Anchor Points:

Trust Your Form
Keep your mind out of it

By Todd Mead

If you’ve been around the archery scene long enough you’ve probably heard someone say, “Trust your form.” If you haven’t I would be surprised.

Many years ago when I first heard the phrase I didn’t understand what it really meant. Although I had my own theories on it, I never fully got it until I learned what proper shooting form comprises.

Through the years I’ve traveled all over the country to go hunting and shoot tournament archery. However, the first time I recall trusting my form was while I was hunting close to home.

A buck was slowly approaching my stand. He rummaged through the leaves in search of acorns and wasn’t in any hurry to pass under my stand. As I sat there and patiently waited I visualized going through the steps of my shooting sequence.

Within a few minutes the buck came within my comfortable range and offered me a broadside shot. Although I was nervous I reminded myself to follow the steps and trust my form. A bend at the waist was necessary due to the downward angle of the shot. My drawing elbow had to remain firm at fall draw as I applied pressure to the trigger. As I settled into my anchor point and the string gently rested on the tip of my nose, the sight pin nestled into the area behind the front shoulder.

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