Archers Dictionary: Anchor point

Your anchor point is the location to which you will pull the bow string every time. Setting your this point should be the same every time. Having it “anchored down” will help you to achieve repeatable form. You have to remember that consistency is key when shooting an archery bow. Some of the most common anchor points are the side of the mouth, the cheek, and the ear lobe. Some people also use the chin. Your anchor point in archery should be your comfortable full drawn position. The way that we teach this at the Woods Archery Range is simple. You should stand with your feet shoulder width apart [before you have an archery bow in your hands]. With your feet in this position, you should point both of your arms directly out in either direction so that you are making a “T” shape. If you are right eye dominant, you will keep your left hand extended, since this will be the hand that you are using to hold the riser. You will then bend your non-bow arm (right arm) towards your face at the elbow and have your fingertips touch the edge of the right side of your mouth. If you are left-eye dominant, everything would just be flipped. Now you will have a rough estimate of your anchor point. Pick up an archery bow and bring the bow string back to the corner of your mouth. This is the position that we referenced earlier. If it feels comfortable, then you have your anchor point. If it is not quite there, then you will possibly need to go to your chin, cheek, or ear, depending on what your draw length may be.