When it comes to throwing no other animal comes remotely close to matching our power and accuracy, and nothing else amplifies our throwing prowess as well as the sling. This makes the sling instinctive, fun, and powerful.
Unfortunately, there is a myth surrounding slinging that has plagued the sport for untold years and kept it in relative obscurity: People overwhelmingly think that slinging is about spinning faster and faster and letting go at the right moment.
Slings DO NOT work that way. That approach would make the sling unsafe, impossibly difficult, awkward, and underpowered. It is the biggest misconception surrounding slinging and the primary reason why more people do not sling today. The idea of out-of-control spinning is the basis for the massive misunderstanding of the sling.
Slinging is much more natural and safe than most people understand. Slings work optimally and safely when paired with our natural throwing mechanics, like an overhand throw or a sidearm throw. Some slinging techniques do utilize some pre-spinning, but it is only for setting up for the transition into a natural throwing mechanic. Spinning is not how you generate power with a sling. We cover this in more detail in the technique section.
Good slinging techniques do not put you in a position to hit yourself, similar to how you're not likely to hit yourself with a racket when playing racket sports.
When we talk about sling safety what we are focusing on is slinging safely in our surroundings and being aware of our limitations.
Slings can generate an incredible amount of force using our throwing ability, that is part of the fun. However, this also means that being irresponsible when slinging can potentially cause harm to others or property damage.
We can not anticipate every detail or aspect of sling safety here but the following list is a helpful starting point for you to lay some groundwork to build on:
1) Understand and accept that slinging safety is the responsibility of the individual slinger. No one else is going to evaluate your ability, shot safety, or surroundings for you. Safety is up to you.
2) Be aware that you can generate a significant amount of force with a sling and if not used responsibly others could be hurt or property damaged.
3) Never make assumptions. Do not sling in an area that you can not see and verify safety in all directions.
4) Don’t use hard-to-control or unnatural slinging techniques (more on this in the techniques section).
5) Be aware of your limitations. It doesn’t take long to gain basic directional control but until you do you should never sling somewhere with the chance of hitting others.
6) Do not use heavier projectiles such as stones until you have demonstrated appropriate personal proficiency.
7) Inspect your sling before each use to verify that there is no damage present that would compromise the safe use of the sling.
8) Only throw appropriate projectiles, i.e., clean, dry, well-shaped, and within normal weight ranges. Projectiles that are wet, muddy, slimy, or too angular can catch on or slip out of the pouch or throw erratically.
9) Choose clear and level ground to stand on while slinging. Wet surfaces, foliage, rocks, slopes, and muddy terrain can cause slips, accidents, and erratic throws. Choosing good ground to sling from is often overlooked but it is essential to safe slinging.
Exercising good judgment and responsibility when slinging will make your slinging experience more enjoyable and help you wisely mentor others as they join the sport.
Go out, have fun, and be safe.