I have some trouble with making my pockets. Sometimes they're great, other times they twist, or one side is longer, or for some reason I'm missing tennis balls and rocks constantly fall out or catch on release. Others work perfectly time and again. They take me anywhere from half an hour to two hours to make, and it's really frustrating when they flop. Can anyone direct me to a detailed tutorial or thread where this is specifically are addressed?

These are the slings that I haven't given away as gifts. As such, Most of these are "flops" (not the skinny one in the middle; I carry it in my back pocket everywhere and love it).

http://slinging.org/index.php?page=how-to-make-a-rockman-sling---bruno-tosso

Try this one. I had the same problem as you and came up with this. Holds nearly everything.

If you like the simple split pouch, I´ve found that you need rigid material rather than flexible ones. Try sissal for a siple split pouch, I made one after a bad experience with a limp material and it works just fine.

Hi, Olde Schoole;
    I've seen slings that look worse than your "flops" called successes.  I find that making braided slings isn't an exact science.  As you say, some come out perfectly and some just don't.  I believe that the only real solution is to keep practicing.

-Et C- Thanks. 

-Rock- I'll try one of those soon. But, yeah. I do like the simple ones: though I haven't tried that kind yet.

-Rock & Kid- I made my first slings out of twine, and you're right; they never twisted. But I like the thinner, flexible slings better. When they work. Maybe I should try them again now that I've got more slings under my belt.

-R M- Thanks. I will keep practicing, but I feel there has to be some degree of science to it. I just don't want to make dumb mistakes over and over if someone out there can help me figure out what I'm doing wrong. I'm an engineering student and hate not understanding something like this.

-Luke- This is what I've been looking for, I think. I always struggle to decide which strands to split/combine, how they should be oriented, how tight/loose they should be at the split, etc. But I am having a bit of trouble following you in the details. Maybe when you're feeling better.(?)

When I make a split pouch I use alternating half hitches over an unbraided core for the pouch instead of braiding. It works for me.