Traditional archery tips - Split finger vs 3 under for recurve and longbow 

Had the bow set up at a pro shop. It performed just fine ru-vid.comUgkxQEKUoxLWwayEDZR0NKB-5limn4MBU-2L . And I would say this is a good starting now that I could pass down to my son when he is older.But the package was missing the release and a nock was missing from one arrow.Dealing with customer support was terrible. They suggested I buy a new release rather than correct their own quality control issue because it’s to expensive for the. to ship it out from China.Update: manufacturer got back to me and resolved the issue. I retract the above statement.

The only problem I can see with using a tooth as an anchor point is Being from Kentucky, that tooth might not be there next month

Darnit, just when I get my anchor point worked out, you go and give me other options! On the other hand, archery seems like it takes a lifetime of tweaking - which is part of the fun. Thanks for the informative videos - they help out a lot.

Thanks for the great info! I switched to 3 under with a high anchor point and have had a big improvement in my groupings at 20 to 30yds. Also wanted to thank you for a pragmatic and unapologetic approach to gap shooting in the field. I think many "instinctive" archers reach full draw and anchor close to "on target" by muscle memory yet still give a quick almost unconscious glance at the arrow tip before release. That is of course: "gap shooting". I tried to be an instinctive purist for years and was frustrated. I felt "I just didn't have it". Videos like yours help validate a different shooting style and I'm sure will help a lot of newcomers stick with archery. Great job and keep the videos coming.

Just started using a recurve bow and from your videos I’ve watched it’s helped me out drastically!

This clip was right on que with what I’m going through…thanks so much Clay!

I went through the same series of anchor points and found the cheek bone best in regards to accuracy. Cheers Clay.

I started watching you before I watched your win on alone. Excellent work

I like the way you explained how anchors affect gap. I've been struggling with this. I've recently started experimenting with what I guess some would call a fixed crawl. Basically three waaaay under. But doing this when I anchor to the corner of my mouth puts the nock nearly in my eye and I can place the arrow tip just under my desired point of impact at 15ish yards.

After watching your videos, I went from split fingers to 3 under and up to 20 yards it works like a charm, beyond that I can't see the target anymore, as my bow hand starts blocking the view. From now on it's 3 under for hunting and split fingers for target shooting past 20 yards. Thanks for the tip.

In my opinion this guy is the very best at explaining how it should be done. I'm in UK and shoot Welsh long bow, who I think invented the true longbow. We can only shoot 3D over here. But we have great times. Our laws out here are about as much use as a handbrake on a canoe when it comes to hunting. Anyway thanks alot Clay. First class theory. PS. It all works.

EXACTLY the same issues I've had for years when gap shooting. I also shoot 3 under & I struggle with "looking" below the animal at close range. My point-on is 25 yards with my current setup & I shoot pretty decent at that range. But I'm hoping I can shorten up my point-on distance with some heavier arrows & playing around with my anchor point, like you did. Great video Clay! Thanks for the tips!

Awesome video! Some really valuable information. Thanks.

About 20 years ago. Before RU-vid. I decided to give archery a try. I ordered a compound bow from Sportsman's Guide that was on sale. I started shooting at 75 yard's. Couldn't hit anything! Lost all my expensive arrows! Got discouraged and sold the bow. Lordy lordy lordy I wish I had RU-vid and you back then! Going to make a hickory bow after I get caught up in the garden. I have watched your video on using snake skin and fake snake skin to back a bow. Is that something I should do with my first hickory bow build? I'm a woodworker with a full shop. I have been using shaving horses for about 30 years. I'll probably leave my favorite drawknife to you when I die. It's a folding drawknife made in 1921. Holds a crazy sharp edge. So if you get a message from my wife after I'm gone. Please let her know where to send it. Love what you do. I enjoy texting with you that night. Please keep the videos coming!

Great video. I'm trying to teach my daughters to shoot an old recurve with no sights and this helps me explain to them! Im a compound bow shooter so it's a little difficult to explain to an 11 year old lol. Btw my anchor has always been my pointer finger knuckle behind my ear so it's good to hear someone have something similar bc nobody taught me to shoot, I just picked up a bow and went for it.

This is some good info. I have learned a bunch watching these videos. Thank you for making them. I am new at this and I really suck.

