Short Middle Finger

[cajun]

Haven't shot trad equipment in some years but thinking of getting back into it.  The middle finger of my string hand is missing the tip due to an accident.  It is probably 1/8" longer than my index finger and the same length as my ring finger.  In the past, I shot split finger and occasionally tended to hit the tip of my nose with the string upon release.  Would this finger issue cause that and would shooting 3 fingers under help?   Thanks....

[moebow]

cajun,

Helping with something like this really needs face to face work.  Do you still have the first joint from the tip of the middle finger?  Is it still movable?  If so, MAYBE you can still do a deep hook.  BUT!! That is speculation and guessing on my part with out seeing -- in person.  All you can really do is to try it out and see.

Many times, the string or tab hitting the face is caused by the shooter laying the head over to the string/string hand at full draw/anchor.  That movement turns the head a little into the string and can cause the problem.

3 Under verses split is an ongoing discussion.  IMO, there should be NO difference in releasing either way -- no change in the mechanics of the shot.  I know, many feel or believe one is different from the other.  To me, a string hook is a string hook and it really doesn't matter -- again for the shot.  It DOES change aiming parameters so depending on what you are doing one MAY be  better than the other -- for AIMING.

Arne

[cajun]

Thanks for the reply.  To answer your questions, yes I do still have the middle joint and it is moveable.  It is only about 1/4" of the tip of the finger that is missing.

[moebow]

Then I would SUGGEST that you can use a deep hook.  Place the string in the first joint of the index  finger (from the tip), just behind the joint of the middle finger(about a string width behind the joint from the tip), and on the pad of the ring finger.

Curl the index and middle finger tips back so they are pointing back at your chin.  Draw and DO NOT let the string roll or move from the beginning position.  Come to anchor then relax and the string will be gone.

Arne