tension

[nhbuck1]

how much finger tension do you all have on the string before you draw? whats the benefit of hving less or more tension on it?

[ChuckC]

Not sure about tension.  I curl my fingers before I start to pull so they don't change as I put pressure on the string.  Works for me.
chuck

[crazynate]

You don't want your fingers holding all the weight. You actually want the tension off your fingers in my opinion.i am not a shooting coach but that's how I do it. I use a deep hook and keep your thumb down and your bottom finger in and you'll get a cleaner release. To much tension on your fingers and you'll pluck the string  causing all sorts of problems.

[nhbuck1]

im regarding how tense are your finers when placing on string?

[Bladepeek]

I agree with crazynate. You don't want tension in your fingers, other than enough to keep them curled. With the string resting in the first joint, your whole hand can be very relaxed with very little tension on the fingers.

[nhbuck1]

anyone else?

[onestab]

Deep hook but you don't want the tension so tight that your wrist locks up... Check out Arnes YouTube page Moebow.. I can't remember which video he talks about it in but he has eight videos on his page everyone one on this forum should watch...

[Tom1958]

Should you rephrase your question? I think maybe you were asking something slightly different than the answers you got.
For me, putting slight pressure (or tension) on the string before actually starting the draw is helpful toward feeling the proper grip on the bow. A little pressure on the string helps me make tiny adjustments to hand placement on the bow. There is a sweet spot on my bow hand where I need the pressure to be. Feeling that spot against the handle helps me apply equal pressure on both limbs with no torque. It's easier for me if I put a few pounds of pressure on the string before I actually begin the draw. I want the limbs in perfect balance in relationship to my nock point. If I put too much pressure with the heel, or web of my hand the bow is not being shot in a "balanced" attitude. Drawing straight back against the fulcrum of the handle is vital to consistent shooting. A little pressure before drawing helps me to feel the fulcrum.
I still shoot with a deep hook and any of the "tension" that I put on the string before or during the draw/hold is all coming from the back muscles. The hand and forearm need to stay as relaxed as possible. Use only enough hand tension to maintain the hook until it's time to release.
That's what works FOR ME.