Couple years ago after going through the same thing switching points constantly and going to three under I started combining the corner of the mouth with the thumb knuckle behind the jaw bone

Great video Clay! I agree consistent aiming is the key to accuracy, and with a properly tuned set up you dont need to rely on pure power. I shot instinctive for years until I watched The Push's video on his fixed crawl and 3 point anchor. Granted, after 10,000 shots and years later I got fairly accurate, but I'm glad more primitive and traditional archers are speaking the benefits of proper technique instead of learning the "throw a baseball" method, hopefully new sportsmen will see these videos when they first start shooting.

Great info! I use pin sights on my recurve so I'm a 3 under, anchor under the chin with my nose point on the string. I like this info though because my wife shoots bare bow and I like to mess with hers sometimes.

Nah that deer "jumped the string" when your clicker sounded Lol

Thank you for this and other videos Clay! I really have performed much better after watching and learning from your videos.

It is really really helpful informations to get the target. Thanks a lot.

Clay, there's a fantastic traditional 3D shoot this weekend (Aug 10-11) up in Sandpoint hosted by the North Idaho Traditional Bowhunters. It would be great to see you there! The best information I've come across for learning to shoot a traditional bow is Byron Ferguson's book "Become the Arrow". Byron shoots split finger, but basically says the same thing that Clay does regarding the importance of getting your eye down as close to the arrow as you can. Shooting 3-under always felt weird to me. But I started split-fingered 50 years ago and, since it's always worked for me, I never saw any reason to change.

I tried using my thumb knuckle behind recess of jaw like you described to bring the arrow closer to my eye and I was hitting the arrows in the target that I just shot. Wow! the grouping was almost too good that I was afraid I was going to hit the arrows and had to break through that mentally. Great videos man!!! I hope one day I can get to a level where I can challenge you on the 3D course. Thanks Clay!

Great advice with regard to anchor. I usually use 'corner of mouth' but I take your point about consistency. I'll try a firmer anchor, next time. This is such an informative channel. Flaxen Saxon

This helped me! Thanks

I'm right handed and shoot a left handed bow with a thumb ring. My shot groups are tighter than a whale's blow hole, watertight. The thumb is the strongest digit on our hand and there is no pinch or tillering for 3 under. If more people were open minded about it they'd find success. I recently found that Joel Turner also does this.That's my method and I'm sticking to it. You can even shoot a shorter bow with no finger pinch.

A tip for beginners.....split for instinctive under for aiming. It is a one sentence synopsis for this video....

Thanks for the advise I will look and test a bit more with anchoring.

Thanks for covering this subject again...good video! I anchor behind the ear with thumb knuckle to jaw, all is good to that point. However, things start to fall apart when I attempt to employ back tension in releasing. I pluck instead of release straight back. I’ve yet to master the feel of correct pulling to release. A video on this topic by way of review would be great.

Thank you! That anchor back in the jaw sounds really good,i have try that one! I wonder do your jaw get sore after shooting arrows allday on a target?

Watched this hour ago. Three under shooter. Slipped out back yard adjusted anchor. Perfect. I pre aim and was having trouble after anchoring being a little to high on target. Now never leave target. Been shooting recurve since 97. Thank You for helping an old stubborn guy out.

Thanks for the tips Clay No shelf, yes I have no shelf to rest my arrow on my longbow so the arrow rests on my thumb, right hand draw right side of the bow. The anchor point is my flexor pollicis brevis i.e. my thumb muscle resting between my cheekbone and my ear.

Thanks for sharing mate. That was incredibly helpful 🎯

Sounds like face walking plug gap... a blend, which according to the PUSH Archery movie/film, is the best and most efficient way to aim. PUSH talks about setting your anchor point a little lower than the nock points to decrease gap at different distances, but face walking like Clay is showing here, works just the same, and is MUCH better in my opinion for hunting on the fly.

I'ma try this real quick

Because i have a lip ring on my right side, i put my right hands thumb knuckle on the corner of my lip, not letting the string touch...i have gotten very close to the center of the target

I am a total beginner but love your videos. Great info. Now only to put all to practice ;-) BTW: The bow you have looks amazing...wow

Makes complete sense

Can you say what the advantage is of either of these methods over the American Indian style of pinching the arrow? Is it just a Matt of personal preference? What each of us is accustomed to? Or what?

Just a point here, but you don't wear glasses man, they pretty much kill the really high anchor options.

