Q02 - What should the draw thumb position be when drawing?
Last Updated 08/04/2014 at 12:37:33 PM EST
Those are great photos of David on the website! In particular, I've been wondering what he does with the thumb of his string hand when he draws; the first photo in the sequence seems to show it tensed or pulled back, but it is hard to see for sure. I have been trying to find my optimal thumb position and it would be interesting to know what he does.
January 11, 2006
from N.M. of Australia:
"Those are great photos of David on the website! In particular, I've been wondering what he does with the thumb of his string hand when he draws; the first photo in the sequence seems to show it tensed or pulled back, but it is hard to see for sure. I have been trying to find my optimal thumb position and it would be interesting to know what he does."
"Those are great photos of David on the website! In particular, I've been wondering what he does with the thumb of his string hand when he draws; the first photo in the sequence seems to show it tensed or pulled back, but it is hard to see for sure. I have been trying to find my optimal thumb position and it would be interesting to know what he does."
Firstly the position of the thumb of the drawing hand is very personal. However, having it in the wrong position from a biomechanical view point, then injuries can occur. I have thought a lot about this (KSL), for instance, Park Sung-Hyun*, has been having wrist pains. Why? Because her wrist isn’t straight; click thumbnail below. Possibly, repositioning of her draw hand thumb could make the difference.
Firstly, the drawing hand thumb must be positioned in the same place, every time, the same which applies for the little finger touching the neck. Personally I don’t like to teach for the archer to touch with their thumb another finger, like index or little finger. If the thumb is positioned too much forward a kinked wrist will result at full draw, therefore the thumb should be position more back, a little tension is allowable, so that when at full draw the back of the drawing hand is flat. See thumbnail below for suggested position.
* Park Sung-Hyun is the holder of many world records; WR 1405- SFITA, WR 682- OR; WR 351 -70M; WR 350- 50M, Gold Medalist 2004 Olympics Individual & Team
Firstly, the drawing hand thumb must be positioned in the same place, every time, the same which applies for the little finger touching the neck. Personally I don’t like to teach for the archer to touch with their thumb another finger, like index or little finger. If the thumb is positioned too much forward a kinked wrist will result at full draw, therefore the thumb should be position more back, a little tension is allowable, so that when at full draw the back of the drawing hand is flat. See thumbnail below for suggested position.
* Park Sung-Hyun is the holder of many world records; WR 1405- SFITA, WR 682- OR; WR 351 -70M; WR 350- 50M, Gold Medalist 2004 Olympics Individual & Team