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

[@peterweikel7123]

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.

[@DanielSturge]

Go with what works.

[@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

[@joedaniels4646]

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#.

[@DanielSturge]

You get use to it quickly shooting bare fingers. I shoot a 45lb for target and got use to it in a few sessions. Tabs increase string weight and throws off the trajectory but if it's what your use to then that's what's important. If you're not hunting with it who cares.

[@AverageAlien]

@@DanielSturge That's a good way to get permanent nerve damage

[@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.

[@mattymo56]

Just started 3 weeks ago. PracticING at range 5x pre week. Just heard of three under now and want to try it so bad

[@larryeddings3185]

Excellent info. I shoot split finger.

[@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.

[@jeffjackson5331]

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

[@sprk11]

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.

[@laurentmeiller5171]

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

[@fahlvfaust677]

What your tiller measure? I mean positive tiller, how much gap that give the best sound and less vibration..2mm or 4mm upper greater than lower?

[@johnjpa808]

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

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

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!

[@graphguy]

both work

[@drrejimathew3919]

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

[@aceforcejointcombatgameout7731]

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.

[@geneharrison3246]

🇺🇸 string walking Works excellent for me accurate

[@artclayton4208]

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?

[@3RiversArchery]

It does sound like him, but I was told it is not him. Crazy how close it is though.

[@stephenalibozek1058]

👍👍

[@jimmyli5475]

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？

[@3RiversArchery]

The lower draw point sounds like the shooting method referred to as "string walking." It can be very accurate with the proper practice.

[@FPChris]

Split for me.

[@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

[@addersbowman]

It's simply personal preference

[@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.

[@pacohaines2703]

3 finger your more app to look down the arrow split with a can't give the best window for instinctive shooting

[@user-bm4si1yg2o]

I am considering buying a long bow I have a twenty six inch draw length, my question is what length of is the best for me sixty inch or longer, the arrow I shoot is the slim ST tech340 9.5gpi

[@3RiversArchery]

A 60" longbow would be a great length for a 26" draw, as it will utilize the limbs (better performance) better than going with a longer bow, but you can still use a longer one if you like the feel. As for what arrows, that will depend on what weight you are shooting at your draw length. Please give us a call and we will be happy to help.

[@larsblankenfjell9814]

If you use a Longbow, and shoot split finger(with correct Brace height) the Longbow is very quiet and nice to shoot with, But if you use 3 under, My Longbow is slamming and making quite a noise. My question then is : if I do a Higher brace height, will the Longbow then be more quiet? I have looked everywhere on Archery Tube, but there is no mention at all about this? What is your opinion on this? Im I the only one with this experience ??????????

[@3RiversArchery]

Your arrow may be hitting your bow's shelf, as with 3-under you normally need to raise the nock point slightly. I would try this first to see if it helps. If not, then go a quarter inch at a time increasing the brace height.

[@larsblankenfjell9814]

@@3RiversArchery Thanks for answers, I will consider this while testing tomorrow, to move the nock point up(( with 3 under), also consider to rise the brace height a bit, I really hope this will help, for 7 years I been doing split finger, but now I will try to get up one level more in accuracy, thanks again for your help, I hate noisy bows

[@larsblankenfjell9814]

@@3RiversArchery Did my first test with 3 fingers under. And I was aiming on a small spot in the indoor target on different distances, and measured the gaps on each distances( I was really surprised) This above done with my 45lbs Longbow. Here is the result: On 5 meters range, I was having 0-gap 10 meters range, it’s was 0 gap 12 meters range, 0 gap 15 meters my gap was 13cm below target 18 meters my gap was 17 cm below 20 meters my gap was 27 cm below target, using 3 fingers under the arrow( no split finger, no string walking), just aiming on the same spot! Is this really correct? If I use split finger my gap is always above target?, unless “ point on distance” If this is correct, that means with 3 fingers under, and with a higher anchor point, I need to aim above the target on 15-20 meters? But with split finger and anchor in corner of mouth, I must aim under the target to hit where I want! Is above making any sense to you? Or am I doing something wrong here? I have before shooting moved the string nock slightly higher, so with 3 fingers under, the bow is not noisy, it’s quiet. Would really appreciate your help/answers on this!!! Brgds Lars Blankenfjell

[@fahlvfaust677]

What is the best positive tiller measure that give good sound, less vibration, arrow flight..2nm or 4mm upper greater than lower? I use split finger hooking..

[@8-ke2qt]

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?

[@3RiversArchery]

We have a large selection of books here: www.3riversarchery.com/buy/books-dvds/books A few to recommend would be www.3riversarchery.com/traditional-bowhunters-handbook.html and www.3riversarchery.com/byron-fergusons-become-the-arrow-the-art-of-modern-barebow-shooting-book.html but we really do have so many we could recommend to you.

[@fiddleronthebike]

you don't mention that 3 under allow for string walking

[@billbarry2984]

Why would you have shorter bows for a longer draw????

[@3RiversArchery]

If not over extending the limb (stacking) you are utilizing the highest level of performance out of the bow. Also, people needing a shorter bow for shooting conditions (out of a hunting blind or tree stand). But really, outside of stack, nothing prevents someone from shooting any length bow, long or short.

[@Sangeychhonjin]

Help me with anchor points for three under

[@3RiversArchery]

Anchor points can be where you like, but having something solid makes it much easier for building consistency. A lot of archers use the corner of their mouth, which is normally the canine tooth, as an anchor point. You are not limited to a single anchor point though. Some archers use the tip of their nose, or the knuckle of their thumb behind the jaw, or any other way where you can have a consistent point from draw to draw. Find what works for you that is easy to attain, and repeatable.

[@Sangeychhonjin]

@@3RiversArchery thank you

[@lukecocksedge4467]

What bow is that?

[@3RiversArchery]

We are using a DAS Dalaa in this video. The 21" riser model.

[@rubybranish9440]

Since A Child, USE JUST M FINGERS. LATER TRIED A GLOVE,NAH. WENT TO THE SPLIT FINGER ; NEVER LOOKED BACK, NOW A SENIOR, STILL SPLIT FINGER: EACH TO THEIR OWN.

[@joedaniels4646]

I hate using a tab or glove myself!

[@MONKLJ]

Tried 3 under, don't like it.

[@eduardorodriguez6479]

Mediterranean. 3under is not effective for my practices