Why split finger?

[Stealth Man]

This is one of the most discussed topics in this forum.  One begins to believe that most are shooting 3 under and that there are few advantages to split finger. In my observation of those in my area and the experts I read, all are split finger. I would like to here from the split finger shooters why they prefer that method and the advantages it has over three under.  Thank You.

[crgaston]

More control over the arrow on the string.

[Wapiti Bowman]

First, I learned to shoot in the early 50's, and I can honestly say that I neither saw, nor heard of anyone using "three under" at that time. Of course, our area, and club, were very small. (Wish I hadn't given up shooting for 50 yrs before getting back into it again.      )

So, I shoot split finger because that's how I got started and it feels natural to me. Now that I'm surrounded by 'three under' shooters, and can see the advantage it offers in some areas, I've given it a try. It feels fine on some of my bows, but unbalanced on others. I think it has to do with the bow length, or the built in tiller?

The advantage or disadvantage, depending upon how you look at it, is that given the same anchor point, the "spot" on the target will remain visible above your arrow tip/arrow rest for a longer distance for the split finger shooter than it would be for the "three under" shooter.

For the trad shooter who wants to compete in field and hunter rounds, where the required shooting distances go out to 80 yards, being able to see that spot as far out as possible is a distinct advantage, over having the spot blocked in the 40 yd range by the hand or bow, as it is for the "three under" shooter.

For the trad shooter primarily interested in hunting, and/or competing in 3-D where the max distances being shot are 30 or 50 yards, respectively, the "three under" shooter has a distinct advantage, as the 'point on' range for many is in the 40 yard range.

Without getting into the "instinctive vs "gap" shooting debate, the visible gap between the intended impact point and the arrow tip is the width of the index finger less for the "three under" shooter, which decreases the potential elevation error with a misjudgement in the arc of the arrow required for a good hit.

It's a whole lot easier to see than to explain to one unfamiliar with the two techniques. I'd recommend giving them both a try and see what happens. Probably the safest way to try them out would be at 5 yards, or so, using a spot in the center of the butt, and seeing where the arrows impact using the two different finger/nock positions and the same anchor point with your current method of determining where to hold/aim. Just remember that any vertical difference in the impact points is going to be multiplied several times over as the range is increased.

Have Fun!    

[Ben Maher]

Also worth noting in some divisions such as IFAA longbow [ popular in Europe and here in Australia ] you have to shot split .

[Pon]

Originally posted by Ben Maher:
Also worth noting in some divisions such as IFAA longbow [ popular in Europe and here in Australia ] you have to shot split .

you have to shoot split in the longbow class in our 3d league as well, that is why I shoot split

[jhansen]

I started off shooting split.  Then I experimented with three-under and found that my accuracy improved greatly.  If you look at my avatar you will see me shooting three-under.  I was able to look right down the arrow and "shotgun barrel" my aim.  And yes, I do aim and so does everyone else who can actually hit what they shoot at.  "Instinctive" shooting is something that happens after you have developed proper form and hand/eye co-ordination.  You're still aiming, you just don't realize it.

I later went back to split for a number of reasons.  If you will look again at my avatar you can see that the string passes over the arrow nock at a pretty steep angle when drawn three-under.  I was getting occasional wild shots where the arrow seemed to kick up from the shelf when all other shots were normal.  I may be all wet but I suspected that the arrow might be reacting to the downward pressure on release sometimes.  An arrow drawn split has support and near equal pressure on the string above and below the nock and passes more vertically through the nock.  There was also the purely subjective fact that drawing split just felt more natural.

John

[bolong]

I started off shooting split finger 50 years ago and it worked pretty good. I figure if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[Stealth Man]

Thanks for the responses.  I do not see many people excitied and encouraging split finger when it seems like the majority use it.

[HARRY CARRY]

One above, two below for me.  I'm 48, and that's what I was taught to me back in the early 70's.  The first bows (Father's old lemonwood longbow and my first Fiberglass Jet bows)did not have nocking points, so, I NEEDED split finger to hold the arrow in place.  To me, it's like "comfort food":  I know it works, it works well for me, and that's all that matters for me!

[Wapiti Bowman]

I do not see many people excited and encouraging split finger when it seems like the majority use it.

I think that may depend upon the age group with whom you normally shoot. It appears, from many of the responses given above, that most of the 'split finger' shooters started shooting in the 1950s and are now "mature" shooters: as in "Seniors" or "Master Seniors".    

[LP Kelley]

After watching 'Masters of the Barebow' particularly Rod Jenkins's 3 under style I decided I'd try it. I practiced 3 under almost every day for 4 months. Like John said the arrow was right under my eye. Shooting at a styrafoam cup at 30-40 yards I would come close with the first arrow and many times nail it with the second shot. As long as I kept the form right I seemed to be more accurate then split finger.

Now forward to actual hunting. I was in a natural ground blind and the doe came by right where I wanted her to. About a 50 foot shot. She was walking slow. Shooting 3 under with a slight cant, arrow right under my eye I shot, windage was perfect but the arrow went  just under. There was about a 15 mile and hour wind in my face evidently she never heard the arrow didn't flinch just kept walking slow. I reached for another arrow swung up and shot and doubled lunged her.

After gutting her out I ran the shot sequence through my mind. Hmmmmm I shot the second shot split finger. My nocking point was a little over a quarter inch shooting 3 under didn't seem to bother the flight of the split fingered shot.

After 50 plus years of shooting split fingered, four months of steady practice shooting 3 under wasn't enough to reprogram when in a hunting situation.

LP

I went back to split after I used three under on a short recurve.  I could not shoot smooth enough or fast enough to suit my needs with the three under.

[BCWV]

Like LP Kelley, I also practiced 3 under and although very accurate, it just doesn't work for me in hunting situations.
 I think it's a combination of the way I cant my bows and I've also been shooting split for 40 years.
 3 under just doesn't feel natural for me.

[Don Stokes]

crgaston nailed it. It's simple. When you shoot split-fingered, you have more control, especially under less-than-perfect conditions. Murphy's Law plays a part, too. What happens in the field if you shoot three under and your nocking point slips?

I'm in the "Senior" category, I guess. I can draw Social Security next month.

[reddogge]

Cause I have been doing it since 1955, I can hit what I aim at, my bows are quieter, and I can shoot at moving targets better.

[rick7]

i have tried both ways but i keep shooting split fingers.  i think i shoot better using split fingers. but thats just my opinion

[njloco]

What reddogge said X2.

[floyd]

Started off shooting split finger because well that was comfortable. Plus the first time I ever drew back a recurve it was a bit of a challenge just to keep the arrow on the shelf. Split finger gave me more control. I also didn't have a glove or tab. Talk about blood blisters. I soon bought a glove. Have tried 3 under and didn't mind shooting like that at close distances, but when I got out to 20 yards I found myself gap shooting. Shooting split finger I just focus on the target draw anchor and release.

[Jeffrey Coria]

I'm new but I've tried both.  I shot 3 under at first but did not like my anchor point. I changed to split and anchored with my thumb on my temple.  It allows my eye to be just over the arrow when canted.  So far its working well. I'm no expert by anymeans, but I'd say experiment to see what works for you.

[champ38]

Tried 3-under for a while, say 2-3 months. But my experience was somewhat like LP Kelly's. When in the field, on quick shots, and in contorted positions, I would revert back to split. So gave it up and just went back to what I do best.