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Message started by vonuberoydawg on Apr 2nd, 2013 at 1:59pm

Title: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by vonuberoydawg on Apr 2nd, 2013 at 1:59pm
I see. well no wonder then.  Just went outside today to have a go at some accuracy testing and I need a LOT of improvement.  though, to my credit, my ammunition is terrible here, I need to go find some river stones or something other than this small jagged stuff I have at my house here.  I can understand how slinging can really take years to get good, and even more to master, if ever.  But its the journey.

[edit]since this topic has drifted a bit, I thought a new topic might be in order! [/edit]

Title: Re: Distances...
Post by LightSlinger on Apr 4th, 2013 at 1:24am
Yeah Buddy, it sure is!  Honestly, I love slinging just for the feel of it, the look of it, and the fun of it.  I have pretty hideous accuracy myself.   I actually finally set up a square wooden target about 18 inches to a side and took about 25 shots at it.  Out of 25, I scored one hit and a couple near misses.  From 15 meters.  That's pretty close!  But, I know that i just don't have the attention span neccesary to practice in a consistant manner, so, I'm pretty much doomed to crappy accuracy, LOL..

Title: Re: Distances...
Post by curious_aardvark on Apr 10th, 2013 at 3:42pm
accuracy actually sneaks up on you.

During the hillfort experimants I discovered that I'm extremely accurate. And can now state that - yes I could defend myself with a sling and hunt with one too should the need arise.

Best tips I can give are simple:
Always use the same sling. I think that's the most important thing.
I've carried my cap paul for about 6 years. rarely use anything else and when I tried target shooting with another sling I was rubbish.

But the cap paul is now just like an extension of my body. Whatever style I use it feels natural.
And once you stop thinking about the basic mechanics of slinging you can start concentrating on the finer aspects needed for accuracy.

I would also recommend spending 10 years slinging stones, balls, bottles, sticks, etc for a dog.
In particular a running dog. Turns out that's the secret to accuracy.
When you're slinging 1lb rocks to land fairly close to your best friend - you get accurate :-)

Consitency is also the way to distance. The more you sling the more you'll start using your whole body and the better your power slinging should get.

In other words: practice, practice and then when you get bored - practice some more :-)  

Title: Re: Distances...
Post by MickR on Apr 11th, 2013 at 1:58am

Curious Aardvark wrote on Apr 10th, 2013 at 3:42pm:
accuracy actually sneaks up on you.

During the hillfort experimants I discovered that I'm extremely accurate. And can now state that - yes I could defend myself with a sling and hunt with one too should the need arise.

Best tips I can give are simple:
Always use the same sling. I think that's the most important thing.
I've carried my cap paul for about 6 years. rarely use anything else and when I tried target shooting with another sling I was rubbish.
But the cap paul is now just like an extension of my body. Whatever style I use it feels natural.
And once you stop thinking about the basic mechanics of slinging you can start concentrating on the finer aspects needed for accuracy.

I would also recommend spending 10 years slinging stones, balls, bottles, sticks, etc for a dog.
In particular a running dog. Turns out that's the secret to accuracy.
When you're slinging 1lb rocks to land fairly close to your best friend - you get accurate :-)

Consitency is also the way to distance. The more you sling the more you'll start using your whole body and the better your power slinging should get.

In other words: practice, practice and then when you get bored - practice some more :-)  



You mean all that practice will be for nought if your sling breaks?!  :o :'( And you'll be back at square one again?! After all those long years of practice and many maimed or killed hounds?!    :P


Mick

Title: Re: Distances...
Post by LightSlinger on Apr 11th, 2013 at 2:13am
LOL.  

Your Point C_A is the very reason why my accuracy will probably always BE rubbish.  I have a nasty case of ADHD and can't stick with one sling for long.  I do find myself going back to the same one over and over, but I just get bored with using the same one for too long (too long = more than 30 throws).  But honestly, I think that part of the reason I have a hard time sticking to one for long is because I'm always thinking in the back of my head that maybe I would do better with a different one.. LOL.  Gotta love viscious circles..

Title: Re: Distances...
Post by vonuberoydawg on Apr 14th, 2013 at 3:32pm
I have a really short sling that I started with and it feels the most natural, but I know I would do better in the long run with a longer sling, so I practice with a bunch of different ones and just try to feel the way that each one responds to me.  Plus it matters what type of ammo I am using, I have a smaller one for small rocks, golf balls, etc, but I have one made for slinging tennis and lacrosse balls that is much longer, but it always boils down to the same thing... practice equals better range and accuracy...

