Why are my Arrows hitting Left or Right: How To Fix It?
Archery is a sport that requires precision and accuracy, and one of the most important factors that affect the accuracy of an archer’s shot is the placement of the arrow.
In particular, arrows that hit to the left or right of the target can be frustrating and discouraging for archers, especially when they cannot figure out what is causing the problem.
The importance of proper arrow placement cannot be overstated.
Not only can it affect an archer’s accuracy, but it can also impact the safety of the sport. Arrows that veer too far to the left or right can potentially hit bystanders or damage property.
This article aims to help archers diagnose and correct the issue of arrows hitting to the left or right.
By the end of this article, readers should have a better understanding of the various factors that can affect arrow placement, and how to diagnose and correct the problem of arrows hitting to the left or right.
Factors that can cause arrows to Hit left or Right
There are several factors that can cause arrows to hit to the left or right of the target.
Identifying the root cause of the problem is crucial to improving accuracy and consistency in archery.
Here are the key factors that can affect arrow placement:
Bow grip and hand placement:
One of the most common causes of left or right hitting arrows is improper bow grip or hand placement.
If an archer is gripping the bow too tightly or placing their hand in an incorrect position, it can cause the bow to torque or twist, leading to inconsistent arrow placement.
Arrow spine and weight:
The spine and weight of the arrow can also play a significant role in arrow placement.
If the arrow spine is too stiff or too weak, it can cause the arrow to veer to the left or right upon release.
Similarly, if the arrow is too heavy or too light for the bow, it can cause the arrow to fly inconsistently and miss the target.
Arrow Rest and Tuning:
The arrow rest is a critical component of the bow setup that affects arrow flight.
The rest is what guides the arrow through the shot and off of the string. If the rest is not adjusted properly or is not tuned correctly, it can cause the arrow to hit to the left or right.
If your rest is too far left, it will guide your arrow to shoot slightly left. If it’s slightly too far right, your arrow will shoot to the right.
Again, remember that you can be shooting bulls eyes all day with field points, but having a rest that is as little as 1/32″ off can cause your broadhead tipped arrows to impact a significantly different spot on the target.
Additionally, tuning the bow itself can also impact arrow placement, such as adjusting the nocking point, cam timing, or limb alignment.
Wind and other environmental factors:
Wind and other environmental factors can have a significant impact on arrow placement and should not be overlooked when diagnosing and correcting left or right-hitting arrows.
Here are some ways that wind and other environmental factors can affect arrow flight:
Wind:
The wind is one of the most common environmental factors that can cause arrows to hit to the left or right. Even a slight breeze can cause an arrow to drift off course, so it’s important to adjust for wind direction and speed when shooting.
In fact, According to americanhunter when shooting into a 30 mph, 90-degree crosswind, it’s not uncommon for an arrow to drift more than 25 inches at a distance of 60 yards.
Similarly, in a 20 mph wind, which is common in some parts of the West, an arrow can be thrown off by more than 5 inches from its intended point of impact at a distance of 40 yards.
Even a wind speed of 10 mph can cause some deviation, so it’s important to factor in wind speed and direction before taking a shot.
When dealing with winds stronger than 10 mph, it may be necessary to adjust your aim or even consider not shooting at all.
Experienced archers often use a wind flag or other indicator to gauge the wind’s direction and adjust their aim accordingly.
Temperature and humidity:
Changes in temperature and humidity can affect the density of the air, which can in turn affect the arrow’s flight characteristics. Cold or dense air can cause arrows to fly lower than expected, while warm, less dense air can cause them to fly higher. Similarly, changes in humidity can affect the arrow’s speed and trajectory.
Other factors:
Other environmental factors, such as altitude, barometric pressure, and even the angle of the sun, can also affect arrow flight.
For example, shooting at high altitudes may require adjustments to arrow weight or spine to compensate for the thinner air.
How to Diagnose the Problem
Diagnosing the cause of left or right hitting arrows is essential to improving accuracy in archery.
Here are some methods to diagnose the problem:
Use of a paper tuning or bare shaft test:
One of the most popular and effective ways to diagnose arrow placement issues is through a paper tuning or bare shaft test.
A paper tuning test involves shooting an arrow through a sheet of paper and examining the resulting tear pattern to determine any problems with the arrow’s flight.
Paper Tuning Method is an effective method for diagnosing issues with arrow spine. If you’re not achieving a perfect bullet hole through paper at a distance you are comfortable with, it indicates that your arrow is not flying straight. Assuming your form is correct, not getting a perfect bullet hole could be due to incorrect cam timing or an improperly positioned arrow rest. Paper tuning can help identify these issues and allow you to make the necessary adjustments for straighter arrow flight.
A bare shaft test involves shooting an arrow without any fletching to examine the arrow’s flight characteristics.
Both of these tests can help identify issues with arrow spine, weight, and other factors affecting arrow placement.
Observing Arrow Flight:
Simply watching how an arrow behaves in flight can provide clues as to what is causing left or right hitting arrows.
For example, if the arrow is fishtailing or wobbling in flight, it may indicate a problem with arrow spine or weight. Similarly, if the arrow is consistently hitting one side, it may indicate a problem with bow grip or hand placement.
Seeking advice from a professional:
If an archer is struggling to diagnose the cause of left or right-hitting arrows, seeking advice from a professional can be helpful.
