Technique and biomechanics
Claims about posture, draw, anchor, release, motor control and how the shot is learnt, each with its evidence status and sources.
130 claims · 92% with evidence on archers
- 1Corroborated
- 80Reported
- 32Contested
- 5Transferred
- 4Contradicted
- 2Refuted
- 6Not studied
- 0Predicted
Does it apply to me? Discipline
Level
- CorroboratedBetween one and a half and two tenths of a second pass between the clicker sounding and the arrow leaving7 studies · 94 archers measuredStatus since 1990
- ReportedA camera diagonally behind the archer measures the vertical sway of the aim well, but not the horizontal1 study · 3 archers measuredStatus since 2010
- ReportedA continuous final pull through the clicker leads to better shots9 studies · 56 archers measuredStatus since 1993
- ReportedA sound or light cue about the angle of the bow arm tightens beginners' groups2 studies · 1 archers measuredStatus since 2012
- ReportedA thumb grip on the string is less tiring than a finger grip3 studies · 9 archers measuredStatus since 1990
- ReportedA two-finger string grip is about as accurate as a three-finger one1 study · 9 archers measuredStatus since 1990
- ReportedAcceleration curves from wearable sensors resemble those from a laboratory optical system2 studies · 12 archers measuredStatus since 2024
- ReportedAfter the release the body moves far more than it does while aiming4 studies · 102 archers measuredStatus since 2017
- ReportedAmong beginners, those who score more hold the drawing shoulder at a smaller angle1 study · 104 archers measuredStatus since 2025
- ReportedAmong elite archers, those with a more consistent release time score higher3 studies · 15 archers measuredStatus since 2012
- ReportedAn expert's judgement of an archer's technique predicts their score3 studies · 113 archers measuredStatus since 2014
- ReportedArchers tell small differences in pressure on the drawing finger apart less well than non-archers1 study · 14 archers measuredStatus since 2007
- ReportedAt the clicker drop almost all the arm and trunk muscles are more active than in the half second before, and they move together3 studies · 39 archers measuredStatus since 2018
- ReportedAt the release the fingers open mainly at the middle and end joints, and barely at the knuckles1 study · 1 archers measuredStatus since 2009
- ReportedAt the release the load on the feet drops suddenly3 studies · 32 archers measuredStatus since 2010
- ReportedAt the release the two arms move apart in opposite directions1 study · 2 archers measuredStatus since 2016
- ReportedAt the top of recurve archery, left-handed archers are few4 studies · 286 archers measuredStatus since 2024
- ReportedBetter archers apply a more consistent pressure on the grip3 studies · 34 archers measuredStatus since 1992
- ReportedBody movement alone tells you which archer took the shot1 study · 4 archers measuredStatus since 2025
- ReportedChampions hold more consistent aiming times than their opponents6 studies · 57 archers measuredStatus since 2016
- ReportedCompound archers hold their balance better than recurve archers in the seconds before the release1 study · 11 archers measuredStatus since 2023
- ReportedDuring the shot the legs and hips move far less than the arms5 studies · 79 archers measuredStatus since 2025
- ReportedEven among elite archers, many show signs of twisting the bow1 study · 16 archers measuredStatus since 2012
- ReportedEven in elite archers the time between the clicker and the release changes from arrow to arrow2 studies · 46 archers measuredStatus since 2012
- ReportedExperienced archers prepare their balance before the release, beginners correct it afterwards2 studies · 27 archers measuredStatus since 2024
- ReportedExpert archers do not grip the bow: the bow hand stays open even after the release7 studies · 102 archers measuredStatus since 1992
- ReportedExpert archers hold the draw with the shoulder and back rather than the forearm23 studies · 303 archers measuredStatus since 1971
- ReportedExpert archers keep the string elbow more open than beginners do1 study · 30 archers measuredStatus since 1997
- ReportedExpert archers repeat the shot with less variability than beginners34 studies · 425 archers measuredStatus since 1971
- ReportedFor a beginner, reaching full draw by pushing the bow out with the anchor already set does not change the score compared with the conventional draw1 study · 216 archers measuredStatus since 1969
- ReportedFor a beginner, starting close and moving back gradually gives no better results than starting far2 studies · 68 archers measuredStatus since 1966
