Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Shooters FORM Board => Topic started by: slowbowjoe on September 03, 2015, 06:55:00 PM

Title: Back tension and bow arm SHOULDER
Post by: slowbowjoe on September 03, 2015, 06:55:00 PM
So I struggled a long time to get a sense of back tension… due to messed up skeletal alignment and musculature issues, I simply can't "feel" the muscles engage. Over time I learned to "lock" my back as far as I could, and thought I had it figured out. My shooting was still below par.

I recently stumbled upon the realization that in locking my back around, my elbow was over rotated. Learning to consciously locate my bow arm elbow to am imaginary alignment with the arrow, my shooting has improved quite noticeably. I feel like now, I'm definitely… not that bad.

I shoot with a high anchor, split finger, and (probably) "gun barrel",
which all works with locating that elbow.

Anyone relate to any of this?
Title: Re: Back tension and bow arm SHOULDER
Post by: McDave on September 03, 2015, 10:18:00 PM
How do you know when your elbow is aligned with the arrow?
Title: Re: Back tension and bow arm SHOULDER
Post by: slowbowjoe on September 04, 2015, 02:49:00 AM
Dave, I have not found any solid way to determine that. I look for a feeling of alignment from elbow, through the shoulders, and with my sight picture. A bit hard to describe being there is no solid physical reference,
Title: Re: Back tension and bow arm SHOULDER
Post by: hart2hart on September 04, 2015, 09:31:00 PM
Try drawing in front of a mirror 'til arrow and elbow line up(nocked or faux draw).Search for a reference lower/higher/jawbone/tooth.
You can draw facing close to a wall..close enough to touch draw elbow .back of draw hand, and thumb on bow along same plane,then search for anchor.
Use a light bow or surgical tubing to give yourself some drawing effect.
Hope this helps.
Mike
Title: Re: Back tension and bow arm SHOULDER
Post by: McDave on September 04, 2015, 09:44:00 PM
Hart: what you describe works for the drawing elbow.  I'm wondering what slowblowjoe means by alignment of the bow arm elbow with the arrow.
Title: Re: Back tension and bow arm SHOULDER
Post by: hart2hart on September 04, 2015, 10:18:00 PM
McD,
Missed that bow arm part...late and my shoulder(draw shoulder killing me) Thanks for catching that.
Bow arm elbow position is pretty well determined by bone on bone and low shoulder.
More info on how your lining up elbow and arrow.There will always be a small angle difference.As you get older and blinder,that angle will increase.Don't ask how I know.!!
Mike
Title: Re: Back tension and bow arm SHOULDER
Post by: slowbowjoe on September 05, 2015, 03:16:00 AM
Oops, sorry guys, I wrote bow arm elbow, but meant to say string arm elbow.
Title: Re: Back tension and bow arm SHOULDER
Post by: hart2hart on September 05, 2015, 03:55:00 PM
Might recommend a little training time with a Form Master or homemade copy of such.
Mike
Title: Re: Back tension and bow arm SHOULDER
Post by: slowbowjoe on September 05, 2015, 06:30:00 PM
I'll definitely try watching my draw in the mirror, and look into the form master; I still don't really get how they let you know when you're back tension is correct.
Title: Re: Back tension and bow arm SHOULDER
Post by: hart2hart on September 05, 2015, 09:56:00 PM
Try pulling it without your hand on the bowstring.. or shooting with it and have a slight collapse.It will show/remind you plenty quick.
Keep us updated.
Mike