Quote:It evokes the classical sound of other slinging styles.
you mean the daft, made up names
Sidearm and overhand have different applications.
basically if you are ONLY throwing at a fixed target that is always the same distance away. It doesn't matter what style you use.
It's just down to repetition.
If - however - you live in a world where you are more likely to sling at different targets at different distances, then a vertical release is essential.
huh - why ? I'm glad you asked
To adjust distance aim with sidearm you not only need to add more or less power you also have to change your release point - as you are throwing at an angle to the target.
With a vertical release - your release point remains the same you just need to adjust for power.
Vertical release is the closest you get to being able to aim a sling.
With a sidearm release you can miss the target in a full 360 range.
With a vertical release you should either miss above or below the target. Never or rarely to the side.
This also pans out in shooting at a fixed target.
In mallorca I pretty much only ever miss above or below the target - and it's just down to lack of practice and the fact that I don't have consistent ammo.
I just can't be arsed lugging a bag of clay balls around with me.
It's why next year I'll be concentrating on the tennis ball comps.
The balearic guys can miss to the point that they score on the neighbouring target - this happens at least once during most competitions.
They also miss above, below and to either side.
Also set them at a target that's over 20 metres away and they generally struggle to get anywhere near it.
Most of them can make the distance, but after years slinging at a fixed distance, they really struggle to adjust to anything over 20 metres.
If they used a vertical release - it would not be anywhere as much of an issue.
That said - sidearm is great for pure distance where all you have to hit is an entire woodland or an advancing army