- ReportedHigher-level archers keep the drawing arm less open at the shoulder3 studies · 91 archers measuredStatus since 2018
- ReportedHow hand pressure is spread over the grip does not predict where the arrow goes3 studies · 19 archers measuredStatus since 1992
- ReportedIn a beginner, posture faults come together2 studies · 40 archers measuredStatus since 1976
- ReportedIn a para archer the muscle synergies of the shot resemble those of an archer without a disability, but the muscles are weighted differently2 studies · 2 archers measuredStatus since 2021
- ReportedIn beginners a target-throwing test is linked to the score with the bow3 studies · 233 archers measuredStatus since 2025
- ReportedIn competition the longest phase of the shot is the wait before the bow goes up1 study · 16 archers measuredStatus since 2009
- ReportedIn experienced archers, changing the foot position does not lower the score5 studies · 141 archers measuredStatus since 2023
- ReportedIn expert archers the deltoid falls silent just before the release2 studies · 17 archers measuredStatus since 1987
- ReportedIn expert archers the release is not a reaction to the clicker going off7 studies · 59 archers measuredStatus since 1998
- ReportedIn expert kyudo archers breathing follows a fixed pattern even when they only imagine or watch the shot, in less experienced ones it does not1 study · 15 archers measuredStatus since 1964
- ReportedIn expert kyudo archers the gaze does not stay fixed on the target during the draw2 studies · 19 archers measuredStatus since 1994
- ReportedIn high-level archers the bow does not move measurably while the arrow is still on the string4 studies · 26 archers measuredStatus since 2007
- ReportedIn more experienced archers the transversus abdominis plays a larger part in stabilising the trunk3 studies · 45 archers measuredStatus since 2017
- ReportedIn one squad of national-level archers observed in training, almost all the time goes into repeating technique and none into competition-like practice1 study · 10 archers measuredStatus since 2022
- ReportedIn some archers the arrow tends to land on the opposite side to where the aim drifts1 study · 12 archers measuredStatus since 2005
- ReportedIn the draw, competitive archers say they think about the balance between the two sides more than about a steady arm1 study · 65 archers measuredStatus since 2025
- ReportedIn the field a chronometer on the bow gives a repeatable measure of an interval that closely follows the reaction to the clicker1 study · 20 archers measuredStatus since 2005
- ReportedIn the first months a beginner improves anyway, even without any special training6 studies · 96 archers measuredStatus since 1979
- ReportedIn top-level recurve the string does not touch the face, or barely brushes it1 study · 16 archers measuredStatus since 2012
- ReportedIn traditional archery, rapid shooting keeps the technique of the single shot1 study · 10 archers measuredStatus since 2024
- ReportedIn young club archers the technical errors cluster in the phase before the release2 studies · 21 archers measuredStatus since 2023
- ReportedInsoles with arch support improve stability and scores2 studies · 45 archers measuredStatus since 2022
- ReportedOn better arrows the joints of the shot compensate for each other more7 studies · 29 archers measuredStatus since 2018
- ReportedOn release, the string hand slides back rather than staying put2 studies · 11 archers measuredStatus since 1976
- ReportedOne study found that how fast the fingers open at the release does not separate good arrows from poor ones1 study · 1 archers measuredStatus since 2009
- ReportedParalympic archers in a wheelchair hold the draw and the aim longer than those who shoot standing3 studies · 7 archers measuredStatus since 2021
- ReportedPausing at 96 to 98% of full draw before the final pull reduces the small jerks while aiming3 studies · 47 archers measuredStatus since 2024
- ReportedReleasing when you decide for yourself groups better than releasing on an external signal3 studies · 9 archers measuredStatus since 2023
- ReportedScores are higher in virtual reality than with a real bow1 study · 22 archers measuredStatus since 2024
- ReportedSome of the angles of the shot are nearly identical in every archer, others change from archer to archer6 studies · 118 archers measuredStatus since 2022
- ReportedStudying online as well does not make beginners quicker at assembling and dismantling the bow1 study · 24 archers measuredStatus since 2023
