Tried a deep hook

[Weedhopper]

Been having problems with my groupings lately. One day great,,next day not so great. Seemed like when I first started out,,things looked good. The more I shot,,the worse things got. I started to pay strict attention to my release (split finger),,,and yep,,,it wasn't consistant at all.    :rolleyes:    :(

Then I started using the "deep hook" technique. Boy,,what a difference! The groups tightened up, and everything seemed to come together. Much more relaxed on the hand also.

Anybody else experienced this?? To me,,it almost seems absurd, since the string would seem to have to travel over much more leather from the glove to be released. Can anybody explain this,,other than having the string in the grooves of your fingers consistantly?? Or is that the answer??

[JRY309]

Been shooting with a deep hook for years,like said it gives me the best and most consistent release.Just the way I have always shot.

[WestTnMan]

I use a deep hook too. I used to shoot too far on the tips of my fingers and my had was under alot of tension trying to hold on because I pause at anchor for a second or two. Sometimes I might even let the strig slip from my grasp when I didn't want it to. Now, with a deep hook, my hand is more relaxed and I get a better release. Plus I don't have to worry about the string slipping out of my hand. I get my best release when I mentally tell myself to "push at the spot" with my bowhand and the release is very clean when I do.

[Bear Heart]

I know Ron uses a deep hook on Master of the bare bow 1

[Horney Toad]

Deep hook helps you hold longer too.

[Wldhorse]

I agree that a deep hook is the way to go as it gives me a more consistent release.

[broketooth]

im not understanding this "deep hook" can you explain futher. could you possibly post a pic or two? i understand instruction better with visual aids. thanx  

[SteveB]

Deep hook is placing the string at or beyond the 1st figer crease. This allows you to relax the back of the hand.

Since starting shooting several years ago, I have had 4 or 5 realizations that have greatly helped - deep hook was one of the main ones.

Steve

[WestTnMan]

SteveB, me too on the realization. Second one was the double anchor. Deep hook is the way to go.

[Llyr]

Count me among the converted.  Just stepped up to a 50-pound bow (minimum hunting weight for a few places in New Zealand), and the fingertip-release I had been using was causing the pads of my fingers to swell and my hand to tighten.  

Tried a deep hook yesterday, and it allows not only my hand but my forearm to relax.  With all of the things I'm drilling (double anchor, nose to feather, back tension, holding longer), one less thing to worry about is mighty nice indeed.

[Papa]

What are you guys using for your double anchor points?  I shoot split.

Thanks

[WestTnMan]

I use the middle finger in corner of my mouth and my thumb kuckle on the back of my jaw where it turns up. Now I really mostly pay attention to the thumb knuckle and the middle finger always ends up where it should be. Very repeatable to me. I picked this up from a post Terry Green was in on. Made a huge difference.

[Llyr]

I'm using a similar primary anchor to WestTnMan, I think - I nestle my cocked thumb against the back of my jaw, underneath my earlobe.  Second anchor is nose against cock feather.   Had my wife measure a collection of sample draws, and that seems to keep things pretty consistent, and puts the arrow right under my eye.

[gilf]

"...and the fingertip-release I had been using was causing the pads of my fingers to swell and my hand to tighten."

If you can get hold of it I'd recommend reading Archery Anatomy by Ray Axford. This explains why you shouldn't anchor at the tips of your fingers and why you get a worse release than you do by hooking in the first finger grooves.

I won't be able to give it justice but it's basically along the lines of Llyr's comment about the tips being under more pressure which builds up blood in the tips, this gets in the way on release causing further damage and swelling therefore causing further clearance problems. In addition the muscles and tendons in the fingers/hands are under different pressures and therefore opening the fingers is quicker/easier when the string is hooked at the groove.

I'll dig the book out and give the full explanation.

[cjgregory]

Yes I now use a deep hook as well.  It keeps my hand and forearm way more relaxed.  I just relax my hand a little more and the arrow is gone.

[ishisaxton]

I think a deep hook is essential to a clean relaxed release.

[damascusdave]

I recently started shooting with a deep hook and concentrating very much on doing that well. My shooting has improved and I can find no down side to this technique. In any type of physical/mental activity where you find a technique that has no down side, keep doing it!