I had a problem with trigger punching not too long ago. I use a release that I pull the trigger with my index finger. As I draw my bow, I have my hand in a fist, with the top of the index finger touching the back of the trigger. I anchor and as I do, I slowly move my finger from behind the trigger, to resting very easily on it. As I get the pin around where I want to shoot, I just start to add more and more pressure in slight increments until the bow fires. All in all, from drawing to anchoring to shooting, my index finger is always touching the trigger.

Some Scott releases come with a spring that replaces the the trigger.This is how I cured my punching problems years ago. What works for me is putting the pin on the target, holding firmly against the wall, and slowly pulling the spring while mentally thinking aim, aim, aim, until the shot goes off. I've never been as consistent with the push-pull method but everyone is different so try both ways and see what works for you.
A surprise release will make you a better shooter because by the time you react to the shot the arrow is already gone. You won't be able to affect the shot by grabbing the bow or tensing up as you release because you don't know when its going to happen.As statedin another post, start up close to your target until you get used to it.
When you get good at it you will be able to do it quickly when you need to, like in a hunting situation. And once the surprise release is acheived make sure you never go back. If archery had a ten commandments I think #1 should be ; Thou shalt never punch your release. Never ever.

GregH,
Great description of back tension! For all the times I've read about it, I've never seen a detailed explanation. I think some outdoor writers pick up on a phrase, or buzzword, without really understanding it. I finally asked someone what it actually meant a few years back...and the first three people I asked couldn't tell me,even though theyused the term quite frequently!

Thanks, I've got a lot of years of shooting tournaments up to the national level. Shooting with back tension is the most accurate, whether it is with a back tension release or a caliper release. I've also taught kids archery lessons for about 10 years, couple of state champs including my son. So a description that is easy to under stand took me a few years to come up with! BTW, I'm an electrician also, you know how technical we can get!

Thanks a lot guys. I can't wait to try it!

After mulling over this post a few days (and reading GregH's description again), I decided to go out this morning and give back tension a try...I'll never go back to triggering my release like a rifle. Unbelievable control! It took about three arrows and I felt like I had been releasing with back tension forever. Just don't move your finger and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Of course, I'll probably be refletching my arrows more frequently now!
Thanks again Greg!

ME TOO AND I LIKE THAT WAY

i think if u just make sure you follow through with ur release u won't punch it