Traditional Archery Tips - String Hand & Archery HOOK

Continuing with the traditional archery tips series, this week we're covering the string hand and archery hook, or how I place my fingers on the bow string. This might sound like a small point but it can have huge impacts to our accuracy and consistency with the bow and arrow. We'll talk about various techniques including split finger and 3 under shooting methods, as well as jthe pros and cons of different types of archery hooks like the deep hook, medium, and shallow hook.
We've already covered archery form, bow hand position, and archery stance. In future videos we'll cover archery release and follow through, how to aim a recurve bow, target panic, buck fever, and more.
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[@clayhayeshunter]

If you're into bow building or just want to help support these vids head over to www.patreon.com/clayhayes to check it out!

[@jamesbates9038]

just wondering what you would suggest for a new archer who does not have a tip to his index finger? i shoot split but i find to get 3 fingers on the string i have to go with a deeper hook on my middle and ring finger. i tend to pinch the arrow a lot and im thinking 3 under might work better. it just seems like it sounds so much louder.

[@CarlJohnson-dy3lo]

Leave it to Clay to be the only one I could find that had the answer to the question I had. Thanks for making these great videos!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad to help!

[@marcoaguiar1131]

Bro is a toxophilite wizard !

[@carlparks8698]

I want to say a huge thanks to you clay, I started using your tips on shooting. I'm now consistent out to twenty yards and can't wait till season in Georgia. Thank you again.

[@alananderson5202]

Nice to see that you're a three under shooter. I switched from split to three under a few years ago. It seems to work so much better for me.

[@paulm1548]

I switched to 3 under this summer after growing up shooting split finger. Took a little getting used to having to aim a bit higher, but I noticed the benefits immediately. I think it's the way to go for hunting.

[@kristiang2301]

Paul Moosman What benefits for you notice? I’m interested as a split finger shooter myself

[@paulmoosman749]

@@kristiang2301 it allowed me to anchor closer to my eye, which improved my ability to judge when I'm lined up on the target.

[@codyrivenburgh7645]

After shooting solit finger for since 1972..I just cant seem to wrap my brain around the 3 under...it just dont feel or seem right to to me when I try it

[@sacredtoad2117]

I tried three under a couple weeks ago and I'm loving it! It's so much easier to aim and not so massive of gaps for gap shooting

[@Davidow1]

Deep hook is definitely the most comfortable and most relaxed. However, as a newbie I find that the extra movement and time it takes increses the risk of me slightly shifting the placement of my hand and string and thus ruining the shot.

[@scottsanders9090]

Used a deep hook for a period of time and actually experienced visible improvement in both release smoothness and accuracy. I stopped as my fingers would remain numb 24 hrs/day.

[@skysurferboy]

A BIG THANK YOU TO CLAY HAYES. I have been using a super deep hook for a couple of years for the same reasons you gave... really relaxed hand/forearm on the draw. It also felt like I was getting into my back easier too. But like you demonstrated its hard to get off the string cleanly and your slo mo of the time it took compared to other hooks convinced me I had to change. A lot can happen to throw you off target in that extra few milliseconds before the string clears the fingers with a deep hook. So today I went to the 1st joint and what a difference. I was grouping at 25yds really well. Back tension felt good too. The shot was so relaxed. Love your videos! I need to buy you a beer!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Haha, glad I could help 🍻

[@timothyrodriguez8813]

When I shot olympic style archery as a kid in the local JOAD program my instructor taught me to draw with 3 fingers then at full draw to point my index finger so only my middle finger and middle finger were holding the string. This seemed to work really well in a consistent clean release.

[@johnatkinson3218]

Awesome tips as usual! Really appreciate your advice and tips - have started barebow shooting after compound bow shooting and really enjoying it .. the bows seem a lot simpler but the skills required seem a lot higher!

[@clayhayeshunter]

and a lot more enjoyable!

[@brunoboaz7656]

Well done video! Very clear and concise instructions!

[@johnbottone4996]

Placing your fingers on the tips of your fingerseems like the best cleanest released, but it's counter. Intuitive with high-speed cameras. Dave realized that the first joint or the middle as you the cleanest and quickest way to release the arrow.

[@christophrogers7248]

Yes, thats why I changed to three under... 🙂 Thankyou!

