Transfer?

[Ray Johnson]

What exactly is “transfer” and how do I know that I’m doing it properly. I’m working on proper back tension and just want to do it right. I’ve been shooting with my arms for years. I never even knew what proper back tension was until recently and I’m still not sure I do.

[moebow]

Not easy to answer without knowing your drawing style.  You mention trying to improve the BT style as opposed  to your original arm draw, but kind of need to see.

Transfer is a step that many trad shooters don't know about or overlook but in a nutshell, when you get to full draw, you take a moment to relax the "front" of you and increase the power of your back to  hold the bow open.  VERY difficult with just an arm draw as there is so much to "transfer."  Not saying you can't, just that with an arm draw it is more difficult.

IF you are starting to and completing the draw with your back, by the time you get to full draw, most of the bow's weight is already in the back so just a slight "press" to the rear (perpendicular to the arrow line) will complete the "transfer."  This is not a big movement, just a press that you can feel but generally can't be seen by someone else.  That press completes your alignment (moves string elbow more around and in line with the arrow) and allows the back muscles to hold your bones in alignment which in turn allows more relaxation of the front side of the body.

Again, this is one of those things that is easier to communicate in person than by typing and describing with words.

Arne