7 Min Friday: Thumb Release Beginners Issues and how to fix them 

I've been shooting horse bow diligently for over a year. Even though I've gotten better I still couldn't account for some of the inconsistencies in my release and I've racked my brain and body trying to remedy it. You fixed my problem in 7 minutes. Vielen dank Armin!

I’m learning so much from you man. No fluff. Just pure technique. You’re awesome. Cheers.

Why is it that u explain stuff better than books that I have read. I mean the way u explain stuff is totally incredible. Your a true master

I'm brand new to archery and have just discovered your channel. I really appreciate your knowledge and your videos are really easy to watch.

You are truly a great instructor. You teach simplistically and precisely. Always short videos that go a long way in education

Excellent video to be able to continue fixing the release. Thank you Mr. Armin for taking your valuable time and teaching us with such determination.🎯✌

Thanks coach.. i am your faraway student.. From indonesia

I just started trying the thumb release with my horse bow and it is so much better. However, since I'm so new at this my thumb hurts and I have to switch back for a few shots. This video is so helpful, thanks!

Proper techniques equals best result another great video. You are my first bow and arrow 🏹 teacher.

As a Korean guy, I have been learning the thumb draw techniques from Korean bow masters on RU-vid, but you have addressed all the questions I have had for a long time. I am surprised that no one else has addressed these issues as clearly, directly and simply as you have. Thank you Sir.

Thanks for the insides. Nicely done video. With the fixed depth of field no detail is lost.

This is probably more help than anything else for me

I've been a longbow archer for some years now using a right handed Mediterranean draw on a 50lb bow and recently gifted myself a 15lb 'horsebow' as a trainer. I tried the thumb release and draw on the right of the bow for the first time this morning, shot 50 arrows without a thumb ring, and shot the last 20 whilst holding two more arrows in my draw hand, AND hit the target every time...a feat i thought only possible in films, and therefore kind of fantastical. Suddenly I have a whole new world of archery before me! Ordered a leather thumb ring ;-) . Thanks, Armin.

So glad I came across this video, I have plates on both sides of my forearm, and unable to turn my hand properly for three finger pull, but was unaware of the thumb pull, ....yes I'm very new to the sport, I thought I was going to have to learn with my non dominant side, thanks for this video and the others, they have been very helpful.

Always a good idea to come back to some older videos, specially when I have some bad days with constant bad shooting and want to correct my style or check what I might do wrong. This one - again - made me realize what the problem was with my release: tried a thumb draw with my middle finger locking my thumb while the index finger was pointing out, resting on the arrow for support. My middle finger was loose, pointing downwards and was crossing the string and my wrist wasn't straight. So yeah, thanks again, as usual 👍

The biggest problem I have is when I release I bruise my thumb. I don't know whether its my draw weight or technique

Your channel is excellent and I love it. Happy new sub here.

Thank you Sir - You have a beautiful way of transmitting your knowledge and I am grateful to you for sharing the wisdom of your experience - much love 🌞

My thumb is always bruising until i saw this video, thank you

Thanks for this video I think it will help me a lot. It's a long way from three fingers to thumb, but I will do my best to achieve it. I saw a video of a disciple of you and it opened me more the desire to learn. Again thanks for your time to make these videos so splendid and informative.

Really nice video Armin, very clear explanations... and last but not least, beautiful image due to your (new?) camera.

Nice, very useful.

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video!!!

This video can help me a lot. I am one bend the arm wrist. I'm going to practice thanks.

Just wanted to say thanks for all your videos. Especially thanks for videos introducing me to the thumb draw. I had surgery for long term nerve damage to my draw arm about 5 years ago, the doctor cut from palm of my hand up to almost my shoulder joint in an attempt to find and redirect some nerves. Supposedly the surgery was to help with the nerve damage by putting the nerve in a new position but still, 5 years after the surgery I can still not draw a bow in any Western style without the substantial discomfort of feeling like I'm being electrically shocked from elbow to fingers.... Then, I saw one of your videos and tried to draw my 90 pound long bow with thumb draw a few times... Suprise, no pain at all! I have been hooked on thumb draw and your channel ever since. I just received my first Turkish Bow in 45# Today... with no thumb ring, I still have no problem pulling and holding a thumb draw! I am very happy to have found your channel and it has not only allowed me to reopen my hobby of archery but also opened up a whole new aspect of it as well. Thanks again, much appreciated.

wusste gar nicht, dass du n channel hast! thumbs up!