[@LouisC059]

Thx for the great instruction, you are appreciated

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@12ernie]

Great video! This really helped me with a couple of problems i am having.I've been trying to shoot three under with a split fingered tab,that i don't really like,and i'm going to put a knock under also!

[@blabbet]

Ive been shooting my bows all day, and these videos are really inspiring and helpful for improving. keep up the good work!

[@ThumbsMcThumb]

Great information to clear up the hook for us 3under people.

[@Saundersstrong]

Thankyou for your videos brother ,they have been a huge help!I got a nice recurve last weekend and have really enjoyed the learning process. Very interested in hunting trad when I'm confident in my abilities. All the best!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Ben

[@timothymiller9067]

I am having that exact issue with split finger holding, glad to know what i am doing wrong. Might also have to try the all under (or Australian method).

[@thecarpenter4228]

Awesome tutorial!!! Thank you

[@charlesatsye5512]

Thank you for being a badass role model!🎉🎉🎉

[@trevormassoth2802]

Thanks for the advice here. I've been having issues with the arrow behaving oddly at release. I've just tried it and I've determined that it was the string hand. I'm shooting three under and I am not following the plane of my cant. It causes the arrow to come off the rest at the moment of the shot, causing a lot of shot noise and a severe fishtail in the arrow.

[@michelcarvalho5202]

great explanation, thanks Clay! 🏹

[@clayhayeshunter]

My pleasure!

[@CoensScaleModelling]

Very helpful!!! Thanks

[@EnterChannelNameHere666]

Am I crazy or does a deep hook also have the benefit of being able to use the pinky? That's what I've been doing and its felt good not having to worry about my pinky position off the string, on string it's way easier to keep it consistent.

[@slow_diver]

Really really informative. Thank you

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kelvinsparks4651]

Sound advice thank you .

[@marcoaguiar1131]

Fanatic about all your tutorials. Especially the draw form video where you use “tongue depressors” to illustrate proper form. That did a 180 for so many things in relation to my shooting technique. My string hand is good even though I utilize split fingers. I’ve been considering 3 under and I was wondering; how critical is for the bow to be tillered for split or 3 under? And how do you tune your nocking point if it’s wrapped around like serving?

[@caseysmith544]

I use a split finger and I use a glove in the three lines are independent all the way up to the attachment point, to have the hand so that top finger can be open a little more to not create pinching a mistake I have been known to do or when I turn the top finger at a downward angle by mistake. I do like this for the most freedom of the hand and if all I had were the three individual finger guards all I would do is loose them and then other gloves that run up the palm to the fingers I tend to pluck the string with those, some gloves with the finger guard that uses the elastic band they tend to stretch out and not fit my hand right. The one glove I have right now uses a way to make the three finger attachment longer or shorter being the wrist part ties onto the glove with a string/elastic string that is tied permanently to the closest to my hand size on the smallest hole size. Yes it uses a buckle but that is due to on gloves the Velcro tends to pop off on the glove style or gets stuff in it easier then a arm guard dose.

[@ladeedafarm4821]

My shooting improved a lot switching to three under! Not that complicated.

[@DaytonaStation]

been making bows since age 10. Even here in a new york city apartment

[@standardgraphic5]

Back to the target..... I'll get this.

[@tangobayus]

great explanation.

[@gonzalosierra3209]

Imponente . Muy bueno 👍. Desde Ciudad de Fray Bentos , Uruguay 🇺🇾🇺🇾 gran abrazo 🤗

[@iantincangleed4702]

great detail Clay, thanks

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you liked it

[@donoberloh]

I appreciate your thorough explanation during your videos. If you have a moment, I am new to traditional archery and trying to learn from the many videos on you tube, I gather that with my 31+'inch draw length I should be shooting a 71 inch bow. I am using a 60inch /45# takedown bow and have a 7-1/2 inch brace height. When I put my bow on a scale, when drawing it 31 inches I am over 55#s, When drawn to 28" it is dead on at 45#s. I am correct in understanding that the bow height and draw length should be at the desired draw weight, and that drawing over the weight is past the "sweet spot?" Should I be looking for longer limbs to go on my 20" riser? Thank you so much for your expertise sir.

