Focus on the target? Or not! Recurve Bow Shooting Tips

This week Clay Hayes goes over something that's common to hear in traditional archery and recurve bow shooting forums and that's FOCUS! If you've spent much time researching how to shoot a recurve bow you'll most likely come across someone saying to focus on the spot you want to hit, or burn a hole in the target. It's a common phrase among archers, especially longbow and recurve shooters.
Although picking a spot, as opposed to shooting at an area, is very important, once that's done there's really no need to focus all our attention on that spot. For Clay, focusing on the shot process is the important part.
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[@jackfletcher7503]

I am a self-taught archer, and for me aiming is more like relaxing. My back tightens, my fingers find my anchor point, the arrow point drifts above the target. I focus on a smooth release, and the arrow strikes the target consistently. I don't forget my target, but I would definitely say that I focus more on form. Excellent video, I wish all archery videos were this useful and concise!

[@zaccy2hats]

Clay Hayes shooting some wisdom "What im focusing on is myself, not the target" "for me it doesnt make sense to focus on something that i have no control over, what i do have control over is myself..."

[@clayhayeshunter]

A metaphor for life...

[@danebender6166]

yep to, "know they self" is the wisest knowledge there is! Man Clay your a natural teacher mate can't wait to complete my first bow so I can try this out, just by whatching a couple of your bow building videos I feel so much more well equipped to build myself a decent bow and I feel I understand the process allot more, I'm building two bows from two halves of the same tree,( karawang, an acacia indigenous to Australia) one is ruffed out, but still need to thin out to get to floor tiller, the other I've floor tillered ( I'm still waiting on Dacron so I can get it on the tillering tree, anyways clay I just wanted to thank you, your videos have helped me a lot, I'm going to order your new DVD set on Friday cheers mate 😎 hey don't suppose you could send me a Osage stave even a short piece would blow me away, I know the postage would cost me as much as the stave but I'm almost out of options ç the only Osage trees I can find around my area I'm not allowed to touch☹️ I live in Australia, I'm sure I'll find some eventually but so far it's all been frustration

[@jimwalkerarchery]

Setting up the bow for success. This is a good reminder. As a gap shooter predominantly I can't emphasize enough how important the "experience" is when shooting. Sound - listen as the arrow slides over the riser Position - feel your hand brush your face and the tender caress of the perfect cheek position Feel - Elbow is everything as it slides into position gracefully and with intent Focus - tempo tempo tempo Release - maintaining that bow arm stability as the arrow leaves the string, striking the dead center of your focus point. The zen of archery is beauty.

[@marksmallman4572]

Clay, you are a gap shooter, focus is not on the top of your list, for purely instinctive archers it is, its the same as playing darts, dart players do not aim, but through repetative practice over years they focus on the board and the number that they want to hit, the same as instinctive archers.

[@johnjacomb2645]

Instinctive shooting is still aiming... You look at the spot you want to hit and your brain calculates where you need to point to hit the intended target

[@jcarry5214]

I'm not taking a side on one style vs the other but I don't think darts is the best sport to compare against. Darts are thrown from a fixed distance with the same body position in the same type of environment at the same height from the ground every single time. And you don't have to worry about injuring or maiming a living target if you're not a master.

[@carlparks8698]

Try shooting in the dark, you'll see that yo I aim as well

[@xscorcher9071]

@@carlparks8698one of the best ways to practice instinctive shooting is doing it in low light to drown out everything around your point of impact. I find that i shoot better in almost complete darkness

[@blade420playElite]

​@@xscorcher9071yup, just point towards the noise, and fire. 😜 but seriously, I rarely "aim" my Glock. Mostly let my brain do the math. Can't barely see with my dominant eye anyway😂

[@Plow-b1x]

Sights, no sights.longbow, recurve, compound depends on you and your objective.All shooting sports are a discipline and practice can make perfection or practice can make permanent Grab a bow, pistol or longarm and enjoy the relaxation of testing yourself against your self

[@stephenmorley1991]

As a beginner it's very difficult to know where to start, yes the top shooters are focused on the spot but all the aspects of their shot sequence is also being addressed. Developing your sequence and Form to a point where you can focus on the spot and still run the sequence is the real secret. Beginners think aiming is the most complex part of the shot and if they get that part right everything else will fall into place but it's the over aiming that holds the Archer back from progressing past basic level, I tell the people I teach, by the time they have mastered their Form and shot sequence their aim should have naturally been dialed in. Top shooters spend a lot of time blank bale, just grooving their shot sequence and Form, they know this part starts to fail then everything else will start to break down