- ReportedThe bow shoulder works better in neutral rotation with the forearm supinated3 studies · 58 archers measuredStatus since 1976
- ReportedThe drawing arm's tremor comes from the upper arm rather than the shoulder blade, and muscle activity explains only part of it2 studies · 17 archers measuredStatus since 2010
- ReportedThe final pull lasts two or three seconds and adds only a few millimetres of draw4 studies · 28 archers measuredStatus since 1993
- ReportedThe less the body sways while aiming, the better the shot30 studies · 423 archers measuredStatus since 2017
- ReportedThe movement parameters measured during the shot account for only part of an arrow's score9 studies · 154 archers measuredStatus since 2007
- ReportedThe path by which the bow is raised and drawn changes balance while aiming3 studies · 7 archers measuredStatus since 2020
- ReportedThe phases of the shot can be recognised and timed automatically from video7 studies · 47 archers measuredStatus since 2024
- ReportedThe quicker the reaction to the clicker, the better the shot13 studies · 181 archers measuredStatus since 2026
- ReportedThrough the follow-through the archer's shoulder turns about thirty degrees3 studies · 24 archers measuredStatus since 2007
- ReportedTraining archers to sense their own release timing raises their scores1 study · archers measuredStatus since 1998
- ReportedTraining with a signal on release timing makes that timing more consistent1 study · archers measuredStatus since 1998
- ReportedWatching videos of expert archers improves young beginners' technique more than training alone3 studies · 80 archers measuredStatus since 2014
- ReportedWhile aiming, the bow arm sways slowly more than it trembles2 studies · 31 archers measuredStatus since 2024
- ReportedWhile aiming, the bow moves less and less as the release gets closer3 studies · 21 archers measuredStatus since 2006
- ReportedWhile aiming, the bow sways more horizontally than vertically5 studies · 41 archers measuredStatus since 2005
- ReportedWhile aiming, the posterior deltoid and the middle trapezius are among the hardest-working shoulder muscles6 studies · 98 archers measuredStatus since 2024
- ReportedWith a thumb release the bow arm works harder than the string arm2 studies · 4 archers measuredStatus since 2018
- ReportedWith the shoulder line aligned, the two sides of the back work at the same level; with the shoulders tilted, they do not3 studies · 19 archers measuredStatus since 1994
- ReportedWith their eyes closed, archers reproduce a shoulder angle with errors of a few degrees4 studies · 113 archers measuredStatus since 2019
- ContestedA quicker release and follow-through go with higher scores3 studies · 25 archers measuredStatus since 2023
- ContestedAbout fifteen thousandths of a second pass between the start of the release and the arrow leaving the string8 studies · 38 archers measuredStatus since 2012
- ContestedAfter the release elite archers move more than intermediate archers do5 studies · 131 archers measuredStatus since 2026
- ContestedAiming with one eye closed gives tighter groups than with both eyes open3 studies · 72 archers measuredStatus since 2023
- ContestedAligning the drawing elbow with the line of force improves the score9 studies · 176 archers measuredStatus since 2023
- ContestedArchery coaches use the internet to look up what they already know, not to learn1 study · 63 archers measuredStatus since 2023
- ContestedAt full draw more weight sits on the front leg6 studies · 63 archers measuredStatus since 2014
- ContestedBetter archers have slightly shorter and, above all, more consistent reaction times9 studies · 355 archers measuredStatus since 2012
- ContestedCross-dominance between eye and hand worsens accuracy8 studies · 1,467 archers measuredStatus since 2009
- ContestedHigher-level archers complete the draw more quickly6 studies · 106 archers measuredStatus since 2023
- ContestedHolding aim for too long makes the shot worse24 studies · 252 archers measuredStatus since 1994
- ContestedIn the shot the drawing side works harder than the bow side3 studies · 24 archers measuredStatus since 2025
- ContestedKeeping the shoulder muscles active through the follow-through is linked to better arrows14 studies · 152 archers measuredStatus since 2010
- ContestedMen and women shoot with different angles7 studies · 101 archers measuredStatus since 2025
- ContestedOn better arrows the bow hand is more relaxed3 studies · 32 archers measuredStatus since 2025
- ContestedOn better arrows the finger flexors work less before the clicker goes off3 studies · 39 archers measuredStatus since 2025
