How important is your grip?

[Petej]

Hi guys, I have recently started to wonder if my grip could be a problem with my shooting. I have been shooting for about 6 years, I shoot a bear montana longbow 55#. It's the only bow I've ever shot seriously and I am pretty much self taught so I am afraid I have learned bad habits because I have put so much time and effort into my shooting and still don't feel adequate.

I recently got a G. fred asbell book "Instinctive shooting 2" and in it he describes the difference between the recurve "pistol grip" style and the longbow grip with the palm down on the bow. I realized that I shoot my longbow with a recurve style grip where I have very little contact with the handle, I just take the full weight on the webbing between forefinger and thumb. I much prefer the feel of the deep pistol grip on a recurve, and when shooting the longbow I like the same straight wrist feel, it feels much more natural to me than putting my whole hand on the handle. And I see that a lot of new longbows have a deeper/higher grip more like a recurve.

So what do you think? does it matter that I shoot the longbow without my hand really gripping it? Is there a reason this is bad? Should I try a recurve or longbow with deeper grip? Has this made a big difference for anyone else?
Thanks a lot for any input!

[slowbowjoe]

How much it matters depends on how the bow was designed, I think.
Each bow has a fulcrum, or balance point to the grip.
What I do to find it: Start drawing the bow with your bow hand fully open. As you draw, you'll feel where the focus point is on your hand. Maybe the throat, maybe not. It's a good idea th have contact with the grip at that point; you can still contact with the thumb web.

Another thing I do when getting to know a bow is hold it by my side in my bow hand, arm extended downward. Where it balances on one finger of that hand tells me where the center spot is.

I think if you grip it firmly somewhere without some support at that point, yes, it can cause problems at the release.

Bows can be somewhere between web of thumb and full palm, of course... you'll need to find your comfort zone with the grip, and the bow's.

Just my .02 cents.

[moebow]

The bow hand is the MOST important part of YOU in the archery shot.   It is the ONLY part of your body that is in contact with the bow before, during, and AFTER the shot.  It has to be right IMO!!

I know there are many that advise a tight grip and for many that MAY work and work well.

Here is my suggestion.  

You have to find what works for you but the more tension you use, the harder it is to let the bow do what it needs too to shoot a good shot.

Arne

[goingoldskool]

I find that if the heel of my hand is not "right",
Then my accuracy is off.... once it's back to the correct spot, accuracy returns ( if all else is going well)!

Good luck, shoot straight and God bless,

Rodd

[Petej]

thanks guys, I think I'll play around with the grip a little and try a few different things and see how it works.

[flyguysc]

Ditto I'm going to try that moebow tomorrow. Bye the way what brand of  bow are you shooting in the video?

[moebow]

fly...,
That's a Howard Hill Archery Wesley Special, 50# and 70" long.  Hill style bow also known as an American Semi Longbow (ASL).

Arne

[tracker12]

I'm with Arne on this one.  It all starts with a proper grip.  Get your bow hand in a good bone on bone position, point your thumb towards the target and  you will be fine.  My rights and lefts really tighten up when I get it right.

[flyguysc]

Arne I tried the new grip style and it improved my grouping overnight.Also seems to allow for a smoother release,less slapping at flies and I can hold bow on target a bit longer.I have a bad habit of peeking.

[moebow]

We can be our own worst enemy.  We try to control too much rather than let the shot happen.  It ALL starts with the grip IMO.

Arne

[Green]

Originally posted by moebow:
We can be our own worst enemy.  We try to control too much rather than let the shot happen.  It ALL starts with the grip IMO.

Arne

A very appropriate reminder.

[flyguysc]

Well I'm glad you here  Arne thanks for the help. Thank God for the Trad Gang and other media. Sure makes learning new tricks a lot easier.That trial an error sucks some times.