So I struggled a long time to get a sense of back tension... due to messed up skeletal alignment and musculature issues, I simply can't "feel" the muscles engage. Over time I learned to "lock" my back as far as I could, and thought I had it figured out. My shooting was still below par.

I recently stumbled upon the realization that in locking my back around, my elbow was over rotated. Learning to consciously locate my bow arm elbow to am imaginary alignment with the arrow, my shooting has improved quite noticeably. I feel like now, I'm definitely... not that bad.

I shoot with a high anchor, split finger, and (probably) "gun barrel",
which all works with locating that elbow.

Anyone relate to any of this?

How do you know when your elbow is aligned with the arrow?

Dave, I have not found any solid way to determine that. I look for a feeling of alignment from elbow, through the shoulders, and with my sight picture. A bit hard to describe being there is no solid physical reference,

Try drawing in front of a mirror 'til arrow and elbow line up(nocked or faux draw).Search for a reference lower/higher/jawbone/tooth.
You can draw facing close to a wall..close enough to touch draw elbow .back of draw hand, and thumb on bow along same plane,then search for anchor.
Use a light bow or surgical tubing to give yourself some drawing effect.
Hope this helps.
Mike

Hart: what you describe works for the drawing elbow.  I'm wondering what slowblowjoe means by alignment of the bow arm elbow with the arrow.

McD,
Missed that bow arm part...late and my shoulder(draw shoulder killing me) Thanks for catching that.
Bow arm elbow position is pretty well determined by bone on bone and low shoulder.
More info on how your lining up elbow and arrow.There will always be a small angle difference.As you get older and blinder,that angle will increase.Don't ask how I know.!!
Mike

Oops, sorry guys, I wrote bow arm elbow, but meant to say string arm elbow.

Might recommend a little training time with a Form Master or homemade copy of such.
Mike

I'll definitely try watching my draw in the mirror, and look into the form master; I still don't really get how they let you know when you're back tension is correct.

Try pulling it without your hand on the bowstring.. or shooting with it and have a slight collapse.It will show/remind you plenty quick.
Keep us updated.
Mike