Goals & References

Classification

This topic is part of the "Shooting & Getting Better" section.
It builds on stance, draw, and anchor point and describes how to aim correctly.

Basic Principle of Aiming

Aiming does not mean "holding it somewhere." Aiming means always establishing the same relationship between eye, band, and target.

This relationship only occurs if:

  • Stance remains consistent

  • Draw remains consistent

  • Anchor point remains consistent

The sight picture is the result of this consistency, not its cause.

Aiming with OTT (Over The Top)

With OTT band setup, the bands run above the fork.

Typical Reference

  • The upper part of the fork serves as an aiming point

The fork is aligned so that this reference always maintains the same relationship to the target. Depending on the distance, this aiming point on the fork may vary.

Aiming with TTF (Through The Fork)

With TTF band setup, the bands run through the fork, or around the fork.

Typical Reference

  • The center of the band line serves as an orientation

  • The target is aligned along this imaginary line

Difference between OTT vs. TTF in the Sight Picture

No method is "better." The crucial factor is which method you feel more comfortable with. It might be that TTF seems a bit "easier" at first because you can use the target precisely in the middle of the band as a reference.

Ultimately, you need to try both methods and decide for yourself what is best for your individual circumstances.

Focus of Gaze when Aiming

The gaze remains:

  • on the target

  • focused on a tiny detail

  • unchanged during the draw

Switching between band, fork, and target:

  • destabilizes the sight picture

  • leads to unconscious corrections

Try to fixate on the smallest possible target:

  • A fiber on the spinner
  • Letters on the tin can
  • A specific pixel on the target sheet

Try to "narrow" your focus. For example, don't aim at the entire can, but at a specific part of a letter you want to hit.

Focus Zone 1 - Entire can is fixated

Focus Zone 2 - Focus becomes "narrower"

Focus Zone 3 - A small detail is focused on and hit

Example image:

  • You do not want to hit the can
  • You do not want to hit a letter
  • You want to shoot into the upper circle of the "A"!

Typical Practice Errors

  • Aiming without a fixed anchor point

  • changing reference points

  • jumping focus

Correct Approach

It is useful to:

  • choose a band setup that feels comfortable

  • define a clear reference point

  • maintain this over many shots

If the sight picture:

  • appears calm

  • is reproducible

  • arises without conscious thought

the aiming system is stable.

Classification in the Learning Path

With a clear sight picture and stable references,
the next step is about the moment of release.

➡️ Continue to: Pouch, Release & Follow-Through