To insure accurate shots time after time you must be able to replicate the shot time after time. Having solid anchor points when you shoot will make it much easier and quicker to do so. Being able to find those anchor points will help you be in the same spot on your string every time giving you greater accuracy and much faster target acquisition. In low light hunting situations it can even make the difference between being able to make the shot or not at all.
The first place to start with anchor points is to find a spot where your release hand will contact your jaw bone, face, check, or other facial feature that can be easily duplicated. A lot of people put the wrist strap of their release on the corner of the jaw. The side of your hand between your thumb and index finger work as a great anchor too, and those who shoot a hand held style release prefer the spot between the first and second knuckle against the corner of their jaw bone. Make sure it is a solid anchor point to your face that you can find quickly and easily the same time after time.
The next anchor point is some sort of facial contact with the string. The most common one is the tip of the nose touching the string at full draw. You will want to draw your bow back, find the anchor with your release hand, and lay the middle of your nose on the string. Another string anchor point that is common is a kisser button. This will sit right in the corner of your lip at full draw and will help you keep your anchor more consistent. I find that especially during low light situations that a kisser will help you find your peep faster and allow you to shoot eyes open and make the shot. With these facial contact points on the string, the most important thing is to find one that can be replicated the same every time.
Another reference point that can make a big difference and is quite easy to use is to center your peep on the colored (usually white or orange) ring around your sight guard. Most new sights now have such a ring on them and it has made a big difference in being able to center your sight more consistently. Many archers choose a peep size that fits around the ring at full draw.
Using anchor points that can be easily repeated and done with little effort are extremely important in becoming a better archer. Finding those anchor points quickly in tense situations will come with practice and repetition. Like any part of shooting your bow, having a good solid platform to build your form on and practicing it can often be the difference between making that shot on the trophy of a lifetime or winning the tournament.
The first place to start with anchor points is to find a spot where your release hand will contact your jaw bone, face, check, or other facial feature that can be easily duplicated. A lot of people put the wrist strap of their release on the corner of the jaw. The side of your hand between your thumb and index finger work as a great anchor too, and those who shoot a hand held style release prefer the spot between the first and second knuckle against the corner of their jaw bone. Make sure it is a solid anchor point to your face that you can find quickly and easily the same time after time.
The next anchor point is some sort of facial contact with the string. The most common one is the tip of the nose touching the string at full draw. You will want to draw your bow back, find the anchor with your release hand, and lay the middle of your nose on the string. Another string anchor point that is common is a kisser button. This will sit right in the corner of your lip at full draw and will help you keep your anchor more consistent. I find that especially during low light situations that a kisser will help you find your peep faster and allow you to shoot eyes open and make the shot. With these facial contact points on the string, the most important thing is to find one that can be replicated the same every time.
Another reference point that can make a big difference and is quite easy to use is to center your peep on the colored (usually white or orange) ring around your sight guard. Most new sights now have such a ring on them and it has made a big difference in being able to center your sight more consistently. Many archers choose a peep size that fits around the ring at full draw.
Using anchor points that can be easily repeated and done with little effort are extremely important in becoming a better archer. Finding those anchor points quickly in tense situations will come with practice and repetition. Like any part of shooting your bow, having a good solid platform to build your form on and practicing it can often be the difference between making that shot on the trophy of a lifetime or winning the tournament.