What does the term 'anchor' refer to in archery?

In archery, the term 'anchor' specifically refers to the position of the index finger of the draw hand against the face or jaw at full draw. This is a critical aspect of achieving consistency and stability in shot execution. When an archer pulls the bowstring back, establishing a solid anchor point ensures that the string is consistently drawn to the same spot each time. This consistency aids in aiming and promotes better accuracy.

Having a reliable anchor also helps in aligning the sight, as it provides a reference point for the archer’s alignment with the target. If the anchor point varies, the resulting shots may be inconsistent, leading to deviations in performance. Therefore, the anchor is a vital component in forming the shooting technique that leads to effective and precise shooting in archery.