How to use a backtension release

[sutherpride59]

Alright so I might be a little in over my head but I found a nice back tension release on AT for a price that I couldn't pass up. So I've read up on a few articles of how to use one and all I found was the process of using back tension. I also plan on practicing for 2 or 3 weeks with a training tool I made before I even think about using it on the bow. I also plan on shooting my bow for 2 weeks without sights while I learn how to get my technique down.

So how are you suppose to hold the darn thing? Where do you set your fingers on the release? Is anchoring different? can anyone give me a detailed rundown of hand placement with a 3finger back tension release? Also what not to do with it. I assume during drawing the bow your hand needs to remain perfectly straight.

Thanks in advance

[Quackedup]

On a back tension release, the thumb bar acts as a safety to keep the release from going off while you draw. you need to keep pressure on it with your thumb. when you get to your anchor point you can ease off of the thumb bar, and start your shot process. I would try to find a video or something to help. You can draw it with your hand in almost any position, so long as you keep tension on the thumb bar. Hope this helps.

[Rangefinder]

I just started using on bout a month ago I bought the carter honey it has a real safety on it.I wood shoot ur target bout 2 or 3 feet away from u to start with.

[AJ the TP Guru]

What Rangefinder said. Too many stories of guys drawing while others are forward on the range, and having the thing release as if all by itself.

The other side of that coin is the many guys I've talked with who tried such a release to alleviate themselves of target panic, then find out they flinch the same way with BT as they did using an index finger release.

[Arrowsmith]

Alright so I might be a little in over my head but I found a nice back tension release on AT for a price that I couldn't pass up. So I've read up on a few articles of how to use one and all I found was the process of using back tension. I also plan on practicing for 2 or 3 weeks with a training tool I made before I even think about using it on the bow. I also plan on shooting my bow for 2 weeks without sights while I learn how to get my technique down.

So how are you suppose to hold the darn thing? Where do you set your fingers on the release? Is anchoring different? can anyone give me a detailed rundown of hand placement with a 3finger back tension release? Also what not to do with it. I assume during drawing the bow your hand needs to remain perfectly straight.

Thanks in advance

I could show you how to shoot a back tension release in about 5 minutes. To explain it is more difficult.

I have been shooting a Tru Ball Sweet Spot 4 Finger for about 15 years. The Sweet Spot has a safety. This type of back tension release is a good one to learn with as you can come to full draw, anchor, remove the safety and start your shot process which will include aiming, transfer, expansion, release and follow through. Sounds complicated ? Really it is not.

If your release does not have a safety.....then as mentioned above keep your thumb on the peg and keep your pinkie knuckle pointed toward the target. The release cannot fire in this position. When you come to full draw move your thumb off the peg and start increasing tension with the big muscle in your back (trapezius). This will move your release arm, hand and elbow a fraction of an inch and fire the release. This can vary depended on how fast your release is set up. Start by blank bailing from about 5 feet. Once you have leaned to fire the release (Warning !!! the first shot will shock you when it fires) blank bale with your eyes closed. This will allow you to feel the shot process. Once you start to get it down (it will take some time) then back up to 10 feet and shoot at dot on the target. Then move back to 10 yards and work your way back to 20 yards. Its not hard but it takes practice. Please concentrate on keeping your release hand in the position I mentioned above. Improper hand position during the draw cycle can result in a misfire and a busted lip or worse.

I just started using on bout a month ago I bought the carter honey it has a real safety on it.I wood shoot ur target bout 2 or 3 feet away from u to start with.

Any BT release with a safety is a good one to learn on.

[bowhuntntxn]

Safeties are for girls and people who like their teeth!! I say grip it and rip it. What's the worst that can happen right?

[hoythitman]

Safeties are for girls and people who like their teeth!! I say grip it and rip it. What's the worst that can happen right?

Go with this ^^^^

I have made a few friends punch themselves shooting my Longhorn, I have it advanced pretty far so it goes off as soon as you move a little bit. BT can be a great release aid as long as you use good form and you aren't over bowed. On the other side of that if you are punching the trigger bad don't expect a BT to cure that, you'll end up just twisting the wrist to get it to go off instead of using the proper push pull method.

[sutherpride59]

I appreciate the help yall. The one i bought does not have a safety but like i said before i got such a good deal on it i couldnt pass up the opportunity to try it out. My bigest thing is when you anchor, how do you anchor with it? Same as a finger release? I dont punch the target so thats not much of an issue. I guess i'll have to watch some videos when i get home to really figuer it out.

Thanks for all the advice.

[Mudslinger]

Better learn to shoot it right the first time you try or you may be in trouble. You can jerk, punch a BT release as easy as you can any release.

[sutherpride59]

bump for anchoring points.

[Arrowsmith]

Each shooters anchor point will vary due to differences in form, body type, etc. Even the type of back tension release can slightly effect you anchor point position.

My anchor point with my back tension release places my first and second knuckle under the "corner" of my jawbone, with my third knuckle under and touching my ear lobe.

Here are some pictures of me at full draw with my Tru Ball Sweet Spot 4.

[sutherpride59]

Thanks arrow smith, i've been reading some article and it makes sense just to find a spot that works for you and use it as an anchor point. As long as i'm consistent that's all that really matters.

[TheHammer]

Whatever you do, practice with some string before you draw your bow with it. Don't ask me how I know!

[sutherpride59]

lol trust me i've been reading ALOT about it. I will practice close to a month before i put to my bow. I dont want to half***** this thing.

[old killer]

There is some good information above. What you have to do is work out the mechanics of grip, anchoring, and peep height.
The release will not cure target panic or anticipation by itself. That is still your job.
As far as getting the release to go off, the best way to describe it is to try to make your shoulder blades touch.
Your goal should be to be able to aim the bow with no other thought in your mind and hold it there till the release fires. If you ever think about anything else while aiming, it is time to let down and start over.