Hi Clay !!! Thanks for this video. But I have a question. Your gap shoot is only up/ down ? Or left / right, too ?? Thanks !!!

Just trying out shooting 3 under after shooting 15 years with split. Bow is definitely louder to my ears but consistency seems to have improved.

Hello, Would you kindly explain how to aim with 3 under and where would the best anchor point be ??

Good info... Glad I found your channel.

Age restrict my max draw weight. 3 under point on is about 10 0r so yards. Split finger finger helps.

Clay, how bout string walking? I have found great consistency by being able to concentrate arrow tip to precise target placement. For me it eliminates one more variable in my shot sequence. Do instinctive shooters need to shoot with their eyes open? Love your video's and admire your life choices. Success to you and your family.

Nice bow

Wouldn’t the repeatability of the anchor also depend on the position of the neck? This seems to be overlooked a lot! I see lots of guys leaning in to the shot and changing the position of their head all of the time at the range.

Thanks for all your videos, helped me so much in understanding traditional archery. Trying to minimize my gap I put the knocking point very high at something about 1 inch (shooting 3under). It works perfect on distances 12 to 25 yards: just point on where you wanna hit at all the distances. Have you ever tried this? Will a bow survive this for long time?

I love your videos! I don't currently use a traditional now but I'm planning on starting in the near future. I have a Dad's Kodiak Magnum 50# and a Grizzly 45# that are both from the 70's. Do you recommend starting with the 45# or 50# or getting a lower poundage? I currently shoot a 70# compound bow. Thanks again for the great videos!! God bless!

What is the gap that you refered to? This is something I have never heard of. Thanks.

I’ll come shoot a 3D course with you! Not that I think I can shoot better, I just want to come hang out!!

I shot trad for many years now with my shoulder I can't so I bought a bear revival longest ata I could find now my issue is I can't get a point of aim or on target when I draw using my arrow as a reference I was thinking 3 under would help any tips or advice I get very frustrated and depressed because I want to shoot accurately and confidently thank you and great videos

Thank you for sharing the video. I have been practicing 3 under for the past 3 weeks or so and using a fixed crawl aiming method. I have noticed better grouping and increased my distance. Any advice is much appreciated.

I am new to archery and unfamiliar with the term "aimer". Is he referring to gap aiming?

Seems like a lot of more modern archers are getting away from the Mediterranean hold preferring to go three under even starting to see more thumb ring shooters too

I'm an instinctive shooter. But I've been an instinctive shooter for nearly 30 years. It's what works for me. However my little brother, (who's shot nearly as long) is an "Aimer." He's as accurate and fast as I. Anyone that would give you Hell over aiming is merely an Ass. I look at it as what works for each individual archer. Is What Works, period.

Great video!!!

Thanks for your experienced perspective. I think archery coaching can be too prescriptive. Instead every person needs to figure out what works best for their own body!

How about shooting longer arrows to shorten your gap? I have a 28 in. draw length and have started shooting arrows that have not been cut off. I also needed more weight for penetration.

I Challenge you to a dual!!! Not really but I think it would be fun to hit a 3d course with you. I know I have lots to learn and I always enjoy shooting with experienced archers! Also, I have been playing with my anchor all summer long as I converted from gloves to tab and "instinctive" to an aiming method of sorts . I definitely like my release alot more with tab, am finding better consistency with aiming method but am finding it difficult to settle on an anchor point. I feel like I finally found it though and it is also my cheek bone (3 under)! The reasons why I changed was my glove had worn holes and while waiting for another to come in I used my tab and found I plucked alot less often. Secondly, after years of "instinctive shooting" I struggled with consistency, especially after winter where my range is indoors, short, and flat. I am finding aiming to some degree more helpful, which translates to less frustration, more fun, and hopefully more efficiency in the Great North Woods of New Hampshire! And to those that call it cheating....my grandfathers lesson on that was "if you aint cheatin' you aint tryin'".

I shoot 3D out to 50 yards and certainly struggle with my gap/ hold over will a higher anchor help with the longer shots?

What about split finger knuckle side to the cheek? You can bring the knock of the arrow nearly right on center with the eye. I only ask because I just saw a release of a movie called "Prey" what looks like a native American Indian culture vrs predator.