[@r1sabotage]

I've been working on instinctive shooting and not aiming. It seem like when you start focusing on your form, you lose focus on the target and miss your mark. It feels like the form needs to become second nature and focusing on your target your priority to hit that bullseye. But I can see in aiming how if you have your target locked with the aiming, making sure the form is on point is a great way to make sure your execution is perfect

[@dmouse522]

I think you'll flip with more time. Your brain aims easily but oh can you ever mess up the mechanics of the shot.

[@trashpanda2396]

At this point in my progression I try to focus on my target as I draw then more my form then back to my target. I feel in one way or another everyone focuses on both target and form in one way or another some more than others.

[@alanderson9711]

r1sabotage -I hope this will make you laugh. Been away from archery for decades other than Club Med. So buy some arrows and a new string and watch lots of vids. Want to get the form right, never thought about if before. Probably low intermediate 12” groups @ 18 yrds. So now I’m getting back into the zone. 100 arrows a day. Months pass-Time to try new techniques. 3 fingers under? Ok I’m game. Sight it in, focus, perfect form and release. Woooshhhh as the arrow misses the entire target and buries into the wooden lattice fence. Love these Zen moments. Cheers! Bring back any similar memories?

[@r1sabotage]

@@alanderson9711 lol, i did laugh about missing the target and hitting the fence... the other day I missed my target and the arrow went right into my metal shed... no big deal, right? A few days later I went into the shed and realized that the arrow hit my motorcycle and that's what stopped the arrow not the shed

[@stephpilot]

This guy does a good job at describing traditional shooting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j161n4aphZicrpo

[@shaun-michael4608]

I love your videos. I’m getting back into traditional archery and hunting. I wish I could study and have a first hand hunt with you

[@jakesmith6337]

Clay i love your channel )) In regards to “arrow control” I have been shooting traditional equipment for 30+ years, and I know most shooters use some kind of aiming protocol to guide the arrow to the target but I can shoot lights out just looking at the target and nothing else, this includes unknown distances out to 100 yards. I compare it to throwing a baseball like a pitcher or an outfielder to within inches of the target with no thought of aiming. Of course it takes practice but more than that it takes a “no thought mind” which can be hard to achieve but when it’s working it’s like magic.

[@muleskinner485]

I know what you are saying, the same works for me, but do we understand why it works for us ? i think it is because we trust ourselves, therefore we only have to focus on the spot or target..............

[@timmyppt]

​@@muleskinner485probably has something to do with not having an internal monologue or not having an internal voice in your mind.

[@andreaslundindotcom]

Personally i am shooting trad and instinctive as I wanted to go away from aiming. If I wanted to hold full draw for several seconds and aim I would have continued shooting a compound. Too mechanical and too forced for my liking. I shoot the best when I don’t think, don’t aim just let my body do what it’s been trained to do. If I can’t hit what I am aiming at that way... I move closer.

[@timmyppt]

I found this channel a few weeks ago. Very informative. I recently picked up archery because I want to hunt deer. I love your natural ability to teach and I laughed when you said "poyfect", I say that sometimes. Thank you for these amazing videos.

[@dogememer4780]

Mr Hayes, really appreciate your videos and teachings. As a self taught archer (by that I mean what I have learned has been from people online such as yourself as opposed to formal training) I have gleaned and improved so much from the way you have explained certain techniques etc. Thanks so much for your contribution. I may never get to experience what it is like to bow hunt but at least I get to enjoy some level of archery which I can pass my limited knowledge on to my kids. All the best to you and your family.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@SeasonsChange24]

Don’t sell yourself short. Bowhunting is an amazing experience and I’d recommend giving it a whirl. If not big game, start with rabbits, squirrels, groundhogs or anything that’s abundant in your area! It’s an awesome experience

[@stavroskandianopoulos3860]

You can't "focus" on something that you can't see. You can feel, you can discipline, you can set yourself so you be repetably properly aligned. But you can only focus on target virtually. Focus on target or pray is natural and triggers your brain to start making the needed calculations to achieve accuracy. Is the eye and bow hand synchrinizer. It's equally important with proper form and body alignment with the arrow. But that's something you can feel.. not see. You can metaphorically focus on your draw, ancor point, back tension, but since you are using your eyes to watch the target or focus on the movement of your pray is better to use other words or expressions that are more suitable for stance form or position. And by no means undermine the importance of focusing on target or pray.... With great, great respect, and appreciation for everything you do to promote Archery. You've been a great help and a mentor for all of us.... Thank you!!

