back tension vs. pushing bow arm to target

[buckeye_hunter]

Question,

How do you push the bow arm forward (toward the target) while you are squeezing your shoulder blades together to acheive proper back tension.

I am havng trouble with this concept.  

-Charlie

[SL]

For me its always been one and the same. Push -pull.
Can't really do one without the other or your shoulder will collapse.Keep that draw hand elbow coming back ever so slightly. good luck.
SL

[Scott J. Williams]

It is really a circle of energy, if you think in terms of a continuous process. You should have slight pressure on the bow pointing pushing gently in the diection of the target.

Since you should have youe elbow of the drawing hand in direct alingment with the arrow, you should pretend that you have someone pulling a rope that is connected to the elbow.  You will find it quite natural and easy to have the back tension you are seeking.

[Drummer@Home]

Charlie, Yes it's harder to talk about than to do. Try using the push-pull style of shooting. Bow in center, draw and push away at the same time. Just do it a few times to get the feeling of the pushing part. It hard to feel the push with a set arm. I changed to this style of shooting a few years back and I love it. I'll show ya weekend after next.

[Todd Hathaway]

Maybe this will help:    KSL shot cycle

Kisik Lee (US Olympic Archery coach) does not seem to mention reaching toward or pushing toward the target as does Rick McKinney in his book.

Rather, Lee describes rotating both scapulae toward the spine which expands the draw equally.

[GroundHunter]

Ummm.... you push that bowarm at the target while you draw back focusing on using the back muscles. Try it, you'll feel it. When you are doing it, you will feel it in the back muscles.

All the while drawing/stretching a "line" between your bowhand and drawing arm that is the arrow.
When you reach full draw do not lock up, or set.

I think the concept of full draw to anchor point decieves folks into looking for a mechanically exact, reppeatable form.

Actually, You should be still pushing and still pulling - maintaining that "line" in dynamic tension. It feels like nothing is "set" or rigid, or locked down. Feels like the "line" is floating somewhat. It is - floating according to you vision/muscle management to direct the arrow to the spot.

When you release in this dynamic push/pull your arrows will go where you point, and your release will be clean if you use a deep hook.

Anyway, that's what I discovered works for surprising instictive accuracy.

[buckeye_hunter]

Thanks guys!

I really focused on pulling my scapulas together and those subscapular muscles quickly became sore.  As such, It would seem I haven't been using my back muscles  This, I think, is an indication as to why I have been inconsistent lately.  NO BACK TENSION!!!

How can you forget that?  

-Charlie

[Wldhorse]

Scott, You explained the push pull method perfectly. The analogy of imaging a rope made the concept  crystal clear to me.  Thanks,  Pete

[Scott J. Williams]

Thanks Wildhorse, it came to me one day, and I used it.  When my shots start to colapse, and groups start moving left and right I visualize the rope and it all comes together.

I am glad it helped.....Good Shooting!