Whats next for 2013?

I have been considering what I want to do for 2013. I maybe changing jobs soon, and it may have an impact on my shooting time. At very least, I may not have regular shooting slots any more. So, I need to have a way of just being able to shoot with no frills.

Last season, I shot a lot of FITA Field, including un-marked, and is an area I need to improve to be good at it. However, I just need to spend my time shooting, so unmarked will take a step back this year. I will focus on EFAA shoots, as I enjoy the precision nature of the Field and Hunter rounds, and marked 3D. This way, I just turn up and shoot good shots.

I have also decided to make a "guest" appearance at the Surrey Target Champs this year as a one off. By the time the shoot comes around in July, I wont have shot a FITA in two years. I wont practice hard for it, I will just get some sight marks and maybe shoot a few ends at 90m in the weeks leading up to it. Then we will see what happens...

I did have a go at 90m today though on a 80cm FITA Field face. After getting a sight mark, which involved pulling the sight all the way in a messing around with the windage, I shot a rather nice group!

Sussex Champs and EFAA 3D National Champs

I shot an unmarked FITA Field PB by one point at the Sussex Champs (374). Was fairly pleased with my days shooting, I had a strong second half. However, again, I got the face size wrong (60/80cm) and also set the wrong sight mark on one target. I need to be more professional if I am going to succeed at FITA field.

Next up was the EFAA National 3D Champs. I saw this as a bit of fun, which helped, because I came top of the AMUL category. I am a national champion for the first time ever! The first day score was pretty decent, with a 532 for the 3D Precision round. The next day, I maxed out the Big Game round (as did the whole top group). The Supra and the Protours shot amazingly well over the two days.

I must admit I am getting excited about 3D archery. This was all marked, but it was still a real challenge, especially when it came to aiming and working out where the scoring zones are. It's something I intend to do more of. The ultimate will be unmarked 3D, but one step at a time...

Here are some pictures of me shooting and collecting my medal. Thanks to Gary, Tony and Martin for being great group companions over the two days (and well done to Tony and Martin on their placings as well). Photos by Matthew Murdoch.

EFAC is off!

Been totting up the cost of going to the EFAC comp in Hungary next year. Its was getting expensive with the need to buy decent cases for the bow and equipment to fly it over.

Alas, I have had to knock it on the head. Shame because I would have love to have shot it.

So, my plans for next year have changed. I want to pursue IFAA shooting but on harder courses. So I will take a look at the Welsh Field Master tour, which is held over 5 one days shoots through the year, to see if that offers the level of challenge I am looking for. Then of course, there are the  FITA Field comps that also offer plenty of slopes.

Progress so far...and what of the future?

Well its been a while since my last post. As I have said before, I have cut down my blogging and general archery related forum activity to focus on actually shooting.

Since my first forays into field, I have done a few more FITA field comps and have joined the EFAA.

Firstly, the FITA field comps have been mixed. The SCAS individual champs started OK on the first day, but a miss (shot the wrong bunny!) meant I missed out on a PB. Then on the second day I made the fatal mistake of switching to the hinge release. Less said about that score the better!

Last week I attended the SCAS Regional Field Champs at Fort Purbrook. A fantasic venue; shooting of the fort, in the tunnels and corridoors. Conditions were tough; windy outside and dark and gloomy inside. But this is what field is all about for me. The scores were not great, but I did enough to help Surrey win the SCAS compound team champs (along with Dave Morris of Nonsuch Bowmen).

Some lessons have come out of this. Some euqipment releated (specifically drawlength on my new bow), but also my field craft on the unmarked is still under par, but that will come with time and experience.

Finally, I joined the EFAA this year and have attended three shoots, two of those classification shoots. Being an avid watcher and follower of the Pro Archery Series, I wanted to shoot the same rounds and get a small taste of it. In my first two classification shoots I have gained the higest classification possible, Supreme Field Master. I have also done my first 3D shoot, which was fantastic fun.

