Making a Stone Age Sling

[Pappa]

I took my sling to a bit of wasteground this afternoon for a bit of target practice. I was aiming at a Buddleia from 40 paces. Not a huge success, but I did actually manage to hit it several times, and I only had a few shots that went very wide, short, or far.

It was interesting experiencing how many variables seem to be involved; like what you do with your feet (if and when you move them), what you do with your free arm, how straight or bent you keep your slinging arm, etc.

Pappa

 

[rich59]

I was inspired to make a sling after reading this thread. I made one last night from a ball of jute twine. I tried it this morning and successfully smacked myself on the back of the head with a big stone! Duh!

Eric

Pappa got me wrong. I was using the under arm technique. Less risk to the back of the head, but more to the face!

 

[JohnC]

At the last scottish meet Match used a "tennis raquet" delivery with one wind up (easier seen than described) it appeared very accurate, I only had a couple of gos, have to try again.

 

[Pappa]

Pappa got me wrong. I was using the under arm technique. Less risk to the back of the head, but more to the face!

Sorry, I wasn't thinking that 'vertical' could be up or down.

 

[match]

*suddenly remembering this place is still here, and that I must get away from my desk job more often...*

As JohnC has said, the 'pitching' technique that I've found works best is kind of like a tennis serve, or a cricket bowling action.

Assuming you are right-handed:
Let the sling hang down on the right-side of your body, swing it vertically round (overarm) in a few circles just to get the weight and feel right (and make sure that the projectile is well lodged in the sling and not going anywhere until you want it to )

To 'fire' it, as the sling is moving from back to up (3'o'clock to 12'o'clock) take your hand round to the left side of your head in a much smaller circle, and then bring your hand back to the right-side of your head, releasing as your hand rejoins the original large circle.

This little circle on the other side of your head is half the size of the original one, so it doubles your acceleration just before you release, giving you alot more power.

I'll try and draw a small pic to see if I can explain this any better....