Canting the Bow

Canting the bow is a technique used by archers to adjust the angle of their bow handle in relation to the bow limb to compensate for their dominant eye or hand orientation. It refers to the process of tilting the bow handle either to the left or to the right, based on the archer's dominant eye or hand. 

The goal of canting the bow is to achieve proper alignment and stability in shooting, which can result in improved accuracy and consistency. This can be done to counteract any torque or twisting that may occur during the shot, which can cause misalignment and negatively impact accuracy. The amount and direction of canting will vary from archer to archer and can be adjusted based on personal preference and shooting style.

Understanding Canting the Bow

It's important to understand that canting the bow does not change the way the bow is drawn or shot, but rather helps to align the bow and the archer's body in a way that reduces torque and provides greater stability. This, in turn, can lead to improved accuracy and consistency.

How to Cant the Bow

The process of canting the bow involves adjusting the angle of the bow handle in relation to the bow limb. This can be done by physically tilting the handle to the left or right and sometimes even adjusting the bow's grip. The goal is to achieve proper alignment and stability, which can result in improved accuracy and consistency in shooting.

Bow Canting: Factors to Consider 

When canting the bow, it's important to consider several factors, including the archer's dominant eye and hand, the type of bow being used, and the archer's personal shooting style. Some archers may prefer a small amount of canting, while others may prefer a more pronounced cant. Experimentation and practice will be key in determining the optimal amount of canting for each individual archer.

Adjusting the Bow

In addition to physically tilting the handle, some archers may also adjust their bow's grip to achieve a better fit and greater stability. This may involve adding grip pads, changing the size or shape of the grip, or making other modifications to the bow to suit the individual's needs.

Benefits of Canting the Bow

Canting the bow offers several benefits to archers, including:

  • Improved alignment and stability
  • Increased comfort
  • Greater control
  • Increased confidence

In conclusion, canting the bow is an important technique for archers to consider in order to improve their accuracy and consistency in shooting. By adjusting the angle of the bow handle to compensate for dominant eye or hand orientation, archers can achieve proper alignment and stability, which can result in better performance and a more enjoyable shooting experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced archer, taking the time to learn and implement the technique of canting the bow can be a valuable investment in your shooting skills.