Making and Using the Venerable Hand Sling

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The missile should fly in a low arc toward the target. If it doesn't, examine your form and try again. Bear in mind that the entire throwing process should consist of one continuous movement. With practice, you'll learn to sense when the stone is in the right position to be released, and your timing will improve. In effect, each stone will "tell" you when to release it by its weight and speed.

Don't, however, expect every throw to be right on target . . . or, at first, even under control. But once you get the technique down, the majority of your throws will sail straight and true. (And don't hesitate to experiment with other techniques until you find the one that best suits you .)

Because of their aerodynamic shape, rounded stones make the best projectiles — they spin out efficiently and retain their energy longer. (Misshapen missiles will sometimes buzz or sing as they wobble away in a curve or spiral.) The nearest creek or gravel bed should supply all the ammo you can carry away.

In the hands of an expert, a sling-thrown stone's initial velocity can exceed 60 miles per hour, with long-distance casts of 250 yards not uncommon. So, since wild throws are frequent at first, please be careful !

Because the sling was invented to enable ancient hunters and warriors to strike disabling blows at long distances, it's classified in the history of technology as a weapon. But if swords can become plowshares, perhaps the sling, too, has a peaceful future. To me, the contemporary value of this ancient tool lies in the pleasure of feeling its remarkable efficiency in my own hands.

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