Vertical tears HELP!

[ermont]

I posted this in the shooting section but it was suggested to put it here in PowWow.

I gotta tell you guys I am pretty demoralized right now. I went to the local archery shop today to paper tune my Centaur. I set the brace height to recommended and then proceeded to set the nock. I was getting horrible ripping 4-6 inch long vertical tears all nock high. I moved the nock lower and lower with no improvement. I then figured I was too low so I moved it up. Still the same ripping tears. I called the shop tech over to ask him his opinion. He checked the arrows and nock and asked if he could shoot it thru paper. His shot was a perfect bullet hole thru the paper! He proceeded to shoot a group I can only dream of at 20 yards with a bow he had never seen before much less shot.
I realize the problem is me. I asked him to watch me but he didn't see any real glaring issues with my form but I don't think he is an instructor, just a damn good shot! The only real difference I noticed is that he didn't pause before releasing like I do, but I don't know that matters. Any suggestions on how to fix it?

I and the tech were shooting 3 under.

[lpcjon2]

Try split finger you may not be releasing in a fluid motion. You may either be pulling your hand slightly up during the release or your fingers are not releasing at the same time.Try taping your fingers together and shoot a few and see what happens.JMHO

[magnus]

If you can video yourself and post a link in the shooters forum  you'll get some good pointers.

[Bowwild]

I'd look at two things.

1. I shoot 3-fingers under. When you release your draw hand should immediately slide along your face under your ear. Think "thumb to the shoulder" and then relax the hand so the string leaves. Your hand should immediately follow-through to the shoulder.

2. If you are already doing this and still having the problem. Let's look at your grip. Your grip should be such that it pushes (actually leans) against the center of the grip.
The wrist should form and "L". If you have a straight or high wrist with the webbing of the thumb/index finger against the grip you could be torqueing the bow forward and kicking your arrow up. If your grip isn't leaning against the throat of the grip you could be heeling the grip with your palm, again torqueing the riser.

Once you've set your draw hand, then the bow hand, forget about them. Start thinking step by step, draw, anchor, active back muscles, and then release and follow-through.

[PrarrieDog]

My thought is to use a release and see if you get the same tears. I am guessing you won't. That will isolate the problem to your release.

[widow sax]

If you shoot three fingers under your arrow is sliding down the string on release I saw this on high speed camera put a nock under your arrow and try it again and see if this helps it has fixed the same problem for alot of other three under shooters.   Widow

[Bowwild]

Good idea Darren!  I always have a tied on nock locator above and below the nock for this reason. Be sure make the gap a bit wider than your nock (1/8") so as you come to full-draw the "V" formed in the string at the nock doesn't pinch your arrow nock and cause the arrow to want to come off the shelf.

[ermont]

I never thought of that. I will try it and the other suggestions. I will report back.

[Magilla]

I would have to second what Bowild said, that you could be putting to much heal pressure on the grip.

[ermont]

Widow Sax nailed it. I put a second nock on the string and shot bulletholes thru paper. Excellent tip to pass on to three under shooters. I also appreciate all the other suggestions. I am much more conscious of pulling thru my shot and my hand placement. Thanks to all.

[JimB]

Nice.I remember Byron Ferguson recommends 2 the second nocking point for that reason.

[TheBigRedArcher]

I had a similar issue while trying to get my grizzly sticks to shoot off my Robertson recently. Something I tried at the end of it all was a little bit more emphasis on my middle finger (I shoot split finger) I guess Mo wanted to be the leader because the arrows flew straight. This was not through paper though just with a bunch of guys watching the flight from in back of me when I shot.

TBRA

[widow sax]

Glad I could help and that it worked for you. You can drive yourself crazy sometimes with paper tuning once you get a bullit hole you will settle for nothing else I know I do.   Widow

[TDHunter]

Is your bow tillered for three fingers under??  if it wasn't that could be a problem

[AkDan]

try more heel pressure.