LEARN ARCHERY: How to Shoot a Thumb Button Release with Back Tension

[@chrisdeguia4764]

I'm new to archery. I got me a index as most beginners do, within 2 weeks I saw a thumb release on sale and I got it. My accuracy went way up.
Now I was worrying about if I should have gotten a hinge release instead to reduce the odds of me punching the trigger, but after a couple of your videos I'm here training my ass off on a shot trainer to save myself $300 FOMO mistake.
Truly, I have learned gear might help your shot, but it can't fix bad form.

[@MustangBrother101]

Finally, a vid that breaks it down and is detail orientated! Great coach! :)

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Thank you so much!!! I'm glad it helped you!

[@Weiseyyy]

I’m very late to this, but man, know that your video is the only one I’ve found that actually explains the physics behind “using back tension to fire a button release.”
When other videos say to just pull back and it’ll fire, they don’t realize how misleading that sounds. You went in depth, explained the thumb placement and why it needs to be curled around the barrel, explained how pressure between the barrel and thumb is created when you stretch out your fingers as you build tension, and you show fantastic angles to better show the viewer what you’re getting at.
Truly amazing video here, and I am incredibly grateful to have been able to find it.
Thank you.

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Thank you so much! We are glad you found it helpful and we certainly appreciate your kind words. Thank you for watching! - Josh

[@alxandr56]

One of the best explanations

[@cmmarion1970]

I want to thank you for this series. I've watched these videos several times and tried each and every tip. I found my release was too long. Went and bought a T-rex. Followed your instructions in this video. I shot my first 5 sets where 5 out if 6 arrows were in the box and fetching touching. Most times 3-4 arrows shafts are touching.

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

That's great to hear! Thanks for the support and let us know if there is anything else we can help with!

[@acohen5267]

Thank you so much for this!! I’ve tried every technique it there and never could achieve consistency. Was all over the map. Tried your technique last night, and felt unnatural at first, pulling back tension while relaxing my release fingers slightly. First shot went off as a surprise(as it should) and dead center!!! Repeated almost every time. Still getting use to it. This is my technique now. Mad a huge difference in my shooting. Thank you so much for sharing!!! Invaluable

[@georgehardin8452]

Just got my first thumb release. I searched videos and found yours.absaloutly the best breakdown of using backtension on a thumb release. This is making me a better shooter already. Thank you so much.i highly recommend anyone who is just starting out to learn how to properly shoot a thumb release to watch this video. Well done.💯👈🤙👍

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@TheSpeyfisher]

Josh you do excellent job explaining the procedure. Thanks,Mike

[@Healthfighthunt]

Sweet video mate..It has helped me heaps. I just got a Stan like yours for the adjustment as I have big hands. It has taken some practice to allow the hand to flatten while keeping the fingers firm.
Awesome advice and thanks again for taking the time to help us with our shooting!!

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

I'm glad it has helped you! Let us know if there is anything else we can help with!

[@syahjohnsy]

Its works ! Improve my arrows group. Thanks coach 👍

[@billk-xl1fy]

This was the best explanation of back tension I've seen. Great video shot of what happens with the hand! Thanks

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Thank you! Happy to share and help others learn.

[@thomasgraves9540]

Thank you. Finally a explanation that 100% that works for me.

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Awesome! Happy I was able to help.

[@brianlock6669]

Great video and excellent explanation and demonstration of what should be happening. I will be using this advice and revisiting the video to make sure I am doing it correctly 👏👏👍

[@mrwickairsoft6345]

Thanks for the review thinking of picking up a trigger thumb release aid

[@alikalfaoglu8633]

best informative video ever watched. Great job..

[@jjk010]

Great video. After years of blank shooting (bowhunter recurve, compound blank), I have bought a target compound bow. I think I am lucky to be relatively new to shooting with a release. Now, I do not have to unlearn old habits. My new compound bow comes with a thumb release, since I was not sure whether to shoot back tension or trigger the shoot by giving a little tension on my middle finger, keeping the action to a minimum. Now, I have two options, and I will try both to see what works best for me.

