Grip question

[razorback]

I have finally started a concerted effort to improve my form after several years of just shooting. One area I think i need to improve is my grip on the bow. I am shooting a grizzly recurve and I think I am rotating my hand around the grip to move my wrist away from the string. From what I have read I should be moving my my grip back the other way a little, pushing my thumb forward and my nuckles back to the front of the bow.
I will try to post pics and a video soon.

[Wapiti Bowman]

I should be moving my my grip back the other way a little, pushing my thumb forward and my (K)nuckles back to the front of the bow.

Yes, that sounds right; but without the benefit of pix, it's hard to say.

Ideally, you want the left edge of the grip aligned with your "life line" (RH shooter) which would place the bulk of the grip in the meaty portion of your hand at the base of your thumb. In other words, the 'belly' side of the grip would be sitting between the line at the joint/base of your thumb and the next line, your "life line". This will allow your relaxed fingers to curl loosely around the back of the grip.

If you have trouble with string to forearm/wrist contact, you might try opening your stance a bit.

If you've been using your current grip for some time, it may take some dedicated time on a blank bale with your eyes closed focusing on the new grip, until it happens automatically and feels normal to you.

Good Luck, and Keep it Fun!  

[Andy Cooper]

About 12 years ago, after reading Fred Asbell's first book, I changed my grip to be somewhat similar to his...haven't had a string slap since and my consistency has improved. Previously, I was using a low-wrist grip with the lifeline of my bowhand about centered on the grip.

[McDave]

Watch your thumb pressure against the bow handle.  When you are at full draw, consciously relax your thumb, and see if the bow angle wants to change.  If it does, you are torqueing the bow with your thumb, which is one of many ways to throw your shots off to the left (RH shooter).

[Andy Cooper]

Originally posted by McDave:
Watch your thumb pressure against the bow handle.  When you are at full draw, consciously relax your thumb, and see if the bow angle wants to change.  If it does, you are torqueing the bow with your thumb, which is one of many ways to throw your shots off to the left (RH shooter).

 
 

[moebow]

Here come 7 pictures showing a way to hold the bow grip.
Yellow is the life line, white and red show where the center of pressure should be in your hand.

 

[moebow]

As you place the grip into your hand, keep the lifeline (yellow) off the grip.

 

[moebow]

How your hand should look, more views follow

 

[moebow]

A view from the bottom.  Notice that the meaty part of the hand below the little finger does not touch the grip.

 

[moebow]

Views from the side showing how the base of the thumb rides on the grip.

 

[moebow]

Note the position of the thumb knuckle in relation to the center of the bow -- marked.  That knuckle should be JUST to the right side of the center line for right handed shooter.

 

[moebow]

Last one.  At full draw, it is common that the grip of the bow will force the thumb knuckle around the grip to the right.  DON'T LET IT!!  The knuckle needs to stay in the relation shown.

This is the grip taught in the National Training system.  It works but if you don't like it, at least keep that thumb knuckle just to the right of the center line of the bow and the center of pressure on the meaty part of your thumb.

FWIW

 

[Wapiti Bowman]

Really a nice piece of work, MB. Thanks for making the time and effort to share your expertise in such a 'graphic' manner!  

[House]

Yeah, those pics are great!!!

Travis

[razorback]

Thanks for all the info guys and those pictures are great. Never could tell which was my life line before, now I know its the BIG LONG ONE, looks good for a long future,    
Will work on the advice and see if it makes change.

[JRT]

moebow hit it right on the nose! great illustration!
  Pressure on the base of the thumb with only the top finger and the thumb contacting the sides of the bow.

[Red Tailed Hawk]

Moebow that's some great info. Thanks for sharing.

[Jeffrey Coria]

Thanks for the post! I'm gonna practice this hold and see if I improve!  My life line is short..hmmmm hope it's BS.  

[Jeffrey Coria]

Nice Widow BTW!

[razorback]

Does the same grip work on a recurve grip that is much deeper than the grip you are using. I have been working it a little, not much time, and realize that most of my pressure has been in the web of my thumb.