[@steveandrews4822]

You young guys change the names of everything !! 65 years ago it was called "Apache" release--then a few years later it went to "Belgian" Release !! Now the "hook"--well that was easy !! LOL I always had great luck with a Black Widow 3 under tab. Once you get a crease in the sweet spot, it is deadly. I even shot my first compound with the same Tab and it works just as good !! 80 and still shooting !! ( Thank you Jesus !!)

[@christopherhayes2187]

HEY COUSIN!! Great video.

[@danielfisher9344]

Very informative. Do you find that using a tab gives you a smoother release than using just your bare fingers, say on a lighter weight bow? Sometimes I shoot and get a "thunking" noise with the bow string when I release, and every time the arrow wiill hit way left or miss the target completely, and when it hits the target it doesn't get the same penatration that I get when it doesn't make this sound. Any ideas that might help?? Thanks, Daniel

[@danielhines145]

Hey Clay, Great video as always! Just bought a Bear Montana #50 longbow to get into the traditional side of archery, shot compound since I was 10. My question is, do you think there is an impact on accuracy between shooting a fingered glove vs a tab?

[@clayhayeshunter]

I'll shoot either. I've never seen much difference.

[@magicdaveable]

I use a thumbring. I used both split finger and three under but switched to a thumbring about three years ago.

[@santhiyapei5570]

thanks for this video. I shoot three under using a 30 pound traditional bow and an archery glove. I have serious pain in my fingers now, especially mid-finger (I shoot almost every day). I'm using medium hook, right at the first crease of the fingers. I have tried to use a more shallow hook but can't get enough strength to draw back sufficiently. I have heard in other videos that using a hook right on the crease of the fingers can cause nerve damage and numbness in the fingers so they suggest a shallow hook. what's your advice? also I notice when you film from above you are able to get your elbow farther back than I can, which puts your elbow right in line with the arrow. is this just lack of shoulder flexibility? when I try to take my elbow back that far it feels like I've over-drawing. thanks again!

[@clayhayeshunter]

you may just need a little thicker glove. you not being able to get the elbow back may be a function of shoulder alignment as well. make sure your shoulders are aligned with the target and bow arm.

[@nicholasgonzalez2827]

Gotta get on unauthorized!

[@tommywalker3942]

Appreciate the video. When you say a 50# minimum for a hunting weight bow are you speaking of 50 # @ 28”? My draw is 32” and I am hoping I can hunt ethically with my 40# bow. Thanks again!

[@barrystricklin2230]

I have been trying 3 under works good but noticed my longbow is a little bit louder when l release what's you thoughts thanks for the video

[@ronaldgoodrich5460]

I shot three fingers under for probably 35 years. At some point my middle finger last knuckle started hurting after shooting. When I bought a longbow i had trouble keeping the arrow on the shelf. I went back to split finger it stopped hurting.

[@Ouachita.Mule.School]

I can’t shoot split, but three under is where it’s at!

[@johnmarshall9945]

Next time you go blue crab fishing in NW Florida, near where I live, use chicken parts mostly necks, wings even the skin. I always catch more blue crab on chicken parts.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Shitbinarycode]

I shoot my bow since three months. Not three under, meditarain split fingers. My Release is not perfect at this time and my bow is to strong for me as a beginer. But i can shoot it six hours without problems. I am shooting at an archery club and most there shoot olympic Recurve bow. My question to you is: how do you hold your bow with your bow hand? Your wrist Position? Your bowhand is relaxed and the pressure point is on the thumb? Thank you a lot and stay tuned!

[@jayinla228]

What kind of b9w and arrow are you running there?

[@chadandveronika]

Man, great stuff....as always!

[@clayhayeshunter]

I appreciate that

[@pewcfpv8056]

Just a warning to those starting out, I started shooting my new bow for the first time today and first time really ever trying archery. After about 35 minutes of shooting, my middle finger tip was numb! That was about 2 hours ago now and it's still numb. I read on this and it's because it caused some nerve damage in my finger. Get a glove or tabs to protect your fingers!

[@karmstrong5887]

This is a great series of vids, my dude.. Also nice shirt.

[@jentrue]

Hi Clay, your content is awesome! I really appreciate how you break things down. Question please, how do you know what arrow length to use?

[@clayhayeshunter]

Hi Jen, check out the other vids on arrow selection and tuning.

