The Contribution of Fine Motor Skills and Isometric Hand Strength to Competitive Archery Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Upper extremity strength and motor coordination are critical components of archery performance, especially among youth athletes. However, limited research has examined the specific contributions of hand grip strength and hand dexterity to shooting success in young archers. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of hand grip strength and hand dexterity on shooting performance in licensed archers aged 9–14 years. Methods: This quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 38 licensed athletes from archery clubs in Rize province. The relational screening model was employed to explore the relationships among variables. Hand grip strength was assessed using the JAMAR hand dynamometer, while hand dexterity was measured with the Purdue Pegboard Test. Shooting performance was evaluated by scoring 12 arrow shots from an 18-meter distance. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between dominant hand grip strength and shooting performance (r = 0.487, p .01), as well as between total hand dexterity and shooting performance (r = 0.393, p .05). Regression analyses indicated that both grip strength and dexterity significantly predicted shooting performance. Conclusion: The findings suggest that hand grip strength and hand dexterity are important predictors of shooting performance in youth archers. Training programs should emphasize exercises that enhance hand muscle strength and fine motor coordination to support performance development in archery.