How to Prevent Bow String Slap | Expert Tips

Key Takeaways

• Relax your grip.
• Improve your stance.
• Find an optimal anchor point.
• Adjust your bow’s draw length.
• Work on your release.
• Wear an arm guard.

“My bow string keeps hitting my arm! What can I do?” We get this question a lot, so we decided to put together a guide to overcoming this all-too-common problem. For new archers, catching a bad case of “bow bite” is an unfortunate rite of passage. The good news is that it’s avoidable. Follow these instructions to prevent the dreaded slap!

What Causes Bow String Slap?

The most common reasons why an archer’s forearm gets slapped by the string are: an incorrect grip, stance, anchor point, draw length, release, or a combination of factors. Working on your form, adjusting or replacing your bow, and wearing an arm guard are effective solutions.

1. Relax Your Grip

Gripping the bow too tight is a common mistake that can cause your wrists to rotate inward, which puts your forearm in the bow string’s trajectory. 

While it’s important to grip your bow securely, try easing up a bit, using only your thumb and pointer finger, and focusing on your wrists’ movements throughout the shot.

2. Improve Your Stance

Bow string slap can occur if your body isn’t positioned and aligned properly. Your body can rotate subtly without you realizing it, pushing your forearm into the danger zone. Here are some tips for improving your stance so your bow string won’t keep hitting your arm again.

• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart at a 90-degree angle. 
• Stand so your body is facing the target sideways.
• Stand up straight with good posture.
• Don’t bend or lock your knees.
• Don’t bend your waist.
• Keep the elbow of the arm holding the grip slightly bent.
• Keep the drawing arm’s elbow up and aligned with the other arm.
• Lean slightly forward from your ankles, but not too far that you lose balance.

3. Find an Optimal Anchor Point

IBow string slap often occurs due to inconsistencies in your shooting. Finding and sticking to a specific location on your face that your drawing hand touches will make you a more consistent shooter. The earlobe, cheekbone, or mouth are common anchor points. 

Experiment with anchor points until you’re shooting accurately without getting slapped by the string. Once you’ve found the ideal anchor point, keep practicing to build muscle memory.

4. Adjust Your Bow’s Draw Length

It’s important that your bow’s draw length fits your wingspan. If your draw length is too long, it’s easy to overextend while shooting, which can lock your elbow and cause your forearm to veer into the danger zone. Besides the pain and bruising from bow string slap, shooting a bow that isn’t properly fitted for the archer affects accuracy.

5. Work on Your Release

Releasing the arrow should be done in a smooth, controlled motion. If the bow string keeps hitting your arm, the reason could be that an abrupt, jerky release is causing the bow to torque, causing the string to hit your forearm. Here are some quick tips.

• Keep the fingers of your drawing hand relaxed.
• Allow the bow string to slip from your fingers naturally and easily.
• After the release, deliberately maintain your position for a few seconds to prevent accidental movements.

6. Wear an Arm Guard

Archery accidents happen. Wearing protection is essential. An arm guard absorbs the impact of bow string slap so you can practice the tips above worry-free.

Upgrade Your Bow String

Better bow strings allow for better shooting. These tips will put you on the right track, but it’s very difficult to improve your technique if you’re not using top-quality equipment. 

Our custom bow strings and cables are individually built by Brad Patsy, a multi-world and national archery champion. Choose your bow string material, size, and custom bow string colors, and place your order with 100% confidence