Das war sehr hilfreich, danke dir Armin!

After watching this video, a light bulb appeared over my head ;) - Thank You Again, Sir.

I just can't get rid of the bend in my wrist. I don't feel the tention in it, but it's always bent. I feel like if I lower my elbow more I will loose the strength in my draw. I know what the problem is, but it feels impossible to correct. So annoying 😂

Hahahaha, Ive nearly been doing it All Wrong! Great pointers, a Refresher Course. Thanks Armi.

Very informative, I still need a lot of practice but I’m learning thank you.

Thanks for the information I appreciate you sharing

Much to do for me :)! Thank you Armin!

Mr Hirmer. Can You add a film with correct an incorrect thumb release with zoom in slow motion? It would be verry helpful.

Your best and most important video on this channel, and the best and complete one there is on RU-vid about thumb release. Your talent to teach is a gift.

awesome video man, loved it

I really appreciate all your videos it's like having a personal trainer.

Un grand merci Armin pour cette video très utile pour moi 🙏😊🙏 Meilleurs voeux pour 2019!!!🍾💥🌞🍰🏹 Richard

@Armin Hirmer. I just got a mongolian bow to learn how to shoot traditionally. It is a light draw bow to learn form as your video taught. Thanks for this video on how to troubleshoot thumb release.

Nice video Mr Armin. I believe the way you approach and explain archery’s topics is excellent ! thank you for the time and your effort

it seems like the orientation of the feathers doesn't matter? I am used to compound bow where you always point the odd color out.

Have to try

Thank you Armin, I’m a beginner to traditional archery. I have a compound bow that is so heavy to draw I gave it up . I’m 6’2” and after watching most of your reviews, I’m considering getting the long version of the Manchu Yarha from Ali bow. It looks like a great place to start. Thank you for your videos, I have learned so much from you already, and can’t wait to get back into archery 🏹 🙏

Armin, when i shoot from the right side arrows always go to the right, not straight, please can you explain me what should I do with the bow hand to get tue arrows ro travel straight?

This is great, Wish i had found this video years back when i tried thumb release but gave up. Your video makes it so clear. Thank you

I was taught to align the arrow such that the feather never points towards the bow shaft. I noticed that you dont seem to care about this. Does it not matter? I can imagine a deflection effect, especially with plastic feathers?

At 3.10, is he saying you can use forefinger to push on the string or no? Trying to save my thumb which is perpetually numb at the moment.

This is a super informative channel. Do you perhaps own any Kassai bows or maybe have an opinion on them? I'm thinking of purchasing one

You are the Mr Myagi of archery for me So much great explain and nice.

Sir great respect to you and a lot of thanks for the tips But i have a question here Is it okay to shoot using the thumb without wearing the thumbring (zihgir)?

is it just me, or does he shoot with the middle feather against the bow kind of often?

Привіт, сподобалось! 🖖🤘💪✌️🇺🇦

Thanks!!!

great info. thank you. :)

Ah, I was hoping you’d cover aiming, maybe talk about what your sight picture looks like in relation to the bow and string. I’m fine with drawing and releasing, my main problem is the arrow comes off the bow so far to the right (as a right handed archer), aiming with the tip of the arrow is difficult. I’ve tried instinctive and while I can consistently hit the target (at 20 yards) I’m not getting many golds.

Rewatching this while thinking about something. I recently only discovered that how you shoot depends on how much you press the arrow to the bow. Something I was unaware of previously. 😁

I just got a 35#@28 AF Tatar Bow. I bought 29” arrows and 32” arrows. I was shooting the 29” arrows with Mediterranean draw very well. When I tried doing thumb draw with 32” arrows they fly horribly. At first I thought it was the arrows. Then I tried the longer arrows with a Med draw and they shot very nicely. What are some things I am possibly doing incorrectly? I’ve never shot thumb draw before.

