School me on the Deep Hook

[Jethro21]

I have read a couple threads lately where a Deep Hook draw was talked about. Can anyone explain this or link me to a good info site?

Thanks,
Jethro

[reddogge]

Just put the string in the crease of the first joint of your drawing fingers, curl them back towards you like a hook and pull back.  Simple.

If you keep pulling the release will just happen and be a clean one.  I used to shoot more on the pads but get much cleaner releases with the deep hook.

Also pay attention to your alignment, feet, shoulders, etc.  It helps the release and directional problems.

[longbowguy]

More and more, probably most really fine archers use the deep hook. It seems counter-intuitive at first. But once you get it down it enables you to relax most of your hand and arm muscles and get a cleaner release.

Note that some anchor in the crease, but many including me anchor still deeper in the pad of the second phalange of the middle finger, beyond the crease. The first and third fingers then fall where they may.

I let the string roll down that pad and get a small callous just above the crease of the second finger. I find it comfortable, relaxed, and pain free.

I believe that most Olympic coaches, who have studied all aspects of archery form, generally teach this method.

One clear result is that it enables you to hold the back of the hand flat, not curled as with the finger tip hold. And I think this is a stronger, more relaxed position. - lbg

[eric-thor]

works for me as well reddogejust like you said.