Traditional Archery Tips 4 - Back tension, archery form master, accuracy

In this traditional archery tips video, I discuss why back tension, shoulder and elbow alignment are so important to proper archery form. If you are not completely satisfied with your archery accuracy, it may be that your archery form is less than stellar. These traditional bow shooting tips can go a long way in improving accuracy. When first leaning how to shoot a bow, especially a longbow or recurve, we can often forget that to become a great shot we need to build a solid foundation in our archery technique.
I also discuss how to make and use a DIY form master to determine whether you're using your back muscles properly to draw your bow. We also use it to determine if we're achieving proper back tension.
This video mainly covers archery form. See my other traditional archery tips videos for information on aiming a traditional bow.
Website: www.twistedstav...
Facebook: / twistedstave
Instagram: / twistedstave
For more information on bow making, shooting, traditional and primitive archery, etc. check out the podcasts I've done with:
The Push Archery
Gritty Bowmen
Tradquest Podcast
Randy Newberg
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[@dougdunlap6638]

best explanation of back tension I have heard

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks, it can be a hard thing to grasp.

[@brucemorrison2132]

I absolutely AGREE !

[@brianbelto8801]

I've been shooting about 4most now my pull draw is 28lbs on a recurve. I have been having elbow pain ( epicondial ). I shoot instinctive with no sights. Any answers?

[@trevorsteyn8963]

Help me a lot, thanks, explained to me how to use my back muscles. Could improper use of back muscle, or not using back muscle at all put tension on my bow arm shoulder, so much so that it hurts after shooting? And have to take 3 to 4 days before shooting again?

[@bentalley7277]

I SHOOT A MICKEY MOUSE BOW LOL ,A FIBER GLASS BEAR BOW I THINK AT 28 INCHES ITS ABOUT 40 LBS I SELECTED IT BECAUSE ITS BULLETPROOF.WORKS REAL WELL FOR MY SURVIVAL NEEDS I CANT EAT A WHOLE DEER IN ONE SETTING.AT 20 YARDS I GET 3 INCH GROUPS, SMALL GAME NO PROBLEM. I KNOW GET TO THE POINT LOL.I WAS GETTING KIND SORE AFTER SHOOTING 50 ARROWS IN A ROW AFTER WATCHING YOUR VID AND SOME PRACTICE I CAN SHOOT 100 WITH ABOUT THE SAME FATIGUE AND A LITTLE BETTER GROUPS SOOOOO THANK U MUCH FOR HELPING ME OUT. I KNOW I SHOULD MOVE UP TO MORE WEIGHT BUT IM 78 YEARS OLD AND DON'T WANT TO BE OVER BOWED. YOU KEEP TEACHIN ILL KEEP LEARNIN ,STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE.

[@iowaselfbow6774]

Fantastic video man. Very helpful

[@brucemorrison2132]

I think I was beginning to grasp the back muscle use to draw and back tension to hold good form But your video made it completely understandable and crystal clear , (a lot more than a couple other archers did ! So now I get it ! Thank you, great job !)

[@clayhayeshunter]

You’re most welcome.

[@labtrainer09]

Clay, this explanation/demonstration of back tension is BRILLIANT, pure and simple. And, as "mts" notes below, the hinged model that you put together clarified arm alignment better than anything I have ever see or read ANYWHERE. I intend to watch this video before every single practice session until I feel completely comfortable with the level of back tension I have acquired. Thank you so much for your help, Chris (from Maine)

[@spawn1432341]

The model of back tension is fantastic. I watched your other video and it wasn't quite clear to me until I had seen this. I just got a recurve bow and started shooting last week. Within 10 shots, I was hitting the target where I wanted to, thanks you your instruction. Thanks a lot!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Very cool!

[@frankie1956]

Now l understood everything you said , thanks for making it a lot clearer 👍👍👍

[@clayhayeshunter]

thanks frankie

[@markstinsonvesselco.6617]

Thank you Clay. This has been the best video I've seen for helping me to really understand back tension.

[@williambilse]

Awesome video and explanation of back tension. Thanks Clay.

