Archery | What is Back Tension?

Today we look at an important and unique aspect of archery form: using back tension.
The String Trainer featured is manufactured by Crow Caddy. Though not available in their online store, you can place orders by directly contacting the company:
www.crowcaddy.c...
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[@What_If_We_Tried]

Best explanation of back tension for archery that I have seen on KZbin. You are an excellent teacher!

[@jamesthomas1244]

Indeed, proper back-tension is one of the -- if not the -- most important foundation stones of proper archery form; and you did a great job explaining it IMO. Thank you.

[@spartena2]

I just started getting into traditional archery. This is an great video! Most people just say, "Squeeze your shoulder blades together." Clay Hayes also had an excellent video using paint mixing sticks to demonstrate back tension and alignment.

[@howser1875]

Wow that tip about keeping the drawing elbow high has improved my accuracy instantly, thanks

[@cnevett6854]

You are an excellent teacher! I am just getting started in archery and have been watching u tubes until my first lesson. Glad to have found you! Cindy

[@AntiBunnyStudio]

I knew something had been off with my archery lately. I applied what you said in this video and it cleaned it up nicely.

[@craigdecker7549]

Thank you for doing this video. I am a Basic Archery Instructor Trainer (BAIT) for NASP and the "Shot Set Up" step in the "11 Steps to Archery Success" that you mention in your video, which is setting up proper back tension for shot execution, is the hardest concept to teach new archers. You did a great job explaining it!

[@cliffbrown4217]

Best explanation ever , thank you for this priceless information. Merry Christmas. to you and your family.

[@kevindonahue2251]

Great explanation. I've been getting back into shooting my recurve after a few years away and this was hugely helpful. I was having a hell of a time getting to my normal draw length and couldn't figure it out. Turns out I was using my arms and collapsing in and tilting my head forward, which was also ruining my aim. I grabbed a weight band after watching this and immediately remembered that back feel I was missing. Thanks again for the great video.

[@RediscoveringRetro]

You're a good teacher buddy. You explain things really well. I'm looking to progress my archery after 18 months of shooting and I'm sure your videos will help. Many thanks.

[@andrewmichael1354]

Domo Arigato, Sensei! I have taught Chinese Internal Martial Arts for decades. So, when I started Archery about 2 months ago, many things came natural. A good, stable stance, breathing with my movement, good posture, the need for daily practice, a relaxed grip (what I call a T'ai Chi grip), elbow/forearm alignment, even the hook is used in one "Draw the Bow" Chi Kung exercise. One thing I did not focus on was Back Tension. Partly because at first I couldn't pull my 40# recurve to full draw, partly the word "Tension" is something we avoid like the plague in IMA... After watching this video I went out and practiced Back Tension. Wow! The size of my shot group was reduced by more than half Instantly. Not over time, Instantly! Personally, I don't think of it as Back "Tension." It feels more like Back Relaxation. When the shoulder blades come together and back muscles line up, it feels like a sudden relaxation. My recurve bow almost feels like it has a 50% let-off. Amazing what that last 1/2" can do!

[@tiptopmana]

I love your release and follow through, it seems so flawless!

[@somethingwitty100]

This really helped me visualize back tension. I did a few bow pulls while watching this video and the difference is immediately evident.

[@cheshirebowman4465]

Absolutely first class teaching. You got the back tension across perfectly.

[@d00mg4ze]

Thank you NUSensei. You helped me to determine my first bow with this video. I was thinking of getting a classic recurve bow, but the brand I was looking at only comes in 40lbs. and up. Now I'm looking at an ILF riser, and 20lbs. limbs. It might cost a little more, but in the long run, I think it'll be worth it. I can't tell you how much I enjoy your channel. You have a dry wit, and are of tremendous help to beginners like me. Top stuff, and thanks again.

