Sling

• In Redwall: Typically used by otters, but wielded by nearly any species
• Origin: Japan
• Time Period: 1600's
• Description: A sling consists of two cords, each tied to opposites sides of a usually leather pouch.  One of the cord, usually with a strap for the finger or wrist, is called the retention cord.  The other strap is the release cord, and the pouch is the sling pocket or cradle.  Slingstones were often chipped to be properly round.
• Use: There are two basic throws using the sling.  A stone, the smoother and rounder the better, is placed in the pouch.  The sling is whipped up behind the body, over the head, with no more than three wind-ups (or circles made with the sling) before it is released between 11 to 1 o'clock.  Another throw is done by swinging the sling forward over the head, behind the back, under the arm, and releasing between 6 and 3 o'clock.  It can be done without any winding up at all - more than three wind-ups will not increase speed and will usually decrease accuracy.
• Sites for Further Research
  • The Sling - Ancient Weapons
  • To Sling or Not to Sling - That Was Never the Question

Left to right: a modern-made sling, using nylon; bronze-age slingstones; diagram of an underhand throw