How to use a Balearic Sling

In this video I demonstrate how I use a Balearic sling, the basics of the slinging technique and its variations, as well as a few considerations and methods that I use in the pursuit of combining power and accuracy.

[AwkwardDuck]

For anyone that doesn't know, in ancient times when slingers were very common, different cultures would cast uniform lead shot to be used by slingers rather than relying on collecting similar stones. A cache of stockpiled lead shot was found in Athens I believe, and inscribed upon some were inscriptions which translated to "Take this!" or "Catch". Never doubt the wit of a Greek!

[adibemaxwell]

There is a reason that SLINGS were used for hunting for a very, very long time. They can be accurate. They are also versatile (variety of ammo) and cheap to manufacture (tree fibers, etc).

[gabrielcastillo]

I never understood how Hannibal trusted the Balearic slingers to be his trusted skirmishers, engaging first in any combat against the Roman legions who were equiped with broad shields and heavy armor. Now I see that there is much more force behind those shots, and firing at a slow moving wall of shields certainly makes it easier to not miss.

[JavierBonillaC]

I once visited a ranch where the local kids used slings that they weaves themselves a couple of hours from Mexico City. I learned to use it in about one weekend, meaning I could throw them at quite a distance somewhere in front of me. No accuracy whatsoever. Your skill is amazing. No, your skill is out of this world. They should have this at the Olympics. Instant subscriber!

[larsporsena]

I’m an archaeologist, and I’ve found lead Roman sling bullets in Portugal. They are small versions of the the elongated shape you use here. So heavy for their size, they must have been deadly!

[paurullan]

As a Balearic that meddled with slings in their youth, I salute you and say thank you ❤

[profesercreeper]

Slings were just such a good basic weapon. Easy to get ammo, pretty deadly. One of the main reasons greaves were wrong was because slings would just shatter legs bones on people.

[steirqwe]

I would totally pay this guy 6 denarius and 2 chickens per week to fight my wars. What a unit.

[benlanguages]

As someone who used to throw the javelin competitively, I can see that your throwing mechanics at 2:06 are seriously impressive.

[shrdzy]

something that has always amazed me is the ability us humans have to be able to see an object a distance (sometimes fairly extreme ones) and just be able to tell exactly how we need to angle and move our arms in order to hit said object with a projectile. it's completely natural and require 0 thinking. you just grab a thing, look at target, and let your body and brain do their thing. it's wonderful to me how your brain just somehow knows exactly how much force is needed, what angle, what speed of rotation for your joints, how to position your body, and even where to aim in order to lead a shot. our bodies and minds are wonderful things

[deborahwilkerson]

I’m a PE teacher and I am determined to learn this and teach my students. It’s a fantastic way to bring a little history lesson into the classroom.

[Phosypha]

Honestly the balearic sling doesn't get enough credit as such an ingenious way to take advantage of leverage and momentum to propel a missile with much more force than you can with just your arm.

[meadmaker]

Amazing to hear the crack of the sling, like a whip, on release of the stone. And those elongated stones looked absolutely wicked in flight. I had no idea they existed. I can only imagine how devastating it would have been to be hit by one, armor or not. Like a sort of medieval gun, wielded by the gunslingers of their time. Gives a whole new perspective to the "David vs Goliath" story. Amazing. Thanks for sharing this!

[Xyos]

They should put this into the Olympics. Really fun to watch. Seems really rewarding to hit those long range small targets at such speeds too. Maybe they could score on speed+accuracy to encourage maximum force. Your skills are amazing.

[Tomgoldgamer]

Its amazing how extremely similar the technique (for these slings at least) is to a baseball pitch. The stride, hip and shoulder rotation, the timing, the elbow angles.

[We_never_die_we_just_respawn]

Ancient but still deadly weapon. David was a master with it using it to protect his sheep from predators. Just ask Goliath he'll tell you such a thing had never entered his head before that day.

[moos]

This is amazing, I've always wondered how these slings work. I also couldn't help but laugh when you were standing at that rocky beach which resembles a ground covered with suitable projectiles and I thought about what it would look like if it was ammunition for archers or gunmen instead of rocks. Makes sense that this was such a powerful and versatile weapon, when you can basically pick up your ammo left and right while on the run or chase.

[KCDicha]

This channel is the best sling content on youtube. Thanks for the video! I would be interested in seeing a practice curriculum, starting from absolute beginner. For example, beginner projectile recommendations, distance, types of throws to practice from easier to harder, etc., if that's something you would be willing to put up.

[paynezerfaust]

The only other sling comparison footage I've ever watched was years ago on a show called "Deadliest warrior". The stone they used was specifically tapered by hand into a rough football shape but was much smaller that what you're throwing. They dismissed it as not doing a fatal amount of damage but I'd be curious to see what one of these larger stones does to a skull (simulated of course). You're accuracy and velocity is very impressive. I was particularly impressed at 3:50 regarding you spinning the shot like a football for extra range and stability in flight.

[PropaneWP]

The trajectory of the elongated projectile was very impressive.