[@sarahrutland1700]

I injured my back a few months ago and it's devastating, I've had to temporarily give up archery and when I am able to shoot again it will be with a training bow for hell knows how long. Look after your backs, people! My injury seemed to come out of nowhere but it must have been building for weeks or even months before one sloppy shoot pushed it over the edge :(

[@MJFAN666]

Be like brucelee. He got into an accident and hurt his back and was told he wouodnt be able to kick again. And then he broke his previos records

[@greenhoodedvigilante458]

Did you use too much heavy draw weight?

[@shortty05]

Been waiting to see this dude’s back muscles. Not disappointed lmao

[@ovulatinggrashopper4703]

right, got that peep show finally

[@danveca8304]

Good detail and very well explained. The bit about going from Recurve to Compound was spot on as well. Another informative video.

[@Kratha]

As beginner archer i wish to thank you for this very clear explanation that helps me to gain the correct form and better shooting.

[@arielnightwalker]

Nicely said I use do archery as a kid into early adulthood as a junior I was one the best in western australia and I can say the back is so important besides I have scoliosis so proper form in archery actually helped with pain from the curve in my spine

[@roxy60170]

You deserved my like. Came from Google search to KZbin only to give you a thumbs up. Carry on

[@elmodiddly]

Thank you very much for a well explained and demonstrated lesson, as usual. As a novice archer your advice is wonderful and helps me to progress quite quickly through the range of bows at my club.

[@douglasrice8548]

BOY! Best One Yet!

[@fathima.ranwar1657]

Thank you!!! I struggle with high fatigue after archery sessions Now i realize why I should try following these tips!!!

[@semco72057]

That is so important to know and I will remember it when I get my first bow and begin using it. I thank you for sharing this information with us and I find this information very useful.

[@phantomcruizer]

This is the absolute very best video I've seen on back tension! Thanks for posting.

[@seeingthepattern]

Watched this and worked on my back following your advice - noticeable improvement. So thanks. I’ve worked out that at my current rate of progress I only need to live to 132 to get to the same level as the worst archer in Korea.

[@rihaz776]

Thank you for the explanation Nusensei

[@user-wu4cw5ed5w]

Recalling the times of being newbie archer, I haven't drew a bow with my arm muscles only. Haha, maybe it's just intutive way of training. Thanks for those videos, I've managed to purge some other archery problems I had during a first season, hope that I'll buy a new bow quite soon. Keep at it!

[@terrylyons6210]

Great video NUSesei. A brilliant illustration and explanation of back tension. Well done.

[@wowman142]

Great video! :D Explains it way better than I've ever been able to

[@peterxyz3541]

As a recurve archery (using 18lb, 28 and 38), I was able to draw a friend's new 60lb compound which he couldn't draw. I'm not a big person.

[@BUDDHA8888]

This is probably, IMO, the thing you need a coach/trainer for most in archery. Proper form and proper use of muscles. The other stuff like how to aim, how to release, a good follow-through, how to care for the equipment properly, most everything else, can be learned through research online and back yard practice. Back muscles aren't a muscle group often used by most people day-to-day so it requires conditioning and time to do it correctly. I will freely admit this is my biggest problem and wish I had some kind of coach, but there really aren't target archery clubs around here, just hunting lodges basically :/

[@stomoxe1]

Very good video. Clair explanation! Thanks you.

[@ZivotnaFloridi]

Your videos are amazing !

[@isabellahickey8442]

So helpful, feeling more confident already!

[@LearnTrainPlay]

Dude I like your videos and you have helped my archery a lot, you may however want to think about improving your knowledge on anatomy and physiology

[@BoomBoom-sw4yj]

you know you drew the correct way when you feel the relief of tentios from your back

[@mwdasja1127]

Thanks to this video, i know this is may an old one, but as a new comer in archery we really need it. I watched two Sjef Van den Berg's videos, saw his back side while shooting.. An unique scapulae movement i saw, would you like give some explanation.. Best & Regards

[@TimovieMan]

I started using a clicker for the first time today, and found my form slipping towards the end of the session, making it harder and harder to get through the clicker. Watching this vid again provided me with the likely reason for the form slippage (and collapsing). Guess I know what I'll be focusing on next session... :-)

[@saffr0n]

