Finger position on drawing bow

[Witchie Poo Cat]

Hi

I would just like to ask members their opinion on something.

Im new to archery having done a days archery experience in Kent and becoming totally addicted! On that day we had the briefest of instruction before getting "stuck in" and we were told when drawing the bow string to put one finger above and 2 below the arrow.

I started a beginners archery course last night and interestingly we were told to put all 3 fingers below the arrow when drawing. I appeared to have a problem doing this as kept going to put one finger above and the instructor said to me that we start with 3 below then go to two fingers below the arrow but never one above.

What is the general concensus on finger position on the bow string when drawing? Am just wondering what is the "correct" text book method and what is the most common method.

Thanks for your views!

Witchie Poo Cat

[Ffish]

I think you'll find that as a learner, you're taught only for the first lesson to draw the arrow with all 3 fingers under the arrow. This is probably because you were "sighting" by looking along the length of the arrow, and not actually using a bow sight at all.

Once you progress onto using a sight, the standard way of shooting is as you've already described, with your index finder ABOVE the arrow, and your middle and ring fingers below the arrrow. Your thumb and little finger should be tucked out of the way into your palm. Kind of like making the 3-fingered (Boy Scouts) salute.

[TJ Mason]

The "three fingers below" technique is one that we're encouraged to start beginners with. It's a useful technique when shooting without a sight, since it brings the arrow closer to the eye.

The Mediterranean hold -- one finger above, two below -- is what we use when target shooting, since it's the better technique when using a sight.

There's some controversy about which technique should be taught to beginners -- whether there's any point teaching the "three below" hold and then dropping it and teaching the Mediterranean hold. See this thread, for example:
http://www.archery-interchange.com/f...?t=1681&page=4
(starting with Rik's post, 4 down).

[Mufti]

I suspect they are asking you to do the "simple" thing first in order to get arms and shoulders correctly positioned first and then progress onto (seemingly) more difficult things later?

Top finger in corner of your mouth and point the tip of the arrow at the gold?
That is a standard "have-a-go" method for sefety and ease of shot - also gives you a feel for just another form of shooting later on perhaps.

Don't loose sleep over it, by the end of your course you will be shooting like a trooper if you are as keen as you appear in forums. All trainers/coaches have their own spin on how and when to teach things.

[MikeD]

This is quite odd and suggests that you are being taught a barebow style using string walking to 'aim'.

One finger above and two below is more conventional.

[Witchie Poo Cat]

Thanks for the replies guys. Having read the thread linked in TJs reply I see that this is the standard way of teaching beginners and will be progressing to the 1 above 2 below in a week or so.

The organisers did ask if anyone had done any archery before and perhaps because most were totally new to it (having only done one day of archery myself) they didnt explain the finger thing as assumed we wouldnt know any different anyway.

Im just one of those that has to know why!! lol Appreciate the replies, many thanks.

Witchie Poo Cat

[Rik]

Originally Posted by Witchie Poo Cat

What is the general concensus on finger position on the bow string when drawing? Am just wondering what is the "correct" text book method and what is the most common method.

the 'textbook method' varies with differnt styles of shooting.
For barebow (no sight, stabilisers etc) 3 fingers under is probably the most common.
For target shooting, 2 under, 1 over is considered correct (with variations like 1 over, 1 under, or very little weight on the 'over' finger - but that's more than you need to know at the mo...).
However, the most recent coaching guidance has been to start people off with 3 fingers under. I've given my opinion of that elsewhere .

[GeoffT]

Rik,

I haven't read your "opinion elsewhere", but from the tone of your comment, it sounds like yours and my opinion of current GNAS coaching practise is similar!

[TJ Mason]

Originally Posted by GeoffT

Rik,

I haven't read your "opinion elsewhere", but from the tone of your comment, it sounds like yours and my opinion of current GNAS coaching practise is similar!

Follow the link I gave! Goes to Rik's opinion.

[GeoffT]

Thanks for the link........yes I agree with Rik...........I also think beginners should be taught to use a clicker shortly after the 6 weeks..........but that another thread !