Archery Anchor Point

An anchor point in archery refers to the specific spot on the archer's face or body where the bowstring is consistently held when the bow is fully drawn. A consistent anchor point is an important aspect of good archery form and technique, as it helps increase shooting accuracy and consistency.

Benefits of a Stable Anchor Point

Having a stable anchor point brings several benefits to the archery experience. These include:

Increased accuracy: 

By holding the bowstring at the same point every time, the archer creates a stable and consistent reference for aiming and shooting the arrow. This leads to more accurate shots and improved performance over time.

Reduced bow torque:

Having a consistent anchor point helps to reduce bow torque, which is the twisting of the bow when it is drawn. Reducing bow torque can help to reduce arrow deviation, increase accuracy, and improve the overall shooting experience.

Consistent position and draw length: 

A consistent anchor point also helps the archer to maintain the same position and draw length, even under pressure. This can help to reduce variations in shot execution, leading to more consistent shots and improved performance.

Some Anchor Point Options

In archery, there are several common anchor points that archers use to hold the bowstring when the bow is fully drawn. Some of the most common anchor points include:

  • Cheek:

The cheek anchor point involves placing the bowstring against the cheek and is a common option for archers. This anchor point provides a stable reference point and can help maintain good form. However, it can also make it difficult to achieve a consistent draw length, which can impact accuracy.

  • Jaw:

The jaw anchor point is similar to the cheek anchor point, but it involves placing the bowstring against the jaw rather than the cheek. This anchor point can also provide a stable reference point and help maintain good form, but like the cheek anchor point, it can make it difficult to achieve a consistent draw length.

  • Chin:

The chin anchor point involves placing the bowstring against the chin and can provide a stable reference point for archers. This anchor point can be particularly helpful for archers with longer draw lengths, as it allows for a more consistent draw. However, it can also cause discomfort and make it difficult to maintain proper form.

Establishing an Anchor Point

Establishing an anchor point is a process that takes practice and repetition. Here are some steps that archers can follow to establish an anchor point:

Experiment: 

Try different anchor points on the face or body to see which one feels most comfortable and stable. Some common anchor points include the cheek, jaw, chin, hand, shoulder, or neck.

Practice: 

Once the archer has found a comfortable and stable anchor point, they should practice holding the bowstring at that point every time they draw the bow. This will help to develop muscle memory and make it easier to find the anchor point consistently, even under pressure.

Make it a habit: 

Making the anchor point a habit takes time and practice. The archer should focus on maintaining their anchor point every time they shoot, even when they are not shooting at full draw. This will help to ingrain the habit and make it second nature.