[@lloydwellington5271]

A wealth of info to be had here, thanks. Been trying to roll through it, relaxing the fingers and of course this way, all it proves is I need a ton more practice with the string. Tons more.

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Every method takes tons of practice, but the end result is totally worth it!

[@johnmclaughlin763]

This is the first time I have seen this gentleman's video. I have shot Matthews and Hoyt for about thirty years after switching from rifle hunting. Although I'm a good shooter, for some reason the back tension thing was always out of reach in my mind. they're the guys at the shop that sorta look down their noses sometimes at us commoners with our wrist triggers. Just kidding. Sorta. But this short video makes it seem attainable. I'll be starting to practice as soon as my new release shows up on the doorstep in a few days. Thanks for such a great video.

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

I'm glad to hear you are trying it out! No one should be ashamed of the equipment they use, we started out on cheap wrist strap releases just like most! Let us know if there is anything else we can help with!

[@decimated550]

Thanks kiddo I shoot a button and you reminded me of a couple things I had forgotten and I learned a few vital details

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Always happy to help!

[@Moto_MKHN]

Great vid and concepts clearly explained.

[@benpeterson8538]

Thank you! This was really helpful

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@nockperformance]

Well done !

[@terrie5663]

Keep speaking the truth....

[@chadryan2423]

Great info bud!

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@tysonledbetter1548]

Thanks for the tips I’m thinking about switching to the thumb release and where can I get some of that string to practice my back tension

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

It’s just BCY D-Loop string. Either BCY #24 or BCY #23 works fine.

[@matthewmcnulty698]

Good idea suggesting Using paracord and find the release like that. With the power cord to get accustomed to the release. I'm guessing you were using three twenty five pair card and not five fifty pair cord

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

This was just BCY #23 d-loop material

[@matthewmcnulty698]

I was. Thinking about using paracord and firing that release several times to. Get. Used to it

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

@@matthewmcnulty698 you may have to tie a d loop onto the end loop of the paracord to hook it onto the release.

[@matthewmcnulty698]

OK thanks

[@FoxholeIndustries]

How many times can you show the trigger move towards the thumb?

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

I'm just a target shooter so what would you think of the Tru ball BOSS X?

[@jons7e]

If you're just getting started, would you recommend a button release or an index release?

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Typically, a high quality index release will be cheaper than a high quality hand held release. With that said, it’s completely up to you on which you may prefer.

[@MisterJbo]

Hey just curious man what’s your preference on releases? Trying to decide between a thumb release and a hinge release.

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Release style is mostly a personal preference and what I like may not be what you like. Personally, I love shooting in general with a hinge, but I prefer to hunt with a resistance release.

[@mikegray7326]

Awesome vid!

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@matthewmcnulty698]

About how long. Does it. Take. To get. Comfortable with the resistance release

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

It depends how much work you put into it! Some pick it up faster than others and some take quite a bit of time to get used to it. It all depends on your mental attitude and how hard you want to work at it!

[@alleycat505]

I recently tried a new thumb release after using a wrist strap index release for years , I like it better but I noticed I'm hitting to the left. Is it because the jaws are not perpendicular to my d loop anymore? Dose the release put the d loop into a bind? I'd hate to move my sights back and forth if I ever needed to use my old release as a back up. Something else my be wrong though.

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

If the d loop is too short, it can torque the string as you rotate your hand into anchor at full draw causing the difference. A slightly longer d loop should help. Sometimes the way the release opens/closes on the d loop can have an effect on how the arrow comes out of the bow as well. Again, a slightly longer d loop typically helps.

[@preston1384]

where you get that practice string at?

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Just BCY d-loop material I tied loops in and adjusted to my draw length. Cheap and effective way for a shot trainer 👍🏻

[@toddlymburner5783]

What release are you using?

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

In this video was the Stan Perfex. It’s now been replaced by the Stan Onnex

[@toddlymburner5783]

@@BowOnlyOutdoors how you liking the Onnex?

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

@@toddlymburner5783 I don’t own one but I’ve spent a fair amount of time shooting them and they seem to be great! Very comfortable in the hand in my opinion.

[@travishopkins57]

What do you think about the Tru-Fire Synapse Hammer Throw Release?

