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How does a bracer protect the arm holding the bow?

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A modern archer stands with a recurved bow drawn, aiming at a circular recreational target on a stand. The archer wears protective gear and carries arrows in a quiver at his side. — Archery Archer with a recurve bow and recreational target.

In the sport of archery, a bracer—also known as an armguard—is a protective covering worn on the forearm of the arm holding the bow.12

It serves to protect the archer's skin and clothing from being struck by the bowstring as it snaps forward upon release. By providing a smooth, durable surface, the bracer prevents the string from catching on loose fabric or causing painful friction burns or bruising to the inner forearm during the shot.2