I would say up and forward, it makes the most sense to me. 

Posted by: Redbird

I would say up and forward, it makes the most sense to me. 

 

I always thinking this too but in this video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX3AlUYRZIQ @6:49 Mike Mew says back and up...

The posterior third is actually pulled back and up by the palatoglossus (swallowing), styloglossus and stylo-hyoideus muscles. 

But is the tongue pushing back? I know the tongue is pulled backwards into the right position but I don’t see the benefit of pushing backwards with the tongue?

Posted by: Redbird

But is the tongue pushing back? I know the tongue is pulled backwards into the right position but I don’t see the benefit of pushing backwards with the tongue?

 

Sorry if this sounds too obvious, but: think about Newtons third law, for every action there will be an opposite one. That you push the wall with your hands doesnt mean you will make a hole there.

In the same manner, these muscles pulling/engaging the tongue backwards and upwards doesnt mean that the face will deform in a backward direction.

And its impossible to try to consciously push forward with these muscles, when they are not designed to do that (specially the palatoglossus whose work is to swallow hundreds of times daily with the aid of other muscles).

Also, when the whole tongue rests on the palate with good muscle tongue, there should be pressure along the palate and there will be a rotation of the skull. And with time an upswing growth.

I dont know how else to explain it. There was a good explanation on claiming powers website with an illustration, but it seems to be down.