You can buy the String Bow Trainer from Crow Caddy. The site is a bit tricky. Once you click the below link and go to the website, 1. enter the quantity, then click Add to Quote. 2. Click the "Quote list" and fill out the information. Someone from Crowcaddy will contact you via email and you can take it from there. Not sure why it's so complicated. It costs $15 including shipping. Hope this helps. www.crowcaddy.com/product/string-bow-trainer/

[@paulkami]

I learnt about this a few months ago, and after some advice from my coach, I've been training using a resistant band to feel my 'back tension'. However, I've been unable to get rid of that aching pain on my 'shoulder' instead of my back. (I'm right handed, and holding my bow using my left hand. The hurting shoulder is right shoulder). I wonder if I've been doing it wrongly, or that I got a weak shoulder muscle (and thus require to train it)? I did make sure my elbow is higher than arrow but my posture can't last long (because of the shoulder)

[@ludovicquinonero4356]

Very good video ! Full of informations.

[@lehangtq1]

Cảm ơn anh David Nguyễn

[@woodlandgiantbigfoot3957]

good lesson , very important , thankyou

[@JohnJones-jh7mu]

holy crap, i have been doing it wrong for so many years! thanks sensei!

[@tomas.montilla]

I think there would be a lot of interest in getting a link to the velcro string trainer you mention in the video. Can't find it online for the life of me

[@NUSensei]

Ditto. It's not commercially available as far as I know. I've been given the contact for the manufacturer, and given the current demand, they might push it onto the market. I will see what I can do.

[@itskelvinkkc]

Thank you!!! I needed this so much. I've had an injury before with my right shoulder (drawing arm). I've been trying very hard to do the back tension draw movement, but I feel like my injury has been limiting to how much I can do it. Is there anything I can do or practice to make it better? Stretching? Strength Exercises?

[@MutleyXIII]

Hi Kevin, I was going through the same question. In the book "Shooting the stickbow", Anthony Camera recommends the Formaster, a training device you can attach to your bow and elbow and pratice the pulling and release without making the shot. However, I did'nt find it avaiable to buy. What I've been doing without one specific device is to try holding the bow streched before the release for a while, say, 8 ~ 10 seconds. I don't know if it is trully effective, but it seens to have improved the consistency of my release and follow through.

[@Dsneedy]

Thanks for the vid my coach said I need to work on back tension

[@Rossmancer]

Do a video on carbon vs aluminum risers and your opinion of them.

[@TheCrystalScorpion]

+Ross Fox Foam/Wood/Carbon limbs difference would be great too

[@Rossmancer]

+TheCrystalScorpion yeah!

[@mackemforever]

+Ross Fox Please is a wonderful word...

[@Rossmancer]

I word good.

[@f2v2productions22]

You've done videos about pretty much everything a beginner, such as I, would need to know. Except maybe just one. Are there any performance advantages between finger slings and wrist slings? Any form advantages between them?

[@sevensfist_com]

Nothing wrong with a good bowl of wet noodles!👊😋Great info BTW!

[@anthonyfrank2410]

amazing video, thank you so much

[@MrBigCookieCrumble]

I was having performance issues this and last week and i thought it was my release that was the main issue, focused on making a clean release and follow through but the more i focused on it the worse it got, so i thought to myself 'maybe im thinking too hard on it and should just trust my body', so i relaxed but had only a slight improvement. Then to my suprise i realize that it WASNT my draw arm that was the issue, but my bow arm! I was collapsing inwards slightly during release wich was what made my arrows go where they felt like. So i shifted focus on making sure i didnt move my bow arm until the arrow was in the wall, and i had a significant improvement! However now im a bit confused, because i thought i really was 'putting my back into it' so to speak, i tried to focus on using back muscles but.. after what you said here (as in if you collapse inwards when shooting you arnt using back tension properly) im now wondering how to sort that out..

[@Siberius-]

What a beast back.

