Hook and Grip
The Hook and Grip are how we how we connect to the string and hold the bow and. Since the Hook and Grip are the only places we touch the bow, we must do this properly.
First we make a good Hook (string hand) and slightly pull on the bow string; next we make a good Grip (bow hand).
The Hook involves the entire string hand and the string forearm. Mostly the string hand and forearm are relaxed, especially the back of the hand to the elbow. The power of the hook is kept in the middle knuckles of the string fingers and the hook is deep. You need to bend the string wrist by pulling the base of the thumb and the base of the pinky towards the inside of the forearm.
From the palm side of your hand, you kept the thumb below the index finger and level with the middle finger. The thumb and pinky fingers almost touch, but do not overlap. You bring the thumb to the pinky which helps keep the back of the hand flatter.
You need to put the string fingers on the string in very specific places. On the index finger, the string is placed one string width closer to the finger tips than the most distal knuckle. On the middle finger, the string is placed one string width closer to the palm than the most distal knuckle. On the ring finger, the string is placed in the middle of the pad on the finger tip. You are now ready to put the Hook onto the bow string. Without curling the fingers place the string on the fingers as above. Then curl the fingers at the middle knuckle. About 50% of the string pressure is on the middle finger, 30% on the index finger and 20% on the ring finger. Pull the string 1” to 2”. You are now ready to make a Grip.
The Grip is what supports, but does not hold, the bow.
To make a good Grip, position your bow hand in the top of the bow grip, then push your hand down into the bow grip. Now make the bow thumb almost touch the bow grip. Pull your “fist” knuckles back towards your face to get the pressure point placed tightly against the bow grip while making sure the most of the palm does not touch the bow grip. Maybe the index finger tip touches the bow. When pulling back the “fist” knuckles, especially pull back the pinky “fits” knuckle. Look at your Grip to be sure it is the same every time you make a good Grip.
The Hook and Grip are the only two parts of your body touching the bow. You must make the Hook and Grip the same every time; so look at them while you are making the Hook and Grip to be sure they are perfect.
Categories: Archery Form