Shoot More, Burn Out Less: How to Create a Sustainable Practice Setup

“Dud, how do you put in thousands of shots without burning out?”

I get this question constantly, and the answer usually surprises people. And no, it’s not grinding through marathon practice sessions until my fingers bleed.

I’ve created an environment that makes me want to practice. My archery oasis is a dedicated sanctuary that removes barriers and turns shooting into an activity I look forward to rather than a chore I dread.

This approach has changed my practice routine and improved my prep for hunting season. It’ll do the same for you.

Building Your Practice Sanctuary

My archery oasis isn’t complicated, but it’s intentional.

I’ve designed a comfortable spot in my backyard where all my equipment is within arm’s reach. Hydration, tools, comfort, and convenience all work together to keep me shooting.

The components are simple:

• Shade cover (I use a large umbrella)
• Small table for needed items
• Hydration (I like the JOCKO Hydrate Drinks from JOCKO FUEL. They taste great and keep me shooting)
• Basic tools (Allen wrenches, scissors, sight tapes)
• Camera setup to review form
• Distance markers (small traffic cones)
• Shot counter for tracking progress

This setup might make me seem like a prima donna, but there’s tactical reasoning behind every element:

• The shade keeps me comfortable so I can focus on my form rather than squinting in the sun
• Having tools nearby means I can make micro-adjustments without interrupting my flow
• My distance markers provide consistency in practice conditions
• The shot counter provides tangible evidence of progress

Most importantly, this dedicated space is a visual trigger. When I see my setup, my brain shifts into practice mode. It turns “Should I practice today?” into “I’ll just shoot a few arrows while I’m out here.”

The Sustainable Practice Strategy

My approach to getting those numbers in is built around sustainability, not sheer volume in any single session.

Here’s how I structure my practice:

1. Shoot until mental focus fades (that varies each day)
2. Take a short break to hydrate and reset
3. Track your shots with a counter
4. Distribute practice throughout the day rather than completing in one long session. This isn’t always an option if you work from an office, but you can certainly replicate it on a weekend.

This morning-midday-evening approach accomplishes several goals:

1. It eliminates the physical and mental fatigue that leads to poor form
2. It creates multiple opportunities to refine muscle memory rather than one daily block that your body might forget
3. It makes high volume achievable without sacrificing quality

I come out first thing in the morning and shoot a few. Then, I’ll do some in the evening. These are the times when the wind is at its lowest. If there’s a lull in the middle of the day, I’ll perform the same routine.

This system’s beauty is its flexibility. Some days I might get 100 shots in across three sessions; other days, only 30. But the consistency of touching my bow every day matters more than hitting an arbitrary number.

Integrating Practice Into Family Life

My oasis approach also integrates with family time.

My family is often relaxing nearby while I’m shooting.This setup allows me to be present at home while still getting my practice in. No more choosing between family and archery!

I can shoot a quick end of 10 arrows, click my counter, take a break to check in with the family, then return for another round when it’s appropriate. My practice isn’t an isolated activity that pulls me away from home for hours.

This integration also removes the guilt that often accompanies lengthy practice sessions away from family. When archery practice doesn’t conflict with family time, you’ll practice more consistently, which means you’ll perform better when it matters.

Tracking Progress: The Power of Numbers

The simple green tally counter I keep at my practice station might be the most powerful tool in my arsenal. Currently reading 4,545 shots, it’s evidence of my commitment and progress.

After each successful arrow, hearing that click and watching the number increase is proof that I’m putting in the work. Over time, this creates a powerful feedback loop where seeing the growing number motivates more practice, which boosts the number further.

This tracking method also gives you data that correlates with performance improvements. When I’m drilling the 10-ring consistently at 40 yards, I can look at my counter and know exactly how many arrows it took to reach that level of proficiency.

This builds confidence when I’m prepping for hunting season because I know exactly how much work I’ve invested.

The Results: Hunting Readiness

The measure of any practice system is results. This approach delivers.

By eliminating friction, making practice enjoyable, and distributing the workload across multiple daily sessions, I put in reps without mental burnout or physical strain. The comfortable environment promotes quality practice, which means I perform effectively in the field.

When I’m at full draw on a bull elk after hiking miles into the backcountry, my body doesn’t know it’s not in my backyard practice sanctuary. It executes the shot sequence I’ve ingrained through thousands of comfortable, focused repetitions.

Start Small, Build Consistently

You don’t need an elaborate setup to begin. Start with the basics:

1. Find a comfortable shooting location (flat footing is key)
2. Add shade if possible
3. Keep water or other hydration drinks and basic tools nearby
4. Track your shots (even with a simple notepad)
5. Break practice into smaller, more frequent sessions

As you build consistency, you can refine your setup to better suit your needs. The goal isn’t to create the perfect practice environment but to remove barriers to consistent practice.

Build your archery oasis, embrace the sustainable practice approach, and watch your shot count (and your skills!) steadily climb.