Shot IQ? "The Only Way To Shoot A Thumb Button"....

[@torreyintahoe]

I love how archery is both physical and mental. If you're fatigued you won't shoot well and if your mind isn't right you won't shoot well either.

[@walderman55]

@@torreyintahoe dude that’s the truth. The simple truth is we have to be taking care of both sides mental and physics at all times.

[@gregavanessian4846]

Beautifully explained.

[@walderman55]

Thanks so much! I hope it helps. I’ve made some minor edits that make it a bit more stream lined. But over all same process.

[@stevie9361]

If any one is having problems with button, this is what i do. On my button i like to have it set where I slightly let my right hand grip less, while im pushing my left hand foward. It gives a nice surprise release. Its something you can repeat

[@garygendreau4282]

I do have to echo the comment before, beautifully explained. You have an amazing shot, dang!!!!! it made me relax about my trainwreck of a shot process just watching you. I'm in the process of switching from my beloved wrist release which I've been shooting for 15 years to a thumb button and it's really unnerving to say the least. Watching and listening to you gave me some confidence about switching. Thanks so much for your video.

[@walderman55]

Dude thank you for that encouragement. Means a lot. But I still have a ways to go. I’m glad the video helped you out. That’s one of my goals in making these videos. So what made you switch from the wrist to a thumb? What’s your hope in switching?

[@garygendreau4282]

@@walderman55 target panic is the biggest reason. It's like my index finger is hard wired to shoot once the pin crosses the target. and I can let the pin settle and sit there with a hinge and a button. Problem is is that I am so comfortable with the wrist release that the minute I flub up or feel shakey with the button, out comes the wrist release. also there is this weird feeling when I shoot my wrist release that kinda mentally feels like a cheek to stock weld on a rifle. So that mentally keeps me going back also.

[@walderman55]

So you want to use the thumb because it’s different and the hope is that it will get you out of target panic. But right when you use the thumb and it feels uncomfortable you go back to the index? Forgive me if I sound dumb, I just want to confirm what I’m understand. Because my next thought is how are you defining target panic and what do you actually feel is the cause?

[@garygendreau4282]

@@walderman55 No you don't sound dumb, you're spot on. I know it sounds crazy, that's because it is. Same way with everything that involves change. read about the stages of change. Big reason why addicts stay addicted, the uncomfortable feeling they feel when quitting what is normal to them, has them going back time and time again. So, yeah when it feels like I make a bad shot, I go back to what feels normal. Target panic in my situation feels like drive-by shooting. When the pin floats past center, I don't necessarily punch the trigger, but i pull my whole arm straight back. With a thumb I can let the pin sit, settle, float somewhat and then I start work the trigger on the the thumb or the rotation of the hinge. With a button or a hinge, I don't feel the "now" or the yips as I've heard them called. It call comes down to having a different process or at least small differences to the shot process with handhelds versus the wrist release. The cause? I don't really know where the "now" feeling comes from.

[@walderman55]

@ dude I love it. That all makes perfect sense. And I get it. This also may sound dumb but next time you shoot. I’d say go back to what feels good. The wrist strap and draw back with your finger behind the trigger which I’m sure you already do. But before you find anchor I’d pinch hard on the body of the release just behind the trigger so you can’t make it go off. Then go through your process and act as if you are going to shoot but have your finger still behind the trigger. Find a place of aim and actually feel yourself shooting your shot. Then right after that in the same draw cycle. Repeat the process of settling your pin without letting down. But this time actually allow your self to shoot. The first time through is encourage you to feel your body and listen to your mind. That way you can identify the actual break down. The next time through try to walk through the shot but at the point you feel that break down decide to stay calm. That’s if I can give advice. 😆 😂 I just know when I felt the boogie man on my back i had to sit back and make a concession decision to figure out what just happened and then work my way back into shooting my shot the way I want to actual shoot it. This may be totally against archery 1on1 out there but from my own experience of shooting. Before I had the vocabulary of target panic. I did this very thing and it helped me get back into my shot. Also makes me feel confident that I can be over thinking or under thinking but still execute a solid shot. If you try it let me know if it helps you. Or if you already have tried this. What other drills have you tried?

[@kgreen175]

excellent stream of thoughts that carried a lot of meaning and valuable info!

