How many use a deep hook?

[Flatshooter]

I'm stepping up my bow weight and trying to incorporate a deep hook on my string. This is new to me since I have always gripped my bow string at the first finger joint. Any info regarding where string crosses your fingers, possible change in anchor point and your release technique would be appreciated. Thanks

[smokin joe]

I use a deep hook. The string is in or near the first joint, and the hook is such that my finger tips point back toward my elbow.

[longstiks]

I thought a deep hook was in the first joint as opposed to on the pad above. You may want to keep doing it like you have been.

[VA Elite]

I put the string in the first joint and curl my finger tips in. it seems to make me shoot better as opposed to letting the string sit on my finger tips

[Mud_Slide_Slim]

Hooking the string, as you have stated, in the first joint of the fingers is considered a deep hook already.  You can go further...I hook the string, shooting 3-finger split, so that the string is placed between the 1st and 2nd joint of my middle finger, is in the 1st joint of my ring finger, and the index finger just rests on the arrow shaft to keep it in place.  If this doesn't make sense I can post a pic later today after work.  It may sound counter intuitive, but I get a much cleaner release the deeper I hook the string.  YMMV...

Bill-

[Bud B.]

I tried it for over a year. My accuracy suffered. Now I'm back to drawing with the least amount of finger as possible like I have done since shooting way back in the 70s. I draw and shoot pull-thru release. My arrows fly sooo much better now. The string is on the first pad of each finger in my three finger split. I have not tried it with my 70lb Hill bow, but with my 55lb Super Kodiak its providing great results as with my other bows of similar and less weight.

[kevsuperg]

I deep hook, string lies in the first joint, all three fingers, shooting Mediterranean.
 I shoot better than using the finger pads. More control of the string, my anchor feels more solid.

[RedShaft]

A deep hook is the first joint. The difference is the finger are pointed more back. Or as much as possible.
You wantched master of bare bow didn't you? Lol

Use what work for you and no do all for everyone. But the "deep" hook does feel more powerful. Weather it's cleaner in the release... I'm not sure... A smooth Release is in your own mind also...

Best bet is to work out some and do the old Howard hill bow exercises.

[Flatshooter]

Hey thanks guys! I'm going to continue working on this. Very helpful info.

[Overspined]

I can't remember who did it, but the deep hook was proven a faster method of holding the string. For me it's stronger and more comfy too.

[D. Key]

I tried it for some time but my accuracy suffered.  My belief is that the less contact time during release, the cleaner the release will be. Allof my bows are between 45 and 52# @ 28 so I'm not pulling a lot of weight.

Best of luck with your quest.

[DDawg]

I'm new to traditional archery and before this thread I had never even heard the term "Deep Hook".
But interestingly, during all my practicing, I have found that I am most comfortable and accurate when the string is in the first joint of my top finger. (shooting 3 under). It also seems to help prevent the arrow sliding off the rest while drawing. (for me).
So I guess I use a Deep Hook.

[Bowwild]

Like others have said, deep hook is with string in the "archer's groove" which by definition is in the first joints of index and ring finger and just below joint in middle finger.

String on the finger tip pads prevents a flat, relaxed back of the drawing hand. The pad placement causes the back of the drawing hand to be bowed which is tense and radiates tension into the forearm as well.

[slowbowjoe]

I use a deep hook. String definitely in, or just a tiny bit forward of the first joint (3 finger split in my case).
Helps in all the ways already mentioned.

As far as your anchor, you'll have to play with that a bit.. it is after all YOUR anchor.

[dnurk]

I'm assuming you guys saying you use a really deep hook with the string in or just past the "first joint" are talking the first joint in from the tip of the finger...not the first joint away from the palm.  Right?  Can't see anyone gripping deep enough to be in the knuckle joint.

[moebow]

Yes, from the tip of the finger!!

[Ron LaClair]

Bowwild said,

   

 String on the finger tip pads prevents a flat, relaxed back of the drawing hand. The pad placement causes the back of the drawing hand to be bowed which is tense and radiates tension into the forearm as well.  

Finely someone that knows why you should use the deep hook.