Anyone else has slung this way? It fundamentally changes the way you sling because now the release cord is on top instead of below as with a standard ring or middle finger grip. The release is sooner and it takes some definite getting used to but I am going to continue and give it more practice. The release feels a lot cleaner and it makes failed shots with the release cord wrapping around the retention cord after a throw almost impossible. If you are going to do this I do highly recommend an adjustable fingerloop, because it doesnt'seem to work as well on my slings with not-so-tight fixed finger loops.

I tried it a long time ago but you’ve inspired a revisit, tomorrow I will try it, thanks for the inspiration

Interesting. I will have to try that. I’m a firm believer that the delay between finger release and pouch opening is one of the biggest challenges for accurate and consistent throws.

Have you noticed this changed your point of impact? I know when I’ve switched fingers there’s an adjustment period. Not a big deal just curious.

Morphy wrote on May 19^th, 2020 at 9:14am:

Have you noticed this changed your point of impact? I know when I’ve switched fingers there’s an adjustment period. Not a big deal just curious.

Definitely

Make sure the cords arent twisted

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Interesting. I don't think I've ever seen someone use a thumb retention. Could be interesting to try :D

I was considering trying something similar to try and get flat stones to spin properly to sling-skip them on water. Have you tried it? I think it might be more important to have the proper wrist orientation (to rotate the pouch during release), but thumb retention is certainly worth a try.

    I tried it but went back to using my ring finger.  It just seems more natural to me. 

I’m with you ratman, tried it but it just doesn’t feel right , I guess I’ve already imprinted my technique into my brain.

I tried it and I think I could get used to it but I think the difference is very subtle. My throws were just as bad as usual :)

With the retention around the ring, middle or index finger I quite often had mishaps with the release cord sliding along the retention cord during release and getting stuck at the pouch and wrapping around it, killing the shot (anyone else?). This clearly indicates to me that there is too much interference and I was looking for a way to get rid of this. I figured this happens because during windup the release cord is below but on a release it has to flip, go around and open up, opening up all kinds of possible areas of interference. Putting the release cord above the retention to get rid of seems to be the way, and this is only possible as far as I know with thumb retention. Now on the release, it's completely free from any retention interference. Another way to get rid of it is probably with a very stiff and tapered sling like Luis'balearic sling. I imagine this is how the Balearics tried to solve this problem and create a smooth release with standard finger retention. The Balearic sling virtually can't wrap around itself on release and the pouch opens up wide, hence they're known for being such smooth releasing slings.

I think I am going to stick with it, initially it felt awkward but now it's starting to feel really good, and the releases are more clean. I haven't had a mishap like I described earlier yet and done about a 100 live throws so far.

Try to dry-fire with thumb retention 50 times or so to get a feel for it. In the end use what works for you and experiment

After I got more practice in the coming months we will see how great this improves my overall slinging and I will report back.

There are a lot of factors that contribute to the cleanliness of a release. How you hold your hand and where you place both retention and release cords, sling materials and design.
Slinging truely is as individual as fingerprints. Lots of similarities but no one exactly the same.

I'm quite conviced that L. da Vinci drew this grip somwhere, but I can(t put my hand on a precise ref. Damn.
It's the first time I hear someone is actualy using it.

A very intresting fact about this grip is that, if I'm not mistaken, for a given throw (let's say sidearm, palm forward,) your cords are switched (retention up, release down, right hand throwing), and  your stone will spiral counterclockwise. therefore, a low density projectile (like a tennis ball) should curve to the left

Please keep in mind tht's just theory, I've never actually practised this.

EDIT: Here's a low quality version of Da Vinci's drawing. barely usefull but still...

EDIT AGAIN: This post might contain false infos as the grip depicted is not what I thought. I posted without a good verification. I will try not to do it again. Naughty boy. ::)

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I used to have a problem with the release cord fouling the shot. That stopped when I used a wider grip. I need to try this just to see how it feels. Mersa said it well I think, it’s difficult to pin down one fix because slinging is not like throwing a baseball. In baseball everything is so regulated and consistent. We are all using different lengths, styles, ammo and materials. However I will say that finding what fixed my problem was a relief and if this works for you that’s awesome.

Do you find the projectile spins just as fast or less so?

Tomas wrote on May 23^rd, 2020 at 6:17am:

Do you find the projectile spins just as fast or less so?

Not that I have noticed, but I haven't gotten to much slinging with it yet.

I discovered that having the fingerloop around the middle or ring finger, and having the fingerloop on the inside of your hand, with the retention cord hanging down over your index finger while gripping the release cord with your thumb and index, does the same thing as the thumb grip, but in a much better way (for me)

I advice to experiment with as much different grips as possible, it can really make a complete difference in accuracy. Previously I have always slung with the fingerloop on my middle or index and have the loop on the ouside, like Luis does in this gif https://gfycat.com/grouchyseveralleafhopper
But having the loop on the inside of your hand instead, totally slings different and works much better with my slings.

I think if you've been slinging for a long time but your accuracy is still bad, try different grips. It can make a world of difference. Sometimes we get stuck in old habits

Quote:

I discovered that having the fingerloop around the middle or ring finger, and having the fingerloop on the inside of your hand, with the retention cord hanging down over your index finger while gripping the release cord with your thumb and index, does the same thing as the thumb grip but in a much better way (for me).