[@Sarantis-ox4ds]

And I would like to add that focusing on the target and loosing the arrow (given all about proper form etc) should be done in confidence that we will naturally hit the target. Like when we were kids, playing war (maybe only just by ourselves 🙂) and shooting arrows at imaginary enemies. We always "hit" the target, we had no doubt about that, our "aim" was perfect.

[@stavroskandianopoulos3860]

I try to address my string so as when I open the bow my hook needs hardly any force, I then come to ancor point at the back of my jaw and from then on I just focus at the spot I want to hit. Whenever this is done in a fluid and repeatable manner, I get a perfect shot. Focus, consistent anchor and not upsetting the string just works for me...

[@stavroskandianopoulos3860]

But I shoot instinctive... No gap, both eyes open...

[@Sarantis-ox4ds]

@@stavroskandianopoulos3860 I liked the “non upsetting the string”... as a greek speaking, it sounds funny to me. But I agree on everything.

[@nathandawley2586]

I just picked up a sharp stick thrower this week after a 25 year hiatus from archery. These videos are really helpful for a guy who forgot everything I knew.

[@Vaille32]

It is funny. I shoot better when I’m not aiming than when I do aim. I’ll start with the bow down, raise it snd shoot almost in one fluid movement. It’ll be a bullseye. Yet if I hold the bow, look down the arrow, aim, I won’t even be close half the time lol

[@Smitty_76]

I've found that people that shoot a lot start developing techniques that work best for them. I know you said you shot instinctual and then went to gap for better accuracy. Personally I shoot instinctual out to about thirty and then use the Howard Hill split vision or as he called it "indirect aiming" and it kind of just happened on its own. My mind is keeping everything I have to do somewhere in the shot process but I have to fucus on the target more than anything, obviously more when going purely instinctual. I find it works best for me, but everyone has their own personal flavor when it comes to shooting. I started shooting like I started tennis. Very close range, hitting a ball on a wall and practicing form and then slowly walking back. It is a crash course for someone learning how to hit a tennis ball correctly. It works very well for instinctual archery as well. Start point blank and slowly back up focusing on form. I know you already know this, just throwing it out there for anyone else interested in how other people shoot. Thanks for posting.

[@bennyb.1742]

really excited to have more shooting form videos coming up! I'm switching my style up from instinctive to more like your style. I feel as though I've kind of topped out on how tight/consistent my groups can be shooting instinctive, so I'm looking forward to a new challenge and learning new things.

[@TheCrusher2468]

I've thought the same thing

[@jeremypaluck4246]

I find, in my decade long experience with hunting using a traditional recurve, that my focus is very similar to the same focus I use when throwing a football, which I've had about two decades worth of experience in. I focus on the target more than form, as often, when I am shooting at something I cannot get into a completely proper form. If I did a push up for everytime I missed, and a sit up for every time I hit, I'd be pretty ripped lol.

[@Nashish20]

Makes sense, I'll line up my shot similarly but I line up both tip and nock with the target to make sure I'm not accidentally tilting my shot. That is the easy part; stance, draw, and consistency is key. Shooting an arrow the exact same way everytime so you can expect the shot to hit the same spot everytime... let's just say it's not as easy as it sounds lol. Good points made on the video, cheers!

[@jamesquirk8941]

you deleted my comment?

[@rwgoodship3653]

At my age I’m lucky I can focus on the end of my arrow😆😆😆. Cheers from Canada👍😎🏹🇨🇦

[@garyv3588]

I really do make a conscious effort to try to support American made products and to my surprise the majority of these wooden bows being sold on Landcaster Archery or Amazon are all bows made in Asia. The only true reputable American brand I know is made by Fred bear and generally a wooden Recurve bow from them starts around $400 price point. Makes me wonder if there’s a genuine craftsmanship and quality difference from the cheap Amazon $200 Asian bows to something like a Fred bear recurve bow ? This is all stuff I need to do research on. What’s your thoughts on the subject is there a difference in quality and craftsmanship ??

