How to Fix Common Archery Form Mistakes (2025 Coaches’ Tips)

Even experienced archers develop bad habits that hurt accuracy and consistency. With the 2025 competition season in full swing, EliteArcher’s coaching team reveals the most common archery form mistakes and how to fix them with proven techniques.

1. The “Death Grip” (Overholding the Bow)

Mistake: White-knuckling the bow handle creates tension, causing left/right inconsistencies (for right-handed shooters).

2025 Fix:

• Use an open-handed grip – let the bow “float” in your hand
• Try a wrist sling to prevent catching the bow
• Focus on consistent pressure points (base of thumb)

Pro Tip: EliteArcher coaches recommend grip trainers between sessions to build muscle memory.

2. Collapsed Shoulder (Poor Alignment)

Mistake: Letting your bow arm shoulder creep up causes fatigue and inconsistent draw length.

2025 Fix:

• Practice “shoulder blade engagement” – push bow arm toward target
• Use a mirror to check T-shaped posture
• Strengthen rotator cuffs with resistance band exercises

Data Point: Archers who fixed this saw 22% tighter groupings in 2024 World Cup events.

3. Plucking the String (Inconsistent Release)

Mistake: Fingers actively pulling away from the string rather than relaxing.

2025 Fix:

• Adopt “surprise release” mental cue
• Try no-arrow blank bale shooting
• Consider finger tabs with cleaner edge

4. Leaning Back (Anchoring Errors)

Mistake: Compensating for heavy draw weight by arching backward.

2025 Fix:

• Strengthen core with archery-specific planks
• Use draw length checkers
• Film side-profile shots to check posture

5. Target Panic (The Mental Game)

Mistake: Rushing shots when the pin settles near gold.

2025 Fix:

• “Blackout target” drills (shoot at blank paper)
• Breathing patterns (inhale on draw, exhale through release)
• Shot routine timing (consistent 4-6 second hold)

EliteArcher’s 2025 Form Checklist

✅ Grip – Relaxed, consistent pressure
✅ Posture – T-shape with engaged back
✅ Release – Clean follow-through
✅ Anchor – Rock-solid repeatability
✅ Timing – Rhythm over speed

Final Thought: Even Olympians revisit fundamentals. Bookmark this guide and film your practice sessions – small tweaks create big score jumps!