I just shot a round with two under instead of my usual three.  I was amazed at the groups I was shooting.  What's with that?  Wonder why my accuracy increased? I assume it's simply a cleaner release.

Which two? I shoot a two finger which is the normal split finger but stick the index finger strait out. Real clean release

Tom, I shot 2 under for the past 2 years. I think you put less torque on the string with 2 under. I switched back to 3 under this year, mainly because it's easier on my fingers!

Lots of reasons why, but if it works why worry.

Mostly guys shoot with three fingers on the string for the strength it affords. If you are having no problems with that then you reap the benefits of less string contact which leads to less string torque and inconsitant arrow flight.

What Jerry does was once real common with archers in these parts. Jerry is about as good as it gets when it comes to this bow shootin stuff so he knows what he's talkin about.

Jerry, I used index and middle finger. First time I've ever tried it. What's the benefit of using Middle and Ring finger over Index and Middle finger Jerry?

Allen, I would expect a buddy like you to pass these kind of secrets on to us wanna be's.

Charlie, Thanks I figured it was a torque issue.

Tom, it's just another one of my "secret weapons"  LOL


I also tried 2 split the year before I used 2 under. I'll try just about anything 'till I find what works best for me.

Hey guys,  found the same results using the split finger with a really relaxed index finger.  Index finger is so relaxed it is almost out of the picture.  Seems to get a cleaner release and you are still holding the bowstring with the two strongest fingers on your hand minus your thumb.  I think we are on to something!

Years ago a top shooter (recurve) Darrel Dixon got me to try it and  it worked for me . The way I draw is; draw the arrow with a split finger and then straiten the index and pinky before  release. I get off the string much better. It's a little hard to get use to.

Do you think drawing three under and then straightening the ring finger just before release would work?  

Seems like it'd help cut down on the finger problem A.S. describes and maybe even get a quieter release.

Hey dragon rider, I know of a college archery coach who teaches drawing 3 fingers split, then dropping the top finger when you reach full draw.

I'm currently shooting 3 under, but I put very little pressure on my ring finger.

Thanks.  I shoot 3 under as well, but find that unless I'm really careful about ring finger position - getting the same deep hook as the other two fingers - the string gets noisy.  I tried 2 under this afternoon which was great on my 40# bow, not so great at 50# - the two fingers wanted some help.  I'm trying to adapt Jerry's method and straighten my rign and pinkie fingers just before the shot, but so far it's not what you'd call real smooth.  I think his "it's a little hard to get used to" might qualify for an understatement prize.

Courtesy of my lady wife who decided that the trip would make a great birthday present (hard to argue with her logic), I'm going to Rick Welch's school in a couple of weeks, so I'll find out what he thinks is the best way to get a quiet consistent release.

Last weekend, while at a shoot in Montana, were talking about this, and I tried drawing split finger, (as normal) and then relaxing the index finger before the release.  It felt very comfortable, unfortunately, I had a few other things that needed more attention so I haven't been able to work on it for a while.

Why not a thumbring (one finger) even cleaner and faster.

I don't know if this applies or not, but I've always been a little prone to letting my ring finger take the lightes portion of the string load and my arrow flight and accuracy suffered as a consequence. Fortunately I recognized the problem and learned to correct it pretty quickly if I began to do it. Over the past year or two I've begun to deliberately let the index finger  take a "lighter" load- there is less pressure on it than my middle and ring fingers by a great deal and I've been real pleased with the result. I don't straighten the finger out prior to release as Jerry does but it sounds similar. I prefer speed nocks so I feel a little more secure with the index finger on the string to avoid a slip off dry-fire. Sounds like you may be on to something.     Grant

Since I'm new at this, I'm trying different techniques.  Recently I tried 3 under and was right on target.  But then I tried the split finger draw and relax the index... ugh,  will need to build up hand strenght before I'm comfortable with that.