I am shooting a tab with split fingers. I know that you are supposed to "relax" the fingers to release the string, but, I'm having trouble with this. I notice after the shot, that my fingers are still bent. Any suggestions or methods of practice ??

Hold your hand out and relax your fingers. Are they straight? If you are letting the string push your fingers out of the way, without conscieously turning loose of the string, you are doing fine. If your fingers are straight at release, then most likely you are trying to let go--sounds like you are doing it right.

Chad

Thanks Chad. The part about letting the string push the fingers, is what I needed to hear.

As you may well know there are so many ways to skin a cat...like shooting techniques....I'll just say that back tension is a very important part of the release.
I shoot split fingers with a tab also....I found that the proper development of the proper back muscles is a must for a proper release....at least it is for me. Takes alot of practice. You have to have the right amount of back pressure and coordinate the fingers to relax just enough to let the proper back muscle take over and finish the release. Its the only way i know to explain it. Its all feel. I was taught to shoot with my eyes closed about 3 yards in front of a huge taget(so I wouldnt miss). Something about having your eyes closed makes you concentrate on just the feel. But thats just the way I was taught to shoot. Just my two cents...take it for what its worth. Best of luck to you!.........Jaw

As bad as I hate to say it, the Old Geezer (aka Jawbone) is pretty slick with this stuff--he's even been to school! The back tension thing might work better for you--sounds like the same thing Ferguson does.

Chad