String tearing my lip...OUCH!

Robert Honaker · September 13, 2010, 04:30:00 PM

I recently switched to a three under draw. My accuracy really improved and have been at it long enough it is now comfortable like split finger was.

Over the last week or so the bowstring has started tearing at my lower lip on release. It's bad enough that it causes me to flinch. I'm good on the first shot or two of the day, but after that i'm bleeding.

I can't figure it out. I can't tell what I have changed, but something must have since it wasn't doing that before. Still very accurate until it hurts so much I flinch.

Need some advice on this one.
Thanks

Robert Honaker · September 13, 2010, 04:32:00 PM

Oh .... I anchor with middle finger in corner of lip with fletching touching my nose. Bow nearly vertical. If I cant the bow any it gets worse.

Hawk2 · September 13, 2010, 04:47:00 PM

Robert, I tried 3 under with the same results you are having. Went back to split finger pretty quick. My thought is we just have to look squarely at the target, I think we have a tendency to turn our head into the string due to a change in what we have always done. Anyway I'm sure some of the 3 under people will have some suggestions. I am also interested. Hawk2

NBK · September 13, 2010, 05:52:00 PM

You're probably turning your head into the string which tends to happen more as you fatigue which is why your first few shots are o.k. Same thing was happening to me so based on others advice I tried a few things. First keep your eyes on target and draw the string to your anchor not your anchor to the string. Good back tension = cleaner release = less face pain. And lastly, I focused really hard on the just one arrow to practice with. Keeps me concentrating and keeps the fatigue levels down. Good luck.

Robert Honaker · September 13, 2010, 07:07:00 PM

NBK... what I meant by the first shot or two being ok is that I can take the pain for about two shots. Then I start flinching.

moebow · September 13, 2010, 09:32:00 PM

Robert, Look to your glove or tab too. It is very common that the tab or glove and not the string is getting you. I too, often get a little cut on my upper lip and thought for a long time that it was the string. When in reality, it was my tab that was too long and it was snapping my face. A little trimming solved the problem.

crgaston · September 13, 2010, 11:25:00 PM

Ditto on the tab. I had the same issue and switched to a much-thinner glove...problem solved.

PA-Spot · September 14, 2010, 05:07:00 AM

Same thing happened to me. After shooting three under for years. Problem was do to a stiff neck, I was not turning my head far enouff.

Bill Skinner · September 19, 2010, 02:07:00 PM

You may be bending your head forward to the anchor and not keeping your head erect and drawing back to your anchor. Bill

S.C. Hunter · September 20, 2010, 10:35:00 PM

First things first never,never,never hold the string in your mouth it will rip your lips clean off. Sorry couldn't resist. I think you have got some good advice so far. I do have one question regarding anchor. When you were shooting split finger was your anchor also at corner? I only ask because I shoot split finger but from time to time I will shoot a few arrows 3 under. When I do shoot 3 under I don't really think about it but I seem to touch the corner of my mouth with my index finger when I shoot 3 under vs middle finger to corner. I have absolutely no contact between my face or lips. I have a goatee and no contact with even my facial hair on release. Good luck hope you find you answer.

September 21, 2010, 05:40:00 PM

I don't know what's going on in your particular case, but for me, if I collapse a bit on release the string will catch my lip. If my elbow snaps back with a good follow thru (read that as maintaining back tension) it's not a problem.

SEMO_HUNTER · September 25, 2010, 10:57:00 PM

I did this for awhile earlier this year and actually switched to the string to nose anchor for a bit. I finally decided that wasn't working and went back to the corner of mouth anchor and haven't noticed anything tearing at the corner of my mouth this time around? I don't know what changed, but evidently my form improved and it's no longer a problem anymore. I'm now perfectly comfortable with corner of the mouth anchor and it's working for me. My groups just keep getting better and better.

chopx2 · September 25, 2010, 11:56:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by crgaston:
Ditto on the tab. I had the same issue and switched to a much-thinner glove...problem solved.

Ditto here. Had to trim the index finger tab corner about 1/16-1/8" and the problem went away.

Also make sure your head is turned. I like to video myself once a month or when I have problems and compare it to a session i know was good and see what I'm doing different. Amazing what we can that we can't perceive when doing.