[@MTBJJ2001]

Self teaching myself with my long how I made (45 lbs) and shooting like I shoot a hockey puck or a basketball and it works for me really well so far even when I air for specific spots, I’ve gone down to rabbit sized boxes and been able to pin a vital from 20 feet

[@mikhaelstibino]

You didn't hit the horse there back, it's very disappointing, Clay. Very good video, though. Excellent suggestions

[@laurentdubot2402]

Had the bow set up at a pro shop. It performed just fine kzbin.infoUgkxQEKUoxLWwayEDZR0NKB-5limn4MBU-2L . And I would say this is a good starting now that I could pass down to my son when he is older.But the package was missing the release and a nock was missing from one arrow.Dealing with customer support was terrible. They suggested I buy a new release rather than correct their own quality control issue because it’s to expensive for the. to ship it out from China.Update: manufacturer got back to me and resolved the issue. I retract the above statement.

[@muleskinner485]

Once i have the ability to trust myself, or am self -confident i can focus on the spot or target, if i am focusing on my form, release, anchor, draw, or aim, i am not ready to kill my target. The question is how do i get there, very simple ( live with your bow ), then you do not realize you shot your bow, you just killed on instinct..............

[@yourrealdad8014]

I had a pvc pipe with tint rods inside with double spun crab string ,,,my family was surprised like a mf at how this thing performed....I never aimed I just always did like a pushing motion with my bow hand and released at a certain draw that Ig I recognized at the time ...I cut hundreds of light wooden dowel arrows to the same length.i never considered the identical length recognition until now ...more like pushing the bow toward the Target. I really never aimed and if was curious if it was normal ....my brother threw an office chair cushion into the air and Id smoke it every time at 24 ft+.we broke the tape measure messing around to then use it for homemade archery until all the kids left the neighborhood kmsl.....that natural arrow placement with a bow without aiming may be in the human DNA somehow. .... I never thought anybody would understand it I actually made a specific search to find something similar...it's cool to know that its really a thing..makes me so want to start again

[@jeffdeprey7382]

Doesn’t that make it hard to practice with field points? Since they’d be a different length than your broadhead, and you wouldn’t have the broadhead touch your knuckle? You’re basically forced to only shoot broadheads?

[@philipsutton2316]

Hey Clay man (the ADHD King), I love it when you shoot your bow. These tips are so informative and can't wait until you chase some critters around. Thanks for pumping out the content dude!

[@clayhayeshunter]

😆thanks!

[@NarheimArmoury]

Damn. It's the exact opposite for me. The moment I pay attention to anything other than the spot I want to hit is the moment I mess up the shot. But then I have ADHD and no dominant eye, so making sure I'm looking through the right eye into the right spot the entire release is enough of a challenge. The rest has to be muscle memory.

[@caseylewis2835]

I feel like I have all that stuff pretty well in hand but my release somehow is way off kilter. I think it's my release and I don't know how to fix that

[@riggs169]

i miss your archery videos. i hope you make more. maybe some on 3d shooting? just a suggestion.

[@malachimatcho7583]

Great video brother!! I got back into archery recently after a few years off. I’ve been shooting every day for the past week and one thing I noticed was that whenever I TRY to aim, my groups are around a 7 inch circle. But whenever I just focus on getting my release as smooth as possible, I’ll often hit other arrows. I was often left scratching my head, “How the hell am I better when I’m not trying to aim??”

[@designfabrication512]

Love your videos man… what brand bow and specs on it do you use? Thanks brother

[@starwarsvet3209]

As of now, I'm an instinct shooter.... I need to dial it in and I hope I get soooo much better

[@user-ig5vs5fd6c]

Hi @Clay Hayes and thanks for another great video! A question I have is, do you close your left eye when you pre aim and aim? I'm trying to figure out what works best for me, but I'm relatively new to traditional archery. Thank you

[@clayhayeshunter]

I do but just for a moment

[@mattebey3708]

You can also use the fletching on the tip of ur noise but your way is great to

[@jamesunderdal8976]

I think sometimes maybe we just way over think it.

[@ryan52620]

Brand new to archery. Got a Black Hunter recurve for my first bow this week. Seems good so far. Your videos have been helping with techniques and ideas that work for me.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Good to hear!

