Back tension ?

[Matt Fowler]

When I get good back tension my fingers hit my shoulder. When they don't I know I'm not getting good back tension. Some videos I see it looks like the shooter is intentionally placing the string hand back on the shoulder or neck. It doesn't look like a result of back tension. Not being critical, it's just something I've noticed and am wondering about. When I'm getting good back tension my hand just flies back. Is this a style or technique? Thanks in advance.

[Caughtandhobble]

The hand to the shoulder is taught as a way to insure proper follow through in many cases. Some coaches will ask that the bow arm stays steady until the hand touches the shoulder. Some people hold the bow arm up until the arrow hits the target to get good follow through.

The one thing that I have noticed is that the people who's shot sequence includes the hand to the shoulder are usually pretty good shots. You mentioned that your hand goes back when you have good back tension, that's a good thing. When your hand goes towards your shoulder after the shot it means that your arm and shoulder were relaxed and your back was engaged.

[moebow]

Yep,  When the hand snaps back, that is an indication of using the back and having the "front" as relaxed as possible.  It is apparent when someone is just moving the hand back as opposed to it moving as a reaction.

If you are set up well, the hand's movement is a reaction, NOT a thought of something to do.

Arne

[BobCo 1965]

It is possible to touch the shoulder using linear movements instead of rotational.
Draw side elbow position from Anchor to the end of follow through could be a better indicator (IMO).

[mgf]

I find that a number of things can effect my "follow through". I don't really trust is as a sure indicator of "proper" back tension.

It helped me to learn what that back tension feels like and how I get there. If I don't feel it, it's isn't there.

It helped me to break my draw into 2 or 3 separate parts or check points. This addresses several mistakes that I tend to make. In trying to draw to alignment and engage the back, I sometimes lose alignment on the front end, have trouble getting a repeatable solid anchor and/or never really engage the back.

Step one, I just get my string hand to anchor without moving my head or bow shoulder. My back end could be a mess at this point but I'm not done yet.

The next two steps are to bring the string shoulder back (without moving the front end)...and around (without moving the front end).

Now I can't help but feel the tension in the string side rhomboid.

Maybe it's wrong but I don't give any thought at all to setting up back tension "early" or trying to draw with my back. I set the front end and then set the back end and I get alignment and the back tension is there when I need it.

The last part of my shot is aiming and feeling (increasing if you like) the tension in that rhomboid. Nothing else.

[mgf]

Anyway, that's how I had to arrange it in my head to get control of all the parts and it shows on the target.

I do consider follow through (front and back end) but to tell me whether or not I'm grabbing the bow, collapsing someplace or flinching or something.

For me, those things usually mean that I'm anticipating the release...like setting everything up right and then jerking the trigger on a rifle or something.

The last step (aim and tension) is ALL important and there are all sorts of things that can get in my head to mess it up.

With my check points in place I usually know where I messed up though...and I don't mess up as often.