[@artestichniifilin2701]

it is almost impossible to not use the back tension on a compound since you have your arm twisted in a way where your thumb is pointing downwards

[@diogomartins4408]

this question May sound stupid but whats is the correct position of the sight ( left to the string or right)

[@NUSensei]

For a right-handed shooter, the string is usually on the right of the sight, but as long as you have a consistent position that can be referenced with a static point (such as the edge of the sight ring), you'll be fine.

[@diogomartins4408]

Thanks

[@TheGlobeTr0tter]

+NUSensei Dude can you make a review on Arno Jacket from ubisoftworkshop

[@MrAnderson2845]

Would back flies work the right muscles?

[@brettkester1639]

Thank you

[@robertlipsey6056]

I know this is an older video but maybe someone reading this can help me. I know that back tension is important so how do I know for sure if I’m using my back muscles???

[@NUSensei]

The biggest clue is whether you are collapsing. If your hand moves forward as you release, or your release is plucked and your hand flies off to the side or any direction except back, you're leaking back tension. See my video on "Lead with the Elbow" kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGrSm4WamM-cqtk

[@robertlipsey6056]

Thank you very much. I’ll watch this video too. Thanks again.

[@coach_achin]

is there any chances of injury in muscle while using back tension rubber...???

[@mattludford5291]

I've been trying to develop my draw this week. Using an angular draw. But I'm not really feeling anything in my back. I can tell by looking in a mirror that my back is moving as it should, but I feel no tension in the muscles and it requires no effort to hold in this position. Is this just a sign I'm using a bow that is too low poundage? The only muscle I feel tension and fatigue in is my bow arm triceps.

[@thatrespectablehuman1884]

Matt Ludford no such thing as too low pundage unless you want there to be such a thing

[@bearfootbowhunter3054]

My bow ar jumps forward on releas i dont feel it and feels like i have a solid bow arm. but on slow mo i can see it . is this a sine of por form or is it nothing to worry about?

[@chriswalterpaluyo9008]

Hello , I know this might seem stupid but How do the sights work on a recurve bow ?? Just started 1 week ago...

[@artestichniifilin2701]

the arrows you use for examples are 20x the price of the bow used

[@joesmith2424]

What is that blue beginner bow called?

[@Waynerebelrider]

👍📽

[@deadlifttillimdeadofficial]

Have you ever trained in a gym with a cable for this???

[@MrKifon]

Just a quick question , i have an english longbow and i ve heard in one of your videos that archers are trained to shoot with both eyes open , i find my shots more accurate if i shoot with one eye closed . Is that a bad habit i should get rid of ?

[@NUSensei]

The vast majority of archers shoot with both eyes open.

[@potshot23]

Been trying to find the rope/velcro trainer you had. Where could I buy one at, I think you said it was a- Mark Schultz rope trainer, is that correct?? Nice explanitory video..

[@NUSensei]

It is produced by Crow Caddy. I was sent this one for evaluation. I will try to find more about where to get it from.

[@potshot23]

+NUSensei , Thank you for quick reply. I appreciate your quick reply and your help in locating this trainer..

[@shiftygirl6434]

YOU CAN DO IT PUT YOUR BACK INTO IT

[@CoffeePoints]

May be a weird question, but you don't happen to live in Oregon do you?

[@NUSensei]

+TheMightyWill I live on the other side of the world.

[@CoffeePoints]

NUSensei ah alright, thanks! The garage at 4:00 looks a lot like some I've seen in Korea and Taiwan, but I've also seen them in the Oregon/Washington area so it got me wondering ^.^

[@HDChickenWingz]

TheMightyWill He lives in Australia

[@shiftygirl6434]

apparently its girt by sea

[@shedleybranche5896]

I am still having a hard time getting the Crow Caddy. Is there another option or can you explain or produce a video on how to make one similar to it? Thanks.

[@saffr0n]

You can buy it from crow caddy. The site is a bit tricky. Once you click the below link and go to the website, add the quantity and then click Add to Quote. 2. Click Quote list and fill out the information. Someone from Crowcaddy will contact you via email and you can take it from there. Not sure why its so complicated. Hope this helps. www.crowcaddy.com/product/string-bow-trainer/

[@JamesScrimshire]

Do you have a link to the velcor training aid featured?

