Arrow Kick
I've been shooting with a thumb ring for approx 3 months now. I'm right handed (arrow on the right side of the bow) and the arrows are sticking in the target nock end slightly right. When I shoot a bareshaft, they tend to group more to the left than the fletched arrows and they also are sticking out of the target nock end right. Now if I was shooting fingers off of this side of the bow (that means I would have to be shooting left handed), this would indicate a weak spine. Are the principles the same for a right handed thumb ring shooter and a left handed finger shooter since the arrow is on the same side of the bow? If I'm being stupid, let me know; I'm just trying to figure out which spine will shoot the best out of my bow. Thanks!
You are not being stupid. The stiffness of the arrows does have an effect, though not always as strong as with Mediterranean releases. The major problem I have seen is when the forefinger puts too much pressure on the side of the nock. In the old books, this is said to cause many problems depending on the force applied.
The balance point of the arrows can also influence how they fly.
The balance point of the arrows can also influence how they fly.
I used to have the same problem when I first started. As Bede says, just try to perfect your release. The Ottomans practised with bareshafts from close distances, which we tried as the confirmation of the ancient trainig methodology of our ancestors. Two colleagues of us (with no archery background) have been aducated with this methodology and could be able to release sufficiently clean in 3-4 weeks. Shoot from a maximum 3 m distance and do not care where the arrows hit. Modify your lock and release until the arrows stick straight. You can shoot fletched arrows as well since they're still paradoxing within this close range.
Try to press your index finger with minimum pressure. Keep your elbow high and concentrate on your release. Plucking of the string hand must be avoided too.
I second Bede's opinion about the correct spine size too. If this close-range practice doesn't bring any accomplishment try a higher spined shaft (or stiffen the dynamic spine by shortening the arrow length if possible).
Good luck.
Try to press your index finger with minimum pressure. Keep your elbow high and concentrate on your release. Plucking of the string hand must be avoided too.
I second Bede's opinion about the correct spine size too. If this close-range practice doesn't bring any accomplishment try a higher spined shaft (or stiffen the dynamic spine by shortening the arrow length if possible).
Good luck.