I punch myself

[Bill Tell]

Every time I get done with practice I feel like I just went a round with a prize fighter.

When I release I hit myself a lot right in the cheekbone.  I try anchoring at the corner of my mouth and to push pull through the shot with my release arm moving to the back as I am pulling with back tension and whamo @#$%^%$#$%^&  chirp chirp chirp stars stars stars.......

Help I am almost down for the count!

[laddy]

I do that too when I release before I am at anchor.  I sort of jerk through the last part of the draw and if I let go just at that wrong spot my finger tear at my cheek.  If I concentrate on my follow through I get my thumb under and behind my jaw bone, then when I release properly, my fingers tips go forward a bit and my arm goes back a bit, which equals to my fingers staying on my anchor point.  It's all easier said than done.

[Three Arrows]

The back of your string hand is too tense.  You are making what is known as a "claw" that snaps into your face when you release.  I did this for years until I figured out this back tension thing.  For me, it was due to a tensed cupping string hand and the bicep draw.  When done properly using back tension, you hand should go slightly backwards as you release or stay put but move away from your face.

[Bill Tell]

So I have really been thinking of back tension when I draw and it has help a lot.  I don't hit myself llike I did.  Thank you!