3 under vs split finger

[Krex1010]

Pretty new to traditional archery, growing up shooting I always shot split finger, so when I got back into archery recently I started shooting split finger. So I find myself using a form of gap shooting and I'm starting to think 3 under would close my gap due to the arrow being up closer to my eye, which would hopefully improve my accuracy. Is my thinking on track there?

Also I've been shooting with my arrow on top of my nock, when shooting 3 under is it easier or preferable to shoot with the arrow under the nock?

Any advice is much appreciated

[Diamond Paul]

Three under will close your gap, if you keep your anchor in generally the same place, just move the arrow on top of your index finger rather than under it.  You need to nock below the top nock, and tie another one under the nock to keep the arrow from sliding down the string, whichever way you choose to shoot.  There should be a small amount of space between the bottom nock and the arrow nock, to allow for the string angle that occurs at full draw, otherwise it could pinch the nock and cause problems.  This gap doesn't need to be much at all, though, just some daylight.  Almost all gap shooters use three under because it gets the arrow up under the eye and reduces the gaps.  It lessens string pinch on the fingers, too, so you can get away with shorter bows if you like those.

[McDave]

Generally, people find that they need to raise their nock point when shooting 3 under. If you commonly nocked at 1/2" for split, you might need to nock at 5/8" or 3/4" when shooting 3 under.  My examples of nock point assume your arrow is under your nock.

Over the years, many people have posted in this forum about the joys of shooting split or 3 under, in about equal numbers, although I suspect there are probably more split shooters than 3 under shooters.  Some people have tried 3 under and have switched back; others try it and never look back.  I give my students a choice, and it seems that most of them just naturally want to shoot one way or the other, with very little discussion about it.

[Krex1010]

Ok so I tried shooting 3 under last night, didn't change my nock it anything, took me 2 shots to adjust my gap, and wow is my accuracy better! I know I'm a newbie and I have TONS  to learn but man it was nice having confidence that I knew where my arrows were going when I released. Granted I was only shooting 15 yards but still saw a major improvement.

[LongStick64]

For me switching to 3 Under had nothing to do about a gap, instead I switched because I felt I had a better feel for my anchor and a crisper release.

[damascusdave]

Since you are switching anyway let me suggest those are not your only choices...I am far more of an instinctive shooter than an aimer so I do not know how this will work for you...I do know by shooting two under I am more consistent

DDave

[Diamond Paul]

I tried that for a while myself.  Split finger draw, then at anchor I tucked the top finger behind the string and shot with two under.  It works pretty well with light bows, gets you closer to the one point of contact advantage of a mechanical release aid.  I wouldn't want to do it with anything over 45lbs, though.

[hickstick]

I have been a split finger 'instinctive' for ever.   after talking with a friend who is a great competition shooter and hunter, and who shoots three under with about a 1 inch crawl (sort of like a third nock 1 inch below the arrow).   when he does this he is point on at 20 yards.

anyway, it got me thinking...so I started tinkering with 3 under....and ofcourse this was mid season and it totally messed me up.   when I went back to my normal split...I couldn't 'stop' looking at the arrow and gapping...and was shooting like a foot high...then my form just fell apart.   I really struggled.

then over the past several weeks I've dialed in my 3-under 'instinctive'...I'm seeing the arrow and but not consciously gapping.

[tracker12]

When I took Rod Jenkins course he basically said that there is no difference between  split and  three under except the position of the arrow at anchor.  If you use any type of gapping or split vision I have to agree.  With a little shooting the brain learns to compensate for what type you use.  I switched to 3 under for hunting this year.  I set up my bow so that I am able to put the point on the bottom of the deer at 20 yards.  It has worked out well for me this year but that being said my success is the same as last year.  3 shots 2 deer.  Only difference is last year I shot over a deer and this year I hit the deer I lost in the shoulder bone.  I am still transitioning back to traditional gear and have yet to settle on what method I will use in the future.  For now 3 under is working for me and that's where I am at.

[newhouse114]

Maybe I do things a little different but I shoot 3 under out to 40 yards, and split finger from 40-55. Past that range I don't waste my time ( or arrows).

[the rifleman]

Went to 3 under for a year.  Thought it helped w gaps.  Then one day tried split (2 under really w index resting atop arrow.  Wow did  my groups really improve when going back to split.  Tracker 12 is right-- your brain will adjust over the course of repetition-- many arrows.  3 under I had problems getting clean release-- my index finger was the culprit.  Try 3 under,2 under, split and do what works for you.  Check out jimmy blackmons   gap compromise on YouTube.  I'm not a true gap shooter but plotting my gaps on paper at various yardage w various arrow weights anchors and finger positions I believe helped me process it all.

[t2onboard]

I tried split and quickly went to three under. It took a bit to find a consistent anchor, but now I'll never go back. It's comfortable, my alignment is on, and the shots from 20-80 feel in control. We shoot 3D and field rounds where the longer yards are a must, so learning those gaps took time, but it's worth it. I love shooting with the compound guys/gals, and fitting in. It's just me and it's fun.