Thanks for the video! Great pointers.

Thank you for another excellent video, Armin! Can I ask what a good poundage to start thumb release is? I currently use a 35lb bow, is it a good idea to start with this poundage?

Thank you so much Armin for this and all your videos...I'm not new to trad bows at all yet am to my new love "horse bows".. been having a problem on thumb draw yet after this video I've found out where all my problems were.. thank you...also coming from shooting 55# plus recurves I purchased a 30# Tatar bow for learning thumb draw and it sure has improved my abilities.

If I try the thumb draw with a 20lb bow, it hurts too much, making it impossible. There is an article called "Step-by-step: The thumb draw" from the website bow-international, where they say the following: "The main mistake made by those trying the thumb draw for the first time is to grip the thumb with the index finger. As soon as you start to pull the string, this grip means that all the weight of the bow is going through the thumbnail and often being held by the knuckle of the thumb. This hurts and can lead to injury." "Instead, first curl the little-, ring- and middle fingers up as though making a fist. You should now be making an “L” with your index finger and thumb. Next, with the index finger still extended, curl the thumb around the string. The string should not sit in the bend of the thumb but on the phalanx, where you put the tape (photo 1, previous page). Now press the tip of the thumb into the side of the knuckle of the middle finger (see photo 2). This is where the strength of the thumb lock comes from: the muscles at the base of the thumb press the thumb into the middle finger, rather than the index finger pushing against the nail." If I do this bow-international technique, it is even worse. Could anyone clarify the exact string position on the thumb, the pressure point?

Thanks for this great video. Which bow are you using there please?

OK what happens when you are cursed with short fingers and smallish square hands and no matter how hard and how long you try ..your fingers will not lock 69 with the thumb overlapping the middle finger and the middle phalanx of the index finger over the thumb nail ? Can you please answer me this it's driving me crazy

Thank you for your insight. I have the worst thumb draw release you've ever seen. I believe this lesson will help

I’ve been experimenting with using only my middle finger to cover the thumb and that lets my index finger more easily nock the arrow and stays above the arrow helping to keep the arrow on the thumb rest.

Always held the arrow with the thumb grip never had a problem with accuracy or penetration

I waa recommended to your channel and now i can see why. You're very informative. I've just started shooting horse bow and I'm having two issues I'm not sure how to fix. First issue is if I don't use a thumb guard, when I release, my thumb starts to hurt pretty bad I assume from all the pressure being shoved to the tip of my thumb. Is there a way to fix this or do you just get used to it? Second issue is even with feather fletchings and heat shrink on the tip of my fletching I'm still cutting up my hand pretty badly. I've noticed that sometimes when I release, the fletchings don't seem to touch my hand at all and those actually tend to be my more accurate shots, I just have not the slightest clue what I'm doing differently on those shots to make it release differently. I don't really want to shoot with a glove or thumb guard because I to feel what I'm touching/doing, so I guess my second question is how can I release without shredding my hand?

Armin....I have been watching many Buhtan archery videos recently and have noticed something odd. Although I shoot with a Mediterranean release I have always accepted that right handed Asiatic style archers shoot with a thumb release with the arrow is on the right side of the bow...but I have noticed that many Butanes archers while using right hand thumb release are shooting off the left side of the bow. These archers are fantastically accurate over long distance but what is your take on this??

Hey Armin, you said to have the string in the groove of the thumb. Is the pressure actually placed directly on the joint or is it on the bone very close to the joint? I just started and used a thumb ring that I think is too tight. My thumb ended up a bit swollen and I'm still a little numb near my finger tip. I was shooting a 20# Tatar bow from alibow so nothing extreme. When I shoot again I think I'll try without the ring for a while but I want to make sure I get it right

Great video! I still force my release back and that's awful. Reason: lack of frequent practice and heavier poundages of my bows, thus 'struggling'. Started with 40lbs many years ago and still didn't correct my release. Would be also good for beginners to know they should start with lighter bow than 40lbs because difficult to correct imperfections later, also it should be done with coach . Cheers Armin and thank you for the tips!

