ApplyDamage Error

I am trying to get my MecaAnim character to attack my player, so far ive got it to work but the problem I cant figure out is that im only getting damaged when im behind the enemy.. help please lol

         float distance = Vector3.Distance(shootTarget.position, myTransform.position);
 
              
             // If close enought to shoot a laser beam in the target person
             if (distance <= shootDistance) 
             {
                 shootTarget.gameObject.SendMessage("ApplyDamage", 5.0F);
                 int rand = UnityEngine.Random.Range(0, 50);    
                 animator.SetBool(AttackParameterName, rand == 20);
                 idleAfterShootingTimeCounter = idleTimeAfterShooting;
             }