Anchor point problems

[Cmane07]

Hey guys I have only been shooting traditionaly for about 2 months now and I started out with a cheap longbow but I recently purchased a bw ma and now I am having some anchor point problems. When I don't think about an anchor point I hit perfectly with it but when I start to think about it( which I cant help but doing sometimes) I cant find it and I start hitting all over the place. For me to hit where I'm looking my index finger touches my top lip and my middle finger touches my bottom lip, both in the very corner of my mouth. So my question is, is their some way I can just stop thinking about my anchor point or should I just pick a new one that is easier to find and remember and adjust my internal sights to it? Please help me out guys because i'm getting really frustrated with it...

Caleb

[moebow]

Rod Jenkins has the best description of this I've heard.  Something to the effect of:  When the guy in the front (conscious aiming guy) checks on the guy in the back (sub-conscious shot executer) all kind of bad things happen.  Concentrate on the aiming and let the shot happen.

[moebow]

By the way, that was in Masters of the Barebow III.  If you haven't seen it it's worth getting.

[brumski]

hi 07, i'm a new guy to!!, the mental part of archery is something i was'nt prepared for!!. i've had big probs with over thinking every aspect of shooting the bow. no more self teaching for me!! leave all the mind games to the pro's, they've sussed it out!, we don't need to. i've just ordered the rick welch dvd #2 (there are many others) i'm gonna do what i'm told on the dvd  NO arguing with my brain, i might have to fine tune the whole thing when i get the form down, but thats my way forward!! good luck, and keep us posted.


brumski

[HcSmitty]

Man, im hardly a expert but heres what i do.  I extend my bow arms straight out and stair DIRECTLY at the spot i want to shot.  Then i draw,SLOW, all the while burning a hole with my eyes on "tha spot".  I find that  extending the arms before drawing and REALLY concentrateing on where i want to hit makes a smoother draw and thus, much easier to find ur anchor point.  But in the end, i think it all boils down to CONCENTRATION on where u want the arrow to go.

Hunter.

[SHOOTO8S]

Set up a "anchor" drill.....draw the bow, come to anchor, take time to really focus and feel your anchor...then let the bow down! Do several reps everyday, for the next few weeks. Then when your actully shooting for effect....forget all about it and AIM!

[Cmane07]

Thanks alot guys... When I concentrate just on a smaller spot I do always seem to do better and I'm definitely gonna try those drills because that sounds like a very good idea. I'll let yall know how it goes!

[RaybowTx]

Cmane07.

A foundation has to be built before the framing of the house. The anchor point is the anchor of the foundation as without it the ship floats off.  (hope that makes sense)..  
The anchor is up close and personal and thus not the same for everyone (please note; not for everyone)  To anchor is not any more than consistantcy of where the draw string ends before release.  Sounds simple.  
It doesn't matter if your anchor is behind your ear as long as it is always behind your ear.  This I know sounds basic.  But basic is whats missed when we use our concious mind to make decissions.  The subconcious mind just needs a baseline (foundation)to go from and it'l take over. And after the subconcious mind is given rein to take over, then the concious mind (uninvited) will jump in and want a part of the action.  When the subconcious mind has learned the foundation of the anchor then it has the tools for completion of the job. The concious mind is the culprit in all bad shots.

Ray...........

[sweet old bill]

I had all the same problems after years and years of shooting. SO I gave up and put a kisser button on the bow string. To me it sure made me have the same draw each time.  NOw I just pick that spot, draw, kisser button on my lip, aim and releae...