[@patrick.e.mmanuel]

Not trying to be bragging or anything but when I shoot, somehow I always use back tension and this was before I even know what back tension is. By the time I know what it is, it turns out I already have it xD

[@tomm5549]

How could u practice back tension ??

[@NUSensei]

Note that the String Trainer can be ordered through direct contact with Crow Caddy. Contact them via their website: crowcaddy.com/crowcaddy-products.html

[@T1G3RKN33]

NUSensei i tried contacting them through the email address on that website but i get an error message suggesting the address is no longer in use... any idea of where to get the training tool from?

[@theonewiththename5867]

yep been soing the chicken wing but then again ive only been doing archery for like 2 months so i dont feel bad

[@raymondtrudel4889]

hi Sensei, a personal question this time; i know that sensei means teacher, what does nu mean?

[@NUSensei]

It's derived from the initials that were generated for me at my workplace.

[@gabazieute]

Hi! Which one would you recommend to practise@home ? * Win&Win Stretch band * Crow Caddy String Trainer Thx

[@NUSensei]

These focus on different things. The Crow Caddy String Trainer is mostly to practice back tension. The W&W Scapower is more to do with alignment.

[@gabazieute]

+NUSensei Thx Because of my kyphosis I tend to have a granddad posture (my coach gave me a good motto "An archer is proud, he/she stands up straight") It seems the Crow Caddy String Trainer will be more usefull in my case so I can get stronger back muscles. Now I just need to find it ;)

[@kanakvaidwan9631]

How will be my back muscle work

[@phantomcruizer]

Where can that "string trainer be purchased?

[@decimated550]

2:56 he looks so manly there! throwing a punch!

[@thecarnut9899]

Just casually flexing his back muscles on us

[@Harry-ei7os]

Do u shoot compound?

[@mrodriguezalas]

What poundage do you shoot?

[@holmiumh]

+Mauricio Rodriguez Alas I believe he said 35lb for recurve at some other videos.

[@tweetdezweet]

No matter how many videos on back tension I watch, I still have no idea if I am using back tension, let alone doing it properly :(

[@jayman448]

NU, i have shot for a couple years now (not olympic style. more north american field archery) i can comfortably shoot a 50lb bow all day long. i do not chicken wing. i have tried raising my elbow to the point where it just feels terrible! how the hell do you actually achieve back tension. my natural release is a dead release. i have no problem with a dead release as i can consistantly hit my kill zones out to fourty yards. im just sick of reading about how i do it wrong. so how the hell do i actually do it right? elbow high and a pencil between my shoulder blades? is that all? this back tension stuff seems so mystical and i just dont get it. push and pull, elbow high, pencil between the shoulder blades... ive tried it all and i shoot better just doing it my way. what the hell am i physically trying to do with my body?

[@NUSensei]

If things are working well for you, I wouldn't worry too much about "getting it right". Chances are, if you are comfortably shooting 50# and hitting accurately, then you are likely already engaging your back muscles.

[@jayman448]

ok. but just for my peace of mind then.. how do you achieve this? how can i have back tension but a dead release?

[@NUSensei]

Dead releases tend to be popular with traditional shooters, but not something that a coach would probably teach. A dead release requires very fine muscle control - you must "expand" with the shot, but the static release often means that the shooter is resisting the natural tendency to move the hand back. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as many shoot well with it. The key is that many beginners don't load the weight onto their back and "pluck" the sting instead of achieving a clean release. If you are able to avoid doing this, and shoot well, then you're not doing too bad. I obviously can't judge without seeing you shoot.

[@jayman448]

no i anchor at the corner of my mouth like every other trad archer...

[@jayman448]

yes your right. that was a generalization

[@MJFAN666]

0:43 hmmm

[@mr.gardevoir3204]

I went spaghetti after 30 shots... so imma give it this a try. P/s: imma newbie :)

[@smellslikemeltingplastic]

Not to be rude. But your muscles were not apparent in the example provided.