Title: Re: Distances...
Post by jlasud on Apr 14th, 2013 at 3:42pm
I have standardized two sling lengths that i always use,and replace :110cm mostly,and 70cm.
Now i use the same pouches,with the cords,that i change after they broke,and replace with the same synthetic cords for my practice slings. (natural fibers fell like wheat before a scythe ,with the jagged stones round here)
The best is that now i have some standardized ammo as well from concrete,clay ,lead. That also makes a huge difference,compared to using random stones.

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by LightSlinger on Apr 14th, 2013 at 6:30pm
Yep yep!

I know that standardization is kind of a swear word around here but it can have its uses.  Since the Sling had SO MANY variables involved in its use, standardization helps by reducing some of them.  I mean really, a change in length of your sling by even a few centimeters can really throw you off!  Pouch style, same.  Distance, same..  Ad nauseum..

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by jlasud on Apr 14th, 2013 at 10:47pm
Personal standardization is one thing,and Standardizing for every slinger,,and making them having to accept or go home is another.

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by Donnerschlag on Apr 19th, 2013 at 2:07am
You'd be surprised at how quickly you can dial in your accuracy. However the key to such progress is to be as consistent in as many factors during practice as you can realistically manage. That means you should use the same sling in the same style to sling consistent ammo with consistent form. The more you pay attention to the details, the better. (Especially with form.)

Basically don't sloppily juggle 5 different slings and styles, aiming only at the horizon and switching between fist-sized chunks of masonry and troll dolls all willy-nilly.  :P


Starting with half-power, and focusing on narrowing your "death cone" while increasing power and range are a decent way to go about it.
Also, to quote a certain movie, "Aim small, miss small." Meaning if you're trying to hit a target, be very specific about what part you want to hit. This really, REALLY helps me. :)

Sometimes pointing at the target helps me. I like focusing on my slinging arm's index finger upon release, but some prefer to point with their off-hand until the last second. Definitely a preference thing

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by squirrelslinger on Apr 19th, 2013 at 4:12pm
Since I started using the sling Huntsman sent me, I am getting more accurate.
Probably because its the only sling someone has given me that can stand up to a 10 oz stone, and i have redone the whip wrap 9 times since I got it. Whip Wrap is medical tape.

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by Morphy on May 5th, 2013 at 7:55pm
When I first moved out into the country and subsequently found that I was now in a place where stones were abundant, I began getting lazy and slinging random, poorly shaped stones while working on my form.  My form got better,  more consistent and more controlled but my accuracy only got a little better.  Still I was happy with any progress.  Then winter came and the river that I have to cross to get to my slinging area flooded.  So I began making manufactured concrete ammo again and slinging in a field next to my home.  I have made loads of this stuff over the years and said I would never do it again.  But when faced with making ammo or not slinging at all, I of course broke down.  Very consistent and well shaped with the drawback of having to replace lost ammo constantly.  And pretty soon my accuracy shot up through the roof to get in line with my now (apparently) much better technique. At the time I was thinking "Wow, I'm almost at my goal of sling mastery! This is amazing."  

Then late spring gets here,  the river dies down and I go back to my favorite slinging area to demolish those small targets which, before, had been so troublesome.  I begin using all my old stones from last year and suddenly my accuracy drops again... Ahh... So depressing.  Not matter how good your technique, you will never be able to master the sling with poorly shaped stones.  I keep hoping that as I get better and better that it won't be such a problem, but I doubt it.

But accuracy really does sneak up on you.  It's amazing just how quickly you can get 50% to 100% better when you change some previously unknown problem in your technique.

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by jlasud on May 6th, 2013 at 12:06am
Yep. imagine loosing arrows that miss a feather or two,have different spine,weight,length, then you wonder how your not so accurate. same with slinging.
Most of us sling what they pick up. Me too. It's just that majority of stones here are so crap  that even at 20m they can curve off 1m or even more even with an otherwise perfect shot.

Yesterday i had a very nice slinging practice with my sling buddy.  We slung the best stones that we've ever seen.
I've collected ~ 50 river stones in about 3 years when i was on trips and found nice stones.
We slung them at a great slinging place that i found and now is my fav  slinging place because it has a vertical wall ,and it's wide of some soft sedimentary layer ,so whenever i hit it it crumbles,dusts so the projectile doesn't have to absorb all of it's impact energy,so if they're hard stones 95+% of the time they survive the impact without chipping or breaking. And i don't lose any of them.
Concrete survives average 3 shots before it breaks so i use a safety net,so 95%+ survives.

It was nice to see how nice shapes stones are much better than crap stuff,but still the uniform/shape ammo is what's best for accuracy.

Title: Re: Distances...
Post by curious_aardvark on May 6th, 2013 at 9:34am

Mick wrote on Apr 11th, 2013 at 1:58am:

Curious Aardvark wrote on Apr 10th, 2013 at 3:42pm:
accuracy actually sneaks up on you.

