Back Tension Basics

[@WithEachBreath]

Hi Elton, Ted here. Great explanation. An additional consideration, especially for (ahem) older arhers. is stretching the pecs to allow the back to compress. I have found that many adults lose that flexibility, and no amount of back engagement will overcome frontal tension. You generally cannot use muscles to stretch muscles. An early indicator is to view the person standing naturally and assess if they have their shoulders rolled forward. This can also be the case with younger athletes (particularly young men), who tend to overtrain the chest and neglect balance with the back. To prep for greater range of motion, I teach "doorway stretches", and also use a foam roller (or half roller), in line with the spine, to lie on and relax. This encourages the scapulas to hinge and open the chest.

[@pppkkk753]

Very informative series. Waiting for next episodes. Regards from Poland

[@hutchieboy242]

The simplicity of this lesson is refreshing, it comes close to being "brutally simplistic." Anyone who has been looking for an explanation and the exercises needed to address the issue gets an answer here.

[@keithguess9556]

That may be the best explanation of back tension I've heard. Good work.

[@42dragonsawake]

Thanks!

[@mozu305]

Wow, perfect timing. At Lancaster, someone pointed out I was not actually engaging my back, but simply using my deltoids. See you at Nationals tomorrow.

[@gihanilangakoon]

It is very well illustrated video. Thank you

[@rickmansberger4136]

Great video Elton. Nice breakdown of activation of the correct muscles for back tension. Thank you. Rick Mansberger Guns and Bows

[@riccoratzo]

This video lit a candle in my head... Very good explanation!

[@elarchery]

Very good video and helpful information! Thanks for that and good luck for the indoor championships. All the best from Germany! Edgar

[@EffnShaShinko]

Welcome back! Love your videos

[@mudpuppy1431]

Welcome back, thank you

[@dennismccullough638]

Good luck brother. Keep the vids coming

[@HyperManArchery]

good job and great teacher thanks

[@florenciaferreccio1857]

Thanks you!! very helpful video 😊

[@javiergpheli]

Good job

[@paulspencer2331]

Hi Elton, I seem to struggle with my bow arm as I release the arrow, I can’t seem to stop my arm from moving/collapsing to the right. Any idea what this could be ? Thanks in advance I wonder if you ever come to the UK as I would like to get coaching in person

[@barebowbasics]

It’s hard to say without seeing it happen, preferably in person. Typical reasons though are bad initial alignment as you draw into anchor, weaker bow side arm and shoulder muscles, or just mental collapse where you don’t hold the bow side steady through the shot. As for traveling to the UK, I don’t have the budget or plans to do that sort of thing at this time, but perhaps someday if things change. If you ever make it across the pond to one of our bigger international events like the Lancaster Archery Classic, or The Vegas Shoot, and I’m in attendance there, please let me know and I’m sure we can set up something for a few hours on the practice range.

[@sidewinderatx]

Driving while recording?! 😢

[@barebowbasics]

I promise you, the way the camera is mounted on the dash, I’m actually looking at the road as I drive and not the camera. It’s just hard to tell with my sunglasses on. It’s really no different than having a conversation with someone else sitting in the car next to you.

[@antipode_ghost]

Thanks for the video, but PLEASE don't record videos while driving a car!

[@barebowbasics]

I promise you, the way the camera is mounted on the dash, I’m actually looking at the road as I drive and not the camera. It’s just hard to tell with my sunglasses on. It’s really no different than having a conversation with someone else sitting in the car next to you.