The discovery of the different field disciplines has reinforced my desire to pursue field archery long term. I have booked into the EFAA National Champs and EFAA 3D Champs, and I will look forward to those. After that is the Surrey Field Champs, which I will be working hard to do well in this year.

First FITA Field shoots...a good start

Since my last post I have shot my first FITA Field shoots, at Pentref and Overton (British Field Champs). Both were difficult courses, with very tough but contrasting weather. Pentref was very wet and windy, whilst Overton was very windy but stinking hot.

Whilst with field its about shooting the course, not the score like target, I am pleased that I have not disgraced myself. The unmarked at Pentref was 373 (day 2 was cut short due to weather, then even more so due to equipment failure), and at Overton, I shot 353 (unmarked - VERY windy on the top ridge) and 373 again for the marked (VERY hot). The two 373's are just a shade under MB; for two hard courses that's a good start.

Both shoots, especially at Overton, I made classic field craft errors which cost me a lot of points, which will get ironed out as I gain experience. The marked score at the British Champs was especially pleasing, as taking into account just the second day scores I would have been in third place, ahead of one or two established international field archers. Despite the blistering heat and challenging slopes I shot some really strong stuff. Overall I finished 8th out of 30 gents compounder's.

Next up are the Northampton Field Champs, a seemingly flat course so a chance to improve on my current scores, but nothing is easy!

Will I go back to target? Not at this rate...enjoying this FAR too much!

Some field action!

Haven't posted for a while, deliberately as I try an focus more on shooting than writing. As its Winter, time for shooting is a little sparse, and I am only getting about 150 to 200 arrows per week. I am not that worried too much yet, as I am continuing the weights and this is keeping me strong. I have decided to take part in the Winter Field Archery League (WFAL). I have always fancied doing some field shoots, and having done two Foresters rounds, I have got the bug and want to have a crack at FITA Field. Why? Well to keep things interesting rather than spend all Winter shooting at 18m indoors or 90m outside. My priority is still target, so I will not sacrifice the long distances too much, but I believe in doing something different to keep the motivation levels up, and to continue with a level of competition other than just indoor comps. I shot my first FITA Field on Sunday, shooting two 12 target marked rounds (WFAL rules). I put in two solid scores of 181 and 189, not too bad for my first go. I was pleased with my form on the second circuit, and some great shots. I must however ensure I have a coherent plan for the Winter, so I don't drift around and not make progress. I have rested a little over the path two months, but its now time to start ramping things up a little.

First real low and some lessons learnt

I shot another practice FITA this weekend in preparation for next weekend's FITA Star. It was a little windy and I knew shooting the hinge would cause some mis-aimed shots.

However, I allowed the breeze to affect the shot too much; becoming tense whilst I fought the dot into the middle which made things worse and I really did not shoot as well as I could, and should.

In the end I put in 1330 (313/339/329/349). The 70m distance was pretty good, as was 90m considering, but 50m and especially 30m was not well shot. I forgot the basic principles of shooting.

In fact I was so unhappy with 30m I shot a dozen @ 30m again, this time really applying myself, and put in 120. It proves that regardless of the weather, being relaxed but strong in the shot will return a good score.

However in hindsight this was a good lesson. It proves that even when I really do not shoot my best, and the weather is not great, I can still shoot a solid MB level score. However I am lacking a bit of confidence and need a good solid FITA Star to settle any doubts that I can shoot good scores with the hinge under competition pressures. Lets hope for good weather this weekend.

Shooting the hinge; more practice PB's and my first competition

Have shot a new practice PB of 686 for a 70m 720. Some really great shots, some mistakes still but it felt really good. Also coupled with a slight tweak to my stabilisation to move the COG forward a little.

I shot the hinge on the first day of the Surrey FITA weekend, on the 70m 720. Conditions were far from ideal, and got blow off for a 4 and 6 on two ends. However, it showed real promise in hard conditions, and without those gusts I would have been close the to leaders.

