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Main Boards => The Shooters FORM Board => Topic started by: Carcajou on May 24, 2007, 09:58:00 AM

Title: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: Carcajou on May 24, 2007, 09:58:00 AM
I have been shooting longbows and recurves for over 40 years, and used to have great form....now I have developed a "Floating Anchor" somehow, and dont know where it came from....I dont reach full draw, and my string hand is sometimes in front of my face or floating to the side...

any suggestions on how I can get my "groove" back???
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: wapiti on May 24, 2007, 12:19:00 PM
Draw and let down 3 times without loosing an arrow. The 4th time release. Practice this for a while when at the bale. Helped me.
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: keith brimmer on May 24, 2007, 01:31:00 PM
WHAT wapiti said also see target panic thread below.you wont beleive how quick it will help
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: Carcajou on May 24, 2007, 02:21:00 PM
Thanks Guys.....
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: Terry Green on May 24, 2007, 04:29:00 PM
Get up close to your target and THINK about your anchor, and if possible, use a double anchor.  I slide my thumb base knuckle along side my face.....my middle finger reaches the corner of my mouth 1st, then as I continue to draw, my thumb base knuckle drops in behind my jaw under my ear.

Think about your anchor, and release.  No aiming.  It will take some time and repetition for you to burn that in.  After a week or so try and aim at something at a short distance and see if you are grooved in....if not, go back to the target up close and focus again only on your release for another week.

That's what I would do if it were me.
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: vermonster13 on May 24, 2007, 05:21:00 PM
Come over and visit Scott. I'll get you fixed up.
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: razorsharptokill on May 24, 2007, 06:13:00 PM
It seems that my first few arrows after a brief rest(few days) sem to be better. Some times if I shoot too much my form goes to crap.
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: Jim/LI on May 24, 2007, 09:18:00 PM
If your form falls apart after a few arrows, you may be overbowed.  I would suggest trying to slow down your release with a 3-5 second hold.  If that is difficult you need to develop strength or shoot a lighter draw weight bow.
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: Orion on May 24, 2007, 09:46:00 PM
Scott:  You won't shoot early if you can't see the target.  Try closing your eyes during your draw until you have your anchor locked in.  Then open them, aim and the release will happen.  Might also develop a mantra for yourself that you repeat before each shot that includes the word(s) "anchor" or "anchor tight" or something like that.  Wouldn't do either of these hunting, of course, but they may help work things out on the practice range.  Good luck.
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: wapiti on May 25, 2007, 01:51:00 AM
Terry has another great point. Multiple anchor points helps a great deal. I use 2 but 3 would be better.  A cheek bone or corner of the mouth can be inconsistant for many as they are prone to movement. Use them with 1 or 2 more points and your anchor can't really vary unless the shot collapses on release.
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: Matt E on May 25, 2007, 07:32:00 AM
All of the above may help you but being you have been shooting a bow for quite a while you might want to count your steps as you go through the process of shooting.I found that bad habits creep in subtilely and by the time you become aware of a problem it is somewhat ingrained and can be very frustrating.I have found that this method helps me. I use a count down. I count each step while shooting.I count rythmatic to keep the process smooth.I do this periodically even if my shooting isn't suffering just to assure myself that everything is on line and proper.This may work for you. Good luck!
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: Ray on May 26, 2007, 07:28:00 AM
I invented the floating anchor and have a patent on it.I may have to sue your a-s.
 Deerslayers Sunday,Howard plans on being there - Ray.
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: Terry Green on May 26, 2007, 08:17:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Ray:
I invented the floating anchor and have a patent on it. Ray.
Is it really Ray......or is it AL?    :biglaugh:    :biglaugh:    :biglaugh:
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: larry on May 27, 2007, 06:28:00 PM
Ray, if you check the fine print in your paper work, I believe you will find the no anchor/almost made it to anchor patent. I'm quite certain that is what your invention/patent contains....totally different from what Scott is describing..legally I belive he is safe from lawsuits in this matter

  :bigsmyl:    :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: Ray on May 27, 2007, 08:49:00 PM
My lawyers are looking over the infringement pollicies as we speak(need money for new bow).
 Scott get a lighter bow in a hurry and nip it in the bud quick.I have one you could use for awhile if your interested,let me know.
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: Carcajou on May 28, 2007, 10:44:00 AM
Larry thanks for the "clarification"...Ray, you hold several patents, I understand, especially the " 2.5 minute HOLD" prior to each shot...I think I will stick with my inconsistant anchor, and you can work on shortening that draw time  :D  

Terry~ Thanks for the pointers!
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: Ray on May 28, 2007, 06:17:00 PM
The frying pan to the head works egually well for both problems.In fact I may have to get a patent on this frying pan idea ( I may make a fortune ).
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: Carcajou on May 29, 2007, 08:06:00 AM
Ray~
Bring the skillett to Sawmill, we'll try it out  :knothead:
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: Ray on May 31, 2007, 09:12:00 PM
Won't make sawmill this year,my boss is getting married and I GOT  an invite.(Dang)  :help:
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: Taiga Recurve on May 31, 2007, 09:48:00 PM
I use my thumb behind my cheek bone and the cock feather right on the tip of my nose. It is amazing on how my accuracy has improved since I have started to do this.
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: jonesy on June 02, 2007, 02:27:00 AM
squeeze your shoulder blades together.
Title: Re: Hitting Anchor Consistantly???
Post by: BobCo 1965 on June 20, 2007, 08:45:00 AM
Thanks for the tip Terry.

I was working on establishing a second anchor last night. However, for some reason, I have always had a hard time concentrating on two anchors at once. I have found the middle finger to the corner mouth to work well in the past.

Last night I tried to use the thumb as a secondary point. For some reason I have always found my thumb to be very clumsy on my draw hand. The only place that it feels at all comfortable is riding on top of my index finger (tuck the pinky). I tried your example of the base thumb knuckle first, but just don't find it to be sensitive. But, I did find that if I draw as you and actually pull back the corner of my mouth a bit, I can draw and tuck the tip of my thumb behind my cheek bone (dragging it across until it slides in). It's really just about 1/4" past my normal anchor, and by the time I hit it, my arrow is begging to be released. Alignment also got better I believe. I'm still not 100% in the groove yet, but I think with some practice, it could really work.