During the hillfort experimants I discovered that I'm extremely accurate. And can now state that - yes I could defend myself with a sling and hunt with one too should the need arise.

Best tips I can give are simple:
Always use the same sling. I think that's the most important thing.
I've carried my cap paul for about 6 years. rarely use anything else and when I tried target shooting with another sling I was rubbish.
But the cap paul is now just like an extension of my body. Whatever style I use it feels natural.
And once you stop thinking about the basic mechanics of slinging you can start concentrating on the finer aspects needed for accuracy.

I would also recommend spending 10 years slinging stones, balls, bottles, sticks, etc for a dog.
In particular a running dog. Turns out that's the secret to accuracy.
When you're slinging 1lb rocks to land fairly close to your best friend - you get accurate :-)

Consitency is also the way to distance. The more you sling the more you'll start using your whole body and the better your power slinging should get.

In other words: practice, practice and then when you get bored - practice some more :-)  



You mean all that practice will be for nought if your sling breaks?!  :o :'( And you'll be back at square one again?! After all those long years of practice and many maimed or killed hounds?!    :P


Mick


lol not exactly.
I can easily replicate the cap paul.
What I mean is always use a sling of the same design and length. The less you have to think about release point and pouch travel the more you can concentrate on improving your physical technique.

I'd also advocate regular exercise, gym sessions and tai chi :-)

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by jax on May 6th, 2013 at 10:06am
And surfing :)

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by curious_aardvark on May 6th, 2013 at 1:18pm
yep surfing is good for general fitness, balance, coordination and I would imagine core strength.
So yep I'd agree that surfing is a good exercise for slingers :thumb:

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by MickR on May 8th, 2013 at 6:23am
Well since it has been raised, I would like to know what sort of exercises would be ideal for slinging fitness (besides actual slinging practice)? I don't surf so that's out.


Mick

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by Dan on May 8th, 2013 at 9:55am
I have very little evidence to back this up but baseball players and people that 'throw things' tend to pick up slinging quicker and be quite good at it.

With the small amount of muscle involved in slinging, its the throwing mucles like the triceps. You can probably look up workouts for throwing and most of them would be applicable.

However, the best activity for slinging is... Slinging. The vast majority of good slinging comes from lots of good practice and proper form.  :)

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by Steven on May 8th, 2013 at 5:47pm
@mickr  ... what was that called .. short plank on cylindrical roller I think perhaps bongo board??

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQF4vyFi7WBYL3QWm_0KcuJBsa1e4NznHPYcT6TCp0VsQccH6P2Sg

Good for the legs .. good for the core

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by MickR on May 8th, 2013 at 9:11pm
You're not trying to convince me to try skateboarding now are you Steven?! 'Cause I can see a similar result of landing on my arse trying either  ;). Actually, by exercise I meant strengthening the appropriate muscle groups, and so core strength would be the very least you would need to look at I suppose. Baseball is a good idea, but not very practical where I live.  :)


Mick

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by Bill Skinner on May 8th, 2013 at 11:20pm
My favorite form of upper body and core exercises is paddling a kayak.  I would guess that any form of rowing or paddling would work.

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by Intifada on May 10th, 2013 at 1:43pm
Today my figure-of-eight throw transformed from spinal torture to wizardly accuracy (for 5 or 6 throws).
I launched the dog's ball and hit my ever-loving girlfriend on the wrist, which was a great relief as I thought I'd hit the hound on the head. My girlfriend, inexplicably, failed to see this new found accuracy in a positive light.

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by MickR on May 10th, 2013 at 6:23pm
I haven't laughed so hard in ages! Thanks Intifada, I can actually relate to that thought. My mutt comes just (only just) before my kids. The wife rates last (Don't tell her I said that though  :-X).

Now another thought and question on accuracy (practice). In knife and axe throwing it is recommended that you always throw at full power (for the sake of consistant revolutions). This led me to the thought that slinging is recommended to practice at slower speed for technique, but when you get that technique and put a shot or three at the target at full speed, most likely your release timing is off. What has been the problem with full speed practice in the past? Or has there not been much research put into this aspect of training?


Mick

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by Bill Skinner on May 11th, 2013 at 8:42am
Well, for one thing, knife and ax throwing only uses your arm, the sling extends your arm for a lot more leverage.  As you progress, you will get back up to full power, it's just easier to learn at about 3/4th power, you can sort out what you did or didn't do.  If you look at the videos that member have posted, the better slingers are throwing at full power, they are also very smooth and controlled, just like any other weapons master or martial artist.

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by MickR on May 12th, 2013 at 7:36pm
Thought it might be something like that. Thanks.


Mick

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by owldraco on May 15th, 2013 at 8:26pm
As far as accuracy goes is it better to start at a close range and get consistent with that before moving farther away? Maybe start at about 30 feet and then move on. Or maybe have targets at different heights?

