Best Anchor Point For Drawing A Bow

What is the Best Anchor Point for Shooting a Bow and Arrow

Whether you shoot a traditional bow with fingers or a compound bow with a release aid, a good consistent proper anchor point is critical to consistent archery accuracy. It is important to make sure the arrow or fletching does not come in contact with your face or clothing material. Proper draw length helps to ensure that the anchor position is correct so the arrow has good clearance. For more in-depth discussion on anchoring your draw, read on.

Why is the Anchor Position so Important?

For maximum archery accuracy, consistency is key. By drawing your bow so that the arrow is at the same draw length and positioned the same every time is crucial to consistent accuracy. But there are many ways to anchor your draw. Lets explore some techniques.

The anchor position must be comfortable for the archer and easily established. The actual anchor point will depend on whether one is using a release aid and what type, or, shooting fingers. The position the archer uses is very important because it will allow consistency. Slight variations in the anchor point will make big differences in where the arrow ends up.

When shooting traditional bows and fingers to release the string, there is no "back wall" that creates a consistent draw length as with compound bows. This makes it even more important to have a consistent position so the draw length is the same for every shot. A little different draw length will apply more or less power to the arrow, causing an inconsistent flight path.

What is the Proper Anchor Point?

The best anchor point is one that feels natural and is repeatable. It also is one that allows good clearance of the arrow and string as it leaves the anchor point at the shot. After you release the trigger and the arrow starts to move forward, there is a small lag time until the cam rolls over, plenty of time for a slight movement of your head, your hand or for the arrow's fletching to bump against your face. One must keep all this in mind while choosing an anchor point. Another thing to keep in mind is where the peep is positioned on the string. It should be natural, comfortable and repeatable to draw the bow to your anchor point and be able to look through the peep sight. If you have to contort your head around to be able to to see your sights, you should make some adjustments. The combination of a good anchor point, the peep sight and the front sight create a triangular aiming system that can deliver very good archery accuracy. Personally, I don't use a peep sight because, for hunting, it can get in the way. Usually, shots are made in poor light conditions and a peep makes it difficult to see my sights. But, if I use a consistent anchor point and draw length, which is easy with a compound bow, I can achieve adequate arrow accuracy for hunting purposes.

Choosing a Good Anchor Point

An anchor point should be 3 things:

repeatable
comfortable
easily identified

All three aspects are important. If the archer cannot repeat the same anchor point or has to contort his or her face around to line up the sight or can't remember exactly where it is, the arrows will fly inconsistently.

By easily identified I mean that the point or points should be clear so there is no doubt about it. I use a kisser button. The kisser button is a small disc attached to the string to provide a reference point that can be easily felt on the face. They call it a kisser as it usually is positioned to sit in the corner of the mouth when the bow is anchored. This is an easy to identify point of contact. Another point of contact with your face is the knuckle of you your hand and the bone of your jaw. When I shoot I like to feel my first knuckle against my cheek bone. That way, there is a specific point I want my hand to be and it is easily identified and repeatable. Using the cheek bone and the kisser should align my shot perfectly as long as I establish a good T frame with my back and shoulders. More about that in this article on archery form>

Depending on which type of release you use, the knuckles can be positioned at the end of your jawbone when your eye is lined up with the peep sight. This anchor works well with a thumb release and the archer's hand rolled over so the knuckles contact the face. I could never get used to this type of release since I shot guns with my trigger finger since I could walk.

Common physical anchor points are:

kisser button at the corner of the mouth
finger tips at the corner of the mouth (shooting traditional with fingers)
first knuckle of index finger at the cheekbone when using a trigger release
knuckles of the hand at the back of the jaw (when using a thumb style release with the palm facing away from the face)
index finger knuckle where the jawbone and cheekbone come together at the ear

There are probably more but you get the idea. Your personal anchor point will vary according to your facial features, your release style and personal preference. Which one you use is a matter of comfort and repeatability. I know one archer who likes to anchor with her thumb open and placed behind the neck. This allows her to get a little more draw length out of the bow and more power.

Strive for Multiple Anchor Points at the Same Time

For instance, an archer can use the kisser button, first knuckle touching the ear or corner of jawbone and the nose slightly touching the string. As long as it is comfortable and the eye aligns with the sight system, multiple points of contact can help align the bow more perfectly. It is important to not mash any parts of the string, fletching or arrow into the face as the contact could throw your shot off slightly.

Some archers, like these guys below, like to have the string in contact with their face. Some like to delicately touch the tip of the nose and others will mash the string into their face. Whatever makes you more confident is what you should do.

This guy has what I call a long anchor, where his release is way back behind the string. This can be a good way to go if you want to max out your draw length if you are a little on the small side.

Anchor Points for a Recurve Bow

Anchor points for a recurve or longbow are a little different since the archer is shooting fingers as opposed to a mechanical release. The hand is usually a little more forward on the face. Some archers like to use the nose and chin touching the string at two points. Some like to anchor below the jaw. Some like to have the arrow up near their eye, the theory being that the closer to the eye the better and you can look down the arrow. I don't like to even be aware of the arrow when shooting, whether using a recurve instinctively or a compound with sights. Here are a couple guys who like to anchor beneath the chin.

Archery Competition

This guy is using a compound with a thumb release with an overturned palm so that the knuckles can set nestle into the jawbone. And another archer with a slightly different hand position.

Here is a stunning young lady who has no idea how to shoot a bow. Her bow arm bent, elbow down, draw arm not parallel with the arrow, draw wrist bent, and where is her anchor supposed to be? But hey, she looks good doing it with that smokin hot body!

One thing to keep in mind about instinctive shooting anchors is that, unlike a compound bow, where you cam over the power curve and then take aim, once you reach your set anchor point your aiming is done and you release. Holding a traditional bow at full draw for more than an instance will wear you out. You often see in movies, archers drawing their bows and aiming at the bad guys for a couple minutes while someone figures out whether they should start shooting. Pretty silly if you know how to shoot a bow. Those bows must be 10 or 15 pound draw weight. An archer shooting a traditional bow should release the arrow as soon as full draw and anchor are set.

Here is an article that has some great pictures of various anchor points. Choose the one that fits your release method, style, body type. Once you find what works best for you, stick with it for consistency.

http://crossbowbestreviews.com/best-anchor-point-for-drawing-a-bow/