Release hand movement

[DoubleLung]

I have been working on developing back tension for several years now and I feel as though I have good solid back tension but my release hand always flys down and slightly away from my body at the release instead of straight back. What causes this? Is it an alignment issue?

I’ve looked at my videos over the last couple years and my hand has always done this. I’m pulling my hair out over this as I dthink believe this movement affects my consistency in my release.

[Steve-ALA]

Keep pulling THRU the release.  If we don’t do that, we’re essentially plucking the string and not reaching our fullest draw.

[Tradcat]

Next time you're at full draw, just think of relaxing your ring (third finger) finger only and watch the string slip quietly away. You'll be surprised at how good your release will be doing this one thing

[Steve-ALA]

Search for YouTube videos about Rod Jenkins at Safarituff and watch him shoot.  You’ll see where the release hand should be after the shot and how to keep pulling THRU the shot.

[moebow]

There are a number of reasons this happens, alignment MAY be one.  The most common, in my experience, is where our mind is at the time of release.  IF you are thinking about getting your fingers off the string, then I think you are thinking about the wrong thing.

But IF you think about either the string arm elbow OR the string side shoulder and using a horizontal (towards the back) movement, not a downward movement, then you are setting up for the string hand to move straight back. Think about the shoulder or elbow and NOT the hand!

I've suggested many times that the follow through is not something YOU DO, it IS something that happens. Your hand dropping sounds like a long term habit and will take a fair amount of time to correct, if you decide to.

To be more specific, would really have to see the shot execution. Video?

Arne

The last thing in my mind is where my finger tips will end up.  My index finger will come down along my face and end up where my neck and should meet all the while trying to keep my bow point to the mark.

[DoubleLung]

Figured it out

 

This little lady has it figured out.    

 

This old goat has it figured out too.  

 

[moebow]

LOL Jim!  I resemble that!    

[DoubleLung]

So is my inability to pull my hand straight back an indication of lack or loss of back tension?

I really feel like I'm pulling with my back and have all the tension in my back when I'm at full draw.

[moebow]

You MAY have BT at full draw, but it is important to use BT to complete the shot too!  YOU do not pull the hand back, that happens naturally IF using the back to complete the shot.  

So, my advice is to TRY to FORGET your string hand and finish the shot ONLY by either moving the string elbow back perpendicular to the arrow line or your string shoulder.  At release, your action is elbow or shoulder (whichever concept works for you) never the hand.

VERY IMPORTANT distinction, where your string hand ends up is a reaction, NOT SOMETHING YOU DO!!

Arne

[DoubleLung]

Thanks, I'll continue to work on it.

[Wolftrail]

Release is a biggy for most of us without a doubt.  I found that a proper glove with full finger cover works best.  I dont like using tabs.