Help for a plucker

[Turkey-duke]

Alright folks.  I have been shooting for about 3 years now and I am trying to continue my improvements.  I have recently become aware of a slight string plucking problem.  I guess it has always been there but who knows.  I am currently shooting 2 under (using index to draw and dropping it at full draw) with a 45 lb Ben Pearson Mustang.  if you have any suggestions on how to keep from plucking I would really like to hear it.  Thanks.

[jdupre]

Try pushing your bow arm towards the target. I agree with Fred Asbell when he said that when he has release problems, he always concentrated on pushing that bow arm.

[Luckyned]

I a'int no expert by any stretch but I know when I pluck it is because I have no faith in the shot for whatever reason. (I have too many reasons to mention) When I pluck more than once in a shooting session, I go up close and practice my form with my eyes closed. Wash and repeat the crappy shot I made plucking a few minutes before. If I can't make the shot without plucking again..I go back up close and practice and then quit for the day. (When I'm smart)   :p

[jdupre]

TD, using only 2 fingers might cause you to have more tension in your drawing hand and that makes it really hard to relax the fingers when you release.

[longbowguy]

A good follow through is the best cure for most guys. I favor a long and lively one, where the elbow flies violently several inches to the rear.

Renowned coach Bernie Pellurite says: Power up, pull through, and rip your fingers off the string. Well...he didn't say pull through, but I do. And I am..............the longbowguy.

[olddogrib]

jdupre is probably on the right track. I shoot my best two under but will start doing bad things when finger joint discomfort sets in. I was shooting index-middle under w/middle in the corner of my mouth. It wasn't a hard transition to start using the ring finger also. If I understand you correctly, you are using middle/ring. Adding the index thru release may be a little more difficult if you don't stay with split. My scores jumped because 3-under enabled me to use the back edge of the cock feather against my nose as a draw check, helping another of my bad habits.  Getting the arrow closer to the eye never hurts either, but it took awhile for this to feel natural.

[Turkey-duke]

Thanks guys.  I started out shooting three under and I developed some problems with my ring finger dragging.  That is why I switched to a split finger and dropping my index at full draw (that is how I used to shoot the wheelie bow back when).  After experimenting awhile today I think Jdupre may be right.  I am goig to try going back to a 3 under to see if that helps.  we'll see.  Thanks again.

[30coupe]

Why drop your index finger? Just shoot split. When I start plucking, I concentrate on following through with my fingers pointed straight at the target. I almost snap them straight at the shot. If I do that my hand goes straight back from the string.

I shoot split because it's quieter and I feel like I have better control of the shot. Not that I necessarily shoot better, it just feels more in control.

[kawika b]

backtension(everything is back tension,LOL),,,draw with your elbow in mind,,,forget about your hand. you should not even consciously think about holding the string,,, not thinking about holding it makes it easier to not think about releasing it.

[bkupris]

Originally posted by kawika b:
backtension(everything is back tension,LOL),,,draw with your elbow in mind,,,forget about your hand. you should even consciously think about holding the string,,, not thinking about holding it makes it easier to not think about releasing it.

Yeah, totally agree with this. IMHO release problems are usually due to poor back tension. Try and relax the back of your drawing hand, forearm and bicep. Draw the bow with your upper back (shoulder) muscles not your arm. Imagine a string attached to your drawing elbow and its pulling it straight back in line with your arrow. If you get it right your elbow will rotate slightly inside of this line to slightly behind your head. Pressure with your bow arm should be equal to the drawing pressure. Imagine putting your bow hand on a tree and leaning against it to get an idea of what it should feel like. If you can get all this right your on your way in my opinion  

[Cecil]

Stand right in front of the target draw shut your eyes focus only on the release and shoot. over and over hope this helps it helps me when I have problems. key is only focus on one thing.

[Turkey-duke]

Thanks guys.  I went back to three under and it fixed itself.  Shortly after that I also went to a tab and I am having even better results.

I do not feel comfortable shooting split.  I just don't like the feel.  I also shoot shorter bows (58 and 52) so by shooting 3 under I reduce nock pinch.  As far as dropping my index this is the way I used to shoot compounds back before I started using a release.  It is a motion I am familiar with and it gives me a smoother relaese (well it used to) than with a split.  

But like I said my shooting has improved since going back to 3 under and my confidence is improving - now if i can only get some time to hunt this year.