Unfortunately the first day was abandoned due to the weather, and was unable to make the FITA due to family issues. I now look forward to the Andover FITA Star, hopefully the weather will be calm and I can really test my progress at competition level.

Practice FITA

Shot a 1359 (324/337/343/355) FITA in practice today. Was nervous, stupid really in practice, but I guess its the anticipation of shooting so well with the hinge recently I am getting ahead of myself. I didn't shoot that well, far too much tension but when I did force myself to relax the shots were great.

50m was brilliant, putting in a practice PB of 343; shot when relaxed and letting the dot float around the gold. This distance has really improved for me over the last 6 months, and has been really strong.

The Surrey Champs are this weekend. I have two days before hand to practice and get together my form. I know if I shoot my best, and am not nervous I can put in a big score. Even today, with nerves and not so good form I can still shoot a good score, so I have nothing to be nervous about! All I need to think about is the 1350 I shot at the UK Masters and draw on that confidence.

More PB's and re-gained my MB

A lot has happened in the last week. I shot the Middlesex County Champs, the SCAS FITA Star and this week end at the UK Masters.

Middlesex was interesting weather, with really tricky winds. I was not at my best but shot a 1210 York and 1324 FITA to put in two early MB scores. Both rounds had bad patches but I went back to basics and really pulled them around. Whilst I was disappointed with shooting badly at times, I am really pleased with my mental strength and application to not let it affect me and work the problem. The highlight of the weekend was my 342 @ 50 on the FITA which is a competition PB. With both scores I finished 1st in the Middlesex champs (as visitor but also overall for the gents compound), and 2nd in the FITA.

This weekend was the UK Masters, and I was hoping for a comfortable MB score to complete the three scores needed, and I did that, just missing out on a GMB score by two points (1350). I started nervously, but shot 323 @ 90m. 70m was still a little nervy, but finished on 336 for a competition PB. 50m started well with a 114 and 113 dozen, but a sloppy 108 left a lot to do to hit GMB. I needed 358 to get GMB on the nose. I started with a 119 and 120 dozen, but then a sloppy 117 meant I was short. However, I did get to claim my 1350 Star badge. I finished 30m on 356, still a competition PB. Overall I am very pleased with my performance but there are still a lot of avoidable points being dropped.

The Saturday was the 50m 720 and H2H. I was very windy and I struggled with a 651. The H2H went OK, winning my first round and then narrowly missing out in the next round to a GB Squad member, which I pushed hard until the last three arrows were the wind ended my chances of an upset.

So overall, its been a good week, but there is still room for improvement and I am sure it will come.

Meriden FITA Star

I shot a new competition PB of 1344 (327/329/334/354), but could have had more.

This round was a mix of brilliant shooting coupled with very poor shooting. 70m was a mixture of 57/58's and 51/53's.

Looking through my score card I chucked away at least 25 easy points.

But, on the positive side, my 90m was great, and a new competition distance PB and 50m was new competition distance PB, as well as being a very comfortable MB score.

I have my last outdoor shoot of the year next week at the Inter-counties, and I hope to bring it all together and shoot well. Just need to concentrate and focus harder.

Andover Double FITA Star - Got my MB!

I went into this shoot knowing if the weather was good I could get my MB for the first time ever. My practice scores up until now had been huge (GMB level), so I had it in me for a good competition score.

Whilst the weather was not ideal, I shot 1330 and 1321 over the two days. Coupled with my 1206 York earlier in the season I had got the three scores I needed. However with the 1206 York it was on the nose, so I want to get a few more comfortable ones to really feel I have earn't it.

Over the two days I also shot three distance PB's; 320 @ 90m, 332 @ 50m and 354 @ 30m. The 50m and 30m were especially pleasing as I have struggled of late (although I shot a PB @ 50m last week). The 30m is probably my best moment. The wind really started to get up but I was really strong in the shot and focused hard and it got me through a very tricky wind.

