Like many other traditional archers, counting before releasing was the first intervention I tried in an effort to cure my target panic. I had developed a premature release some weeks earlier, and after a bit of research, decided to begin counting to three once I came to a full draw. I felt that this would give me plenty of time to concentrate on the target before releasing. I assumed that this first of what would become many attempts to cure my target panic wouldn't be difficult, and that I would have the problem whipped in a few days.

With a good deal of confidence I arrived at the range for my first attempt to cure my affliction. I performed my usual five-minute warm-up and then got down to business. I prepared to take my first shot at about ten yards. I drew my bow to full draw and as soon as I began counting I knew I was in trouble. The urge to shoot was simply too overpowering. I counted to about one and a half before releasing ?nay flinching. The wayward arrow was a clear sign that I had a long road ahead of me.I completely underestimated the power of target panic. While shooting, it was almost as if someone else had control of my body.

I spent the next four weeks practicing the counting method. I got to the point where I could hold for a three count pretty consistently from twenty yards. The problem was that I could still feel the target panic. The urge to release was still there. The only difference was that I was able, through sheer willpower and near daily practice, to hold the wolves at bay until the count of three. Clearly, this was no real cure, and I certainly couldn't practice like this indefinitely. Eventually the excessive mental tension of shooting this way wore me down. I gave it up and was back where I started four weeks prior.

I learned that if I constantly worked at it, counting might be a way to temporarily fight the overwhelming urge to shoot, but it is only a band-aid. It doesn't really get rid of the problem. And this just wasn't good enough for me. I wanted a real cure ? where I could hold without mental tension and release when I wanted to.

The other hurdle to get over is shooting in pressure situations ?something I hadn't tried (at the time). Counting is hard enough when shooting alone in your garage or on an empty range, but in front of others or in hunting situations target panic is known to intensify.

I wanted a cure that I could count on; one that I didn't have to think about anymore. I wanted the freedom of holding and releasing when I wanted to. Otherwise, traditional archery becomes a struggle. I eventually found what I was looking for several years later using a technique called the Push Release that enables you to hold without that urge to release. It also allows you to consciously decide when to release the arrow.