[@walderman55]

I'm glad there was some value there for you. I've actually recently changed some of my thoughts on my shot process. But either way the fun part about all of this is that it's so individual I'm not sure there is a true right and wrong! Thanks for watching.

[@EverittArcheryJourney]

This is good video for people that don't understand a shot process

[@walderman55]

Thank you man I appreciate that. The cool thing is, no one has the perfect process. We all will have our own unique parts. But we only lock it in with consistent practice.

[@joshuadouglasarchery]

Just found the channel! Love the content and what you bring as far as personality! Subbed!

[@walderman55]

Dude thanks man! I definitely appreciate that. It's definitely fun to make the videos.

[@TripA8192]

Great breakdown bro! Do you relax your thumb and create a pull through motion/sensation? Or do you push your trigger with your thumb? If that makes sense

[@walderman55]

Thanks bro, I really appreciate your encouragement, To answer your question, I have to assume I’m already at the point of when I personally put my thumb on the trigger and have started my shot process in activating the actual release. I personally operate by applying pressure in all areas of my back side (shoulder elbow and hand) to activate my release. So I build tension in all those areas and when I feel solid about my pin float I speed the pressure up in my thumb to then activate the button. (I.E, punch it! 🥊) even though I'm not a fan of that terminology. Regarding the other method of activation (relax rotate thing) For me to maintain tension while try to relax one part of that system feels awkward and wrong. It feels like I’m trying to drive in two direction in my brain which I’m not. A fan of. So I try to maintain a steady flow of traffic mentally which to me is all tension! all go! which is calming for my brain. Also helps me hold way more steady. I think that’s because I can simplify my mental conversation in my head to “front to back” when the conversation flows in that direction I know its going to be a good shot.

[@centermass1976]

Great content William!

[@walderman55]

Man thank you! I appreciate that!

[@andrewkelly6909]

Tension and direction.

[@walderman55]

I like that! That's great way to out it. I'm going to keep that!

[@thomasvanderhoff768]

Love the video.

[@walderman55]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@barbellsandbowhunting]

Nice shots 🙌

[@walderman55]

Thanks man. Been working on it a lot.

[@Marco-te3mp]

Whoa great vid. Thanks

[@walderman55]

Thank you. I hope it helped you in some way for sure.

[@andrewfernandez8330]

Question; Looking at your shoulders not being directly over your hips, do you think you might be a little long on your draw length? Or could it be the camera angle? Im stepping my mod down on my V3X 33 because they run about .5 inches long. Might play around with the Austins Archer NBS draw stops too for tweaking it as well.

[@walderman55]

Dude that’s a great question. I’m honestly not 100% sure. I can say with some certainty, that when I shoot on flat ground I don’t tend to be that far back behind my hips. With where I cut in the range behind my house, on a steady incline, but the target is still at eye level, so I tend to compensate with my body to maintain a stable platform. Almost feels like I’m shooting up hill when I’m shooting at 20yds. Other distances at closer to flat ground. I’m Not sure if that’s technically right but for me when I do that I can stay relaxed and focused on my upper body feeling spread apart rather then jammed up in my upper body which I don’t like. I actually tried the 31 draw at the shop on flat ground and I felt crazy tight in my upper body. So last thing and I’ll be done. Haha but I also have been messing with my d loop length a bit, especially with my string issues as of late. So who knows, maybe I went a bit long this time. I love a long d loop So to be honest, “I don’t know”, is my final answer. Just figuring it out one day at a time. And enjoying the journey.

[@andrewfernandez8330]

@@walderman55 A journey it is indeed. There are so many tiny details that change our holds, our shots etc and dang I cant wait till all of that is sorted out because it can kind of mess with your confidence in your shot. Thanks for the content and the response. Great shooting

[@walderman55]

@@andrewfernandez8330 man thanks for your feedback. I appreciate your question. I like forcing my self to think through those details. It allows me to simplify it all after the details have been worked out. And man thanks for watching. It’s fun making it.

[@phantomcruizer]

@@walderman55Get with a measuring arrow at a range or shop to definitively find out.

[@onwardupward9695]

I am trying the clicker, but I actually like your process behind the thumb barrel mental note. I am concerned with the clicker’s noise in a blind or stand. I may end up with a normal thumb button.