[@Leverguns50]

I really love traditional archery and I like recurves especially like the fact that you can draw 34 inches or so, and get off multiple shots and under a second and hit targetsout to 140 yards and the fact that you can draw and shoot almost instantly, and still hit the target even not using any kind of anchor point

[@SarahBEtv]

Sensei!!! I think this is a brilliant concept, to focus on what you have control of first. That made me better at martial arts and massage therapy. Hey this may be a dumb question but I’m learning lol. Why do you lean a little sideways with your bow?

[@Wingman115]

I agree very good video on the subject matter.

[@whistlingbadger]

This is interesting. Most of what I've read and experienced sort of comes in the back door of what you're saying here. If you practice perfect form so much that it's automatic, you can focus your full attention on the spot you want to hit, and the arrow will go there. On the other hand, if you practice aiming so much that it's easy/automatic, you can focus your full attention on perfect form, and the arrow will still go there. Our brains are made to really only focus on one thing at a time.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Interesting way to look at it!

[@muleskinner485]

until you start shooting moving targets, my brain is a computer it can multi-task, estimate yardage and windage and whatever else , I just focus on the quarry and the gaps in the brush where i can thread an arrow thru

[@vaportrail226]

I like this guy. I can't shoot his style but I like his love of archery. And it's a super pretty bow in the video!

[@lawrencefranck9417]

Physiological trigger is a clicker..

[@keithatwood5648]

He say "poyfect" after taking the shot... 🤣. He's as "in tune" with his bow, as much as he is with his children. God bless this guy.

[@all9472]

How do i find jole Turner's stuff? u didn't give any links

[@clayhayeshunter]

Just Google him. Or ShotIQ

[@toddandangelbrowning2920]

I know absolutely nothing about traditional archery, that’s why I’m here lol. We have a special season in my state for traditional equipment only , happens in January. I’m thinking of participating this year. How do you align the feathers, and do you need a rest or not? What about setting a nock point? Is that the same process as with compounds? I have been a compound shooter for over 30 years. Thanks

[@barclayv8282]

I dig the snakeskin bow dec.

[@magicdaveable]

I am a "snap shooter." "Become the arrow." I look at where the arrow will hit and just let the arrow fly. After 58 years of slinging arrows I have tried multiple styles of archery. I cannot really define my style ither than calling it snap shooting. Great video Clay. Peace.

[@paulkerby4829]

Well I hope that works for you

[@RC_Berserker]

Good thought process there. I’ll give that a go... I noticed on your shot, that arrow came out DIRTY. Flipped around like a cats tail chasing a mouse lol! I’ve been practicing between 15-40 yards (because why not?) and I’m doing decent and hit the target 90% of the time and out of nowhere I’ll get a random flyer and it throws my aim off for the rest of the shoots so I hang it up. I need to focus more on my technique so I can identify what’s happening. But, at the same time, when I do that I miss. When I just point like you’re saying, draw back and once I touch my anchor and let it fly, I hit. Without thinking or aiming. Just slinging em. It’s driving me nuts!

[@twintwo1429]

People do things in different ways. Try different things, till you figure out what is best for you. There is no set way of doing things. If there is, its consistency in what you do. Once you find out your best results, stick with it and be consistent.

[@jamesgraham6796]

Nice looking Buck at 9:20.

[@uncleremus5046]

Basically Clay in a nutshell with Joel is to separate the Aim. Failure to separate the Aim leads to the subconscious taking over the shot which brings on TP!

[@gonzalosierra3209]

👍👏 Ciudad de Fray Bentos , Uruguay 🇺🇾🇺🇾🇺🇾🇺🇾 Instagram: cuchillos Mulita .🤗

[@brandtbuchanan5526]

My grandfather started me with a recurve around 5 or 6yrs old. I want to say I recall him helping me develop some basic form when I was very young but other than that I don't think we ever practiced anything but instinctive shooting (except the one time I saw him playing a quiver of arrows with three figures under on the practice range at a 3D shoot.) He's been STRICTLY a traditional archer and a consistently successful longbow. If I asked him for advice about technique, he'd tell me shoot another round of arrows and then change while we kept shooting. I wanted to impress him so much I built my own 3D target course and shoot a 100 arrows everyday after school religiously. We didn't win many shoots unless the attendance was poor, but now at 32 years old I can pull my bow out, shoot a quiver of arrows, and be ready to hunt next day. If I had to give one piece of advice to someone serious about hunting with a traditional bow it'd be: shoot your traditional bow a lot and set yourself up for 5 to 20 yard shots on game. 90% of the animals my grandfather and I kill are 10-15 yards. So if you can only hit the vitals deer every time at 15yrds, figure out how you're going to get within 10yrds of your deer. If it's the kill you need, guns still do exist and there's no shame in taking the easy way out and trying again next season! FAIR WARNING: This may be bad advice and lead to some kind of bad habits. I just know that after flinging hundreds of thousands of arrows, I can hit what I'm shooting at without thinking about it whenever I want....

