"secrets" for back tension

[Bullfrog 1]

What are some wyas you know you have it and are keeping it? Thanks.   BILL

[T Folts]

The way I found out I was inproving my back tension after working on it was the increase in my draw lenght. I went from 28 to 29 1/2.

[moebow]

No real secret -- I'd suggest that the use of a form -master or homemade version thereof will:
1.  teach you the proper draw and release techniques using back tension.
2.  return to the form master frequently to reinforce your muscle memory.

For many, once they have found the "feeling" of drawing with their back and maintaining that back tension all the way through follow through (conclusion) it will stay with you.

[Gordy]

I also found that increasing my draw (moving anchor back) just a bit allows me much better alignment and back tension. I believe that proper alignment is the key to good back tension.

Same anchor point doesn't work for all of us I guess. Different physiology; arm length, neck lengths, head size and all that.

This may not be traditional in nature, but I was tutored on back tension by a fellow who had one of those fancy tension releases.  It really worked and is a real eye opener as to how it should feel.

As far as keeping it ? ..... I dunno, I'm certainly far from expert, and my shooting form ebbs and flows through the years, but I think if you study Terry's alignment clock, and watch some of the form critique videos you'll be well on your way.

Good luck !

[Ragnarok Forge]

I find that when I apply proper back tension my thumb and pointing finger end up resting on my shoulder at the conclusion of the shot.

[moebow]

Absolutely true Ragnarok.  If you end up in the right position, you likely started in the right position and used the correct muscles to get from the start to the conclusion.

[Red Tailed Hawk]

I agree with ragnarok  

[Gene R]

I read here sometime back that a person should imagine he is trying to hold an egg inbetween his shoulder blades. I tried this and it seems to help me keep the tension in my back through the shot... Nodak

[Old York]

Spend a weekend with my mother-in-law, you'll learn what back tension really feels like oh yes.

[njloco]

Old York, that's very funny.  

[S.C. Hunter]

I pull to full draw and when I feel I am there I squeeze my scapula together. This is the way I release also that extra little stretch gives me a cleaner release. In just a few months I increased my draw almost 3/4". I think it was there all along I just found it by focusing on my back tension. My arrows at 29.5" back of point are now no longer safe with broadheads. Just to close for comfort.

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

Clay nailed it, I am not at the point that it happens with all my shots but when it does it's like "WOW" and I want to do it again.

Old York, I had one of those but traded her in on a much nicer one.

[BobCo 1965]

See if this helps (Right Handed Archer):

 

Shoulders should be down comfortably from the beginning of the shot.

[Terry Green]

I use a double anchor to make sure I achieve it.  I 'burnt it in' on the bale....so I don't have to think about it anymore.

[PJ]

I feel the same as old york!!! LOL

[Ravenhood]

I have found that when I cant feel it if I open my stance a bit it comes right back.

[LostNation_Larry]

If I think I'm loosing it I go back to the blank bale and shoot a few with my eyes closed.  Still working on it and can't claim to have it down yet.

[droptine82]

What are some good videos that show proper technique that you all recommend on this topic?

[brinkwolf]

Masters of the barebow vol.III is a good dvd for this topic.

I have found that if I make sure that my drawing shoulder is down and back when I have about six inches of straight back draw left, it will keep the tension in place without thinking about it.  If my shoulder is forward at six inches of draw to go, it stays there, I lock up with a short draw, and get less than ideal arrow flight.