Click here and go down almost to the bottom of the page:
http://www.fifth-essence.com/archive/bestpix2003/index.htm

The caption says "slingshot" but it is obviously a sling the young Palestinian is using.

Notice that his stance is almost identical to that of David T's son just prior to throwing.  He is seriously contemplating his target.

jeff <><

....great photo shot!     How does the thumb-on-the-stone-in-the-pocket stance then progress to the launch?  A quick underhand whip I suppose.  How does this stance and delivery contribute to accuracy?  If there's a stone in the pocket, it must not be very large.   Looks like there's a retention loop around bird or ring finger.   BACK of sling hand is toward the target?   Hmmm!  This means the sling stone doesnt have to turn 360deg to keep the cords from twisting during launch!   I note that this is the exact pose also appearing in some ancient bas-reliefs I remember seeing on this site.   Inquiring minds want to know how this works!   Tnx!     mgreenfield

Holding the sling pouch up in front of you allows for additional aiming and removes the need to rock the sling back and forth to get it up to speed.  I've used this technique in the past.  

Chris

It looks to me like this slinger is using a dowel retaining cord as, I believe, Walkingbird describes. His fingers appear to be spread as they would for that type retenstion cord?? Not that it really matters, but it is interesting.

.....looks like THE technique to use for game hunting!

HONDERO, .....is this what the Baleric guys look like when they take aim??

mgreenfield

MGREENFIELD...  ;D,   no, it´s not the style present Balearics use. They use differentes styles but one very common is like this you can see here:
http://perso.wanadoo.es/hondero/honda.htm  
It´s a very intuitive style and consist of one motion backwards and then foward and throwing at waist level, without whirling.


That of the Palestinian is similar to this used for Greeks in the antiquity, as can be seen in this drawing from an old Greek vase:

http://perso.wanadoo.es/hondero/Image4.gif

Hummm, this forum gives me a lot of work...   it´s a jest, really it´s a pleasure  :)

Hondero

Hondero, ....wow! your website is super, pero yo tengo que aprender el espanol.    I'll be back to look at it some more.    Many tnx!    mgreenfield