If you don't like this regimented/form orientated shooting, you don't need to comment. DON'T DO IT BECAUSE I DO IT, DO IT BECAUSE IT MAKES SENSE TO YOU. All these form threads are no substitute for a coach. No matter how good any written word is, it can't point and say, “move this here”.
In the first release thread, I mention Rick McKinney's two ways to get off the string. Continues movement and stop and start. You use back tension to use either one. There are three ways to use back tension, push and pull, push, or pull.
Push and pull is squeezing your shoulder blades together. I think you should try and do one thing at a time. This has you doing two. AND worse yet, if your pushing is not equaling your pulling you'll miss right or left. Further more, you're using back tension to release the string, the bow arm side of the body is not holding the string.
Push is having a static release or stationary release. Come to anchor and push the bow arm forward. This type of release has to involve moving the fingers to get off the string
That leaves us with pull.
Something that I should have mentioned on the release thread. A good way to practice your release is with a string bow. It's a loop of string about the diameter of the serving on a regular bow string. Put on end of the loop on the life line of your bow hand and just draw back with your tap on you string hand. No real resistance until you get to full draw and then you can't draw any further. You hit the wall. Use your back muscles to pull your finger off the string. This is a good way to practice Rick's stop and start release.
There's also a TheraBand. It's just a thick rubber band that comes in various strengths according to color. I'm currently using orange, but have also used the green. Color is not too important. You can just use more band if it's too strong. Cut a section and tie an over hand knot in the two ends and you have a loop. Use it like the string bow and you should have about 15 pounds of weight when at full draw. You can use this and the string bow to practice Rick's continual movement release.
Shooting a clicker is great way to learn back tension. I shot a bow for 20 years and didn't know what a perfect release was until I put on a clicker. The real issue on a clicker is it has to be setup correctly. Guess what it should click after alignment and before too far.
Most people don't shoot a clicker. I think it's a pretty easy path to use one to learn how to shoot, but should not be shot against someone not using a clicker. I can't target shoot anymore so these threads are about hunting. I shot a clicker in Africa. An impala is twice as high strung as a whitetail. A number of times I drew on an impala and click but did not shoot. They didn't move.
Another great tool is a Formaster (the ridged one). Really gives you the feeling of total back tension. It attaches to your elbow so when you draw your forearm is not involved.
Think about this when practicing. Focus on the follow through. All the muscles from your elbow down to knuckles are relaxed. Only the hook in the fingers are cocked. The string pushes the hook in the fingers away, but you didn't relax your fingers. They are probably curled more after the release than before. That though really helped me improve my 'release'. The goal is to have it become subconscious. That allows us to concentrate on the LAST thing to do in the shot.
To reference past subjects search by clicking on key word;
**Stance** **Grip** **Hook** **Body Posture** **Head Position** **KSL Sequence** **Set Position** **Set Up Position** **Anchor** **Transfer to Hold** **Release**
