High-Braced Bowstring Grip

A high-braced grip is a specific type of grip used in archery to hold the bowstring. With a high-braced grip, the archer positions the bowstring higher up on their fingers, closer to the fingertips than the base of the fingers. This grip is typically used by more experienced archers who have developed the strength and control to hold the bowstring in this position.

How to Achieve a High-Braced Grip

To achieve a high-braced grip, the archer places the bowstring between the first and second joints of the fingers rather than at the base of the fingers. The thumb should be extended and slightly relaxed, with the base of the thumb pressing lightly against the string.

Why is a high-braced grip used?

The goal of a high-braced grip is to allow for a more relaxed and efficient grip on the bowstring, which can improve the archer's accuracy and consistency. By positioning the bowstring higher up on the fingers, the archer doesn't need to use as much muscle to hold the string in place, which can reduce tension and improve their ability to release the string smoothly.

Benefits of a High-Braced Grip

A high-braced grip can offer several benefits to archers, including:

Improved accuracy

A more relaxed grip can help the archer to release the string more smoothly and consistently, resulting in more accurate shots. When an archer holds the bowstring in a high-braced grip, they can avoid gripping the string too tightly, which can cause tension and torque during the release. This tension and torque can cause the arrow to fly off course, reducing the accuracy of the shot. By using a high-braced grip, the archer can reduce tension in their fingers, which can help them to release the string more smoothly and consistently, resulting in more accurate shots.

Reduced tension

Holding the bowstring in a high-braced grip can reduce tension in the fingers, wrist, and forearm, which can make it easier to maintain proper form and technique. When an archer holds the bowstring too tightly, they can create unnecessary tension in their fingers, which can spread to their wrist and forearm. This tension can make it harder to hold the bow steady and maintain proper form. By using a high-braced grip, the archer can avoid gripping the string too tightly, which can reduce tension and make it easier to maintain proper form.

Reduced torque

By positioning the bowstring higher up on the fingers, the archer is less likely to inadvertently twist or torque the string during the release, which can cause the arrow to fly off course. When an archer grips the bowstring too tightly, it can create torque that can cause the arrow to spin or veer off course. This torque can be especially problematic for longer shots, where even small deviations can cause significant inaccuracies. By using a high-braced grip, the archer can avoid gripping the string too tightly, which can reduce torque and improve arrow flight.