawing process I'd like to work on. While shooting at the blank bale, my mind is quiet, quiet, quiet. Serenity is rare when trying to shoot for a score; even if you're doing it in your back yard without anyone watching.
Now, do I think this blank baling kick will result in better scores once a spot is in front of me? Don't know yet, but it can't hurt. My form should be improved, the arrows more closely matching my new shorter draw length, and more consistency might even come out of it. We'll just have to wait and see. Meanwhile, I do think that such a regimen can often be helpful to virtually all archers, and I know that I won't be limited to blank baling for a fortnight or more. It's all good.
Try it for the above reasons, understanding that you don't have to keep it up till the cows come home. It just might have otherwise unanticipated positive results.
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