Again I could not sleep, this time all night.  Here is idea:

Take a pole, say a golf club minus the club part, attach one line to end (opposite handle) attach using line that can be cut but will not normally break under tension.

At end of line, tie on a lead weight.

Swing this thing like a sling, but have a sword mounted comming out of ground at 90degrees from target.

Then line hits sword, cuts off weight and it proceeds to target.  Timing is critical to get maximum energy.

Has advantage of only one line, automatic release to target, and staff sling.


If sword not available, can stretch piano wire from tree limb to stake in ground.  This can cut the line.

Yes, sort of like a baseball swing or a golf swing, but maybe with a full body spin too

I think this could be dangerous.. if it does not release in good time could it hit yourself?

I think the staff sling is good because it autoreleases.

There should be a way to to "turn on" and "turn off" the auto release, perhaps by a catch at the end operated by a trigger similar to what you suggest, but with the saftey of not releasing until the momentum carries the rock "over" and beyond the stick in the direction it is pointing.

But I still like the idea of thowing the line with the shot.. especially if it is piano wire!