[@franotoole2702]

quite simply the best and easiest video on back tension there is.great vid as always clay!!!

[@clayhayeshunter]

thanks

[@tomvawter4531]

Hi Clay, great videos! They are very informative and helpful. One request/idea for a video is form and technique from a tree stand? Other than bending at the waist, it can be a challenge. I would appreciate your insight on this. Thank you! 😏🏹

[@bgtrev]

From an Oldie whose first bow arrives next week this has been an informative and clearly understood video. Information clear and concise, thanks a lot.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I"m glad you liked it Trev.

I'm a beginner. Your videos are awesome and a perfect way to learn about archery.

[@paulwalsh9393]

Thanks for explaining back tension in your videos

[@stevendennis4365]

Great vid Clay thank you.

[@brianlucas9758]

As thick-headed as I am, I now understand. Thank you, you are making it easy for my transfer from compound to traditional.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Dana

[@uncleremus5046]

One of Best BT explanations right up there with Al Henderson’s!

[@nickhorton785]

Gotta go shoot some arrows and think about this. Thank you.

[@Salim_shahidy]

I like that he spent some time to make things just to teach us how to use a bow properly, you can tell how passionate he is on teaching us and how passionate he is on his hobby as well

[@inspiredcreation1307]

Amazing video

[@johnd7471]

Brilliant explanation, thanks Clay.

[@clayhayeshunter]

you're welcome

[@marcoaguiar1131]

Wished I would of heard about Clay a long time ago. This man knows archery and its dynamics.

[@willreasoner4384]

Good Video: Rick Welch's form he teaches... enguages back tension.

[@Jazzman-bj9fq]

Love the vid! Your technique vids have all been awesome for me.

[@eduardovillalon1699]

Excellent explanation for the right technique using your back tension!

[@marcoaguiar1131]

3 years later and I still watch this video for a refresher when I’m “off” my shooting accuracy. I’m hitting groups at 40-50 more consistently then before but I limit my hunting shots to 35 and under. Who doesn’t like 10-15 yrd shots at quarry? Especially when you’re so close your movements are subtle so as not to be detected being too close for comfort? These teachings should be in the Toxophilite’s Bible and scribed as a Commandment.

[@michaelsanders7484]

The difference between Old archers and Newer archers. Older archers: 1:35 Newer Archers: -Hey did you see clays new KZbin video? -No, but NUsensei makes good content too lol

[@ahmadzuhairi]

How do you activate the release movement? Did you just kick the elbow back very slowly?

[@buellosaurusrex]

With all the videos I've watched trying to explain back tension, this one drove it home to where the concept is perfectly clear for the first time. Thanks a million, Clay!

[@clayhayeshunter]

I’m glad it helped!

[@readytorebel]

great example for back tension....Thanks

[@raymondmorad6948]

That was amazing. Thanks. Any advise on breath control?

[@juniorundersea]

good ,its the same principle of a compound bow ..you have to brake the tension point and the weight drop to a 3/4 of the whole weight .simple .just physic.

[@joelminer238]

I made a recurve bow when I was a 7th grader. Always shot by feel. Many years later.....today...I practice every day and in the dark. At night I use my instinct, in the day, your tips are amazing

[@DarxusC]

I'd like to hear more about that practicing in the dark.

[@Donnybrook10]

It's a lat and trapezius squeeze like when you're doing rows.

[@uncleremus5046]

Great full draw position Clay.

[@alexandregomescaetano1405]

Great video! I was like more than 7 months of completely archery absense, and now I lost most of my stence and alignment... I am not doing a back tension anymore and will need to get back to this! My bow seems heavy now and I feel a lot of pain after shooting sections... This video will be really helpful.

[@codyglass809]

Good explination. Lets me know Im doing it wrong when my biceps are tired. lol

[@gaylinlack726]

Great instructional video. Best illustration of back tension I have seen.

[@peterdarby793]

Excellent video. I may have to copy your stick model since I do a lot of teaching.

[@troyphillips1077]

Don’t forget to tell archers that before decent form you have to be in physical shooting shape first . So to be able to draw your bow to that bone on bone position you have to shoot your way into that shape . It takes a while to get here . Yes you shouldn’t over bow yourself. But we all cannot afford several bows . The beginner will buy him or her the weight bow they “think” they will want to hunt with . Just something to be mindful of .

