Proof of back tension?

[JoshKeller]

ok, I just tried Arthur's suggestion of how to use back tension. How can I tell if I'm doing it right? The groups got better, however, with the zero recoil and vibration of my Liberty, I really never close my hand anyways, and cant feel the bow "jump" However, I have noticed, that my arm is going straight back after the release. Is this an indication that I'm using back tension?

[spm1024]

Back tension shooting with a wrist strap caliper release is not really easy to do. I think alot of guys like to say they are ....but they really are not. Alot are just push-pulling and subconsiously moving their trigger finger.

The nature of a wrist strap relase just does not work that way. The release is CONNECTED TO YOUR ARM! Therefore, as you apply back tension ....the release (and trigger) moves backwards with your arm at the same rate.

Most back tension releases are held in the hand ....and are fired because the pinky side of your hand moves toward your ear faster than your pointer finger. If that makes any sense.
To illustrate ...make a fist like you would if you were holding a hand held release. Put your right hand in front of your mouth ...and move your arm (with your hand tagging along) back toward your ear.
You will notice that your elbow tends to drop ....and that your pinky side of your hand will be closer to your ear than your pointer finger.
That is what actually fires a back tension release. The tendency of your hand to rotate as "back tension" is applied ....thus firing a release like the original Stanislawski.

How you can translate that process into firing a wrist strap release ....I dunno. Maybe guys keep the wrist strap more loose ...so that as back tension is applied, your arm will move (moving your trigger finger) but the trigger will stay in place by slipping off the wrist slightly ???????

i dunno

[Arthur P]

I have noticed, that my arm is going straight back after the release. Is this an indication that I'm using back tension?

Yes.

spm1024

How you can translate that process into firing a wrist strap release ....I dunno. Maybe guys keep the wrist strap more loose ...so that as back tension is applied, your arm will move (moving your trigger finger) but the trigger will stay in place by slipping off the wrist slightly ???????

That's part of it. I've noticed most guys that are using velcro type wrist straps cinch them down way too tight. The guys I know who use the backtension triggering method use buckle straps, get a comfortable wrap on the wrist, then back off one hole looser on the strap.

So, the strap is looser. That allows the skin more freedom to move over the wrist bones. So, the strap and skin stays put while the bones slide slightly. Bend your arm across your belly. Grap your wrist with your other hand, squeeze down firmly and pull with about 15-20 pounds of pressure, just like holding a bow at anchor. Then pull your elbow back a little bit. Watch your fingers to see how much they move. The way I'm put together, I've got about a half inch of bone slide under my skin. THAT is how the BT method works with a wrist strap release.

You're right, there are releases that are much more compatable with BT, many designed specifically for it. And you're correct that using the bt method with a wrist strap release isn't the easiest thing to do, and there's always the possibility of fooling yourself into thinking you're doing it right.

But IF you do it right, your groups will improve and your string hand will go straight back after the shot.

[mobow]

The nature of a wrist strap relase just does not work that way. The release is CONNECTED TO YOUR ARM! Therefore, as you apply back tension ....the release (and trigger) moves backwards with your arm at the same rate.

But, the release is connected to the string, and it can't come backwards with your arm....right??

[Bob H in NH]

the idea with a trigger is that the release doesn't move, your hand does and it pulls the finger into the trigger. This is why those that actually hold the release barrel can not be shooting BT.

--Bob

[Arthur P]

...those that actually hold the release barrel can not be shooting BT.

Yep. That's right. Thanks for pointing that out, Bob. Very important point.

However, you can hang onto the barrel of the release and still use BT. You're just not triggering the release using BT to do it.