[@wesmckinney4915]

Clay, when you anchor, are you looking straight over the arrow or does it look like you’re looking down the side of the arrow?

[@clayhayeshunter]

Straight over

[@mybackyard9994]

wondering if you could do a vid about the tiller for 3 under, as in with adjustable tiller limbs, ie ilf

[@stephenwright6234]

As a starting point for setting tiller on an ILF bow for 3 under is set the tiller to even tiller.

[@theeldritchknight6498]

I'd like to see clay shoot the bow horizontal. Obviously you wouldn't get as much power but for smaller weight bows I found shooting the bow sideways improved my shooting immeasurably. After about 4 hours of shooting sideways I was able to hit multiple aluminium cans accurately in one set at around 65 feet away. Something about helping me keep in line and eliminating any aiming but up and down instead of up down and side to side

[@CerstveMleko]

Nice, you're lead handle shooter :)

[@jacoblee5546]

Really wish there was a "split finger to 3U" switch guide or tutorial out there but there doesn't seem to be anything out there. Arrows go low and to the right upon release, also is my sight picture supposed to change from when it was with split?

[@Szandyba]

I've been shooting split with a glove then moved to a tab. My pointer finger always gets cut and bleeds now I know why! Gonna try 3 under now with a tab.

[@waynestevenson9613]

You make the shot look like an extension of your being!

[@clayhayeshunter]

I wish it was that easy for me!

[@tristanpetersen6011]

Hi I was just wondering if there is a difference in split finger shooting vs 3 under when bow building for limb length

[@golfdebondues9467]

ok... so i anchor my thumb 1st knuckle just in behnid the point of my cheek bone... BUT... if i don't have my thumb 'free' from my hand and lock it down on my hand, it strains my hand after a while... SO... my thumb kinda floats off my hand... like you were gonna use a lighter... BUT then this means that my anchor point is naturally not 100% fixed... how do you position your thumb please Clay... cause you thumb-cheekbone anchor too right?

[@clayhayeshunter]

My thumb is kind of curled in my palm. Anchors vary greatly between people.

[@golfdebondues9467]

@@clayhayeshunter thanks for coming back Clay... much appreciated... it think this is the way forward to ensure the thumb is in the same position every single time in respect to the arrow... i just gotta get my hand used to it. I started archery in November ish... totally addicted... and you have helped enormously: www.youtube.com/@chtapodi73/featured

[@riccoratzo]

I have a question.... when shooting 3 under with two nockpoints.... should i place the tab right below the arrow or right below the lower nockpoint? I used to place it below the arrow and i got pretty much wear off on the tab from the lower nockpoint

[@clayhayeshunter]

I put the tab below the lower nock.

[@sactownj6559]

Which tabs would you recommend for 3 under?

[@soulsnatcher6525]

Clay I have been shooting traditional for 6 yrs. I watched a lot of Rick Welch videos. He teaches putting your fingers half of the tips of fingers. I can’t hold the bow long this way. I’m thinking about shooting with a deep hook on my fingers.

[@TheArizonaRanger.]

Have you done a video on the differences between tab shooting vs glove?

[@clayhayeshunter]

I’ve never covered my that.

[@jackychan8539]

Can someone plz tell me what the tables called used for tillering the bow I dont have a vise!!!

[@heikekittel181]

Please make a Video about arrowbuild

[@kentonward97]

I find if I go to deep on the hook I tend to bend my wrist inward causing me to pluck more often. I am learning just how much my wrist affects my shots

[@Chiefshadow4]

I know this videos few years old, but to have a hook you will always engage the flexors of the forearms.

[@clayhayeshunter]

The goal is to minimize muscle involvement.

[@inextroverted]

thanks for your outstanding videos. I’m starting out and have found a reoccurring problem - when I draw the arrow tip constantly shifts to the left and falls away from the bow. I’ve tried what’s I’ve could but not sure what’s going on.

[@DanielReyes-hz1qk]

I'm left handed and recently started shooting a center shot recurve for the first time and am having the same problem, just on the other side of the bow. I know what's happening but am not sure what to do about it in a way that feels naturally to me. Did you ever find an answer or come up with a solution?

[@woodman1701]

Try 3 under. Won’t happen anymore.