[@fewphd5422]

This video is right on track. Traditional archery is an individual art form. This video is great delivery because allows the archer to understand the mechanic, need for focus, and perfect execution. Today I shot a Bear Kodiak hunter, purchased with money from delivery papers in 1972 and perfectly robin hooded the second arrow I shot today. Why because as you stated, perfect form and execution is what makes a great shot. Shooting into a target is not the same as stocking a animal for thirty minutes, then controlling your heart rate and delivering a perfectly executed shot. One thing I have learned is my ability to shoot in the woods increased when I practiced, shooting a mix of targets and ranges instead of shooting at a fixed distance, target and shooting 12 arrows.

[@joellugo7332]

Clay I have a question for you I got a Southwest Archery Spyder XL 64 in 55lb recurve bow I put the string on and let it set over the weekend so the string could stretch I checked the brace height and it was 6 and 5/8 inches and according to the book but I got with the bowl the minimum brace height is 8 to 8and 3/4 so I would have to add about a 1and 3/8 of a inch to get the minimum brace height does that sound normal to you

[@oldgoat1890]

I did not have the recurve out for deer in about 10 years due to a series of eye operations. I am used to it now and want to go out again this year. I always used the "One finger over" draw. I used various length arrows (Give or take an inch) with no problem. The longest deer kill I made I was leaning forward and shooting under a bush and using no anchor point. The finger over the arrow "Knows" what your hands are doing. You are absolutely right about bowhunting deer, if somebody has a natural way to shoot, don't try to correct them. My Father and I were at my Uncle's place one day and the kid was out back shooting. He was on a league (Before compounds) and thought he was pretty hot. Anyway, my Dad bet he could hit a dog dish way past the target. He had not picked up a bow in years. Broke the dish first shot. For some reason he shot left handed, but was right handed. Just natural.

[@craufurdgoodwin3835]

If I may ad to the necessary focus, it’s cuing your brain to your string fingers. In much the same way a musical band will count down to allow all instruments to start playing at precisely the same time, if you count down to release, it helps eliminate any delay for ones brain signal to execute the release. My personal trick is to murmur “Focus, grip, three, four”. And on four, the string is dropped. Of all things that I have tried in an attempt to tighten groups, this method is still the top of the heap.

[@brettconway4789]

Like some of the other comments, I'm self taught and my focus is on form then putting my riser and tip about where I wanna hit but my eye is focused on where I want to hit I don't really aim I'm at anchor for about 4 seconds just to kind of double check the shot feels on point then I just let go. This seems to work well up to 20 yards keeping groups within 2 inches beyond that my groups open up to about 6 inches with the occasional stray for me it's a poor release I can tell. This focus video and others really helped me zone my shot cycle

[@alivecertified]

I started archery about 7-8 months ago, I use a takedown recurve bow, I think my form is ok I do need to work on release definitely but I'm so inconsistent, one end I'll hit 3 gold's 3 reds at 20, yards then next end I'll hit 1 black 2 blue 1 gold 2 red does it just come with time

[@dnbrown822]

I was wondering if you could tell me where or what's the name of your quiver, I would like to get one.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Creekwalkertrading.com

[@dnbrown822]

Thank you very much. And love your videos, very informative.

[@brook7880]

Do you leave both eyes open

[@muaythaikik]

thanks for your knowledge Clay, did you meat a bear while hunt?))

[@KoreyMacGill]

as someone who's been shooting rounds of 4 arrows every day/every other day for about 3 weeks now as i get into instinctive archery. i really grasp what you're saying. i hit the tennis ball on my backyard target when i tend to relax, still look at where i want the arrow to go. but my back, my release, etc. that all seems to come into better... awareness. well said thoughts.

