Need some help with my release...

[bttsj1]

I've been getting some bad arrow flight. Most of the time my arrow looks like its kicking up after I release it. I have spent alot time bareshaft tuning to try to fix this problem, I've moved my nock point all over with no help.
The other day I started playing around with the way I release the arrow. I've all ways shot split finger and I just started trying diffrent things with my release. Every so often I would get beautiful arrow flight. I feel like the problem is definetly In my release. Can someone please describe to me what I should be doing to get a good release. thanks for any help i get.

[TradAg02]

I am a back tension / follow-through guy. I disagree with the dead hand release that most guys preach. I focus on keeping back tension throughout my shot so that upon release my hand travels straight back.

That being said, when I am getting bad arrow flight due to my release I have generally found that it has more to do with finger placement and tension on the string. I have a bad habit of carry too much of the load on my ring finger, this is particularly bad for a three under shooter. I have tried shooting with two fingers or sliding my ring finger off the string at full draw like must compound finger shooters do, but that doesn’t work for me. The only solution I have found is to set my ring finger on the string a little closer to the tip (on top of my normal callus), and really focusing on placing the majority of my tension in my index and middle finger when setting up for my shot.

Another issue I have found that causes a poor release is allowing my fingers to slip on the string. Some days the string has a tendency to want to slowly creep forward in my fingers as I am getting deeper into my back. I am not sure of the reason, but this has a negative impact on my release.

Another tip that may improve your release (if you can do it), though it goes against rational thinking is a deeper hook. Most of your top Olympic shooters have a very deep hook between the first and second knuckle. It works because it allows your hand and forearm to relax. Overall the less tension you have the better. I shoot this way in college and it does improve your release, however I have been unable to transfer it over for traditional shooting.

The issue is that many individual’s facial features and anchor points don’t allow the room for such a deep hook. Olympic archers anchor under their chins so there is plenty of room to wrap their fingers around the sting. When shooting instinctive/traditional I anchor on my fingertips because I have no room for my fingers to wrap around the sting and still clear my face upon release.

I would also get your form set prior to bare shaft tuning, otherwise you may get an inaccurate read off of your bare shaft. Also anytime you materially change something in your form it is a good idea to shoot a few bare shafts to make sure your setup tunes with your new form

As with most bad habits, I have found that when I shoot heavier weight or too many shots I began to once again slide back into the bad habit. When you find yourself getting frustrated and trying too many things, just take a few days off.

Sorry for the long post. Hope you find something here that helps.

[LostHawg]

Make sure your not pinching or pushing the nock (split finger) when you're drawing. This will affect your nocking point.

Tradag is a TOP shooter here in Texas. Listen to him. I agree with the back tension/follow-through. You tend to swat flies when you do the static/dead hand release. You should pull back off the string so everything functions uniformly.

[Buff]

bttsji Tradag has the best form of anyone I have shot with so he knows what he is talking about. The truth of the matter is the release is where we all suffer. try standing 3 feet from your target and shooting with your eyes closed. it seems you can work on your release much better if your not worried about missing. just close your eyes and you can really feel the string slip away.

[LostHawg]

Yep. He do have some good form. He just can't shoot a balloon at 130 yards.

(neither could I )

[bm22]

i learned from tradag that consistency is the name of the game, what ever you do you need to be as consistant as possible. i was watching masters of the bare bow and Rod Jenkins and dale karch always tried to touch there shoulder after the shot, so i started doing that and it really helps consistency, helps my follow threw and keeps me from plucking the string when i shoot. i dont know if it will work from you but you may give it a try.