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by Bill Skinner on May 16th, 2013 at 8:56pm
If you can do it safely, move up to about 8-10 yards or meters.  Watch out for bounce back or shattering projectiles, though.

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by squirrelslinger on May 17th, 2013 at 3:54pm

Bill Skinner wrote on May 16th, 2013 at 8:56pm:
If you can do it safely, move up to about 8-10 yards or meters.  Watch out for bounce back or shattering projectiles, though.

Or exploding projectiles. Hickory and Beech and Walnut nuts are horrid projectiles cause they go ka-boom.
This is caused by the amount of spin on the projectile.

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by Dan on May 17th, 2013 at 7:04pm

squirrelslinger wrote on May 17th, 2013 at 3:54pm:

Bill Skinner wrote on May 16th, 2013 at 8:56pm:
If you can do it safely, move up to about 8-10 yards or meters.  Watch out for bounce back or shattering projectiles, though.

Or exploding projectiles. Hickory and Beech and Walnut nuts are horrid projectiles cause they go ka-boom.
This is caused by the amount of spin on the projectile.



Walnut nut nuts are just called 'walnuts'.  ;)

Also, that's ridiculous. Keep in mind there are actually people who come here to learn from expierienced slingers with real world perspicacity.

I've slung dozens of walnuts and they all flew like anything else except they made a little more splat on target due to the moisture within. Hickory nuts are decent slingshot ammo but are on the light side for slings. I assume beechnuts are probably quite similar.

Anytime something shatters on contact- which is completely different than exploding- its due to the force behind it, not the rifling.


In any case, whenever you are slinging, be sure to use proper discretion.  :)

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by celron on May 21st, 2013 at 4:42pm
After getting past my "twirl the sling a lot" phase, I began to dial in my accuracy with short, deliberate throws.

Ironically the deliberate motion of the new throw ended up sending my projectiles farther than my helicopter-blade release. Very satisfying!

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by Bill Skinner on May 22nd, 2013 at 8:37am
Yep, you actually have less wasted motion and are more efficent in your throw.  

The "twirling", for me, is helpful when I throw rocks of different weights, it lets me get a feel for the rock in the pouch.  

Gotta watch speeding up the last rotation to get a little extra, it usually makes the projectile go left or right because I have screwed up the organic ballistic computers' calculations at the last moment.

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by celron on May 22nd, 2013 at 12:02pm

Bill Skinner wrote on May 22nd, 2013 at 8:37am:
Yep, you actually have less wasted motion and are more efficent in your throw.  

The "twirling", for me, is helpful when I throw rocks of different weights, it lets me get a feel for the rock in the pouch.  

Gotta watch speeding up the last rotation to get a little extra, it usually makes the projectile go left or right because I have screwed up the organic ballistic computers' calculations at the last moment.


Exactly.

I've been getting a lot of left throws lately and I think it's because I'm using different rocks. The twirling does help, but if it's a lighter rock it's still difficult to pin down the exact moment of release.

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by squirrelslinger on May 23rd, 2013 at 6:46pm

Dan wrote on May 17th, 2013 at 7:04pm:

squirrelslinger wrote on May 17th, 2013 at 3:54pm:

Bill Skinner wrote on May 16th, 2013 at 8:56pm:
If you can do it safely, move up to about 8-10 yards or meters.  Watch out for bounce back or shattering projectiles, though.

Or exploding projectiles. Hickory and Beech and Walnut nuts are horrid projectiles cause they go ka-boom.
This is caused by the amount of spin on the projectile.



Walnut nut nuts are just called 'walnuts'.  ;)

Also, that's ridiculous. Keep in mind there are actually people who come here to learn from expierienced slingers with real world perspicacity.

I've slung dozens of walnuts and they all flew like anything else except they made a little more splat on target due to the moisture within. Hickory nuts are decent slingshot ammo but are on the light side for slings. I assume beechnuts are probably quite similar.

Anytime something shatters on contact- which is completely different than exploding- its due to the force behind it, not the rifling.


In any case, whenever you are slinging, be sure to use proper discretion.  :)

Can't remember exactly what type of nut, but it had a 4- part shell and a little hard core. I slung it when I was playing frisbee golf and flew about 100 ft and then the shells exploded off of it, more like fell off, but the spin made it powerful. It was awesome, 4 little pieces with a big piece in da middle. The walnuts were a little rotten, thats probably why they did what they did. Next time I get my hands on some(probably late summer-fall) Ill take vids to prove it.
BTW with that particular sling it put a LOT of spin on the projectile. Ill have to dig that one up. it was a unique one, inspired by the Redwall series.

Title: Re: Accuracy sneaks up on you...
Post by Tomas on May 27th, 2013 at 11:08pm
You had me with redwall. Explain please

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