The Anchor Point

Anchored.

 

Ask any archer "What is the most important aspect of archery?" and you will get one of several answers: good form, mental focus and clarity, bow control, or anchor point. While each of these is extremely important to accuracy and consistency, you have noticed that I named this blog “Anchor-Point.” I chose this title because it is arguably the most significant  and also because of the parallels that can be drawn between success on the shooting range and in life. Both require an anchor point and that is something I will explore with you as I share my experiences as an outdoorsman and a follower of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Anchor Point.

 

Let me explain just what the anchor point does. It can be considered the fulcrum of archery. Without a constant anchor point your aim will have no base. Without a base for aim there is no way to guarantee where the arrow will hit the target. A constant anchor point means a constant point of aim which means a predictable favorable outcome; a trophy for the wall and meat for the freezer or the top score in a shooting tournament. You may have the best form (lets pretend an anchor point is not included in form for a minute), the steadiest arm, and the clearest mind, but without a constant anchor point, you will never be consistently accurate and able to enjoy the satisfaction of goals achieved.

 

Before we left for Africa I had the opportunity to be a member of my school archery team which is where I discovered how much I enjoy competing in this sport. I was doing well and placing near the top but there came a point that, suddenly, my accuracy and groupings fell apart. I went from shooting 270-275/300 to shooting 240-250/300, and it stayed that way for over a month. I was exasperated! Over the course of a long weekend I thought about the way I was shooting. My anchor point came to mind. What I hadn’t realized was I had subconsciously shifted my anchor point a fraction of an inch downwards from the very corner of my mouth, which was enough to allow it to drift from shot to shot. I reset my anchor point, and sure enough, on the next round, not only could I feel the difference immediately, but my groupings tightened and my scores began to improve. Lesson learned: always have a solid anchor point.

 

And so it goes in life as well. While there are several factors that contribute to an enjoyable and successful life, having an anchor point is paramount for success. I hope you enjoy this journey with me as I share from my adventures in the great outdoors and my life in Christ, the Anchor Point of my soul.

 

May all your arrows fly straight.