Overall I am pleased. I have my MB with 5 shoots to spare left this year. It was my goal two years ago when I started compound to get to MB this year, and I have worked hard and its paid off.

My next goal is to try and get as close to GMB as possible, as I have been shooting GMB level scores at the club. I know I can technically do it and that the bow can deliver the arrows where they are aimed. I have not set a goal for GMB, it has always been something I felt was two years away from this season. We will see...!

SCAS/Bedford Double FITA Star

A week after shooting a 1361 in practice, I went into this confident, if the weather was good I could shoot a good score. However, again I was faced with very strong winds and things could not have started worse.

The first end at 90m was a 43. This has to be the worst end I have ever shot. A combination of gusts and simply forgetting how to shoot meant I was facing a real battle. However, I dug deep and managed to get to 302 for the 90m distance. Anything over 300 is very important and gets you on your way to at least 1300.

70m started fantastically. I drilled in a 58, including three x's. Each shot was almost perfect, timed wonderfully. The rest of the distance was OK, but I shot a disappointing 51 to bring in a reasonable 328. At this stage, surprisingly I was third.

I shot a competition PB of 328 for the 50m distance, and this was solid but with two very poor 7's.

By the time the 30m distance started the wind was very strong and this started badly, with a 56. I dropped points throughout most of the ends, until the last nine arrows. The second to last end I shot a 10, 9 and 8, and this frankly angered me, and so I really went for it and tried to almost pull the bow in half and smashed in nine consecutive 10's to finish on a below par 347, with an overall score of 1305.

This was a frustrating day. When the wind died down I shot some awesome shots, but as soon as the wind got up I fought it and shot poorly.

To take some positives from this I would say the bad start at 90m could have really killed my confidence. However I dug deep and hauled it back. Also I did shoot some great shots, and the finish at 30m was one of the best I have had in such conditions. I suppose to get over 1300 is good considering the weather.

However, I did get sloppy and could have had more points, and my second MB. I look forward to the day when I actually get to shoot in calm conditions!

I was due to shoot the second day, but after getting up at 5:15am, I really didn't feel that great and so opted to stay in bed and rest. Shame as I was in third but a rest hopefully will set me up for the Andover FITA Star next week.

New practice FITA PB

Just got back from the club where I shot a complete practice FITA for the first time on over a year (very poor going). I have shot plenty of Long/Short Metric rounds and 3 doz at each distance but have never found the time to bring them all together.

I ended up shooting 1361 (330/338/339/354) under timed conditions, in very hot weather with a light to medium breeze.

I didn't have my counter to do the good shot percentage, but I would estimate it would have been around 50% to 60%.

So, I know I can shoot well within competition time constraints. Its all down to having the right conditions on the day and getting into the right frame of mind, i.e. shooting good shots and not worrying about the score.

If I continue to shoot under timed conditions, then I am sure I will convince myself that I can do it at competition.

Salisbury FITA

I have just arrived home from a very wet and windy FITA down in Salisbury. The round was dogged with blustery winds and torrential rain at some points, so much so that the shoot was stopped for 10 minutes at one point.

I finished on a respectable 1305, and came second overall, behind the winner who shot an outstanding 1362.

When the wind was not blowing, I was hooting some fantastic ends. At 90m, I shot ends of 56, 55, 54, but when the wind blew I was down to 48's, 47's. At the end of 90m I had 310 points.

70m was poor, and finished on 321, again fighting the wind on the first dozen to only score 104. 50m was no better, and I finished on 324, despite opening with a 5 where the wind blew me off the gold when the shot went off.

30m was OK, but by this time the rain was relentless, and I posted a 350.

It was pleasing to hit over 1300 in such conditions, but a few of the shots were snatched at due to the wind, which is not a good situation to be in. Its also a good score as its the first FITA I have shot since September last year, so in good conditions I think a 1320/1330 would be achievable given the form I showed today.