How to Grip a Bow

Summary

In this video, the importance of a consistent and strong bow grip is highlighted, regardless of whether you're shooting a longbow, recurve, or compound bow. The video demonstrates how to avoid torque and achieve a relaxed, effective grip that supports the bow while keeping your forearm clear of the string. By positioning your hand correctly, applying slight pressure, and ensuring your fingers remain relaxed, you can improve your shooting consistency and avoid string slap. For further improvement, in-person instruction is recommended. The video also provides resources for finding local archery shops for expert guidance.

Takeaways

• 😀 A good bow grip is essential for consistency, support, and minimizing torque.
• 😀 Torque is the twisting motion that can cause inaccurate shots, especially left-to-right misses.
• 😀 To reduce torque, your hand should contact the bow between your lifeline and your thumb pad.
• 😀 The grip should position your knuckles at a 45-degree angle to the bow for proper alignment.
• 😀 Your thumb should point toward the target, while the other four fingers gently rest on the front of the bow.
• 😀 If you're struggling with grip stability, tucking your fingers alongside the grip can help, but requires a finger sling or wrist sling.
• 😀 A finger or wrist sling prevents the bow from dropping after the shot, ensuring safety.
• 😀 Apply a small amount of pressure to the string to lock your grip in place before shooting.
• 😀 Your hand should remain relaxed throughout the shot; you can test this by trying to wiggle your fingers at full draw.
• 😀 In-person instruction is the most effective way to improve your shooting technique.
• 😀 You can find archery instruction and shops using resources like Archery 360's 'Where to Shoot' tab.

Q & A

What are the basic fundamentals of a good grip on a bow?

A good grip on a bow should be consistent, provide strong support, and apply the least amount of torque possible. This helps in achieving accurate shots by reducing unnecessary movement of the bow during the shot.

What is meant by 'torque' when gripping a bow?

Torque refers to the twisting force that occurs when the bow is gripped incorrectly, similar to holding a baseball bat. This twisting can cause the bow to shift left or right, leading to inconsistent shots and off-target misses.

Why is torque a problem in archery?

Torque can cause the bow to twist during the shot, leading to inconsistent arrow flight and potentially missed targets. It disrupts the stability of the shot, making it harder to maintain accuracy.

What is the first step in establishing a good grip on a bow?

The first step is to relax your hand and place it on the bow’s grip, sliding your hand all the way up until it can't go any farther.

Where should your hand make contact with the bow?

Your hand should only contact the bow between the lifeline of your palm and your thumb pad, ensuring a comfortable and controlled grip.

What angle should your knuckles form when gripping the bow?

Your knuckles should be at a 45-degree angle to the bow when gripping it properly.

What should you do with your thumb and fingers once your hand is in position on the bow?

Point your thumb toward the target, and gently place your other four fingers on the front of the bow. You can also tuck your fingers alongside the grip if you find it more comfortable.

What is the purpose of a finger sling or wrist sling?

A finger sling or wrist sling is used to prevent the bow from falling after the shot. It helps secure the bow in your hand, especially if you choose to tuck your fingers alongside the grip.

How can you tell if your grip is too tense during a shot?

A simple test is to check if you can wiggle your fingers at full draw. If you can still move your fingers, it indicates that your hand is relaxed and not overly tense during the shot.

Why is in-person instruction recommended for improving archery skills?

In-person instruction allows for personalized guidance and feedback, which can help address specific grip or shooting issues more effectively than online resources alone.