Common Mistakes Young Archers Make (And How to Fix Them)

Archery is a rewarding sport that builds focus, patience, and confidence—but only when practiced with the right technique. For young archers just starting out, developing good habits early is crucial. Small mistakes in form, grip, or rhythm might seem minor, but they can significantly affect accuracy, consistency, and overall enjoyment of the sport. Whether you are a beginner or helping a young archer learn the ropes, recognizing and correcting these common errors will lay the foundation for long-term success.

Improper Stance and Posture

Common Mistakes:

·         Leaning too far forward or backward

·         Feet too close together or unevenly spaced

·         Locked knees or slouched shoulders

How to Fix It:

The stance is the base of every shot. Feet should be shoulder-width apart, perpendicular to the target, and firmly planted. Imagine drawing a straight line through your toes—this line should point slightly open to the target to create an “open stance.” Keep your posture upright, shoulders relaxed, and weight evenly distributed. Practicing in front of a mirror or using a video can help spot and correct imbalances.

Incorrect Grip on the Bow

Common Mistakes:

·         Gripping the bow too tightly

·         Twisting the wrist

·         Placing the grip in the palm instead of the webbing between thumb and index finger

How to Fix It:

A tight grip adds torque, throwing your arrow off course. Instead, rest the bow in the “V” of your hand, letting your fingers wrap loosely around the handle. The grip should be relaxed and steady, not clenched. This minimizes hand tension and allows the bow to move naturally during the shot.

Inconsistent Anchor Point

Why It Matters:

The anchor point is where your drawing hand lands on your face at full draw. Inconsistencies here lead to major differences in shot placement, even if everything else looks perfect.

Tips to Build Muscle Memory:

·         Choose a repeatable anchor (e.g., index finger at the corner of the mouth, or under the jaw).

·         Use the same anchor for every shot—consistency is key.

·         Close your eyes during draw practice to better “feel” the anchor.

·         Consider recording your shots to monitor anchor point consistency.

Rushing the Shot

Common Mistakes:

        ·         Drawing and releasing too quickly

        ·         Forgetting to aim or check alignment

        ·         Letting excitement override focus

How to Fix It:

Impatience is a common hurdle for young archers. To build discipline:

        ·         Practice a pre-shot routine that includes breathing, aiming, and checking anchor.

        ·         Count to three before releasing once you are at full draw.

        ·         Use blank bale shooting (no target face) to work on form without the pressure of                scoring.

Not Following Through

Why It’s Important:

Releasing the arrow is not the end of the shot—what happens after matters just as much. Poor follow-through (e.g., dropping the bow arm, moving the head) disrupts the arrow's flight path.

Drills to Reinforce Good Follow-Through:

·         Hold your release position for two full seconds after the shot.

·         Film your follow-through and look for signs of early movement.

·         Use a light bow to focus solely on clean execution.

Final Tips for Young Archers

Success in archery does not come from fancy gear alone, it is about regular practice and mastering the fundamentals. Young archers should:

·         Practice regularly with attention to technique.

·         Avoid forming habits through repetition of poor form—slow and steady wins.

·         Use beginner-friendly equipment like the youth bows and kits available at EscaladeSports.com. These are designed with young archers in mind to build confidence and comfort.

·         As skills progress, upgrade to more advanced gear from trusted brands like BearArchery.com for performance-level equipment that matches growing ability