Finger pressure

[Pete McMiller]

I am back in traditional now after 35 years with a wheelie and mech release.  I have been in quite a slump in recent weeks and then all of a sudden I am shooting way better even out to 30 yds.  Happened again yesterday - first 10 arrows were all over the place and then bang, bang, bang right where they are supposed to go.  The one thing that is different is the pressure I have on my string fingers.  I had been trying to put even pressure on all three fingers (I shoot split finger) with really erratic results.  My latest improvement in accuracy and arrow flight is due to putting much more pressure on my bottom finger.  Has anyone else run into this?  Is this an indication of a tuning problem ie nocking point in the wrong spot?  Don't get me wrong, I love the new accuracy but it just doesn't 'feel' right.

[BobCo 1965]

I can only theorize.

In altering your hook on the string to include more tension on the ring finger, you maybe lessoning the tension in your forearm mainly because you are more confident in the stability of the hook.

This may not be the best way to hook the string however. Most of the tension should be on the middle finger, secondly the index finger, and the ring finger is really only along for the ride (around 10% hold). Try to keep a flat hand with as little tension in the forearm, back of hand and fingers as possible.

[Pete McMiller]

Thanks Bob,

Your theory makes sense and I'll try your suggestions at my next practice session.  I've never really thought to much about tension in my forearm or hand.  Bow hand, arm and shoulder - yes, but until now not the string side.  

Without tension in the hand or fingers it seems like I may have difficulty holding the string but I'm willing to give it a try.  I understand the whole concept of relaxation in archery, I just need to focus on this part.

[LGN]

Just finished reading above post.  Still experimenting with anchor as well as release.
I did discover that my bow{hoyt gamemaster II} is tillered for split instead of 3 under.  It is so much quieter shooting split.  Also, the pressure exerted seems to be on the middle more than the ring finger.  The index only has a little.

[LGN]

Restarted shooting from 10 yds at a "quarter-size"
target.  Grouping is great, so I'll advance 2 yds with each improvement.

[LA Trapper]

Pete, you may be rolling your wrist slightly to the left when drawing. If you do, it pulls the ring finger away from the string and you will feel the residual effect on the outside end pad of your ring finger, on the pinky side.  If so concentrate on equal finger alignment.  You will notice your release will make less noise.  Sometimes you may hear something that sounds like a slight plucking sound.  It may be your ring finger on the release. Work it.  When you make that crisp release you will notice you get better arrow flight because you are not torquing the string and the shot will go down range almost like you drew it out. It sounds like the angle of cant/bowstring doesn't match your wrist angle.

At least that is what is sounds like to me.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Billy

[Pete McMiller]

Just wanted to bring this up to the top to thank Bob and Billy.  I really didn't understand the concept of "flat, relaxed hand" back then but have worked on form and consistency all summer.  It has really come together for me the past month or so.  I know when my draw and release isn't correct before I even loose the arrow.  My groups and confidence are both much improved.

Thanks again guys, I have learned a ton from this site already and have only been here for 6 months.

[BobCo 1965]

That's great Pete!

Keep that momentum and confidence going!

Bob