Stickbow Target Archery Forums

ArcCaster & longbowguy,n
I just read through the interesting thread you guys had going and feel like Steve and I hi-jacked it. My apologies!n
I too am constantly struggling with the whole concept of back tension vs collapsing/creeping. I have developed a sequence kind of like ArcCaster's and got the idea from the Frangilli's book The Heretic Archer. In it they talk about "drawing to length" then anchoring. My sequence is to slightly over draw with my head turned part way toward the target but watching the nock as something to focus on to keep the mind from straying. Then, ideally in conjunction, I settle into the anchor and settle the shoulders. At that point I start thinking about back tension.

My problem is I tend to over draw (causing left shots among other disasters). If I keep the drawing forearm in line with the arrow, and try to focus on relaxing the hand, then focus on aiming (target or arrow point...it's always a battle because with my eyesite neither is clear) and in the middle of all that I often loose the back tension and collapse (LOL).

Yesterday, shooting at 45 yards, I actually dropped an arrow under the bale into my patio block wall. That shot was a measured 36" low and to my confused mind it felt good. Lack of back tension and a slight drop of the bow arm produced a catastrophic miss. And to think some people say just relax and have fun! (smiley face goes here)n
Daven
PS: The arrow, an Easton Navigator, survived the impact with the wall. Well, the shaft survived. The break off point looks a little mangled now and probably weighs a couple grains less than it did!

Hi Dave,n
Good to hear from you -- I am envious of your ability to shoot on your patio at this time of year -- we already have so much snow that there is no room on the side of the road to walk my dog. In fact, pedestrians are starting to get run over. So, I shoot a couple of times a week indoors if I am lucky.

I am still focusing on back tension -- I have a drill now that I can do anywhere -- at work, at my desk -- pull the ribs just over the gut in toward your spine -- pull your shoulder blades down until they won't go any further -- then pull the lower tips of the shoulder blades together. I used to just try to do the third step, and somethings it 'was there' and sometimes it wasn't -- once I added the first two, I can do the third step almost every time.

Getting better every day
Have a Merry Christmas!

Marry Christmas to you too!n
Yea, it is a joy to be able to shoot year round. 65 and sunny yesterday with almost no wind, and that is below our normal of around 70 for this time of year. If you can believe it we're having a cold spell (LOL).

Dave