Minecraft wiki entry for Looting, associated text: Looting affects any kills while holding the enchanted item in the main hand, not only to kills with the enchanted item.[1] For example, a player can fire a projectile then switch to the Looting item before the projectile reaches the target to get the Looting effect, or can fire a projectile from the off-hand‌[Java Edition only] while holding a Looting item in the main hand. This allows Looting to work on arrows or thrown tridents, as long as the player is holding the Looting item when the arrow or trident lands.