Stickbow Target Archery Forums

I've heard that you should NOT be in perfect line before you start back tension -- this gives you someplace to pull to. So, you use back tension to get you that last little bit into line, and use that feeling as the motivation for release.

But, when I watch the best, they LOOK like they are in perfect line when they hit anchor -- and the LOOK like they don't move from it. So, do they pull PAST a perfect line, even if the tiniest bit?

ArcCaster -n
Think you're reading too much into this. Back tension, and line up aren't that complicated. Understand I'm speaking from a recurve / longbow perspective, compounds area little different. I can't see you're shooting style, but lets assume that you use the basic, stick your bow arm towards the target approach, and draw to your anchor. If that's the case the "line up" starts at the point the bow is raised, this is called a pre-aim. You're lined up from that point on. As you draw back, the lines of tension in your body change, to one degree or another, (so there will be some subtle changes in position) but you are mentally still lined up. Once at anchor, you use back tension to "keep pulling", even though there is appreciably no further movement, until you release.
Viper out.