A Duke was hunting in the forest with his men-at-arms and servants when he came across a tree. Upon it, archery targets were painted and smack in the middle of each was an arrow.
“Who is this incredibly fine archer?” cried the Duke. “I must find him!”
After continuing through the forest for a few miles he came across a small boy carrying a bow and arrow. Eventually the boy admitted that it was he who shot the arrows plumb in the centre of all the targets.
“You didn’t just walk up to the targets and shoot the arrows into the middle from 5 metres, did you?” asked the Duke worriedly.
“No my lord. I shot them from a hundred paces. I swear it by all that I hold holy.”
“That is truly astonishing,” said the Duke. “I hereby admit you into my service.” The boy thanked him profusely.
“But I must ask one favour in return,” the Duke continued. “You must tell me how you came to be such an outstanding shot.”
“Do you keep your release hand straight and aligned with the rest of your arm, like my archery coach Jan always taught me?” asked the Duke.
“No”, said the boy.
“Do you keep a consistent anchor point, and release smoothly sliding your hand back along your face? Jan, always mentioned that.” said the Duke.
“No”, said the boy
“So what is the secret to your amazing archery skills?” asked the Duke?
“Well,” said the boy, “first I fire the arrow at the tree, making sure that both my eyes are open, and my breathing is steady…..and then I walk up and paint the target around it.”