sore index finger

[vernon]

the last couple of years i've noticed the inside of my index finger gets sore/sensitive when shooting.  Its the skin part of the finger but its adjacent to the side and base of my finger nail.  I shoot split finger and don't think I'm torquing string.  I haven't tried a tied on nock point which will be my next attempt.  I also use a tab and although a glove would most likely improve this I am quite fond of my tab.

Any ideas/suggestions?  torque, release, nock point, i'm an idiot, etc....?

Thanks

shot less than dozen arrows yesteday with 4 yr old daughter, who has a longbow:), and haven't shot all winter and even with less than a dozen shots my index finger was noticeably painful.

[moebow]

Vernon,

If you can, have someone look at your arrow when you are at full draw.  They would be looking to see if the arrow has a downward bend in it.  Frequently, we put enough downward pressure on the top side of the arrow nock to actually bend the arrow downward.  That would be where you are feeling the pain on your finger.

Second idea is to try a finger spacer that would hold your index finger up off the arrow nock and relieve that pressure.

Check tension in string forearm and wrist and relax as much as possible!

Check to see that your fingers hook the string as perpendicular as possible and are not pointing downward.

Finally, short bow?  String angle pressing the fingers together.

Just some areas to check

Arne

PS.  Yes, those D@#$#@ brass nocking locators are TERRIBLE!!!

[vernon]

Arne,  Thanks so much for the feedback.  You are our rock:)  All my bows are 62" and I've always shot just a plain leather tab with the most recent being the Eichler tab. I love the simplicity and the no spacer but going to try a new tab down the road.  

Going to review past threads/videos on string hook which I've played with a little and see if that helps.

Thanks again--your always there for us!!!

James

[tracker12]

Arne
I have read people recommend that on a deep hook your fingers should be pointed back and down.

[moebow]

tracker,

In the NTS they are pointed back and UP not down.  The "UP" part is difficult without a spacer and I find for most of "OUR" style shooting trying to keep the fingers perpendicular to the string works really well.

Arne