JeffH
Senior Member Past Moderator
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Don't stand behind me, I'm about to sling!
Posts: 354
Memphis, TN
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As I threw today, I took notice of my style. I also tried a couple of things.
First, I tried varying the angle of my release. Since I do a single windup starting with the stone hanging and release overhand at above horizontal, I wanted to see what changing the angle did. In the end, not much effect was noticed by a change of several degrees. Releasing above 135 deg. was only good for closer ranges. 90 to 115 degs. from horiz. was good for out to 200 ft without any problems. Below 90 deg. for very long distance.
Second added some body motion I previously did not use. I typically stand just about facing the targer, with throwing hand/shoulder/foot back just a bit. Today I stood with them at almost 180 deg. to the target (or area of interest). This forced me to turn my body into the throw and added some power to it. I then tried twisting my arm/shoulder around even more and skipping once or twice as I threw. This added quite a bit more power. 1 Samuel 17 says that David RAN toward the battle line and slung at Goliath. Maybe this is a description of his throw as much as positioning himself closer. A little run seems to add a lot to the leverage of the throw
Also, I am sore like I've been beat. My throwing shoulder, elbow, forearm, hand and fingers are in pain. This probably because I have a sedantary job and don't use these important parts of my body for such things regularly. I am, however, fairly strong, if out of shape. I simply did not expect to encounter such great stress. My previous outings have not included such vigorous attempts. The lighter stones also caused the greatest stress. Not enough mass to take up the force and the muscles pay. Just like any other sport involving throwing, I suppose. If I shot really light arrows in my longbow, its limbs would fail due to the lack of mass to take up energy.
Well, simply put, I had a great day of throwing stuff. Stick and stones, that is. Which will, as the children's taunt goes, break your bones. I love to throw stuff; bullets, sticks, stones, steel shot, frisbees, etc. Just what I'm made of, I suppose. God makes us all different, and I got the projectile gene. Yippeee!!!
Jeff <>< who forever more will love to throw stuff
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