Shooting the Bow - Split vs 3-Under

Learn about two different styles on how to shoot a traditional bow. We cover split finger shooting style and 3-under finger shooting. Used with an archery glove or an archery tab.

[slyderace]

I'm a new archer and use a traditional recuve with no sights. I tried both methods but to me, I prefer shooting instinctively using split finger. I feel like it's harder to "aim" but it feels more natural. Once I have shot over a thousand arrows, I'm sure I'll get better at aiming :)

I've only shot 2 dozen arrows per day for about a week so far :P

[peterweikel]

I have tried both 3 under and split as well as gloves and tabs. They all seem to work well but I always revert back to a glove and split finger. I think the main reason for it is because it's how I first learned to shoot.

[ignaciolopezmallmann]

Even though I use an Olympic recurve bow, I shoot instinctively. I started with the split finger method because it gave me the feeling of having more control so that I could "aim" instinctively. But I started to feel that there was something of and I switched to 3 fingers under and I love it, it feels more comfortable and simpler. Trying to keep the fingers apart was awkward

[joedaniels]

I tried both, but really feel more comfortable with split finger. I also use finger savers on my strings can't stand tabs or gloves. I know, I know finger savers are frowned upon, I guess I'm just the odd ball, but for me it's just more comfortable. I don't care what people think about finger savers, I just really like them, and not having to hold a tab or wear a glove is awesome! I would like to just use my bare fingers like Ruby posted, but it's just a little too uncomfortable especially with any bow over 35#.

[JoeSyxpack]

I was taught to shoot split finger and did so for most of my life because that's what I thought was proper by everyone. The style caused pain and blistering in my middle finger, reducing the amount of time I wanted to practice, hence I never was a very good shot. I figured it is what it is (and was told as much by trainers). Then I noticed people shooting three under. First thought was: "You're doing it wrong", but I looked it up and it was a viable shooting style.

The first time I tried it I was shocked at how "right" it felt (and was incredibly frustrated with myself for never trying it before). What's more it completely eliminated any issues I had with the middle finger. I could practice as long as I wanted without suffering days of blisters. I could practice more often and I got better. Still not great, just consistent. I'm sure I have other issues with my form that are stubbornly baked into me.

[laurentmeiller]

i tried both on my olympic recurve and on my longbow
i think the bow conception is optimal on mediterranean style, it's more stable (i feel a kick with 3 fingers under) and silent
and yes, the vertical shooting angle is shorter with 3 fingers under
if you use the mediterranean style, raise your elbow to have a perfect line (shoulder) and it will be comfortable and precise
thanks for your videos

[jeffjackson]

I shoot split finger with a glove. I don't like using a tab. Good info.

[darrinrebagliati]

I shoot instinctive with only 2 fingers. 15 yards and closer, 2 under. 20 yards and over, 2 finger split. I have nerve damage that won't allow me to use my ring finger. And I use finger savers rather than a glove or a tab. Then I'm not worried about getting dirt and gravel on my string!

[Hotwire_RCTrix]

I have discovered that when holding the string 3 under it helps to grip the string initially at the angle you will have it at full draw. This way there is less strain on your ring finger.

[sprk]

shooting 2 finger split for 3d archery. When you're shooting trad with a 15 to 20 mile hike with 80 or more targets, I'm shooting a light poundage bow ( 40lbs ) . I find 2 finger split gives a cleaner release with the most centered string angle on the arrow.

[aceforcejointcombatgameout]

Like most. I have tried both methods.The 3 finger is better for me . But still not a winner. Come to find out. Using 4 finger under has made me a winner. Right on target. I have achieved accuracy consistently using 4 fingers under shooting. It works for me.

[artclayton]

Great video. Cleared a lot of things up for me. Also, I'm sure you've gotten this before, but is that actually Sam Elliot in the intro?

[jimmyli]

Well, I think 3 under has the biggest advantage when wearing thick gloves. However, have seen some archers drawing way down the string, like 4 inches away from the arrow, might affect bow performance and consistency？

[DanielSturge]

I'm a trad 3 under instinctual shooter. Use to use split but found 3 under to be better for instinctual and allowed for quicker sight picture.

[johnjpa]

New to trad bows I’ve tried both and 3 under with a tab seems more natural to me. Could be because of my fat fingers and index finger is a little off

[BlazedTownesFan]

Split finger glove guy here, trying to learn 3 finger under. I want to string walk. I’ve shot instinctive for 20 years but want to try something different

[slowdancer]

As a hunter, I shoot split finger as it makes the shot quieter.

[geneharrison]

🇺🇸 string walking Works excellent for me accurate

[drrejimathew]

Instinctive ...split finger
Point on....three under.
That's what I do.

[-keqt]

I come from China and am very interested in American traditional bows. I have been practicing for 5 years and have many friends in China who want to learn American traditional bows, but there are no good textbooks. Do you have any recommended learning materials?