Here's two pictures showing what I mean

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When we have the fingerloop on the middle or index finger with the loop outside the hand, as shown by this snapshot of one of Acroballistics videos (I hope I am allowed to use it), the retention finger is pulled outside of the hand by the momentum of the sling. I wonder if this affects accuracy?

I used to always sling this way but my accuracy seems to have improved greatly with the loop on the inside. Yesterday I was just hitting my target again and again. Although I might have just had good form yesterday. It needs more testing.

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Hello Jauke
Interrestig topic here.

First of all, the drowing from Da Vinci I mentionned earlier was in the Codex Atlantic. I heard of these reference in "Historia de la Honda' (jesus 'Hondero' Hernandez).

Second, I'm quite confused about my own interpretation here: the pic is realy bad and then I foud another pic from hondero's books: (see pic below, hope I made no mistake this time)
So it's quite possible that da vinci's drawing actually depicts what Hondero call "italian grip": no thumb involved but the rtention/release cords are still the other way.
So I apologize for posting misleading infos.

have fun, everyone!

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The ''Technica de precision'' would be the most similar to my pictures above, but this time with the retention around the pinky instead of middle, ring or thumb. I will have to give that a try! Nice picture, thanks

I have the loop on the little finger, the cord passes between the ring and middle finger. it's similar to  "Technica de precision".
I don't think the pull affects accuracy badly, it's probably good feedback for consistency.


AncientCraftwork wrote on May 24^th, 2020 at 3:34am:

as shown by this snapshot of one of Acroballistics videos (I hope I am allowed to use it)

thanks for the credit. fair use=no problem ;)

Sarosh wrote on May 24^th, 2020 at 10:34am:

I have the loop on the little finger, the cord passes between the ring and middle finger. it's similar to  "Technica de precision". I don't think the pull affects accuracy badly, it's probably good feedback for consistency. AncientCraftwork wrote on May 24th, 2020 at 3:34am: as shown by this snapshot of one of Acroballistics videos (I hope I am allowed to use it) thanks for the credit. fair use=no problem ;)

Very interesting, I misjudged your grip.
I wish I could just sling all day and try out all these different grips properly.
But serious training will have to wait until I have my own property.

I’ve seen others use the “precision technique” and always wondered if having both cords come out at the same place regardless of where the loop is at would make a difference. Actually its been on my mind for the last couple days. Might need to check that out as well.

I can’t handle having both cords in my grip, I’m a big fan of the “conventional” style.
Cinching fingerloop is a must aswell

I am trying out the "Technica de precision" with the loop on the pinky, but it passing through the ring and middle finger instead like Sarosh is doing. The end result looks similar to "Technica de Convencional'' looking at it from far away but it slings slightly different, better for me than convencional.

I use the "técnica de precisión" with my slings and indeed I have been able to throw more acurately than with the "técnica convencional" or the "técnica mixta".

I use "Tecnica Mixta", as I find this to be the most comfortable and controlled. Also, If the finger-loop is worn on the index finger, then all finger-loop chaffing can be avoided (only a problem if braided with hard fibres)

I've always been pretty conventional :D

I would like to try that .After 18 months I am beging to get a more certain in my  accuracy .by turning my hand parallel to the ground  back Down on release..the thumb loop may just go well with that.
Thanks

When I first started slinging, I used a thumb retention, and it actually increased range for overhand throws too as it would put a strong backspin on your rocks; you can literally get rocks to climb into the sky like this!
Then for some reason I switched to the more normal middle finger retention... you've inspired me to go back to thumb retention haha

Ich kann keinen Vorteil erkennen.

Interesting

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I'll give this thread a bump.  I've been working with the técnica de precisión.  I'm liking it a lot.

https://youtu.be/HSlKTrwbZzM

Well this is interesting
And I find that I do use a version of the técnica de precisión release only using a wrist loop
With the release and retention cord both side by side between the index finger and the thumb
I feel that this has increased my accuracy and definitely my power
I must admit I never thought that a thumb retention would have the same effect. Lol

As long as you dont lose too much control over the pouch orientation it will release well. I can feel this when I rotate and accelerate to the point of release(whether or not I lose control.)what I like about the tight
grip is how secure the projectile is seated, this is safe for bystanders. I never have slippages
. But the tradeoff
Seems to me that it is a little bit more sensitive for release cord fouling the shot.
But either way one learns quickly what works well with the sling and what doesn't. These days I release with the release cord in front of the retention cord (position of the cords in the hand!) whether I use a wide or
tight grip , it just seems to give me the best releases, even on ovals. Somehow
My slings open up with a spiral even though I release in-line in the hand,
The pouch orientates itself for a rifled release.

I often swap between loop on the middle outer and loop on the pinky inner.
Some slings and ammo combos seem to like the former and some the latter.
When I got  slippery projectiles I tend to go for a tighter grip and when I got
rough projectiles I tend to open the sling a little bit by using the wider grip.
Typing on mobile, and I am very tired, so forgive me for any mistakes.

AncientCraftwork wrote on May 28^th, 2022 at 3:55pm:

Seems to me that it is a little bit more sensitive for release cord fouling the shot.

Now that I'm using the pinky grip more, I'm noticing this problem.  Especially toward the end of a slinging session when I'm starting to get tired.