split vs 3 under

[themarmot]

i was shooting split fingers and not really happy with my grouping (im a beginner) then someone told me to shoot 3 fingers under to be able to look down the arrow its more accurate.i havnt noticed any big differance. is this true?

[McDave]

There are many fine archers who get good groups shooting either way.  Getting good groups depends on having well tuned equipment and consistently good form.  If you're a beginner, you should try to get some feedback on your form, either through a class, a coach, or by sending in a video to this forum.

Instinctive shooters, those who do not use the arrow or sights as an aiming method, tend to prefer split fingers.

Many shooters who aim using the tip of the arrow prefer 3 under, while others prefer split fingers.

So I would say the decision on whether to use split fingers or 3 under should primarily be based on whether you want to be an instinctive shooter or use an aiming method.

[Scott J. Williams]

Well said McDave!

[arkiewoodsman]

i asked the same question about a month ago. you can probably look back a few pages and look if ya want. there are about 30 responses. after banging my head against the wall and hearing everyones advice i came to the simplest of conclusions. do what feels right to you. i shoot split, just feel like i have more control, but there are a lot of successful people from both sides. shoot a lot of arrows and it wont be hard to figure out which feels better. just dont fight what comes natural to always do things "the right way"

[Big'n]

I shot 3 under instinctively and Mr. Asbell made (really he asked)me switch at the Widow clinic. I haven't switched back or had any reason to. I don't shoot any better or worse because of it. It is easier to tune my bows now though. They aren't near as loud. Really though there is no difference in shooting 3 under with the index finger in the corner of the mouth and shooting split with the middle finger in the corner of the mouth. The arrow is still in the same position. It's not any closer or farther from the eye.

All that to say this. As you said above,"Do what feels right to you!" As long as you are comfortable because to quote Dr. Kidwell,"Comfortable is Consistent and Consistent is Accurate". Good Luck and God Bless, DAVE

[Al Dean]

I shoot both.  Recently I changed back to 3 under.  The only reason is I just seem to consistently get a cleaner release.  And yes it is not as quiet.  What feels good to you.  Also, I can't change my anchor point.  Index finger in corner of mouth, split or 3 under.  It does require a aiming change for me.

[AnointedArcher]

I actually started out shooting split but watched a video by Rick Welch and switched to 3 under and I can honestly say it improved my groups when target practicing, however I struggled on moving targets a little more.  Then this year rabbit hunting I caught my self shooting split when I had to shoot fast. Now I switched back to split finger because I hunt more then target shoot amd my groupings are ok so it's split finger for me now.

[sbschindler]

I started to shoot 3 under this year after 35 years split, I don't notice anymore noise, but I think It is easier on my fingers, I'm going to give it a go until I decide not too. seems alright so far.

[P.W.Smith]

This is an interesting discussion...I can shoot 15 yard bullseyes using either technique...(this is probably because I shoot instinctive, and use a 1-st finger anchor) but I'm going to agree with the others and say...whatever suits you! (I use 3 fingers under for recurve and split fingers for longbow/selfbow)
Derek

[John 4]

I shot both,3 under in close and split beyond 30 yards.
I also face walk,using four different anchours depending on range.
Inside 10 yards I often anchour just below the corner of my eye with a three under release.
Mid ranges 20-30 yards I will anchour in the corner of my mouth and usualy shoot 3 under.
Past 30 I go to split and will anchour either just below my mouth or on my chin.
Hunting shots are always inside 30,and I usualy shoot 3 under.
I belive restricting your self to one style,weather is be an aiming style or form style,is a very narrow minded approach.
But that just seems to be trad archery today.

[King's Pawn]

Hey Marmot- my traditional mentor got me going on the "3 under" program and to me it just feels right. I also make a point to use a Monster tab (no split) faced with deer skin which is very quiet. I anchor with my middle finger at the corner of my mouth and my hen fletch touching the tip of my nose and use my arrow tip as a gauge relative to the target. At 20 m on a deer sized target this means my arrow is just below the brisket before I draw to anchor, dead center of mass at 30m and right on the deer's back at 40m. If I switch to split my aiming system goes right out the window and I'm hooped. Good luck.

[Hattrick]

Jeff i had the same problem split for years but went 3 under ,i shot tighter groups but i have 2 shoot much slower, it`s like u don`t have as much control with 3 under. But  i`m stickin with for now. It`s atotal differnt feel.

[Bear Heart]

I think it's all in the mind.  If you think one way is better you will probably shoot better that way.  I shoot 3 under all of the time.  I use whatever aiming method I feel the shot requires. Instinctive, Gap,....Just shoot the arrow!

[Ed Neudorf]

I do neither! I'm a beginner too, and after trying both, I settled on 2 under. I saw no need for the 3rd finger, and split felt a bit strange, so 2 under it is. Works well, for me, anyway.

[smokin joe]

Try both ways. Traditional shooting is a physical thing, not something dependent on mechanical means. Because everyone's hands are unique to them, each shooter's physical experience of shooting is somewhat different. In my humble opinion, if you shoot both ways for a while, at some point one way or the other will emerge as the most natural and comfortable way to shoot. The way you choose will give you the most comfort and confidence, and comfort and confidence will lead to accuracy because your focus will be on the spot you want to hit and not on your fingers. As in all things, give it time and the rewards will be there.
Joe