Just Relax: How Loosening Your Grip Can Improve Accuracy and Tighten Groups
Whether you’re brand new to archery or a seasoned bowhunter, one thing many shooters struggle with is learning how to relax—before, during, and after the shot. It’s natural to want to hold the bow tightly. Many archers believe that gripping the bow harder will help keep it steady. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. A tight, tense grip often leads to poor shots. For high-quality accessories that support proper form, visit Pine Ridge Archery.
Why a Tight Grip Hurts Your Accuracy
When you choke the bow handle with a firm grip, your bow tends to react the moment the arrow is released. This movement—especially in the bow arm—throws off your shot. Even a slight flinch can cause the arrow to miss the target entirely. Poor follow-through is one of the biggest causes of inaccuracy.
A relaxed grip, on the other hand, allows the bow to move naturally. The shot breaks cleanly, the bow stays in line, and your arrows hit much closer to the center. Professional archers always shoot with a soft, relaxed bow hand for this exact reason. To help achieve that relaxed hold, many hunters rely on support accessories from Pine Ridge Archery.
The Wrist Sling: A Simple Tool That Makes a Big Difference
If you want to shoot with a loose bow hand, you need a wrist sling. A wrist sling keeps the bow secure in your hand without requiring pressure or tension. It allows you to hold the bow lightly while still keeping full control.
Pine Ridge Archery offers several great options, including the Nitro Wrist Sling and the Kwik Sling. Both are designed to keep your hand in the proper position so the bow can settle naturally during the shot. When adjusting your sling, make sure it fits snugly around your wrist to support your bow during the release.
Adding a wrist sling to your setup is a simple upgrade that can shrink your groups at both close and long ranges. You can browse sling options at Pine Ridge Archery.
Relaxing Your Trigger Hand Matters Too
Your bow hand isn’t the only part of your form that needs to relax—your trigger hand does too. Many bowhunters, especially in high-pressure situations, tend to rush the shot and punch the trigger. This jerking motion sends arrows off target.
Instead, you want a smooth, steady trigger pull. Snipers and top-level archers all rely on the same rule: squeeze—don’t punch. The best shot breaks almost by surprise.
Choosing a release with an adjustable trigger helps you dial in the perfect feel. With a softer, smoother trigger, you can train yourself to squeeze slowly until the arrow launches. Practicing this technique consistently will tighten your groups dramatically.
To complement your form improvements, explore precision accessories like stabilizers, peep sights, and loops at Pine Ridge Archery.
Final Thoughts
Good shooting starts with good form, and good form starts with a relaxed body. By learning to soften your bow grip, trust your wrist sling, and squeeze the trigger gently, you’ll see tighter groups and more consistent accuracy.
If you want to upgrade your setup with accessories that support better shooting techniques, check out Pine Ridge Archery today.
BY TRACY BREEN
About the author: Tracy Breen is a full time outdoor writer, consultant and game dinner speaker who often discuss how he overcomes cerebral palsy. Learn more about him at www.tracybreen.com
