Picture: A picture of a wall in my office.
I owe a lot of what I have been able to accomplish in the archery "industry" to a good friend named Tony. Tony worked at a local bow shot in Chattanooga, TN. and was a huge part in getting me my first sponsors and contracts with bow manufacturers. He opened the door for me and it has played a big part in being able to do the ministry I am doing today. When I think of Tony I think of recurves. Tony was a dead-eye with his recurve. He would shoot in the shop and show me all kinds of trick shots and shots on moving targets. My favorite shot was when he would ricochet his arrow off the floor – up off the side wall – and it would end up sticking in the target. I have come to meet a few other guys who are great instinctive shooters and I have the greatest respect them and their abilities. This year I am determined to fill one of my tags with my longbow.
Field Tip: Instinctive bow shooting is defined as shooting without aid of aiming devices or points of reference. In its pure form, instinctive shooting is performed just as you'd throw a stone or a ball — by looking at what you want to hit, and letting her fly. The key to accurate instinctive shooting is intense concentration with both your eyes and the muscles that direct your arrow. For this key to work, you must have established the fundamentals of bow shooting — a consistent and workable stance, hold, draw, release, and follow-through, as well as the right mental approach.
Tony would also say that the secret to instinctive shooting was to always focus on your target.
Life Tip: During the crucifixion of Christ there were many soldiers involved in the process. There were soldiers who stripped Him and beat Him. There were soldiers who nailed Him to the cross. There were soldiers who gambled for His clothes. There was a soldier who pierced His side with his spear. But there was one soldiers who was given the task of keeping his eyes on Jesus while He hung on the cross. Mark 15:39 says "And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard His cry and saw how He died, he said, 'Surely this man was the Son of God'". The one who had his eyes on Jesus was shown the truth. What are you focused on today? What do you have your sights set on?
