I think there is some validity to both pieces of advise. But let me explain...

First, you need to realize that the end of the shot is not necessarily when the arrow hits the target. You see, the arrow hitting the target is only a by-product of the shot process. Instead, the end of the shot should be thought of in terms of follow through.

It's the same in baseball for example. A baseball player who wants to hit the ball in left field doesn't stop the process once he's made contact with the ball. Hitting the ball is only the intended by-product of the swing, but in order to hit the ball well, the batter must focus on completing a good follow through, which has all the characteristics that will facilitate the ball landing in left field. If you can understand that, you'll be in a much better position than a lot of other archers. Some might say focus on execution, but I kind of relate that to follow-through because as the shot occurs you cannot really focus on some other aspect of execution, because that's just too broad of a thought process--how long do you indent to hold!

Think follow-through during your execution of the shot.

If you are shooting a recurve with only a ring aperture (which I highly recommend),  then you should be able to look right through the aperture without having to focus on a pin or a crosshair. Looking through a ring allows you to free your focus and just consider aiming as a process of "pointing." With a pin or a crosshair this is almost impossible because you vision is obstructed by the object (pin or crosshair), and thus you must revert to focusing your attention to the pin.

If you are shooting with a ring aperture, you can simply keep the bow pointed at the center of the target (or the area where you must aim in order hit center), and your mind can focus quite freely on pulling through the shot and executing a follow-through. It's a simple approach, but it can work.

I hope this was of some help.

-Dan Perez

HikinOut <hikinout@...> wrote:

Dan,

I am going through some inconsistencies during my release. I have
been told by one person to focus on a spot on the target just before I
release the arrow. I have been told by another that i should focus on
my follow through just before my release. What is your advice.

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