A slingshot can become quite lethal if you know how to aim it right. It works pretty well against pests such as rats. It’s also great for birds – that is if you’re good enough to hit a moving target. The process on how to aim a slingshot may look easy but it is really a bit tricky.
Know Your Slingshot’s Parts
Before actually learning how to aim a slingshot and launching your first pebble towards a target, you should at least learn something about your weapon on choice. A slingshot is typically made of wood fashioned in a ‘Y’ shape. The bottom end of the stick works as your handle. Tied on the couple of top ends of the Y-shaped piece of wood are stretchable strips of material – usually rubber or something just as elastic.
A leather strip holds the ammunition for your slingshot. Some slingshots use other materials as a replacement for leather. Plastic strips can also be used as a substitute for leather. Take note that your ammunition should be placed in the inside portion of the leather or plastic strip. After knowing the parts, the next step on how to aim a slingshot is to know how to hold it.
Holding and Placing Ammunition
If you are left-handed then you should hold the handle of your slingshot using your right hand. Remember that the bottom end of the Y-shaped stick is your handle. Almost anything that can be placed inside the leather strip or pouch can be used as ammunition. However, pebbles, small stones, or even a small steel ball should work quite well.
Place your ammunition in the center of pouch and hold it with your left hand using your index finger, thumb, and middle finger. The centerpiece where you place your ammunition will usually have a larger width than the rubber attached to it. This would help you load and fire your sling. After loading, the next step on how to aim a slingshot is to aim and shoot.
Aim and Shoot
Obviously you would have to pull using your dominant hand. However, even this may sometimes be a bit hard. That is why some slingshots come with braces to help you with the pulling. You should hold the slingshot’s wooden handle ideally at arm’s length. You then pull on the pouch along with the ammunition inside it. Aim at your target as you pull on it as far as the rubber can stretch.
You then let loosen your grip around the pouch along with the ammunition and launch at your target. Your slingshot will then snap back into place while the pebble or whatever you used as a projectile goes flying towards the target you aimed for. With a little practice you’ll master how to aim a slingshot and even hit moving targets.
Reminders: While learning how to aim a slingshot, you should always remember that it isn’t a toy. Place your practice targets where your pebbles and other types of ammunition will not ricochet.
