It's official. I was at the summer cottage a few weeks ago where, because I have the space, I sling stones. I was utterly crap. I missed almost every shot by a wide margin. I was utterly terrible the entire time I was there even when I was sticking to the same few stones and slinging style to be as consistent as possible. Just now, back in Helsinki, I went out to my usual spot and was slinging tennis balls using two different slings and every style I know. I was ridiculously good. Vast majority of shots were on target, I felt like I could control and adjust my shots. It was like I was a different slinger. I've done so much practice with tennis balls it's now ruined my ability to accurately sling stones. Has anyone else had this when switching between ammo?

lol
train as you fight.
I like slings for their long range that's why I hate it when I'm limited to tennis balls.
Likewise if I use lead I don't expect to be as good in accuracy as I'm with stones.
and different projectiles have different needs in sling design.
So yes what happened is expected.
Tennis balls are too nerfed , too light and round they don't really challenge your power output or the control of the spin as much as stones.

True. The problem is not having a good training area. It's great for tennis balls but I can't use stones there. Too many people, houses too close by. Lots of birds flying around as well as hares hanging around in the bushes. You seem to have the perfect spot. Whenever I watch your videos I get jealous :D

Fill balloons with sand, rusty balls, they are more like stones, but don't richochet. I first made a batch of 60g, but now have swapped to 120g and it feels better.

Kick wrote on Sep 19^th, 2019 at 10:45am:

You seem to have the perfect spot.

No.
Far from perfect, it's filthy, it's public space so sometimes people can ruin my training, it's only 30m over 30 gets a little dangerous max is ~50m, I keep it low so I don't attract attention, I believe trying to be silent has ruined my accuracy I want to hit the metal target but doing it every other shot would annoy residents(houses are closer than you'd think), I've realised it some time now and I decided to not care if it's loud or not... my default kindness has worked like a "barking shock collar"  I'd say I developed "close hit syndrome" .    It's the best of the worst places I could find.

The perfect place is in the last long range videos , no man no problem.

AncientCraftwork wrote on Sep 19^th, 2019 at 11:33am:

Fill balloons with sand, rusty balls, they are more like stones, but don't richochet. I first made a batch of 60g, but now have swapped to 120g and it feels better.

I keep meaning to buy some balloons! One problem is that I don't have any sand. I might have to nick some- I mean... borrow some... from the local swimming beach.


Sarosh wrote on Sep 19^th, 2019 at 11:57am:

No. Far from perfect, it's filthy, it's public space so sometimes people can ruin my training, it's only 30m over 30 gets a little dangerous max is ~50m, I keep it low so I don't attract attention, I believe trying to be silent has ruined my accuracy I want to hit the metal target but doing it every other shot would annoy residents(houses are closer than you'd think), I've realised it some time now and I decided to not care if it's loud or not... my default kindness has worked like a "barking shock collar"  I'd say I developed "close hit syndrome" .    It's the best of the worst places I could find. The perfect place is in the last long range videos , no man no problem.

Ah that sucks. The videos are deceptive :D

A place where you can sling without being disturbed is a damn good place.

Yeah I'm no fan of tennis balls, they seem to take a spin very easily and you need a lighter sling ideally.

That's funny actually because the sling you sent me ages ago, I've found is perfect for tennis balls :D

I don’t know... tennis balls are a great thing to sling if you own a dog. If it’s just a surrogate for a rock it obviously has limits, but it has value in being slung for its own sake too.

I like the option of slinging tennis balls but not a huge fan of them. The low density and high drag takes a lot of the fun out of it for me.

There is one thing I like about slinging them. It shifts the balance of power away from the overactive dog and into my hands. Sling them a good 80-100 yards and watch how fast the dog tires out going back and forth.

Our familys dog is too scared of the sling. Won't near me in 50 yards.

One of my girlfriend's parent's dogs LOVES it. When we look after them we go to the dog park and as soon as I bring it out he's stood in front me with his eyes locked.

   I am also more accurate with tennis balls.  One factor is that with tennis balls you're slinging consistent size and shaped ammo.  But tennis balls aren't as much fun as stones.  Golf balls are my favorite ammo.  With a good backspin you can really launch them.

I use tennis balls only in my backyard.

Personally I do not really like tennis balls. They are just so light and akward to throw if you get what I mean. Like after throwing stones or clay balls and then throwing a tennis ball is just plain strange. ;)

Well I think that's the problem I have but the other way round ;D

It's a problem for sure. I think some of us can adjust faster than others switching between ammo types. I practice with tennis balls all the time. On the occasion when I can throw stones, it takes me may be 10 or 20 throws with stones to get the feel. Shorter slings are easier to make adjustments, I find. I'd still practice with tennis balls though. It ought to be better than no practice, otherwise, I won't be slinging much at all!