Back tension help

[3DNinja]

I have been struggling with this for awhile now, and really dont think that I truely know how this works. I was hoping that some of you can help me out. I never feel any tension in my back while shooting and have tried all different anchor points. I have tried Moebow's method for a rotational draw and still dont seem to get it. So Im guessing that mabe I need a more rearward anchor to get into the rohmboids? What does back tension feel like, and how do I identify when I "anchor with my back"?

[Terry Green]

Have you been through the form clock thead featured at the top?....make sure you review the 'J' at the end of your draw...just your elbow going back wont engage back tension....back and around will.

I do the same rotational draw, but mine comes around horizontal instead of over the top...might want to try that and see if you can engage.

[3DNinja]

Yes, I have reviewed the form clock.  It just seems to me that everything is falling apart if that makes any since....  I concentrate about getting everything in line but cant see myself so I have no idea if it is in reality. Without seeing myself, is there a way to "feel the correct form"?

[Terry Green]

Yes...there is a way to 'feel' it....the shot will flow with gentle grace...not abrupt awkwardness.

[3DNinja]

I remember when it used to feel that way with my 40# recurve, and never used to think about back tension I just anchored held and stared at the pinhead i was going to hit and the release just happened. Ive been shooting a 54 @28 longbow for some time now but mabe im just overbowed.

[khardrunner]

I'd go back to a lighter bow just for training. It won't take long to move back up.

[3DNinja]

Thank you for the comments, any help is appreciated.  Ive been struggling for a couple of years now after switching from recurve to longbows and my way is not working.  I obviously need to change something about the way I shoot. I usually just lurk on here and read what other folks have to say because I think that I do not have anything to contribute after the way Ive been shooting the last couple of years. This is driving me nuts and it will be changed, I love traditional archery and the outdoors too mutch to give up.

[moebow]

3DNinja,

Since you say you don't feel the back tension, I'd ask if you have tried a form master?  Lack of back tension is often a sign of an arm draw.  With a form master, you must draw with your elbow which causes you to use your back.  Might be worth a try.

Arne

[Jock Whisky]

Watch some of Moebow's video. Also Ranger B videos (Jimmy Blackmon). You will see their draw hand coming back when they release. That is a good indication. You may be overbowed (what weight are you shooting) which will make it difficult.

For most of your draw your elbow is moving more or less in a front to back direction although it is moving in an arc. As it gets near the end of the draw it is no longer moving front to back but is beginning to move laterally relative to the direction of the shot. This means that there is very little additional draw length generated but your elbow is still moving. What this feels like to me is a compound coming over peak weight. The draw almost seems to become easier. I don't really feel back tension, but I do feel the elbow rotation and the draw appearing to get a wee bit easier. If you release after you feel that your draw hand should move straight back. You will be amazed at the improvement in your shooting.


JW

[3DNinja]

Moebow,

Ive watched some of your videos and they are top notch, do you have any demonstrating the proper use, setup and training technique for the form master?  I accually think I have one laying around. Do you reccomend using it with or without holding the string drawing with only the elbow?

[moebow]

3D,

No, I never did a FM video.  At one time, "onesharp..." did a good one, don't know if it is still linked here.

There are two ways to use the FM to learn to feel BT.  First, set it up so the cord fastened to the bow string is slightly shorter than the tips of you fingers.  Then when you draw (without an arrow) just let your sting hand "float" beside the bow string and come to full draw.  This forces you to draw with your elbow which by definition forces the use of back muscles and takes the biceps out of it.  Do this for a while and you will start to get the feel.

Once you get this, then adjust the FM to about an inch or two LONGER than the tips of your fingers.  This time, draw with your fingers on the string (as normal) but be sure to keep the feel you learned in the first step. (use an arrow this time).  Come to Full draw, anchor, and release.  IF you have your BT correct, when you release, the arrow will fly only a few feet but when the slack in the FM cord reaches the end of its travel it will try to pull your elbow forward.  If you have the correct setup in your draw, the strap will not move the elbow forward.  If you have collapsed or lost BT when you release, the FM will pull your elbow forward  Indicating a form flaw.

The FM is not recommended for higher weight hunting bows (over 50# I believe).  It is best to start the FM work with as light a bow as you can put your hands on!  Learning the FM process is not a strength test and is best learned with a very light bow , once you have that, you can progress to heavier draw weights.

Arne

[moebow]

3D,  PM sent.

Arne

[toddster]

3D what bow you using? weight/draw length?  bow length?  type of grip?  where do you anchor?  Terry hit it on the head, with the elbow.  Most people just pull a bow back and use there deltiod muscles, takes a while to learn to use your Rhomboids.

[Kevin Winkler]

Here is the link to the YouTube video
 

You will get it if you follow the video and moebows suggestions..........good luck.

[Dawnpatrol]

Shoot a bunch of arrows through a heavier bow and 30 min later your'll know from the tight muscles in your back if you are using back tension or no.

[longrifle346]

Originally posted by Dawnpatrol:
Shoot a bunch of arrows through a heavier bow and 30 min later your'll know from the tight muscles in your back if you are using back tension or no.

10-4 on that!