[@walderman55]

Dude I feel you. But honest I think the noise of the clicker would probably be okay. So if it’s something that makes you shoot better I’d say stick with it and run it. I mean I’d at least try it before you cut the idea out completely. One missed opportunity won’t be the end of the world. But the knowledge gained from the experience would be priceless. Not that opportunities come that often for me. But long term I like to know for my self and not deal in hypotheticals. And I’m glad you like the process. I’ve actually simplified my process a bit more since this video. I need to do an update on it. Thanks for watching though man.

[@onwardupward9695]

@ I was worried too about the sound, but you can barely hear it. It sounds loud next to your ear, but when you hold it away from you, it is almost inaudible. I will comeback and update though, if I notice deer hearing it. Cheers! What it has done for my ability to pull higher poundage and alignment with no bicep tendon soreness is undeniable. I am 54 and feel I can pull this for several more years.

[@walderman55]

@ dude definitely do that. I’d love to hear actual hands on experience. Good luck on the year. Looking forward to the update

[@onwardupward9695]

@@walderman55 Click not even heard it is so light. Hehe! Shot a small 8 point with a 32 yd heart shot, pass through both shoulders. Mathews V3X 73 lbs, 29” draw and 510 grn arrow, Wasp Hammer SST 100 grn broadhead.

[@walderman55]

@@onwardupward9695dude let’s freaking go!!!! That’s awesome man. I love to hear that it went well. Congrats that’s sick! And dude nice set up!

[@Marco-te3mp]

What length of stabilizer would you recommend for Halon X comp. New shooter(9 months)

[@walderman55]

I'd always start with application. And go from there. not that I'm an expert. Just a few conversation and a lot of KZbin lol But that being said. What is your actual application going to be for the most part?

[@CowboyOutdoorz]

💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@walderman55]

✊🏾💪🏾✊🏾💪🏾

[@eslayin]

🔥🔥

[@walderman55]

✊🏾

[@billymcmillen202]

What release do you use?

[@walderman55]

I use the Tru-Ball Goat. Medium. I prefer a smaller release. I feel that it locks in to my hand a bit better compared to the large. Not that you asked for the extra 😆

[@billymcmillen202]

@@walderman55 I appreciate the extra! Lol. My First and only thumb release that I’ve shot is the Tru-ball Boss X which I love, but it’s more for tournaments, has a loud click when you fire and no wrist strap, so not ideal for hunting. So I purchased a Tru-ball Max Pro because it has the same frame with a wrist strap and no click, but I’m not able to get the trigger sensitivity where I want it. After punching myself in the face three times, I’ve decided to look for a different release. Lol. Might try a three finger. Any suggestions? Thanks! I subscribed to your channel, looking forward to your content.

[@walderman55]

​ @billymcmillen202 If you like the extra, I'll answer this question in full. But before I do, please remember I have limited experience since I'm still fairly new to the sport (about 4 years). I definitely think deeply about all the gear I've tried out but my scope of practice isn't all that big. That being said, if you like the Boss X I say keep it even with the lack of a wrist strap whole and the loud noise. My goat doesn't have a technical hole for a wrist strap but I put the rope through where the thumb button connects and it works like a charm. I actually made a video on the topic. "Why a thumb button is better" (Side note: The new Goat releases have holes in them for a wrist strap. But I have the older model). Regarding the noise, I have yet to have a deer jump my string or the click and I've harvested about 10 deer with it in the 2 years of owning it. So maybe I've been lucky but overall, it's been solid for me. Now if you want to get a new release because you want to try some stuff out that has a very nice trigger. I am also all for that. So if it's not clear, I am a big fan of the Goat of course and don't see myself switching from it. Every time I try something else I go back to it and fall in love. I also really like the triggers in the Stan Perfex releases if I am honest. And they have holes for a wrist strap built in if that is what you are looking for. However, the form factor is a bit too skinny for my hand so for long term use it doesn't sit in my hand exactly like I want it to. But that being said, they can get pretty sensitive and have a really crips break. Now, I waited to find the Stan on the used market for my wife. But it was a real upgrade from her other release. So long story short. - Tru-Ball Goat (newer model with the wrist strap connection. - Stan Perfex (heavy metal)

[@eclipsearchery9387]

You are leaning back quite a bit. This is a less stable position than having your weight equally balanced over the feet. It takes effort and adds variables.

[@walderman55]

Good looking out man.

[@eclipsearchery9387]

@@walderman55 No problem. It can be an easy habit to fall into and not notice. :)