question about grip angles

[HumbleHunter]

Hi all,
I am wanting some input and yall's experiences with grip angles and how they effect your shot placement. I am pondering this because I am constantly fighting flinging arrows high. Even with low weight (45#) recurve and heavy hunting arrows I naturally send them high. I also have adjusted my nocking point up which does help some and also my contact point on the string is about an inch under my nock to help. I shoot 3 under as well.
I am thinking if I used a low grip like a longbow grip it might help and here's why:
If I reach my bow arm out and point at an object like I was holding my recurve, the top line of my forearm is in line with my index finger going at a upward angle together. If I hold my bow arm out like I was holding a longbow or low wrist grip and point at an object, my index finger is at least a couple inches higher than the topline of my forearm thus, I don't raise my arm as high using that grip. That's why I am wondering if it would help?

I hope I am making this clear enough to understand.

I have been trying to come up with a higher anchor as well to help but do to having strong zygomatic (cheek bones) structures I am having a very hard time getting the arror under my eye.  

I can't test my theory right now (no low grip bows) so what do yall think?
Any experiences or suggestions are welcomed!
Thanks, HH

[Flingblade]

IMO I don't think that will make a difference.  Do you shoot high at ranges beyond your point on distance.  Many shooters shoot high at ranges less than point on because the mind wants to use a reference point and the arrow point is brought up; even if not intentional.  You are gripping the string an inch below the arrow and for me that makes my point on 20 yards.  At 10 I grip the string about 1 1/4" below the nock and less than inch at 25 and 30.  I don't use the string walking system but have experimented with it at times.  For me I have to block out any visual reference to the arrow at 20 and under and shoot more instinctive.  I start becoming more aware or the arrow at 25 and 30 and beyond.  Hope this helps.  Good luck.

[HumbleHunter]

Thanks Flingblade, I appreciate the info.
I don't know what my point on distance is because I never shoot that far. I'm guessing it's around 40-45 yards though. I think you're probably right about the brain using a reference point. I am actually considering tinkering with Split Vision to see if that helps.
Thanks again, HH

[gringol]

I think your brain will be able to correct your problem on its own, subconsciously.  When you throw a baseball, you don't consciously make any calculations, you just look at the target and throw.  Instead of using reference points, try just focusing on the target (basically ignore the arrow) and let it fly.  You might find that if you do this for a week or two things just start to work themselves out.  

This works for some people better than others, but IMO if you're having trouble it's worth trying.

[BobCo 1965]

If you have a sensitive preferred grip, then you should have your handle and tiller customized accordingly. You can get away with setting the nock point on the string, but that will only get you so far.

[njloco]

Any chance your plucking your string rearwards upon release ?, this usually causes a high arrow impact.

[HumbleHunter]

Thanks Gringol for the advice, I appreciate it.
Bobco, I'm not sure if I have a sensitive preferred grip, I'm kinda trying to sort that out. I am considering having a bow made for me though with correct tiller for 3 under.
njloco, I will look into that, could be.

Thanks everybody for the input!
Have a great day, HH

[HumbleHunter]

Flingblade, I think you were right on with the reference point idea. I did two things: 1, I realized I've only been shooting a very low to the ground target and was failing to keep spine and shoulders at correct angle so by raising target it allowed me to just focus and release. 2, I ended up building a different arrow that ended up longer and man alive that Really lowered my point of impact on target. I think you were right about my brain using the arrow as reference.

Thanks to everyone for the replies!
Hh

[BobCo 1965]

Originally posted by HumbleHunter:
Thanks Gringol for the advice, I appreciate it.
Bobco, I'm not sure if I have a sensitive preferred grip, I'm kinda trying to sort that out. I am considering having a bow made for me though with correct tiller for 3 under.
njloco, I will look into that, could be.

Thanks everybody for the input!
Have a great day, HH

I guess I should have clarified a bit more. If you really like a low grip, and are not willing to change to what the bow dictates, then you may need to have a custom bow made in which the grip and tiller is custom fit to your specs. Otherwise, you may be fighting against the way the bow a made. Of course if you are in the learning phases, just learn, and don't put too much energy into this kind of stuff until later on.

[arrowlauncherdj]

If I really heel the grip, I will hit high every time. I am really thinking of making my next bow with a dished grip that I have seen Kirk use a few times to see if that helps.

Dave

[HumbleHunter]

The recurve I have is a pretty high grip so I am thinking a lower grip might help. I also just bought a used Titan so I can tinker with grips more.

Thanks everybody for the replies!
Hh

[Ruff Hewn]

I think Dave may have just touched on it there about "heeling the grip". That may be happening right at the time of release. Before going through any equipment  changes, pay attention to what your bow hand is doing as you release the string. Try not to grip the bow but rather let it nest in your hand.