Open hand or death grip ???

[skychief]

Does shooting with an open bow hand make much improvement in your groups?   I am sure a true death-grip is NOT the answer, but, do you recommend a firmer grasp than "open hand"?

All thoughts and opinions about how to grasp the riser is appreciated.   BTW, I am mainly concerned with recurves instead of longbows for now.

Many thanks, Skychief!

[T Folts]

When I shot a compound I used an open grip with a wrist strap. Now I have a soft hold on the bow and my heal is down but I think the open grip would be better for me. My bow arm would be straighter and closer to the arrow and I think more consistent. So I would like to hear what others have to say as I was going to ask the same question.

Terry

[moebow]

Try holding your bow as if it was a sparrow that you wanted to hang on to but didn't want to hurt.

[Crick3t]

Moebow...that's a VERY interesting way to look at it.  I don't have a "soft" grip by any means, but my fingers ARE wrapped around the bow completely...but I'm not clutching on for dear life either.

[L. Perry]

The looser the better, just as long as you are consitent.

[Igor]

My forefinger and thumb touch...but the bow is primarily held there against the web of my hand by the pressure of the bow being drawn.

><>
Glenn

[xtrema312]

Originally posted by Igor:
My forefinger and thumb touch...but the bow is primarily held there against the web of my hand by the pressure of the bow being drawn.

><>
Glenn

I do the same.  I was griping more, but now I do this.  Very similar to my compound grip.  I also now tuck in my bottom three fingers and touch the back of them to the grip.  This really cut down the bow torque.  The problem with wrapping fingers even lose is that you will have a natural tendency to grab the bow.  Not every time, but sooner or later you will.  This way I can't.  I picked that up from MBB3.

[nightowl1]

I actually use a pretty tight grip at the moment. I seem to be able to have a more consistent hold when I do. I may need to work on it during the off season.

[Capt]

"Soft hands make arrows fly straight". Old Slavic saying.

[Earthdog]

Depends on the bow for me.
My old longbow I shot with a high wrist and firm grip even though it was a straight gripped bow.
My recurve I shoot with a loose grip.
My Martin venom I shoot with a very firm grip.
My new Howard Hill,,,,I'll work that one out when it get's here.

[zetabow]

Several good reasons for not having a death grip, it's so easy to torque the Bow and you can stop pushing into the target and just end up holding the bow on target.

Lose grip helps you find natural centre force of the bodies bone structure and bow, keeps the forces always pushing into the target, the only thing that takes practice with a Longbow is too keep a firm but relaxed grip as not to grab the bow on release.

Recurve with wrist\\finger sling makes life much easier, IFAA Longbow allows slings but I've learnt
to keep a relaxed grip and feel no need for one.

[BobCo 1965]

The thing you do not want to do is to change whatever type of grip that you are using during the entire shot sequence including the follow through.

An open hand is ok, however you will have to use a sling as Zeta mentioned. If you do not, the bow will fly out of your hand if you do not change the grip during the sequence.

[zetabow]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH6FOfCpbEI  

This is what happens without a sling, the hold was correct and just Coach Kim checking Archer was holding the right way.

My talks with him regarding longbows I said Longbows don't have the mass or balance of Recurves and it's very difficult to make an open hand work even with a sling, he agreed with me that a light grip on a Longbow was the way to go as long as you dont grab the bow at moment of release.

[Covey]

I've tryed several differant grips! I feel the light touch is the best way to go. I'm with Glen on this one. Thumb and forefinger touch and tuck three in, alot less likely to tourqe. Heel down I tend to shoot high, tight grip I tend to shoot right, loose grip the bow does the work and the arrow goes where I want (which is alway's a good thing) HA! JMHO! Jason

If it is a straight grip longbow and it is the right size for the hand, a little pressure works; for pistoled grips that same amount of force will usually torque the bow a bit.

[Quinn]

Most times when I'm not getting 'em (close) to where I want 'em it's one of three things. Poor focus (picking a tiny spot), Poor back tension or Over gripping the bow which causes me to torque n release. Oh yeah, or one of my shooting "buddies" asked if I breathe in or out while I'm drawing.

[Bonecracker]

I have to add that I would have an occasional flyer out of my A&H ACS long bow which has a recurve style girp which I like vs a low wrist grip. Not that I was shooting bad but read this thread got me thinking.  Went home at lunch and tried my thumb/index finger grip with the bottom three fingers tucked in. The bow felt very loose in my hand and almost like it was going to fall out, which may be a good thing.  My first three shots were like darts! Continued to play with this grip and it sure cleaned up my flyer problem.  I will have to shoot some more to become comfortable with it but I may have found a new grip! Thanks!!

[LGN]

Still new and working on form.  However, a very relax grip seems to help with my windage training!!!

[cliff77]

Pretty firm grip with intentional arm stiffening until arrow hits the target. Seems to work best for me.

[davesonic444]

I like to touch my finger and thumb with other fingers loose.With Hill straight grip i have to use light grip and have trouble with torque.