If you’ve been experiencing the frustration of consistently shooting high with your bow, you’re not alone. Many archers, both beginners and experienced, have encountered this issue at some point in their archery journey.
Why Is My Bow Shooting High? A misaligned sight, improper grip on the bow handle, and arrow spine selection play a significant role in bow shooting high.
4 Main Reasons That Bow Shoots High:
Here are 4 common reasons why a bow shoots high:
Improper Draw Length:
An improper draw length is one of the main reasons a bow shoots high. The distance between the bow’s grip and the string is called the draw length, which is crucial for accuracy.
If the draw length is too short for the archer, they may shoot higher because they won’t achieve the correct anchor point.
Conversely, if the draw length is too long, the archer may have to overextend, resulting in high shooting. To determine the appropriate draw length, seek the assistance of an expert or use an adjustable bow to find the most comfortable and effective position.
Incorrect Arrow Spine:
Improperly arrow spines can cause bows to shoot high. The spine of an arrow, or its stiffness, is crucial for accuracy and good flight.
If the spine is too light or weak for the draw weight and length of the bow, the arrow may deflect off aim due to excessive flexing during release and fire high.
Conversely, if the arrow spine is too rigid, it won’t flex enough and can result in high shots. Therefore, archers should ensure they choose arrows with the appropriate stiffness for their particular bow setup, considering the bow’s draw length and poundage.
Inconsistent Anchor Point:
Another main cause of a bow shooting high is the inconsistent anchor point. The place on the face where the hand rests before releasing the arrow is known as the anchor point when using a bow.
Arrow flight is erratic when there is a lack of consistency in the hand placement, which is caused by an inconsistent anchor point.
The bow’s and the bowstring’s alignment, which in turn influences the arrow’s trajectory, are significantly influenced by the anchor point.
A higher shot may result from launching the arrow at a steeper angle if the anchor point is too high. On the other hand, a low anchor point can result in the arrow being released at a flatter angle, which lowers the shot.
Anchoring the hand at the same spot on the face each shot is crucial to increasing accuracy and decreasing high shots. Better alignment and steady arrow flight will result from this, eventually improving shot accuracy.
Incorrect Arrow Weight:
Using the wrong arrow weight is one of the main causes of a bow shooting high. An arrow’s weight significantly impacts its trajectory and how it interacts with the bow during shooting.
A high shot placement may arise from an arrow too light for a given bow. A lighter arrow releases too soon and with less energy since it exerts insufficient force on the bowstring.
As a result, the arrow loses speed and may prefer to climb instead of travel in a straight line. However, identical problems may arise if the arrow is too heavy for the bow.
The extra weight puts more strain on the bow, slowing the release and impacting like a light arrow. As a result, getting accurate and reliable shooting results depends on using the right arrow weight.
Could My Release Aid Technique Be Contributing To High Shots?
Yes, your release aid technique may be causing you to shoot high in archery. The release aid plays a crucial role in the shot’s accuracy, directly affecting how the bowstring is released.
If you are not using proper release aid methods, the arrow’s flight may become irregular and unpredictable. High shots can happen if the arrow is launched at an upward angle due to improper technique, such as not maintaining a constant follow-through, opening your fingers too soon, or activating the release aid incorrectly.
Another crucial factor is the timing of the shot execution. If your release aid and aiming technique are not matched correctly, releasing the arrow too late can result in high shots.
FAQS:
Does arrow selection affect the elevation of shots with a bow?
While using a bow, shot elevation can be greatly influenced by the arrow choice. Shots may be high if your arrows have the wrong spine (stiffness) for your bow configuration. To get the best shot placement, selecting arrows with a spine that fits the draw weight and draw length of your bow is critical.
Is improper bow tuning causing my shots to be high?
Yes, high shots can be caused by mistuning the bow. The arrow’s flight can be impacted, and high shots can result from improperly adjusted tiller, brace height, or center shot on the bow. Shot accuracy and consistency can be increased by ensuring the bow is properly tuned.
Can a high draw weight contribute to shooting high with a bow?
Yes, shooting high with a bow can be aided by having a high draw weight. Drawing a bow with a larger poundage takes greater strength and control and keeps perfect form throughout the shot. High shots may be the result of inconsistent form or overexertion.
Conclusion:
Understanding why your bow is shooting high is crucial for any archer looking to hit their targets with accuracy consistently.
By examining various reasons for improper draw length, incorrect arrow spine, inconsistent anchor point, and incorrect arrow weight, you can identify and rectify any issues causing your arrows to land high consistently.
If needed, take the time to analyze and adjust these reasons, seeking guidance from experienced archers or professionals to fine-tune your shooting technique and achieve the desired precision. Remember, practice and patience are key to mastering the art of archery.
