Exploring Target Panic and Performance Psychology Methods to Mitigate Target Panic in Archery Athletes

Target panic refers to the inability to shoot confidently and accurately. In the world of competitive archery, “target panic” is a particular type of performance block that impacts over 90% of archers. Despite extensive research, a definitive cause for target panic’s various manifestations is still elusive. However, performance blocks in athletes are well-studied. Performance blocks are psychological and neurological barriers that prevent athletes from performing at a high level. Drawing on insights from research on performance blocks and anxiety sensitivity and disorders, this study reviews different psychological factors contributing to target panic, including perfectionism, anxiety sensitivity, and traumatic experiences. The paper additionally explores interventions to help cure target panic and performance blocks, such as SPT drills, imagery training, self-talk, cognitive-based techniques, and mindfulness-based interventions. SPT drills coupled with imagery training were effective in training muscle memory and confidence in archers. Mindfulness-based interventions helped with concentration. Cognitive-based techniques such as self-talk helped archers boost their confidence and ability to overcome anxiety and high forms of stress. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of addressing the physical and cognitive dimensions of archery performance to manage performance blocks and target panic effectively.