[@danielluczak4695]

I have a problem with my left arm (the arm thats holds the bow) staying straight because of that shoulder being weak. I started strengthening it by using fitness bands but do you have any other tips on that?

[@flaviorubini1722]

FROM PERU THANKS FOR YOUR VIDEOS, COULD YOU RECOMEND A BOW FOR ME TO PURCHASE?

[@caseysmith544]

I can Explain how it feels, it is like the correct posture for military attention or correct straight back when sitting without a back to the seat.

[@dusanpavlovic2201]

Why do you shoot 3 under and not split finger and why do most use split

[@ndoghouse6853]

What do you do with your other arm? Locked I suppose?

[@michaeloosterman8636]

Thank you. What a great idea. Made one and works great

[@bowman321123]

Clay, Thanks for another great video! I have the Masters series but you are the first I've seen that explained it the way you did using the model.

[@Simon-xq8et]

Clay that is a 5 star statement of backtension!!! Great video! If i get the possibility to geht where u live i´ll visit u! :)

[@cliffbrown4217]

This is a really invaluable teaching video,

[@chrismaley339]

Hands down, this is the best description of back tension I've run across. I'm new to trad archery. This video was definitely an "ah ha" moment for me. I've been struggling with the concept of back tension. Now it makes sense!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnbottone4996]

What was Name of the quiver you were using

[@zionmoto2670]

great explanation. thanks for posting

[@janiceweikel4990]

very helpful, Thanks

[@snoop58]

Thanks Clay! Awesome model of the arms alignment. Suggestions for next videos: - Pros and cons of 3 and 4 feather fletchings. - Fletching and broadhead alignment wrt to each other and the bowstring. E.g. from airplane aerodynamics I know that wings and rear horizontal stabilizers should not be in the same horizontal plane to avoid the stabilizers being innefective in turbulence, created by the wings. This statement, however, depends on many other characteristics of the airplane. Does this really matter in aligning e.g. 3-bladed broadhead to 3-feather fletchings? How would you align a 2-bladed broadhead wrt fletchings and the bowstring? E.g. I suppose that if a 2-bladed broadhead is aligned vertically, it may be more affected by transversal wind, etc. Am I correct? - Can the alignment of a broadhead (or some other rotationally asymmetric arrowhead for hunting) worsen or soften the effect of the archer's paradox (which forces the arrow to oscillate only in the horizontal plane)? There must be scientific and [even better] a practical explanation to all these questions but I haven't seen anyone cover them. What are your views on this? Thanks!!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Excellent suggestions.

[@AndrewCawley]

Great video Clay!! 👍🏹

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Andrew

[@TheRedhawke]

Great explanation and please continue in this teaching mode, it helps us all be better.

[@MangrovesToMountainsOutdoors]

Great video Clay.

[@jaredross8840]

Jared from Missouri What do you think about black widow recurves. I currently shoot one but still struggle grabbing my compound when the rut kicks in here in Missouri.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I’ve never shot one but I know a lot of guys that love them. To be successful with a stickbow you’ve got to commit!

[@heiligerbimbam771]

Hello Clay, in my opinion the best explanation about the backtension on the web. Can you also bring a video about the release? Thank you. Greetings from Germany. Chris.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I can do that.

[@woodsmansfinest3814]

You produced another evergreen of trad archery tutorials. I mean it! Loving all the content but this one focuses on a training solution for what I still struggle with after 15 years. Especially having a strong biceps makes the timing and action of transferring the tension from arms to back very hard. Ill try a rotating draw for a bit... and in Japan, where I studied kyudo , the draw starts from an elevated position and even your bow arm build tension... starting the draw from over my head rotates down directly into back tension. I want to incorporate some of that idea Into my draw. Btw... how do you like that cheap ILF setup. Wanna get me a backup ILF longbow for some gap and fixed crawl experiments that shall help me with my instinctive shooting. Wanna keep costs down though... that sear ilf riser is so much nicer looking than nearly all expensive ones... any feedback on the cheap recurve limbs... in case those are the ones? Thanks a lot... again! Ps: just looked up hat bow... I could be wrong... but I'm pretty sure that werewolf is a China produced bow you can find as sear ilf riser at Lancaster or under F161 recurve on Alibaba. The Chinese eBay. Nothing wrong with that, but it instantly reminded me of that very bow with some logo added. More likely than that eclipse brand just coming out with an ILF system. Hope you didn't pay the 560$ for it. Here is the link: m.aliexpress.com/item/32802629480.html?trace=storeDetail2msiteDetail

