When you stand up straight and hold your bow, two things pitch in for success, and it is no wonder that one is focusing on the target, while the other is drawing your arrow correctly!
Drawing an arrow requires you to set the bolt on the arrow rest and pull it backward. Your anchor point is where you set the arrow.
Finding the right anchor point depends on individuals as different archers have unique anchor points depending on the shooting style.
Finding the right anchor point:
Shooters usually place their thumb knuckles near the corner of their mouths as that means that the eye is in line with the arrow. This is the style when you use your thumb to shoot.
If you use three fingers to shoot, that would mean the index finger landing at the corner of your mouth. Split-finger shooters place the middle finger near their face, with the tip touching the end of the lip.
Every shooter may have a different position as the anchor point varies according to the comfort level and the sight. However, the general way of finding the anchor point is by your style of shooting.
Anchor point and accuracy:
When you shoot at a range, or you go out in the wild to hunt; the anchor point has to remain consistent if you want the same type of outcome. A slight variation may be fine, but the position must remain the same as it ensures accuracy.
Finding a drawing point is Important:
The exact location of the draw point does not matter as much shooting from the constant anchor point. Why?
This question is common, and the answer is always the same: A consistent anchor point always ensures that your shots will be consistent.
What happens when you change the anchor point with every shot? The anchor point is important as it defines the draw length. If you hold out the crossbow and extend the string backward enough to touch the same point on your face, the draw length remains constant.
Imagine if you pull back to allow your hand to touch the shoulder, or if you extend up to the forehead, each stretch has a different draw length. This shift in draw length translates to an erroneous shot, which can be slower or faster, and missing the target!
Erratic arrow shots might even cause an injury, which is a good reason for some beginners to quit archery or hunting forever! The anchor point is important for all these reasons and some more!
Also Read: Bow Draw Weight Confusions
Factors to consider before finding your anchor point:
It always begins with trials and errors before you find your ideal anchor point, like the draw force line.
Draw Force Line is the straight line from your draw elbow to the anchor point. When you draw the arrow fully, your forearm must make a straight line with the shaft lined up under your eye. You must maintain this straight line for accurate shooting.
In case your shoot is not straight, there will be a chance of injury, and if the anchor point is too forward, again your draw force line will not be straight and that will cause a problem!
Every shooter or hunter has to maintain a comfortable stance. Whether you use the thumb for shooting or your fingers, the anchor point has to be determined and maintained.
A floating anchor point is a style that means you keep your hand away from your face or body. Just as the name implies, the point is floating in the air but the shooter knows it well and uses the same point for every successful shot.
Yes, a fixed anchor point on your face or shoulders is more precise but for seasoned hunters and shooters, the floating anchor point is also equally good! However, beginners must-read forward to find their ‘Nirvana!’
Also Read: Bare Shaft Tuning
How to select your anchor point?
Here’s a manual for all of you beginners to find your best anchor point for drawing a bow.
• The first step is to draw your bow so that you can accurately mark your draw length and the draw force line. You must select the bow that you intend to use the most. Any kind of arrow will be fine as you need to check your stance, balance and also remain comfortable as you do so.
• When you have fully drawn the arrow, check in the mirror or ask a friend to see whether your draw force line is straight or not. Make adjustments to keep it straight.
• Check the vertical alignment, which means that is your elbow is not lower than your draw hand.
• As you make the vertical alignment adjustment and the draw force line is straight, the draw hand will be very close to or touching your face. For the majority of shooters, the end of the mouth is where the best anchor point rests.
Summary
The anchor point is the point where your hand rests while you draw an arrow fully.
The anchor point has a lot of importance in terms of accuracy and consistency. Moreover, there is no technicality in finding the best anchor point for drawing a bow, but it is necessary!
We have given a brief introduction to this point and have also listed the points for you to find the right point for you!