[@killbill5477]

I'm fairly new to the world of archery and I shoot a recurve. So far at least I have found that my instincts get me closer to the Target then purely focusing on it. Of course form is of the utmost importance but I find I got more accuracy when I trust myself. At the end of the day I think continuously gaining confidence has pushed me further than anything

[@robbyarms7rong]

Can you go over cross eye dominance. Which I have. Do you still keep both eyes open?

[@mattymo56]

Currently learning and joined the local club. This is so coold

[@chbales2618]

At what distance do you practice most? I’ve noticed in most vids your shooting at about 15 yards

[@roflpopzgaming7453]

Hi there. Really enjoy your content! Can you tell me if it's possible to hunt with a Gonexo 25" handle and Core Black Prelude limbs at 40#? I am not sure whether or not that's simply an olympic bow. I don't see the difference.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I’m not familiar with that combo but I assume it would work fine.

[@dominic6634]

Read a book by Justin Ma that is very helpful. Really improved my skill.

[@lindasano1552]

Spooky game

[@chadandveronika]

Thanks for the insight. I have not tried that method, but I will now. Great tips

[@Time4Xploring]

Hello Clay, I recently purchased a Samic Sage 45# takedown bow a week ago. Base height is 7 1/2" My draw is 28". I have been shooting 60 arrows every other day so, my muscles recover in the back shoulder area. Am I shooting too many to start off with?

[@clayhayeshunter]

That’s probably fine. Just pay attention to your form. If things start to break down, take a break.

[@julzgta9074]

Sorry I was in the wrong target video I was thinking more like Looting

[@habib1379]

Out of all the archery videos out there, Clay is definitely the top one. In my opinion. I'm self taught aswell and the amount of info I've learned from him alone is alot. I like that hes to the point and his videos are about making you understand rather than ego bash other archers. Keep up awesome work

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Charley

[@nazariarchery]

good 👍👍

[@aurorajoham1623]

hey i am a beginner in Archery , i keep shooting too high even when i'm focus on the ground, i'll take a knee and it's a lot better but its the wrong form. also i keep bruising my arm with the bow's string, my instructor says i'm doing everything right but i still miss and the string bites. Any advice would be extremely helpful thank you ( i use all traditional bows 45 pound, 60 pound and 15 pound bow typically shoot at 15 to 20 yards)

[@clayhayeshunter]

Check out the new series of shooting videos

[@emyehamidi3581]

Good morning Mr. Hayes. I want to tell you that I completely agree with you. Stay focus on what you're doing, your shoot cycle. But also, in my own opinion, focusing on the target (specially moving target) is part of the focus too. Then I want to ask you a question. Now, I'm curious on how can you maintain the same exact bow tilt every shot? How it's work for you? What the bio-mechanism behind it? For your information, I'm horsebow shooter, thumb drawer, I'm not tilting my bow. It is easier (in my own understanding) not to tilt my bow when I shoot because it's more consistent (at least for me). Thank you.

[@clayhayeshunter]

My broadheads are oriented so that they are vertical when my bow is canted.

[@irishcoffee6894]

Hi Clay, love your excellent video's. But what does the string do to your shot?? I mean, the way a string is winded.... can it have any effect on your shot ? Like you I'm righthanded but some strings are winded clockwise and I think that might have its effect on which way the artow is going. Can you explain please. Perhaps in one of your video's ??

[@clayhayeshunter]

To my knowledge that has nothing to do with arrow flight.

[@edgargee408]

Thanks papi you made really good points ..

[@dannybyrdjr919]

Hey clay I sure enjoy your videos. I've been shooting instinctive about 2yrs now and had quite a bit of luck deer hunting but I want to be more accurate. I just for some reason can't seem to get the aiming methods down. Don't know how to look down the arrow or the tip almost like I'm not anchoring correctly or something. Very frustrating. Anyways... keep up the good work and I appreciate the help.

[@clayhayeshunter]

A light weight bow will help a lot while experimenting with different shooting styles.

[@jankucera8505]

Moreover, when the broadhead touches the knuckle, that produces a perfectly precise as no part of the arrow is pushed outside of brace, so it is led the entire way for a perfect shot

[@mattwhite9046]

The eye focuses on the target. The mind focuses on the process. I've never understood why a rifle shooter focuses his/her eye on the front sight while an archer focuses on the target. But it works. As I'm sure you already know, focusing the mind on what we actually can control is a solution to many difficult things in life.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Yes it is!