[@clayhayeshunter]

I don’t have much experience with the ILF bows but this one draws and shoots pretty darn sweet. It’s fairly light, but shoots a fast arrow.

[@markinaction1]

Back tension is the hardest thing to teach.

[@Idaho_drifer]

Great explanation , thanks!

[@billnordby3142]

I didn't read all the comments but I have always felt like what you illustrated is what I want to do but fail. How do I get my draw elbow in line with a belly that now interferes more than Dolly Partons chest in doing so ? If I'm understanding correct my draw elbow should be in line or almost with the same shoulder and certainly in line behind my push shoulder ,elbow and hand ,correct ?

[@clayhayeshunter]

I’m not following you. Check out he original shooting tips video I did. It shows form better than the model. There’s a good tip down shot of me shooting.

[@peckerwoodcustoms]

Glad I scrolled way back in your videos and found this! This really is a good way of explaining it and I fully understand how now

[@clayhayeshunter]

Awesome 👏

[@Bogie770]

wow I was waiting this video for a long time thax a lot man !!cheers from Romania

[@clayhayeshunter]

thanks, I hope it helps.

[@technicalhandHJ]

When I want to watch gun i go 'ak custom ' And when I wanna watch about bow and shooting came here ❤

[@clayhayeshunter]

😉

[@Lehmann108]

Great video! Thanks.

[@karolpawe7900]

I have watched quite a lot of movies related to the subject of archery back and I must say you portrayed it perfectly. Thanks a lot, waiting for the next movies;)

[@chtapodi73]

As someone who started shooting a recurve back in November and has watched oodles of videos on technique, most all of yours Clay, the first time I truly 'felt' and understood back tension, was last week when I decided to practice kneeling shots for the first time. This may say something about my standing technique, but on my knees, I really feel my back 'control' the process.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Awesome 👏

[@chtapodi73]

​@@clayhayeshunterkzbin.info/www/bejne/lWfIpqermM-cf7sfeature=shared a thank you Clay.

[@t.curran8243]

$65 from 3 Rivers.

[@mikeburke4625]

Your student’s real question is how to get to proper back tension through the draw. Raising the bow and commencing the draw with the elbow traveling up and then rotating back down and behind helped me feel back tension and reach the straight alignment you coach. When merely drawing straight back I didn’t achieve such early and significant back tension anywhere as obviously. How to get there through the proper drawing travel path may be a subject you could cover more completely for us. Thanks.

[@clayhayeshunter]

There’s actually some good videos by Arnie Moe on KZbin describing the type of draw you’re referring to. I’m primarily a bow hunter and prefer a more straightforward draw as it reduces motion.

[@mikeburke4625]

Clay Hayes Thank you for your prompt reply. I did find Nu Sensei’s U Tube video on a comparison of the straight and angular draw methods, which provided a good demonstration of “getting there”, as well as one by Archery 101 on not overdoing back contraction. At 71 I’ve been able to again shoot my 40 # Bear Grizzly with more comfort for a longer draw and better accuracy. Please note not all your fans and ardent students (geezers like me) are still bow hunting but appreciate your instruction.

[@stuartmccloud307]

When a youtuber has made a model just to demonstrate a principle.....I'm listening, cos this guy knows what he is talking about. And I wasn't wrong. Thanks for the great content.

[@LearnTrainPlay]

That visual modal was really helpful and may be why I'm slightly inconstant, thank you

[@ronsarchery6378]

After watching many other videos, I think I got more out of your explanation. Thanks for sharing.

