🏹 Thumb Draw or Slavic Draw – Which Style Should You Learn?

If you’ve watched horseback archers from around the world, you’ve probably noticed that not everyone shoots the same way.

Some use the Mediterranean technique — pulling the string with three fingers under or around the arrow — while others shoot using the thumb draw or the Slavic draw, each with their own rhythm and mechanics.

All three are powerful and proven, but thumb and Slavic draws stand out for their speed, precision, and adaptability in horseback archery.

So which one should you learn? 🤔

Let’s take a closer look.

👍 The Thumb Draw

The thumb draw is one of the oldest and most refined shooting techniques, found across Central Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

It’s done by hooking the thumb around the string and locking it with the index finger, while the rest of the hand stays relaxed.

What makes this style truly special is its incredibly clean release mechanism — the arrow leaves the bow almost effortlessly, creating smooth, repeatable precision.

Main benefits:

🎯 Exceptionally clean and consistent release

💨 Great for fast, rhythmical shooting from horseback

🏹 Naturally suited for shorter, traditional-style bows

If you want to learn it step by step, check out:👉 Intro to Thumb Draw

The course covers correct finger positioning, clean release control, and safe transition methods from other draw styles.

✊ The Slavic Draw

The Slavic draw is a powerful and intuitive European technique that has recently gained recognition for its unmatched speed and efficiency.

In this draw, the index finger rests on top of the arrow, while the middle and ring fingers pull the string.The result is a strong and instinctive motion that allows for extremely fast shooting cycles — especially when combined with back and shoulder quivers that keep arrows within perfect reach.

Main benefits:

⚡ Currently the fastest shooting style in the world

💪 Strong, stable draw using large muscle groups

🎯 Excellent control for dynamic horseback or ground archery

To learn it safely and effectively, start with:👉 Intro to Slavic Draw

The course teaches correct grip, release mechanics, and smooth transitions from other draw types.

⚖️ Which One Is Right for You?

There’s no universal answer — both techniques offer their own advantages.

If you value precision, refined technique, and smooth mechanics, go for the thumb draw.If you’re drawn to speed, flow, and strong power dynamics, the Slavic draw might be your match.

Many horseback archers eventually learn both, discovering how each style deepens their understanding of movement, timing, and control.

🌟 Ready to Begin?

Both courses are available through the North Arrow App, along with other online programs designed for archers of all levels:👉 Online Courses – North Arrow App

Whichever you choose, remember — real progress comes from clean repetition, not shortcuts.Focus on understanding the movement, and the results will follow.

🏹💡 Two styles, two traditions — both leading to sharper, faster, more confident shooting.