Good vid Clay. I too use the high cheek anchor with 3 under. My gap with light 3d arrows is 12” at 20m and 0-1/2” at 30m. Using this anchor has really brought confidence to my shooting at hunting distances. Keep it up and I highly recommend anyone to attend one of your bow building courses.

Hi clay thanks for the video I’ve been playing with 3 under on my bearbow setup. I found that locating a hard anchor like a tooth them best for me. I’ve found in 3d targets that a change in finger top for 30-40 middle for 20-30 and bottom for 10-20 gives me a max gap of 12 inches per finger change. Thanks again for your videos. I’m going to try my had at making a stick bow this fall. God bless

I anchor corner of cheek. I don’t use point on, I use my fist knuckle.

Great info Clay, would love to shoot a 3-d round with you even though I'm sure you would beat me. Always makes you shoot better when the competition is stronger. Been trying 3 under can't seem to get the knack of it, too close to season to change now. Good luck as always enjoy the video.

Love the tips Clay. I agree I Shot split finger for over 30 years then switched to three under. It really stepped up my shooting.

I’ve went from split to three under back to split because my bow shoots a lot quieter when I’m shooting split. Any pointers on how to get the bow to quiet down? Three under just feels more natural but I think it’s more important to have a quiet bow when hunting

70 years old anchor drove me nuts. Same issues. Thank you sir! Always ready to learn.

IMO, I wish people would get professional instruction before trying to coach. Some good info, some not so much. Although I shoot split, I agree with what was said about 3-under...I just don't have the discipline to change after 20+ years. On anchor point...oh well, here we go. If you know how to apply proper back tension, you will have an natural draw length that won't vary more than 1/8 of an inch. I thought I knew what back tension was for about 20 years until I got professional instruction (Rod Jenkins). It's NOT like "squeezing a ball between your shoulder blades". You pick an anchor point according to your draw length, not vice-versa. Using the corner of your mouth is a lousy anchor point, for the reasons mentioned. Don't hunker over and bring your face to the string--bring the string to your anchor point while standing up straight. That helps eliminate a variable. The 3D challenge is misleading. I've seen several people that were really good shots, but not great coaches...and some that weren't great shots, but could help others by showing them a more consistent and repeatable shot sequence. Remember that old Russian gymnastics coach from the Olympics back in the 80's? I don't think he could get out there and do all those flips, but he was obviously an amazing coach. Want to compare shooting? Compare shooting. Want to compare coaching? compare coaching. FWIW...I've helped coach a 5-time State Champion NASP team, and I've won a few minor 3-D tournaments...the Howard Hill, Jerry Pierce, GA State Championship, MS State Championship, Selfbow Challenge at the TN Classic...

Ive been pretty stubborn bout keeping to my split finger shots. I'll definitely have to try 3 under. Also been wondering if you've use finger tabs in the past? At least for myself during practice I do like to use the 3 enclosed tab as they feel more secure, but it also feels like I need to release the tension in my fingers faster so they dont get slightly snagged on the string. Any thoughts on those would be appreciated.

Hi clay, what bow poundage do you typically use? I think 40 is a little heavy for me.

I shoot split finger now, use my chin as anchor. Too big gap to use arrow as pointer, so i aim with bow handle. I tried to shoot 3 under, placing arrow nock just under my eye, like Clay does, but every time i do so, i just shoot off my nose with string:-) Very painful:-)

With your under the eye anchor do you also string walk with the same anchor?

I love how the only semi braggart thing I’ve ever heard you say is pretty much “bring it on” to an archery competition lmao. Seems like you’ve had enough of the petty shit talk from know it alls. Keep up the good work Clay, I’m getting started on an Atlatl build but unfortunately atlatl hunting isn’t legal for whitetails in Pennsylvania🤫

Hey Chris. I'm 49, just kicking off with bows... ish... I used to shoot rifles an awful lot as a kid, airguns at home and various rifles with the army cadets. I'd use a shotgun with my old man from time to time but mostly rifles. So I have this crappy 20lb bow that I'm using to 'develop' a shot routine that works for me, integrating many of your tips (the ones that work)... I have this bizarre thing of shutting my 'bad' eye just before release... a throw back to so much time shooting rifles no doubt... I have tried and tried keeping both eyes open throughout the whole shot but my groups are so much tighter every time I use the last second shut-eye. Is this something I should kick the habit of? And just practice and practice two eyes open? Or is it livable with? I'm very early on in shooting bows so I'm a clear slate so to speak. I don't want to engrain bad habits

When your instinctual shooting with a bow you got a picture your hitting your target and your mind and then point and looked directly at the target with both eyes open and shoot and picture that Arrowhead not Target and that's how I'm able to hit a Target every time

Based on trying to get the arrow closer to the eye, why not do string walking? That seems like a very good option but I'm curious what your thoughts are on string walking? Your videos are very helpful thank you!