[@woodman1701]

@@DanielReyes-hz1qk Try 3 under. Won’t happen anymore in my experience.

[@LouisC059]

At 8:15 on the video it shows the tips of the finger tips exposed and not on the tab, I was trying to have the tab cover the finger tips apparently I was doing it wrong? Thx

[@clayhayeshunter]

That’s just personal preference. Not right or wrong.

[@LouisC059]

@@clayhayeshunter Thx Clay I was trying the tab but couldnt feel my anchor point thru the tab I will try again with the fingertips exposed. Also have added another nocking point to help keep the arrow in place with three under

[@eddiec4058]

What type of leather do you use to make your tab? Have you used a glove at some point? Thanks.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I'm not sure what it's called but it's very slick. something like cordura

[@JoeSyxpack]

I've been having some issues with my fingers now that I'm getting older, mostly the middle finger having trouble recovering from shooting. I think the split finger puts so much pressure on my middle finger that it just can't handle it anymore. The three under might be the ticket to taking some pressure off that finger and reducing the risk of injury.

[@clayhayeshunter]

You might also try a thicker tab or glove.

[@JoeSyxpack]

@@clayhayeshunter The issue is in the joint of the finger, not the tip. The obvious solution is to go to a mechanical release, but that seems so wrong with a recurve.

[@clayhayeshunter]

A thicker tab will help with the pressure on the nerves in the joint as well. It’s happened to me before. Numb fingers I mean.

[@JoeSyxpack]

@@clayhayeshunter I noticed the tab in the video seems pretty thick. Is that a 3rivers tab?

[@KarlVonMutten]

Was your anchor point higher before ?

[@clayhayeshunter]

It’s changed over he years.

[@tbone6203]

Hey clay whay brand deer target is that

[@clayhayeshunter]

R&W

[@scottrichey1757]

I have had to rework my anchor point ,started wearing glasses. Any suggestions?

[@clayhayeshunter]

Man I don’t know. I can’t shoot with glasses on.

[@HearneRanch]

Hey Clay - awesome video as always. Thanks you for the time need effort on these. They have made a huge impact on my archery. I am planning to show some to my two girls who are making awesome progress on their shots and accuracy, but would gain lot from your advice over their dad’s words of wisdom! But wondering if I could make a respectful request - could you try to use ‘people’ or ‘shooters’ or ‘archers’ or something that isnt ‘guys’ when referring to other archers? Almost all of the guys who do archery videos refer to all other archers as guys. Because I guess most of them are. But it feels funny to hear that when trying to use your videos with my girls, like I want to pause the video and remind them that girls are awesome archers too and there are plenty of them. Its a small thing I guess but maybe worth considering. Thanks!!!

[@fredsalay720]

Clay, what is your furthest shot you would take???I also shoot 3 under. I found a bear Kodiak magnum 55# at a pawn shop for $60 Buck's!!!! She shoots sweet. I did have to put an extra layer of leather on my shooting tab do to the string pressure.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Check out the video on effective range from a few weeks ago.

[@chucklarosee3157]

Can I make a decent bow out of cherry wood

[@clayhayeshunter]

Yes

[@flueckigerthomas66]

Under grip is ok...but it is not realy working with arrow with "selfnock" you now "no click".....

[@clayhayeshunter]

You can make self nocks clip on. I’ve done so many times. I’ve got an older video showing how.

[@murrayshanaughan2650]

The biggest thing about the hook is to maintain the back of the hand to be as flat as a board. No knuckles protruding. With the string snug in the first groove of the fingers, you'll have an Olympic class release. Bottom line.

[@MultiBowhunter69]

You are not right, if you shoot split fingers your wors problem is the ring finger, my ring finger has a very hard hide below 😉

[@-fazik-3713]

:D

[@jamesquirk8941]

Your making archery much to complicated

[@clayhayeshunter]

Do what works for you.

[@coondogbob]

Clay Hayes thanks for helping us.. nevermind the folks saying your making things complicated..

[@waynestevenson9613]

Actually... Chris you’ve made it much easier for me to improve my archery with your concise, yet simple explanations of how you achieve your shot! People stuck in a rut don’t like to be told how to get out of the rut! Just sayin

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Wayne

[@chopperjones2736]

Too complicated for who? Thanks for these video’s Clay I appreciate all the information as a new guy!