What might cause low arrow patterns during archery practice?

Low arrow patterns during archery practice can often be attributed to the shooter creeping their anchor forward. The anchor point is where the archer's hand comes to rest on their face before the release; if an archer inadvertently moves their hand forward during their draw, it can result in the bowstring being released at a lower point than intended. This change impacts the alignment and trajectory of the arrow, causing it to fly lower than where the archer is aiming.

Proper anchor consistency is crucial for repeatable accuracy. If the anchor point shifts, even slightly, it can alter the relative position of the bowstring, leading to a downward flight path for the arrows. Therefore, maintaining a stable anchor is essential for achieving consistent arrow flight and improving overall performance.

The other options, while they can affect shooting performance, are generally responsible for different types of errors—not specifically low arrow patterns. For instance, raising the bow arm during release can lead to high shots, peeking at the target typically results in inconsistent aim or timing, and pulling the bowstring back too far can create issues with form and stability, but may not specifically lead to low arrow patterns.