more thoughts on back tension

[jonsimoneau]

When trying to achieve good back tension, I try to squeeze my shoulder blades together.  It seems I am able to feel my drawing arm shoulder blade tightening, but not so much with my bow arm shoulder blade.  Why is this?  Anyone?

[tjjsidekick]

My 2 cents, I try not to even think about back tension anymore. If you're alligned properly and always pulling with the draw hand (even at anchor), correct back tension will be there on its own accord. The fact that you feel your drawing arm shoulder blade tightening indicates that you are doing what I described. When I tried to "feel" tension in my bow shoulder, my bow hand had a tendacy to swing open on release - I shoot left handed so my bow hand (right hand) would swing right on release causing a lot of right misses. Maybe someone more knowledgable will chime in.

[Terry Green]

Cause your bow arm is still, therefore your shoulder blade is still....you drawing arm should blade is the one moving.

[jonsimoneau]

So I am doing this right Terry?  Or do I need to be trying to flex my bow arm shoulder blade too?

[timthefuelman]

I feel like Terry and a lefty like you. I don't feel anything in my right arm. I'm no pro but I did feel some flex in my left blade but now I only look for the same anchor every time, with this I feel I'm getting the same tension. I hope this helps-Tim.

[Terry Green]

Yeah Jon.....I think you are.  Keep your bow arm solid, and your shoulders on a parallel plane of the arrow.