An experienced coach or technician can assess the archer’s bow setup and shooting technique and provide guidance on how to make the necessary adjustments for improved accuracy.
Tips for correcting left or right-hitting arrows
Once an archer has diagnosed the cause of left or right-hitting arrows, there are several ways to correct the issue. Here are some tips for making adjustments:
Adjusting bow grip and hand placement:
If improper bow grip or hand placement is causing left or right-hitting arrows, adjusting the grip and hand position can often fix the problem.
The bow grip should be firm but not too tight, with the bow centered in the archer’s hand. The hand should be positioned so that it does not torque or twist the bow upon release.
Changing arrow spine and weight:
If the arrow spine is too stiff or too weak, or if the arrow weight is not suitable for the bow, adjusting these factors can help improve arrow placement.
Choosing the right arrow spine and weight for the bow can help ensure consistent and accurate arrow flight.
Arrow Size & Weight
In order to find the right arrow for use in windy conditions, it is important to strike a balance between arrow size and weight.
While it may be ideal to use a short, low profile, and small diameter arrow with short fletching that is also heavy, it can be difficult to determine the optimal weight for such an arrow.
This is where personal preference and experimentation come into play. Each archer must determine which tradeoffs make the most sense for their individual shooting style and equipment setup.
In addition to size and weight, choosing an arrow that is fast is also important.
A faster arrow will spend less time in the air, reducing the amount of time that the wind can affect its trajectory. This can help the arrow cut through the wind and maintain a straighter flight path.
Tuning Arrow rest:
Tuning the arrow rest is another way to correct left or right-hitting arrows. Adjusting the rest’s height, center-shot, and alignment can help ensure that the arrow flies straight and true upon release.
Each bow manufacturer has a recommended setting for the position of the rest in relation to the riser and nock point. This initial setup will get the rest close to where it needs to be.
To check the position of your arrow rest, paper tuning is an excellent place to start. It can reveal any inconsistencies in flight, whether it’s left/right or high/low.
When making adjustments to the rest, it’s important to remember that small adjustments can go a long way. So, make very minor movements.
Paper Tuning Vs Walkback Bow Tuning
Making adjustments for environmental factors:
If external factors like wind or temperature are affecting arrow placement, making adjustments for these factors can help improve accuracy. This may involve changing the aiming point, adjusting the release timing, or using different arrows or bow setups for different conditions.
How to deal with the wind while shooting in windy conditions?
Here are some tips for dealing with the wind while shooting in windy conditions:
Adjust your aim:
When shooting in a crosswind, aim slightly into the wind. This will cause the arrow to be pushed back towards the intended target by the wind, reducing the amount of drift. For example, if the wind is coming from the left, aim slightly to the right of the target.
Watch for gusts:
Wind gusts can be particularly tricky, as they can cause sudden changes in arrow trajectory. Watch for changes in the direction or speed of the wind and adjust your aim accordingly.
Use heavier arrows:
Heavier arrows are less affected by wind than lighter arrows. Consider using heavier arrows in windy conditions to help reduce drift.
When selecting heavier arrows, it’s important to consider the draw weight of your bow, as heavier arrows require more force to be propelled.
It’s also important to ensure that the arrows are properly matched to the bow’s draw length and weight, as mismatched equipment can lead to poor performance and potential safety issues.
It’s worth noting that while heavier arrows can be more resistant to wind drift, they can also have other drawbacks, such as reduced speed and distance.
As such, it’s important to find the right balance between arrow weight and other factors, such as speed and accuracy, to achieve optimal performance.
Tune your equipment:
Properly tuned equipment can help reduce the effects of wind. Make sure your bow is tuned properly and that your arrow rest and nocking point are adjusted correctly.
Practice in the wind:
The best way to get better at shooting in the wind is to practice in the wind. Find a safe place to shoot on a windy day and practice adjusting your aim and technique based on the wind conditions.
What about Canting: Can It Help in Windy conditions?
Canting can be a useful technique to help reduce the impact of crosswinds on arrow placement. Canting refers to the practice of tilting the bow to one side or the other when shooting in a crosswind.
By doing so, the bow and arrow are oriented in such a way that the wind has less surface area to push against, which can help reduce the amount of drift.
When canting, it’s important to remember to also adjust your aim accordingly. If you tilt the bow to the right, for example, you’ll need to aim slightly to the left of the target to compensate.
Here is a complete guide on the canting practice
It’s worth noting that canting can be a difficult technique to master and may not be suitable for all archers. It’s also important to keep safety in mind when canting, as it can change the angle of the arrow in relation to the ground and increase the risk of a stray arrow.
If you’re considering canting, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a qualified archery instructor to ensure that you’re doing it safely and correctly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, proper arrow placement is essential for achieving accuracy and consistency in archery.
Left or right-hitting arrows can be caused by various factors, including bow grip and hand placement, arrow spine and weight, arrow rest, and environmental factors like wind.
By diagnosing the problem and making adjustments to these factors, archers can improve their accuracy and performance on the range.
We recommend archers utilize methods such as paper tuning or bare shaft testing, observing arrow flight, and seeking advice from a professional to diagnose and correct arrow placement issues.
Adjusting bow grip and hand placement, changing arrow spine and weight, tuning the arrow rest, and making adjustments for environmental factors are all effective ways to correct left or right-hitting arrows.
