Two Finger release for a target recurve archer

[King Custard]

Oh - the up and downs of archery:
Having steadily worked through most of my 'errant arrow issues' over the last 9 months, and at last shooting at a first class level (long way to go yet) - I'm having a particular problem with my third Ring finger on my release hand. The more I work on it the worse the inconsisteny becomes - most frustrating!
High's and lows creep in to rob me of points that are otherwise 'custard bound'!
Looking to good advice, it's seems that 15% of the draw weight should be held on this finger ( so says KiSic )- But how to acheive this consistently is eluding me to the point of chopping the damn thing off!
One simple answer to cure the ring finger problem Other than decapitation would be to not use it atall and completely take away this inconsistency.

Does anyone out there shoot target with a recurve well with a two fingered release?
Does anyone have any advice on this - Before I reset my nocking point, tiller ..and chop up my tab.
All advice and your findings gratefully appreciated.
Thanks

[TJ Mason]

I think there are several top archers who shoot with two fingers. The only one I could name for sure is Vittorio Frangilli, a top Italian coach who is also a very good archer. He mentions this in his book "The Heretic Archer".

One thing I'd say is, be careful to protect the underside of your middle finger from the string. According to some sources, there's a nerve running along the underside of the middle finger that can become inflamed through pressure from the string. When this happens, an operation is required to scrape the nerve back to normal size.

[Schme1440]

Shooting with 2 fingers is possible and can be affective. One of our GB Ladies (Naomi Folkard, Hi naomi how are you?if you read this) use to shoot with 2 fingers. The index finger use to point towards the target and all the pulling was done with the middle and ring finger. I use to shoot with just index and middle with no problems. Some people shoot with xuch little pressure on the ring fingr (myself included) they mite as well not use it. Give it a go but as TJ Mason pointed out, keep a close eye on the ring finger. Soaking the finger in surgical spirit will strengthen the skin. This is a little tip taught whilst on GB squad training sessions.

[King Custard]

Thanks TJ - another book and another piece of information that I'd missed.
Your fast cautionary advice has perhaps saved me from months away from the thing I love most!
And will certainly figure in the way I cut the tab- perhaps using tape around that finger too, at least while I'm conducting my tests!

- The 'unseen' nerves certainly do need protecting, as I found out experimenting with built up grips a couple of months ago- the area around the middle bone of my thumb is still only just coming back to life!

*snip-snip* - thats my designer tab mutilated, now then to figure exactly what changes to make to my bow........
ooooooh, brain ache........any guidance there anyone???

[King Custard]

Well there, then is a great argument for using just two fingers!

I'm sure though that I need to use index and middle on the string due to some old erm.... injuries to the third finger carpel, and it never setting straight.
Shall start out with one finger above the arrow and one below - that should keep the majority of the draw weight on the stronger finger.

{Huh, if I'd have known at 18 years old that clumping that fella was going to impact on my archery, nearly 20 years later, - I may have just ' let it go'}

*thinks* ....nah......he deserved it

sideline thought train :- not all scoutmasters are necessarily qualifed bone technicians....reiterated note to self :- when looking for advice - go to those who KNOW

[Stylisht]

Find the poster for the 2008 World Field Archery Championships!

[Kae]

I shoot with all the weight on my first and second finger, with the third finger sitting against the string but not actually wrapping around it.
This means that my hand position is constant, as without some sort of third finger reference, it is easy to twist the draw hand/arm.

I don't shoot too badly

Kae.

[Tobytoolbag]

We've got a beginner at the club who is missing most of the index finger on his drawing hand due to some sort of accident in his past.

It doesn't seem to affect his scores too much!

[geoffretired]

I have shot with two fingers. I used the second two under the arrow and did not use the index finger. That eliminates finger pinch all in one go. It certainly works but extra pressure is put on those fingers so it is wise to be cautious.

[PaulT]

I also use mainly my middle and ring fingers with the index finger just 'resting'.

The important thing is, if it works for you and you can repeat the action consistently, stick to it.