I've never really been able to concept a man with a bow I've always been an instinctual shooter what's above every since I was a kid I've been able to look at a Target and imagine myself hitting it and I point the bow and look directly at what I see and I hit it when I was 9 I was able to shoot the head off a rattlesnake

Is it risky to shoot 3 under using arrows with self nock ? I have a set of arrows which have selfnocks, some of them are quite loose but still hold on the string. I like that technique but I'm a bit confused if I should do so with these on my longbow.

Looks easy with 3-under - I've never tried it. I shoot split, and pretty good that way. But target-shoot 1000+- arrows/week to try and stay that way.

I talk myself through my shot cycle. Some days it's like talking to someone with Alzheimers. I say it, but my hand isn't listening or doesn't remember two seconds later.

What weight bow are you using?

Hi god bless

Hey Clay! One thing I’m curious about. You mentioned in a previous video about getting the eye over the arrow so that your gap will be directly in a vertical line under the point you want to hit. Now with this higher anchor point, it looks like the nock is to the right of your right eye. Now, won’t you have to put your arrow tip down and to the right of where you want to hit, in order to account for the new horizontal gap of not being directly under your eye? Thanks!

Great video man. Very informative. That's a good beard too

what was the clicking sound and what so it do

Hey clay, quick question what’s that’s string tied to the top of your bow that connects to the string ?

3 under ..fixed crawl ... and 3 anchors .....works best for me .

PLEASE DO A VIDEO ABOUT THUMB DRAW

I want you to try something. Try drawing back to your chest. It may amaze you.

I normally shoot three fingers split but I had to start wearing glasses and it's become a little difficult for me to move my eye over the shaft any suggestions on that

Great video man

The obvious flaw for any anchor point is going to be your head moves all over, in relation to your bow hand. It can lean in, or forward, or tip to far. Your draw length should be relatively fixed, as your elbow is always the same distance from your bow hand. The only thing that makes sense for a solid, permanent and repeatable anchor is your chest or base of neck. Otherwise it's always in flux if anchoring to anything at the wobbly end of your neck. I think having good consistent arrow/eye relationship just like getting your eye at the right place behind a rifle sight, even a slight deviation has wild and Terrible consequences. Especially at longer ranges. So I would assume the rear anchor has more to do with having a rigid sight picture and provides a consistent hold-under gap then it does having perfect repeatable body mechanics. Because your head moves and changes easily and often subconsciously. And then having a consistent release, steady follow though, in addition to a repeatable sight picture probably makes up the 80/20 principal of archery. Horseback archers can be consistently accurate and they are freaking moving and bouncing and always in flux. And Indians never seemed to have great posture when hunting in old photos, shooting game while stalking in cover while crouched doesn't always present a perfect opportunity to square up as typically practiced. So it seems the the eye-arrow relationship and the smooth consistent release matters more than repeatable form.

Thanks for this information. Novice hunter and even more novice bow shooter. This helps tremendously.

Funny that you mention how people bust your ass for AIMING!!! HAHAHAHAHA I've had people do the exact same. I truly don't how or what your instinctive shooting style is, no matter how you slice it you AIMING in some way or another at your target. Thanks for the tips!! New advice is always nice.

Hey clay love your information you put out.. what is the clicker you are talking about...what is the function of it..I'm a compound bow hunter going to recurve.. enjoy it so much more..compound seams like cheating now..

I’m not sure what it means for tiller on a self bow, and I get that tradguys often look at modern shooters as cheaters for some reason, but what about string walking? You can either rock a fixed crawl as reference and then gap from that, or get really finite and work out all your crawls and dial them in at the stake. Even if you’re using the fixed crawl it shrinks up all the gaps and I think that can only make for greater accuracy. But I’ve never shot a bow like that. Can you crawl on that without hurting it?