What Is Canting a Bow (and How to Fix It)?

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If your arrows or bolts keep drifting left or right for no obvious reason, the culprit might be canting. Canting means tilting your bow sideways instead of holding it level. It is one of the sneakiest accuracy killers in archery, because a tiny tilt that looks fine up close throws your shot off badly at distance. This guide explains what canting is, why it matters, and how to eliminate it.

What canting actually is

When you shoot, your sight or scope is calibrated assuming the bow is held straight up and down (level). If you tilt the bow — even a few degrees — the aiming system no longer lines up with gravity the way it should. The result is that your arrow lands off to the side, and often low, compared to where you aimed. That tilt is canting.

Why canting hurts accuracy

The problem gets worse the farther you shoot. At 10 yards, a small cant might be barely noticeable. At 40 or 60 yards, that same tilt can push your arrow inches — or more — off target. Because canting is inconsistent from shot to shot for most archers, it also makes your groups scatter unpredictably, which is deeply frustrating when you cannot figure out why.

How to fix canting

1. Add a level to your sight or scope and glance at it before every shot.
2. Build a consistent stance and grip so your hold is the same each time.
3. Check your form in a mirror or on video to spot a habitual tilt.
4. Practice holding level until it becomes automatic.
5. Relax your grip — a tight, torquing grip often causes cant.

Mistakes to avoid

FAQ

What does canting a bow mean?

It means tilting the bow left or right of vertical instead of holding it level, which shifts your point of impact sideways.

Does canting affect accuracy?

Yes, especially at distance. Even a few degrees of tilt can push your shot noticeably off target.

How do I stop canting my bow?

Add a bubble level to your sight or scope, build a consistent grip and stance, and practice holding level until it is automatic.

Is a little cant ever okay?

Only if it is perfectly consistent and you sighted in that way. Holding level is easier to repeat, so most archers should hold level.

Anti-cant checklist ✅

1. Add a bubble level to your sight or scope
2. Glance at it before every shot
3. Relax your bow-hand grip
4. Build a consistent stance
5. Check your form on video
6. Practice a level hold until it is automatic

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