Captain_Twine wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2020 at 9:14pm:

I think it can to an extent.  Although if you're practicing form without a projectile, you can compensate for it because you'll feel the weight isn't there.  I've practiced motions like Figure-8 this way many times.

Where the danger comes in is if you lose your projectile early.  I had this happen just the other day.  I was testing out my new Y-sling.  It's taking a little getting used to how to throw it.  I had quite a few ice balls come out just a bit early.  And then I felt a little tweak in my elbow because there wasn't anything there for the actual throw.  I had to stop early because it happened a few times and I didn't want to actually hurt myself.

Early on I threw my arm out trying the Apache without any idea how to actually do it. My elbow used to hurt when I was using a different variation of the figure 8 but that’s long gone. My right shoulder does pop a bit more than my left which I assume is because of slinging but there’s no pain involved.

That being said stretching before slinging and low power warm up throws are a a really good idea. I’m convinced they help.

Guess who jumped into throwing full power with a super thin, super light distance sling using super small stones without warming up at all and now has a twinge in his shoulder.

This idiot.

Don't follow my example.

If you're stupid like me then it can increase the risk I find it's easier to strain myself with longer slings than shorter ones.

I def did some damage to my shoulder when I first started slinging (obsessively).
Although rest was what it needed and it got better,  it was also a lot of work with exercises to get back to an acceptable state
I def warm up and treat my body kinder nowadays:)