Can not seem to draw bow with back tension any help

[molongbowman]

I am about to give up on a sport I really love. When I draw my bows it is all in the top of the bow arm shoulder none at all with the back. This muscle runs up into my neck causing my bow arm to tire quickly. I believe if I used the proper form I would not feel this. How do I get the back mucles involved. Try as I might I can't seem to get it. This is after shooting for 20 plus years. I called a couple of archery shops they did not seem to interested. I have read a lot and just can't seem to grasp it. Very frustrated. Any help.

[moebow]

Take a look at my videos on Youtube and see if they help.  Search for TheMoebow1.  Terry's "form clock" may help too.  Also look for Jimmy Blackmon's videos.

Arne

[ArrowCraCra]

Over-bowed maybe? What are you shooting?

[molongbowman]

I have many bows but I am shooting a 68" 43 pounds. Have never had any instruction just pulled back and let'er fly. My left side is weak compared to my right. I shoe horses and use my right a lot more. Presently working on building up off side, left. I just can not feel the back tension. I watched a lady recurve shooter using it and was amazed at how built up she was. Can I hold the bow a little higher or lower. I just want to feel it to try to understand it & repeat it. Moebow thanks, I will check them out.

[njloco]

You should also post up a video of yourself shooting after you check out moe's you tube.

[one more bow]

dont give up.
i was in your same shoes about three weeks ago. I have been shooting literally for about thirty years now. both compound and traditional. i asked shop owner after shop owner and not a one could ever tell me how to engage back muscles. to be honest i dont think they knew either. they would just say, just pull with your back! so with the compound i did fine without it. just shot low pounds,54#. but when i got back into trad about a year ago, shortly after, my sholders were killing me! i bought some old bear bows off **** in the 30-35-and 40# range and slowly worked my way into each. I got up to 44# +- but i wanted more weigth to hunt with. then i found moebows videos.
Now to your question. watch moebows video!!!
The only thing a little confusing was the j shape he talks about moving your draw elbow in. i kind of see it more of a half circle. the part about closing the door behind you with your elbow helped too. watch his videos over and over again and practice the movement with no bow at first. just move your elbow around and back.

its the first time i have ever known that i was using my back muscles. Iam shooting 48#s now.

Thanks again moebow, and many others whom i gained insight from.

hope this helps.
Steve

[McDave]

I would say you're ready for some hands-on (literally) help.  After 20 years, I'm sure you've tried everything you could, and it hasn't worked.  I'm equally sure that if you were standing in front of any of the well-known trainers who use back tension, like Rick Welch or Rod Jenkins, they could get you on the right track.  I'm pretty sure you're going to need more than a book or a video at this point.

[SAVIOUR68]

Try to draw the bow using your elbow only instead of your forearm once the elbow begins to come around to the "J" you will feel the draw arm back muscles begin to load/tense [ your draw arm will only pivot/move from the elbow to shoulder joint]. Find your anchor and start to squeeze the loaded back muscles and the shot will go on its own. A formaster is a excellent tool to learn this and you will likely only be able to do this a few times at first due to muscles that you were not using before, with a formaster you can actually draw with the elbow only and no fingers on the bow string. You will know the following morning which muscles you were using due to them being sore.Hang in there there light at the end of the tunnel and you are very close to it. PS also try to keep your elbow at the same height as your release hand [inline] once at anchor, if you have a high elbow this is why you have a hard time getting the back muscles involved but during your draw a elbow slightly higher then shoulder height will help in the draw cycle and coming done into the j. Hope this makes since.