As for the chafing that appears at the root of the thumb, in the space between it and the index finger, it has two causes:
- a faulty, over-full grip (1);
- letting the hand sink far too low over the arrow.
If the soreness comes from crowding the hand around the handle, put right the grip according to the method set out earlier. If it is caused by the arrow, set the shaft on the belly of the bow at the midpoint of the string, and mark that spot (2) with a sign that will be hit unfailingly at every shot.
Section (3): On the five pillars of shooting, the description of each, and the points of disagreement concerning them (4)
We have already stated that the pillars are: the grip, the lock, the draw, the release, and the sighting. We shall now explain each of them in detail.
• The grip: the archers differ about it.
– Some seize the bow-handle with the whole palm and drive with the entire forearm; this is the method of Ṭāhir.
– Others cant the handle sharply within the palm and brace—