- ContestedPractising on the non-dominant side as well makes the dominant side improve more2 studies · 115 archers measuredStatus since 2021
- ContestedThe body moves the same way in recurve and in compound2 studies · 57 archers measuredStatus since 2025
- ContestedThe less the bow moves while aiming, the better the shot24 studies · 307 archers measuredStatus since 2010
- ContestedThe less the string-hand forearm muscles work, the better the shot11 studies · 195 archers measuredStatus since 2025
- ContestedThe phases of the shot last only a few seconds: about one second to draw, one or two to aim12 studies · 97 archers measuredStatus since 2014
- ContestedThe score is the most repeatable measure we have of an archer2 studies · 230 archers measuredStatus since 2022
- ContestedThe shooting stance is far less stable than ordinary standing2 studies · 4 archers measuredStatus since 1990
- ContestedThe time spent on the phases of the shot does not predict an arrow's score5 studies · 55 archers measuredStatus since 2010
- ContestedThe triceps of the drawing arm is the most loaded muscle in the shot5 studies · 57 archers measuredStatus since 2018
- ContestedTraining at competition distances gives a specific advantage at those distances4 studies · 116 archers measuredStatus since 2016
- ContestedTraining at varied distances raises the score more than always shooting at the same one3 studies · 50 archers measuredStatus since 2024
- ContestedWhile aiming, elite archers activate their muscles less than intermediate archers5 studies · 89 archers measuredStatus since 2014
- ContestedWhile aiming, the body sways more sideways across the target than back and forth towards it7 studies · 101 archers measuredStatus since 2017
- ContestedWhile aiming, the drawing arm's muscles work at over 80 per cent of their maximum, and at the release almost all of them switch off except the trapezius4 studies · 11 archers measuredStatus since 2010
- ContestedWith a heavier draw weight the trunk, shoulder and elbow angles change during the shot2 studies · 18 archers measuredStatus since 2024
- ContestedYears of practice tell how good an archer is7 studies · 682 archers measuredStatus since 2022
- TransferredDuring the draw the load is shared between the rotator cuff and the deltoid, and no muscle comes close to its maximum3 studies · 30 archers measuredStatus since 2015
- TransferredHolding the drawing elbow above shoulder height makes the hold less steady1 study · 10 archers measuredStatus since 2010
- TransferredStanding forward on the shooting line, closer to the target, gains points2 studies · 140 archers measuredStatus since 2019
- TransferredThe way the string is held changes a beginner's score3 studies · 9 archers measuredStatus since 2007
- TransferredWhile aiming, a movement of a fraction of a millimetre becomes centimetres of error on the target3 studies · 15 archers measuredStatus since 2014
- ContradictedHolding the string with three fingers gives a steadier hold than with two2 studies · 9 archers measuredStatus since 1990
- ContradictedIn traditional archery the bow grip should be chosen according to the archer's height1 study · 4 archers measuredStatus since 2021
- ContradictedWithin the shot, the time splits almost evenly between the draw and the aim4 studies · 66 archers measuredStatus since 2023
- ContradictedWithout the clicker you lose draw length2 studies · 19 archers measuredStatus since 2023
- RefutedElite archers share one single correct shooting technique19 studies · 276 archers measuredStatus since 1994
- RefutedThe release should be passive: the fingers relax rather than open11 studies · 190 archers measuredStatus since 1990
- Not studiedA pose estimation model can locate an archer's joints from ordinary footage2 studies · 5 archers measuredIn the registry since May 2026
- Not studiedA structured course on the fundamentals raises beginners' scores5 studies · 111 archers measuredIn the registry since April 2026
- Not studiedAfter a correction the old technique tends to come back1 study · 3 archers measuredIn the registry since January 2026
- Not studiedLeft-handed archers shoot higher scores than right-handed archers3 studies · 274 archers measuredIn the registry since January 2026
- Not studiedRecording yourself on video during practice raises your score1 study · 60 archers measuredIn the registry since April 2026
- Not studiedReviewing your shooting videos with your coach speeds up progress6 studies · 124 archers measuredIn the registry since July 2026
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