Anchor point and split finger

JApple · July 30, 2014, 11:31:00 PM

I recently was reviewing Rich Welch's thoughts on anchor point and split finger technique. I have always used my middle finger in the corner of the mouth as anchor, but since started moving to the angle of my jaw. I have noted my groups have been much tighter and the anchor seems more "predictable." I was wondering if any other split finger shooters have noticed this... It seems I can keep my head steadier and probably less movement overall. Thoughts and input appreciated. V/R...

J

bluemoonrising · July 31, 2014, 07:21:00 AM

JApple-could you elaborate a little more on Welch's style. Thanks!

Orion · July 31, 2014, 09:03:00 AM

If I understand you correctly, you're lowering your anchor on your face, correct? That increases the split-vision gap, if you shoot that way, but the brain quickly compensates.

The bigger advantage, I think, is It also lowers your drawing arm, bringing it more in line, and for some reason, makes it a little easier to get the back muscles involved. Both of those things contribute to a cleaner release. That, in turn, contributes to greater accuracy. At least that's my interpretation. Good that it works for you.

Kris · July 31, 2014, 09:49:00 AM

I think you've nailed it Orion.

Ironically I was trending toward this anchor last night in my yard.

It may seem counter intuitive, if your logic is to have your arrow closer to your line of sight, however, in terms of your release mechanics it feels like a healthier, more natural shooting profile to incorporate. I'm not read on the subject but think a lot about this stuff every time I shoot (everyday).

If I'm not mistaken, Olympic recurve shooters utilize this type of an anchor. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Kris

July 31, 2014, 10:21:00 AM

Prety much any anchor that is comfortable and you can repeat will work well. I anchor on the very tip of my chin shooting split finger. Any archery coach out there will gripe about the way I anchor, including Rod Jenkins (who told me in person that he would really recommend I change). That anchor is comfortable to me and I have figured out how to get to it (most) every shot.

It is really all about being able to repeat the exact same thing on every shot!

Bisch

LongStick64 · July 31, 2014, 10:41:00 AM

I don't let a spot on my face dictate where I anchor, I use a rotational draw to ensure I am at the optimum extension. Basically I let my back alignment determine my anchor. In this way I am ensured of my elbow behind my arrow and the arrow is lined up under my dominant eye.

DaveT1963 · July 31, 2014, 02:37:00 PM

What Rich Welch showed me was a double anchor - first joint of thumb in lower ear and fletching to nose tip.

dbd870 · July 31, 2014, 02:48:00 PM

I recently dropped my anchor as well, instead of middle finger a mouth corner like you were. I now use top finger at corner and it did help a little.

Mr. fingers · July 31, 2014, 07:46:00 PM

I shot ricks way for a couple years it worked well for me but I switched back to split. I anchor foremost with my middle finger against my canine tooth. I like this better because the corner of the mouth is soft and is moveable ( just watch some guys faces when they shoot) the tooth is bone and cannot be moved. I have my thumb tucked down behind my jaw.
I don't like the feather on the nose the nose is not that sensitive where I can tell if the feathers are just touching it or if I'm pulling a1/4in to far. And the knuckle behind the ear does not work well for me in winter with the hats and neck gators it hard to get to.

tracker12 · July 31, 2014, 08:48:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by LongStick64:
I don't let a spot on my face dictate where I anchor, I use a rotational draw to ensure I am at the optimum extension. Basically I let my back alignment determine my anchor. In this way I am ensured of my elbow behind my arrow and the arrow is lined up under my dominant eye.

Getting that elbow behind the arrow and getting the arrow under the dominant eye is always a challenge to me. I worked on it tonight till my back became sore shooting so much. Bad thing is somedays it's there and other no matter how much I try I just can't seem to get aligned up. When I don't I get right huts.

JApple · July 31, 2014, 08:54:00 PM

guys thanks for the input and experience. I think if anything it is just a more predictable anchor for me, but it's interesting to think that it's lowering my hand as well. It seemed that when I used my mouth corner that I was probably moving my head to get the anchor instead of the hand and arm, thus probably leading to inconsistent anchor. I'm trying to keep the head still and eyes on target and bring my hand to the jaw/lower ear. Thanks again,

J

Swamp Yankee · July 31, 2014, 09:21:00 PM

I shot with my index finger in the corner of my mouth for decades without a problem. THEN I let a well known archer talk me into using my middle finger to get the arrow closer to my eye. After working on that for six months without much change in accuracy, I began to develop shoulder problems. I've since gone back to using my index finger; it makes for a much better alignment for using back muscles with less joint stress. As already mentioned, the brain will quickly compensate either way. I no longer believe getting the arrow close to the eye helps accuracy near as much as it's been claimed to do.

Arctic Hunter · August 01, 2014, 03:18:00 AM

I use the index finger in the corner of my mouth, string on my nose, and feather on my chin. Three points of reference and it seems to work for me. I build back tension until the feather touches my chin. Also helps keep the dreaded TP at bay.

abracken · August 01, 2014, 09:46:00 AM

For most of my life I shot with my anchor at the corner of my mouth. However, in last years I noticed the ball of my thumb was sinking behind my jaw under my ear and my ring finger set on the edge of my jaw. I began focusing on those points rather than the corner of my mouth because it was easier to reproduce, shot after shot. Additionally, I knew for a fact when I was following through. like the others said, any anchor that allows you to do the same thing over and over, will work.

mahantango · August 01, 2014, 05:19:00 PM

I can't, for the life of me, imagine how raising your anchor the width of one finger could cause shoulder joint issues. JMO.

sonosheepeater · August 21, 2014, 02:36:00 PM

I snap shoot with a split finger grip. As soon as my thumb joint hits the corner of my mouth i release.

Scott Barr · September 02, 2014, 04:40:00 PM

I've been using the Rick Welch anchor using thumb joint at ear lobe for two years now while shooting split. Yes, it pulls the arrow farther from under the eye, but opens up the site picture, which in turn for me helps with my depth perception. I find I am more accurate this way than just barreling down the arrow. For those that care, it also has the added advantage of lengthening the draw.

reddogge · September 02, 2014, 05:00:00 PM

Anchoring is highly individualistic. What works for some may not work for others. I have a hard time describing mine but basically I shoot split and have been shooting this way since 1955. My middle finger slides past my mouth and my thumb joint slides under my cheekbone. I then seek the feeling of back tension while aiming and then release.

I like to use the analogy of closing the screen door with my shooting forearm, elbow, and upper arm the screen door, for back tension.

Terry Green · September 03, 2014, 07:28:00 PM

I shoot split...double anchor...middle finger in corner of mouth with lips being pulled rearward till my thumb base knuckle drops behind my jaw under my ear.....then the arrow is gone.

mangonboat · October 07, 2014, 03:01:00 PM

I've notice that I get a really red rash on my upper lip in the last few years when I shoot a lot. Having read the comments above about shoulder alignment, one thing that is different for me , recently, is a un-repaired rotator cuff injury. I am going to try tip of index finger to corner of mouth rather than middle finger, as I have done for 50+years