June 7, 2007

from G.T. of Singapore:

"Dear Coach,
 
I have got a question.
 
When we are holding the bow at full draw, it is extremely difficult to feel if we are using the right back muscles. Without using a bow is there a way or exercise where you can demonstrate using our back muscles?
 
Thank You ."

One way to check for back tension is to bend your left arm (bow arm, RH archer) on your back and find with your thumb the bottom side edge of your draw scapula. Now put your draw hand on your face, as though you were going to shoot an arrow. Now move your draw arm back, like in a follow through without worrying about back tension. You will find very little movement, if any, of the draw scapula. Now do it again, but this time try to push hard with the bottom side edge of the scapula against your thumb. You should be able to develop quite a bit of pressure there, which should be maintained, right throughout the follow through till you hear the arrow hit the target. The scapulae have to come towards the spine on release. With most archers the scapulae on release will relax and open up. Have a good look on the web site under Technique/Scapulae photos, where David Barnes gives an excellent example, as to what should happen.