Why are My Arrows Hitting Left?

The most common issue when arrows are consistently hitting to the left of the aim point is that the bow sight is misaligned. This can happen to both right-handed and left-handed shooters. When a right-handed shooter's arrows consistently hit to the left, it means that the bow sight needs to be adjusted to the right. When a left-handed shooter's arrows consistently hit to the left, it means that the bow sight needs to be adjusted to the left.

Of course, if you have adjusted your site multiple times and are still hitting left, there are other issues that need to be addressed such as an improperly tuned arrow rest or weak arrows. It's always a good idea to systematically troubleshoot the issue and rule out other potential causes before assuming that the bow sight is the problem.

Here are some other things that you need to look at if you are consistently shooting to the left:

If your arrow rest is not set up correctly, it can cause your arrows to veer off course. Make sure your arrow rest is centered on your bow and that your arrow is sitting properly on the rest.

Your form could also be to blame. Shooting a compound bow requires good form, and if your form is inconsistent, it can affect where your arrows hit. Check that you're using proper form, including keeping your grip relaxed and consistent, maintaining proper posture, and following through with your shot.

When you grip the bow too tightly, it can cause your hand to torque the bow, which means that the bow twists to the side as you release the arrow. This can affect the alignment of the bow sight and cause your arrows to hit to the left of the target.

To prevent this, it's important to grip the bow in a relaxed and consistent manner. Many archers use what's called an "open grip" or "neutral grip," where the bow is held with the fingers lightly touching the grip but not squeezing it tightly. This allows the bow to sit more naturally in the hand and reduces the risk of torquing the bow during the shot.

Another possibility is that your arrows are too weak or out of tune. If your arrows are not stiff enough for your bow's draw weight and length, they may not fly straight. Make sure your arrows are the correct length and stiffness for your bow.

If your arrows are out of tune, they can hit left consistently. When an arrow is out of tune, it means that it's not flying straight and is instead wobbling or spiraling in the air. This can happen if the arrow is too stiff or too weak for the bow, or if the arrow is not properly spined. When an arrow is out of tune, it can cause inconsistencies in your shot, making it difficult to hit your target consistently.

If your arrows are hitting consistently to the left, it could be a sign that they're too stiff for your bow. This means that the arrow is not flexing enough when it's shot from the bow, which can cause it to veer off course and hit to the left of the target. In this case, you may need to switch to arrows with a lower spine rating to ensure that they flex properly when shot from your bow.

It's important to note that tuning your arrows can be a complex process, and it may require some trial and error to get it right. If you're not comfortable tuning your own arrows, it's best to seek advice from a qualified archery instructor or professional. They can help you determine if your arrows are out of tune and suggest ways to correct the problem so that you can improve your accuracy and consistency on the range.

If none of the above solutions work, it's possible that your bow is out of tune. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including an improperly tuned arrow rest or a damaged bowstring. Consider taking your bow to a professional for tuning and repairs before going too far down the rabbit hole on any of these possible solutions.

For a complete guide to shooting your bow, please read this:  Learn How to Shoot a Compound Bow: Beginner's Guide