Finally back tension

[BubbaScott]

After 20 plus years of shooting Trad bows I think I finally know what back tension is. I am now shooting a new bow, 42 lbs@28 58 inch Blackcreek Banshee I got Friday. When I draw the bow, as I reach anchor I am now concentrating on pulling my shoulder blades together and I can feel the muscles contract and feel myself pulling through my anchor. The contracting of the back muscles is trigering my release. Does this make sense? Or am I just full of it    I know I am using the muscles for the first time 'cause they are a little sore. Here is a picture of the group I just shot at 20 yards.

[Diamond Paul]

You are not full of it; you have opened the door to better, more consistent shooting.  What you are describing is exactly how it should be.  Good shooting, Paul.

[Todd Hathaway]

Let me guess...you usually shoot a heavier bow? Cuz for me, it's hard to feel the back muscles squeezing with heavier bows.

[Tilzbow]

Charles,

Great last name and you aren't full of it. I just had the same revelation as you after 15 years of traditional archery and my shooting has gotten so much better the past month I nearly posted the same type of thread as you did! I always knew what it was but I never really got it until just recently.

Good luck on your shooting and keep up the good form.

Scott

[Terry Green]

[NDTerminator]

Yep, I feel ya, pard.  After re-starting Trad 2 years + back, I finally put this together about 6 months ago.

Power transfers from shoulders/arms to back muscles about half way through the draw to anchor.  At full draw it's all back tension and upon release hand pulls straight back & ends up with the thumb on top of my shoulder. Bow arm follows through and stays pointed at target.

Literally resulted in instant smooth release, more consistency, and accuracy increase across all distances I shoot...