Torque in Archery happens when you unintentionally twist the bow’s handle with your grip hand. This twisting motion rotates the riser, misaligns the strings, and forces the arrow to fly off-course.
How It Happens
When you draw a bow, it stores a massive amount of energy. If your hand isn’t perfectly centered on the grip, or if you squeeze the handle too tightly, your palm applies uneven pressure.
- The Twist: As you release the string, the bow “jumps” or rotates to settle back into its natural position.
- The Result: Because the bow moved during the shot, the arrow leaves the string at an angle. Even a tiny bit of torque at the handle can cause a miss of several inches at the target.
Why It Ruins Your Shot
Torque is one of the most common reasons for inconsistent shooting. It creates two main problems:
- Left and Right Misses: You might aim perfectly, but the arrow impact shifts horizontally because the bow rotated mid-shot.
- Clearance Issues: Torquing the bow can move the string closer to your arm, causing the string to slap your forearm or hit your clothing.
How to Fix It
Archers use specific techniques to eliminate torque and keep the bow steady:
- Use a Relaxed Grip: Do not “choke” the bow. Instead, let the grip rest on the meaty part of your thumb (the pressure point) and keep your fingers limp or lightly tucked.
- The 45-Degree Rule: Many archers angle their knuckles at a 45-degree angle away from the riser. This ensures the pressure stays on the bone of the wrist rather than the muscles of the palm.
- Use a Wrist Sling: A finger or wrist sling holds the bow for you. This gives you the confidence to keep your hand completely open without worrying about the bow dropping to the ground after the shot.
The Goal
A “torque-free” shot means the bow stays perfectly aligned with the target from the moment you draw until the arrow hits the mark.