[@serverlan763]

So what release aid is that one you are using?

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

It is the Stan PerfeX thumb, I have a link in the video description if you would like to check it out!

[@serverlan763]

@@BowOnlyOutdoors Thanks, not cheap are they but i'm going to buy one...

[@davidwong2244]

Do you start contracting your back muscles while relaxing all the release fingers, both actions at the same time ⁉️
Or relax all three release fingers and only then pull back using back tension ⁉️

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Yes, I start contracting my back muscles as I’m going through the execution but I don’t relax the fingers, I stretch the hand and it happens simultaneously.

[@bobmehaffey6110]

Are there any other more budget friendly releases you would recommend that don't have trigger travel? $230 is pretty steep for me, but I can certainly see how not having the travel would make things more consistent.

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Hey Bob, most good handheld releases will be around that $200 mark new. However, occasionally you can find them used for less on websites like ArcheryTalk or even EBay. I hope this helps!
- Josh

[@cavemanprecision7589]

Are you using the short neck or long neck?

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Long neck!

[@cavemanprecision7589]

@@BowOnlyOutdoors have you tried the short neck. I really want to get one I’m just torn between with one to get. I shot the silverback it’s a great release but I like the adjustments on the perfex. I’m just wondering which one would fit closer to silverback.

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

I think either one would work well, I don’t know how much of a difference you’d be able to tell between the two neck lengths. I personally love the size of the long neck. Are you looking for a thumb or tension release? Check out the Stan Element if you’re in the market for a tension style, it’s a similar build to the Silverback!

[@cavemanprecision7589]

@@BowOnlyOutdoors ok sounds good thanks. I’m looking to get the tension release. Due to my target panic issues in the past. That’s why I got the silverback a few years ago.

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

I would recommend the Stan Element! Let us know if you have any more questions! - Micah

[@BBD40]

What release is that you have

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

This is the Stan Perfex Thumb release

[@pc197933]

Hey Bow Only, what size Perfex are you shooting? It looks like a long neck with string keeper right? What size? Med? Large? Thanks.

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Yes! And this is a size medium.

[@bltefft]

I see you used a 3-finger release. I have a 4-finger. Can I still do this.

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Yes you can!

[@samueltheodore1003]

I know that back tension the process is a way of using a release, but isn’t there also a type of release called a back tension release?

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

A lot of folks call a hinge release and a tension release a back tension release although they are two different types of releases. Usually if someone refers to a back tension release they are talking about a hinge release.

[@softsmoken]

I like to keep my thumb stiff. No travel v hard click and I pull back and slow by while have to increase tension and just pull through the dloop completely FOLLOW THROUGH

[@SwitchAxe]

This what what i do. I use my back muscles to fire my shot. BUT you have to follow through.

[@softsmoken]

@@SwitchAxe yea, kids can shoot too.

[@dannyterrill6412]

why is my fletching below my chin

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

Anchoring too low, or the peep being set too high typically causes this. Try turning your release hand to make it more vertical on your face and continue to adjust the anchor position until you can find a comfortable and repeatable position.

[@dannyterrill6412]

@@BowOnlyOutdoors thanks using a wrist strap release

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

@@dannyterrill6412 typically I see this happen when a shop sets a peep sight too high in the string when they don’t take the time to work with the shooter on their anchor point. Lower the peep and check out this video to find a more comfortable anchor position. m.ua-cam.com/video/-_QirscT4gs/v-deo.html
I hope this helps!

[@samuelbrice3699]

Oh this isn't really archery when you use a trigger though.

[@BowOnlyOutdoors]

The same could be argued about shooting a compound bow. It could also be argued for those that use a recurve bow over a long bow. They all shoot arrows, and they are all fun to shoot. They are all REAL archery. To each their own, but no one is better or worse for using a long bow over a compound, carbon vs aluminum arrows, or shooting with fingers or a release. There is nothing wrong with shooting with fingers, just like there is nothing wrong with using a trigger. Thanks for watching and happy shooting!

[@phantomcruizer]

@@BowOnlyOutdoors There was a time that recurve archers could use a release even in competition…I’m not criticizing just adding to your point.