[@Grodd78]

Here is the deal... I can shoot with my eyes closed and focus on perfect form. Will I hit my target? Doubtful. Build proper muscle memory so you can focus on the target. That is most important.

[@source139]

And how do you build proper habits ?

[@Wilhelm92]

Thank you for putting these videos out. I watched one of your aiming videos yesterday and it tightened my group up quite a bit.

[@Lost_Hwasal]

"Fundamentally the marksman aims at himself"

[@clayhayeshunter]

Who said that?

[@Lost_Hwasal]

@@clayhayeshunter en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._T._Suzuki

[@janeks69]

Clay is my bow making and archery teacher

[@troy4219]

I met a old man at an archery shop in my 20 's he had a Longobow he let me shoot. After a 1/2 a dozen arrows at 20 yds I had made a fist sized group the owner of the bow said that's your bow. For some reason whatever I looked at the arrow went. WHY, HOW? I've never been able to shoot like that with any other bow.

[@source139]

Interesting, do you have more information about that bow in particular, your morphology and shooting style, etc... ?

[@troy4219]

@@source139 🤔 I think it could have been a Robertson styk bow, #55 @ 28, cedar shafts 4 fletch, B-50 flem twist string, it also had a 2 piece quiver? One over, two under, anchored at the corner of the mouth.. The best shooting trad, bow arrow combo I've ever had the pleasure to shoot.

[@changbooger]

When he says he puts one edge of the broadhead on the target, are u suppose have one eye open only? Bc for me when i do that i will see two broadheads because i have both eyes open

[@clayhayeshunter]

Close an 👁

[@neilbrooks127]

Do shot @ 10 then 15 then 20 then 25....please ..

[@larryreese6146]

I understand everything you're saying and agree. Execution of a good shot is doing everything the same way every time, and you sure cant argue with results. But I never consciously look at the arrow. I draw the bow differently, shorten the draw by a different posture. I'd have to change techniques an awful lot. I've been shooting traditional bows for 40 years in the way that I was first taught and I'm too old a dog to learn new tricks. Id say it takes both. You've got to pull and release the same way every time but concentration on that target is all important.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I don’t look at the arrow either. I see it in my peripheral.

[@larryreese6146]

@@clayhayeshunter like I said, nothing wrong with the results. I'm sure you could put me to shame. But my method of pulling a bow is different. I was taught to pull the bow with the arrow pointing down and to push and pull as the bow came up. I was taught to tilt my chin a little to the left, head forward, like a shotgun. It also brings the eye closer to the arrow and if the the string and bow is tilted to match the face it opens up the sight picture. Draw length with the left arm matches length you would hold a shotgun. I could probably shoot a 30 or 31 inch arrow conventionally but I shoot about 27 inches. When the back of that arrow head hits my finger and I've got that second finger at the corner of my mouth and the rest of my hand properly placed on my face I will hesitate a split second to make sure nothing is moving and release. But I'm staring a pin hole through that target all the time and I'm concentrating on that one little mental dot that I've placed on that target. But I agree with you, a proper release is key. To be consistent you have to do every motion the same way every time. You give good information and I have learned from watching your videos. I shoot this way because I started with a 75 pound bow. With a heavy bow it's easier to pull this way and a 27 inch arrow is easier to pull than a 30 inch arrow. This is the method I learned and I guess I'll stick with it even with a lighter bow. You shoot well and you give good info. I send my admiration.

[@martintierney28]

Awesome info bro thank you!

[@Grodd78]

Wow, it seems like Clay is just B.S. ing his way through the whole video.

[@huntinglife5202]

Totally hahaha.

[@skysurferboy]

Which makes you hit the spot more accurately and consistently... perfect aiming or perfect execution???? I ll take perfect execution everytime.

[@johnjacomb2645]

You could have the best form in the world and still not hit anything, aim is an important key factor

[@source139]

@@johnjacomb2645 I would say that form is the fondation of aiming... What people call aiming is usually just waiting to "shake" in the proper place to release your arrow when it comes to static targets. Shooting at moving targets is different because you have to actively point your bow somewhere.

[@davidbonnell6601]

You are awesome. The ultimate trad dude

[@armaximus]

The horse and rider at the end... epic.

[@barrone10001]

2nd?