Been shooting for 6plus years now and according to this video i am doing it right but i still keep getting blood bruises and then skin peeling not on the inside of the thumb but the outside on thumb knuckle. Can't figure out why 😂 maybe i curl too much idk. Nomatter what ring i use. Anyone else has that issue too or am i just that special?

It's not to late for you Armin, with some practice , you could get good at this. What a pretty necklace you have on today. 😂

I know nothing about archery but what is the metal thing he wears around his neck?

Easy if I see you, but hard to pravtice myself. But thanks.

Thank you I have been trying to learn how to the draw ,I was pinching the string instead of rapping my finger around my thum thank you for showing me Mark

Great video, i really like your new camera, its much better quality than before :) these videos are great help, but I have one problem while trying thumb release. I never know where to “put“ my bow hand, how to “aim“ basically (hope it makes any sence).

currently I'm shooting modern recurve bow and I'm good at it, but I want to try the traditional bow shooting. Should I be too cautious? cause it looks a lot harder.

Very nice and helpful! Question: shouldn't the thumb be on a lower spot on the string around 1 inch away from the arrow?

thank you for love and passion, it is contagious :D i am using a ring and theoretically it should fit, but it's hurting my thumb, my first shoot hits the target, but the next one misses due to tension because of pain. do you have any advice?

Very informational. Thank you

Mbah Wi mudun kopit ilang

Please can you do a video on how to teach beginners about aiming with thumb draw?

Perfekt, super💪👍🏹

If you want an even cleaner release ;) Do not use the index finger to hold the lock closed. Instead the strength of the lock should come from pressing the tip of the thumb onto the knuckle of the clenched middle finger. The index finger then simply sits on the already formed lock with no tension. The rest of your info is good tho :)

Thumb release changed my life.

Big thanks to your channel: your videos inspired me to try out thumb draw. After more than one year of shooting mediterranean feels fun and refreshing. And a bit painful, for now :) Dont quite get it: why rotate right wrist upon release?

Hi Armin, firstly thank you for your very informative videos. I watched two other videos you did on thumb release and I notice there are at least a couple of slightly different methods. For example one of the methods is that you lock your thumb against the clenched middle finger and another method is to have the index finger lock the thumb or the index and middle finger lock the thumb. Is there a difference in how clean the release is depending on how you lock the thumb release? I'm still new to the thumb release method and at the moment I find it a bit difficult to lock my thumb against the middle finger and somehow the string hits my index finger upon release even though its resting on my thumb and not crossed over. Somehow, for me the release seems smoother when I lock with my index finger or both index and middle fingers. Pleased to hear your advice and thank you in advance.

Wow thank you very much

Great video - thank you!

Where do I find that type of bow being used here? Does it have a name?

Love your channel, you deffinetley deserve a bigger audience! Thank you for your videos!

Thanks for the tips. Please teach us how to perform khatra correctly.

Hi. I'm from salta Argentina. Sorry My inglish. I have a prana ninja bow. Nothing fancy. but i try a thung reléase. But a got an acciden a few years ago and hurt My finger. When i try de reléase mi finger don't suport it. May ve i'm doing somsing Rong o it's note for mi and hay have to continúe whit 3 fingers. Thanks for the videos i lern a Lot

Hi @Armin, I find it easier to anticipate my arrow when I do Mediterranean draw then using thumb release. I have to confess that I prefer gap aiming technique with Mediterranean draw. Is there a similar technique to aim when using thumb release technique rather than just point and shoot, because the "instinct" method is very inconsistent? Using kathra is fun, but also inconsistent. Please help. Thanks in advance.

I just shoot with two fingers. Index finger and middle finger. Its that bad? I have no idea about any of this technique since Ive pretty much just started learning by shooting.

its been a years since ive started thumb release, i watched this video so many time just to keep on track what to do what not

Thanks alot for your info.... iam gonna start practicing with this guidance....👍👍👍

this is really helpful.

unfortunately i never got to experience shooting with a mongolian bow style bow and thumb release , but i would like to ask how does the aiming work here (for example a 20 meters target) . since you draw the bow beyond your eye and don't Anchor it next to your chin. do you still use the tip of the arrow?

Like a guitar pick