Is Foremaster a Gaurantee?

[ChiefStingingArrow]

I have been working on back tension and was wondering if I use a formaster and am not collapsing am I automatically using correct back Tension...or can you use the formaster and still not have proper back tension? I just want to make sure that I am learning right. Thanks guys

[moebow]

CSA,

The form master is a tool that can be used to learn BT.  But it is not a panacea.  Learn the feel of drawing the bow with your elbow and then "resisting the strap" on release will give you a good start on BT.  An excellent tool but you also must get all that transferred to your normal shot.

Arne

[McDave]

I know it's considered to be a useful tool at all levels.  Rod Jenkins told me once that he planned to use the Formaster to hone his draw for a tournament he was planning to enter. He was also using it in the class of his that I was attending to teach us the basics of back tension.

As Arne says, you have to transfer it to your normal shot.  Using the Formaster is kind of like a tug of war: you just put everything you have into hauling back with your back muscles. When you're shooting an arrow, you probably want to hit something, so you're trying to be a little more coordinated. Mostly, we fall into the trap of trying to be too delicate when we're trying to hit something, and then we collapse. The Formaster helps us to beef that up a little.

[SAVIOUR68]

No it is not a given that you have proper back tension, you could be just pulling back with your arm pressure. As Moebow stated try to pull back the bow string with the elbow and strap only [no fingers on string], once you get in proper line with your draw arm try to get the feel of transferring that load to your draw arm back muscles. This IMO helps you to train drawing the bow. I think you may be surprised and feel the back muscles burning the next morning. Then last you will need to start using your fingers on string but still maintain what you have practiced with the formaster. IMO drawing with the elbow and then transferring the load fully to your back is a AUTOMATIC surprise release for me, don't even have to think about it/it just goes by itself. Good luck on your journey.

[ChiefStingingArrow]

Thanks guys u gave some more direction and more to work on Thanks!

[HenrikBP]

No - unfortunately the Formaster is not a guarantee. I'd been working with a Formaster for awhile, and just finished Rod Jenkins' shooting clinic.

I can "shoot" with the Formaster and not collapse, but I had the back tension in the wrong muscles and the wrong direction.

As I understand it, the Formaster can be a good test/confirmation that your back tension is working, but some coaching would show you *how* to achieve good and more importantly correct back tension.

[swampdrummer]

You can definitely "cheat" the formaster! I sometimes find myself pulling with BT then once I hit anchor I will brace the heck out of my arm and open my fingers.... I've started videoing every blank bale session and that helps me catch myself.