Slinging.org Forum - Some questions from a newbie

Balearic_Surprise

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Some questions from a newbie
Jul 28^th, 2024 at 5:08pm

Hello all!

I have begun slinging recently and have a few questions:

1. My release cord continually is getting caught on the retention cord of my sling. I am using a shepherd sling that is approximately 26" from the center of the pouch to the base of the finder loop. It happens fairly frequently and I am not sure what I am doing wrong in my technique. This last time it not only wrapped itself around the retention cord but then the cracker also managed to wrap itself around the release cord! I would have laughed had I not been so frustrated lol! I use the sidearm technique as it's what I have found the most comfortable and natural but I imagine there must be some mistake in my technique that is causing this.

2. I only get a crack out of the sling every once in a while. I have a nylon whip cracker, about 5 inches in length that is pretty perfect in size as far as I can tell. The nylon thread is about .8mm in diameter. I bring this up because I assume it points to another issue with my technique.

So if anyone has any advice or if you need any further information let me know! Regardless of the difficulties, I am absolutely loving slinging and it's been such a blast learning!

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IronGoober

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larch...

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Re: Some questions from a newbie
Reply #1 - Jul 28^th, 2024 at 5:22pm

It sounds like the sling is twisted when you load it. To make sure this isn't the case you can do two things (1) Hold the sling as you would be ready to throw with nothing in the pouch. the cords should cross each other, if they do, then one of the cords has a twist that needs to be removed. (2) Just let go of the release cord and pinch the retention cord near the loop with your off hand. Pull the sling through your pinch to the pouch and then do the same from the pouch to the release cord and to remove all twist. Then grab the release cord again. The cords shouldn't cross now. Then just load it and sling. If you still have trouble, take a video of yourself and post it to YT unlisted and we can help you diagnose the issue.

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John R.

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Balearic_Surprise

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Re: Some questions from a newbie
Reply #2 - Jul 28^th, 2024 at 5:28pm

IronGoober wrote on Jul 28^th, 2024 at 5:22pm:

It sounds like the sling is twisted when you load it. To make sure this isn't the case you can do two things (1) Hold the sling as you would be ready to throw with nothing in the pouch. the cords should cross each other, if they do, then one of the cords has a twist that needs to be removed. (2) Just let go of the release cord and pinch the retention cord near the loop with your off hand. Pull the sling through your pinch to the pouch and then do the same from the pouch to the release cord and to remove all twist. Then grab the release cord again. The cords shouldn't cross now. Then just load it and sling. If you still have trouble, take a video of yourself and post it to YT unlisted and we can help you diagnose the issue.

I did have issues with it twisting but I have gotten into the habit of making sure it's untwisted every time before I load it. But I like the idea of recording myself, I will do that when I get the chance as I imagine it will be easier for you all to see the issue.

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joe_meadmaker

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Re: Some questions from a newbie
Reply #3 - Jul 29^th, 2024 at 9:38pm

For #1, I get that as well from time to time. Not often enough that I've done any deep investigation into why it happened. When it happens to me, it's always been with tennis balls. I think it could be something with the wrist orientation and the release cord just happening to not clear the retention cord. If it's gets to the point where it's regularly interfering with your throw, take the cracker off.

And for #2, there are multiple things that need to be in place to make a sling crack. Having a cracker is just one piece. I'll get a crack pretty regularly with a heavier projectile like an ice ball or a stone, but not very often with tennis balls. Cracking is cool, but definitely not required for a sling to work. I would recommend concentrating on technique, form, and accuracy first.

And +1 on the video recommendation. Extremely helpful if you want to get some feedback.

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TOMBELAINE Funditor Offline Slinging Rocks! Posts: 839 france Gender:	Re: Some questions from a newbie Reply #4 - Jul 30^th, 2024 at 6:42am 1) I think your wrist is not flexible enough. Watch a video of JoeMeadmaker (or others members) to see better what I mean. The slows are excellent for this. Just my idea and I can be wrong. 2) The cracker is absolutely not necessary. Make noise, it's fine but it doesn't move the rock.
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TOMBELAINE

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Re: Some questions from a newbie
Reply #5 - Jul 31^st, 2024 at 11:43am

TOMBELAINE wrote on Jul 30^th, 2024 at 6:42am:

I think your wrist is not flexible enough. Watch a video of JoeMeadmaker (or others members) to see better what I mean. The slows are excellent for this.

https://youtu.be/LEtWQs1w4Xk

I found for example this funny video. JoeMeadmaker's videos are always great.
His wrist accompanies the rotations of the cords.
If your problem isn't there, then I don't know.

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