Thought it was TP but it turned out to be...

[Koko Bow]

I have struggled for some time not reaching full anchor when shooting at the foam target.  I tried everything from video advice to calling Rod Jenkins, Viper, Terry,.. and no results - not that their advice was off base.

The other day I was out shooting and something Rod said popped in my head and that was trying a different hook on the string.  Normally, I would pull the string from the first three knuckles of by hand.  I tried a deep hook and things just fell in place.  

Still shooting at the same target with the only change being the deep hook.  Shooting these days is way less frustrating. I hit the solid, repeatable double anchor every time now.  Wooo Hooo!

[whipbow]

That is so weird, I was just going to write the exact same thing. I found I could not hit anchor I was geting upset over time. Started deeper hook and presto. For me I think as my glove was wearing in the "hook" had shifted farther down my finger pad primarily on my middle finger.  
Carl

[fujimo]

how deep is the deep hook?
slow explanation for a techno peasant!

[whipbow]

For me I had to go past my first knuckle inbetween 1st and 2nd knuckle. I did hook almost midpad on 1st knuckle almost behind fingernail. I had slowly migrated there over time I guess. Deeper hook has helped realease and followthrough also.
Carl

[Koko Bow]

Fujimo, a deep hook, on me, is having the string in the 2nd knuckle of my three fingers.  I use a cavalier elite tab and it has an aluminum plate that serves as a guide where to set the string.

Matt

[NJWoodsman]

Do you think it is working because the deep hook is changing your draw length, anchor, or is it just distracting you from the problem of approaching anchor? I'm curious because I'm having a similar problem, but I associate it with aiming before coming to anchor.

[Steelhead]

The deep hook is a stronger and a more secure hold.It can allow you to shoot with less tension in the string fingers and string hand as well.

Its also easier on the tendons and ligaments in the hand.

It can add a little length to your draw length as well.

[Koko Bow]

NJW, I believe it is helping me keep a straighter wrist which in essence brings the palm area closer to my face.  I could shoot pretty well the old way but I really wanted to feel my anchor on my face for consisency. Additionally, ditto on what Steelhead said.

Eric, I am really enjoying the Cherokee.

[Steelhead]

Thats great about the Cherokee!Glad you like it!

Yaa keeping the wrist straight and hand closer to the face makes for better allignment and a more dynamic release.

I think the deep hook can reduce cupping in the draw hand.As you want the back of the hand to be stretched out and straight with a relaxed feeling.The strength of the deep hook allows the hand back of the hand to be more relaxed as your more in control.When you have that combined with proper back tension and a solid aconsistant anchor you will get a better release and follow through.

I used to shoot more of the tips of the fingers when I 1st started shooting trad bows.It lead to sore tendons and almost an arthritic feeling when I woke up in the morning.

I dont have that problem with the deep hook

[night]

What part of your hand and where on your face are you anchoring too?

[Koko Bow]

My thumb hangs down into my palm so the thumb knuckle snuggles into the back of my lower jaw.  My index finger finds a home on my 3rd tooth.

[LongStick64]

Koko that is the exact issue I had with the exact fix.

[dragonheart]

Here is a thread for you to look at.  Relates to the deep hook and shooting tab/glove.
  http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=004860

[dragonheart]

ttt

[Onlyaspike]

I was having a heck of a time tonight with this same darn thing....for some reason I keep switching back and forth from a deep hook to my first joint while drawing/anchoring....and my consistancy/accuracy is suffering BIGTIME.....Im alot more consistant with the deep hook and arrow flight is ALOT BETTER.

[don s]

do you guys find that with a deep hook you end up plucking the string at all? don

[Green]

Great thread!  I also am having problems with my release.....I have primarily used a big shot glove. I have to use the glove as my grip always seemed to gravitate to using my ring finger pad on the string in hopes of getting a cleaner release.....actually I think it was working in the opposite direction.

I've gone back and forth with tabs for a few months.  I really prefer to shoot with a tab, but the ring finger pain I get always forces me back to the glove....and back to the release issues.  I tried the deep hook y'all suggest for a few arrows at dark last night and it may just be the ticket.  With my Eichler tab I did a "modified" deep hook with the string in the first joint on my index/middle finger, and between the first and second joint on my ring finger.  Am trying a couple of different tabs today....black widow and a cordovan tab....both with the velcro finger hold.  These seem to promote the deeper hook.

Edited to add that in an old "tab" thread I found a pearl of wisdom from Killdeer.  Ring finger pad pain/callouses are caused by a high elbow.  Adjusted my draw and she's absolutely right.  Now I've got a lot of practice to do with the tab...once I figure out which one I shoot best with.....lol.

[ncsaknech1ydh]

I'm with KoKo Bow: Been using a Cavalier Elite tab for a long time, and use the second joint on my 3 fingers, shooting 3 under. The deep hook works great for me.

[Koko Bow]

Don, I do not find plucking to be an issue.  I think the release is as smooth as when I used the first knuckle to draw with - only better end results.