>>1305828No, back tension is not a myth, back tension is your muscles working against the bow in order to achieve tension against the limbs/string. This is what allows an arrow to be propelled through space. It's not a gun, the projectile doesn't propel itself. It requires you to act against it in a controlled manner (i.e back tension) in order to achieve proper flight. By asking this question you have shown you have literally everything to learn about form - and I mean everything. If you're the OP, even if you arent, watch some of NuSenseis videos. Some Jap with an Aussie accent. However, he's a good archer and a great teacher. The most you could possibly learn about properly shooting a bow without paying for a coach is probably via his channel. I'll also say this, to OP specifically: it doesn't matter what of shape you're in, shooting a 60lb bow while trying to learn is the worst thing you could do for your form, ability, enjoyment, and shoulder. You will not develop proper form. You will give yourself a (maybe) permanent rotator cuff injury. You won't have fun, you will be doing untold damage to your shoulder. If you want to learn to shoot a bow, fantastic! Great! The world needs more archers! But for the love of fuck, don't start with a compound, don't start at 60lbs, and focus on your form above all else. Accuracy comes later. This isn't like a gun, where you can probably skip .22 and go straight to something like a .38spl. You must, must start low and gradual if you want to shoot a bow well. It's a sport. A noob starting with a 60lb compound is like a skeleton-mode guy trying to bench 150. He might not injure himself permanently the first time. But given enough time, it's a guarantee. He'll also never have proper form. Get a recurve. Samick Polaris is a nice option to start with. You've got so much learning to do if you're actually interested in archery.
It's worth it though.