[@bullrambler]

Looks like a good demonstration but you didn't explain what "bone-on-bone" implies...?

[@ananghidayat4590]

Hi clay, that’sgood video. How to make left arm stronger? Sometimes i have inconsistent on my left arm whoch hold the bow

[@joea4637]

Good job with the display, made alot of sense Clay.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@jamesshields1969]

Clay, great video man. I love the content you provide. Would you be willing to answer a question or two about your set up there, more specifically the quiver. I have a Bear Montana that I’d love to buy one for but I just have a hard time conceiving how It would mount to the upper and lower limbs just because of how thin they are. Also I love those silencers and wanted to know who’s they were

[@lesterdumm6477]

I reposted to my Facebook and my Crying Mouse sight. Great job! Thanks.

[@nuteinselasingur3850]

Your advice are so simple and so eficient , i so improvment rightaway , i tried to listen anoder people , but you dont understand nothyng or very little because they speak to complicate , thanks for your sinplicity

[@clayhayeshunter]

Happy to help!

[@nuteinselasingur3850]

@@clayhayeshunter i have a friend who shoots instinctly since 2years i started 2 weeks or so shoting arrows ago and i told him what you said and he said that is better instictly , he have an idol who said shoot so good instinctli , and i said lets make a contest , we make a target together , and he shoots 9 points and i whith good Tehnic 27 whith 3 shoots both , after 2 weeks aroow experiance , he was red , i showd him your stile and he impove in 30 minits his tehnic , 2 middle 10 points. Lord Jesus Bless you , be carefoul , the second Babilon (America) will be destroid , its wrote in the Holly Bible , at list that i can do for you , i wish you nice remaining Sunday

[@billyf4009]

You are very good at explaining from and techniques. I really appreciate your videos, they have helped me so much. Thanks and please keep doing what you do!

[@Voyson]

This is pure geniusness

[@DisgruntledVet78]

I don't get the thumbs down for this video. This video is so on point.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Some people are just unhappy...

[@raulmartinez9591]

Todos los vídeos de este hombre son geniales, muchas gracias por hacerlos tan explícitos y prácticos, son bastante útiles! muchas gracias, ojalá siga haciendo muchos más.

[@sya_keirah9727]

since im new to compound archery i try to do that back tension but after that why i cant push my elbow anymore and i feel im forcing my back to release the arrow...so i try to figure out where the misatkes was so that i can improve my skill

[@williamlockhart5031]

Smart video!

[@robertbrunston5406]

Very good video! Best tips I have seen in a long time! Thank you.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Robert

[@woodyrascel]

this is fantastic!

[@Andrew-ez9cp]

Great advice 👍

[@djinn201]

Why do you prefer finger tab to a glove?

[@clayhayeshunter]

They’re easy to make.

[@marcusarkane]

Great channel

[@Alfie961]

Very, very useful!👍🏼 My shooting got better in a instant with help of some rubber training bands!😊🏹

[@MattSpinks]

I'm curious. Before I ask I'll say that I LOVE your instruction man. Very patient and practiced. So I'm a righty and I'm a pretty strong guy. I find that, all of the sudden, after 5 years of shooting well and consistently, I suddenly just...can't hit the broad side of a barn. I went from hitting arrows with arrows to...something mentally blocking me. Have you ever been through this?

[@clayhayeshunter]

I’d suspect you’re dealing with target panic. Check out some of Joel Turner’s stuff. He specializes in a controlled process of shooting.

[@MattSpinks]

@@clayhayeshunter Hey dude thanks for the reply:) I'll check his stuff out tonight. Hope you're doing well:)

[@clayhayeshunter]

You’re welcome 😉

[@MattSpinks]

@@clayhayeshunter Hey dude:) So you were right. It was mental. Just for the record, haha.

[@dalephillips7879]

great video clay .. nearly bought that bow a few times direct from china reminds me of my hoyt buffalo

[@kennethlunn8656]

Thank you

[@dapi8389]

Great video! Great explanation. Thank you

[@henningradasewski6172]

Very easy to understand, on the spot information. Thanks Clay.

[@CerstveMleko]

THANKS

[@MarioSeoane]

Gotcha!