Maybe this would be better in the shooters form topic.
and maybe I am over thinking my draw cycle/release.
When you draw the bow should the string rotate at all in your hook of your fingers. I have heard you want the string to turn clockwise (for the right handed shooter) to move the arrow against the riser. but I feeling like the string rolling a little bit puts it more on the pads of my fingers and not as much in my finger joints.
Do you want your fingers in a deep stiff hook or should the string be able to move them forward at all upon the draw?
Thanks,
Kevin
I have to maintain a certain amount of tension in my fingers to maintain my hook throughout my draw. If I maintain too much tension in my fingers, the tension creeps into the knuckles where my fingers connect to the back of my hand. This is evident when it happens, because those knuckles stand up rather than lying flat, and the reverse of what you're talking about happens: the string rolls toward my hand and can pull the arrow off the rest, if exaggerated. I try to maintain just enough tension in my fingers to maintain my hook, but in doing so, I'm sure the force of drawing the bow straightens them out some, resulting in a rolling of the string away from my hand, and that rolling of the string helps to hold the arrow against the rest. This is a good thing, as far as I understand.
The clockwise string roll, and it doesn't take much, occurs naturally as you draw the string to your face. The entire hand moves/rotates a little, moving the string within. I wouldn't call this a "stiff" hook though. Should be relaxed. If the string is sliding out of the crease in your finger joints, you're probably opening your hand as you draw.
In the John Schulz hitting "em like howard Hill you tube, demonstrates how to finger roll, which allows the bow to be completely rolled over and the arrow stays against the riser. Start deep and let the fingers open just a bit and the arrow will stay against the riser even when the sight window is facing the ground. At least it works with my arrows, if you have 1000 grain efoc full length carbons, it may take a little more pressure to keep the arrow up, but you will still get increased arrow control.
I shoot both right and left handed so I essentially double up on this issue...recently I have been experimenting with changing how the string pressure on my fingers feels and that has led to other issues...the last couple of days I simply went back to a more relaxed, natural feel and am getting much more consistent results...a forced deep hook, for me, is counterproductive
DDave
I have the string just in front of the crease in my fingers. I start my draw with the tips angled back and they straighten out some as I draw. I tried that deep hook with a tab, it does not work for my gloves, but I don't think I get as clean an arrow flight, I may be doing it wrong. I have found, recently, that I get my best groups with a Howard Hill glove that requires a rather short grab on the string.
x2 DDave. Being fairly new to trad archry, I've learned what I feel are needed basics for achieving a reasonable degree of proficiency- consistent anchor point, elbow alignment, smooth release, follow through, and intense focus on target. I'm sure there are others some would consider vital, but these are the ones for me. Never gave any thought to grip, i.e. deep hook vs finger pads, sting roll, etc. When I started I just grabbed the string and for me the most natural was a deep hook. Gave no thought whatsoever to string roll. IMHO one's mind can become so cluttered with all these additional considerations that the main purpose of the shot, hitting your target, is compromised. Keep it simple is an excellent bit of advice. And as Dave said, relax and let that natural feeling take over.