Are there optional ways to hold the slingshot pouch when shooting?

If you have an injury or strain that keeps you from holding the pouch between your index finger and thumb, you won’t want to miss this.

This is a common question in the slingshot shooting world. If you can’t pinch the ammo/pouch of your slingshot with your index finger and thumb, check out these alternate grips with different fingers and holds.

“Sometimes there are hand injuries or overuse. In those cases it would be nice to know some alternate ways to grip the pouch. Is it possible to hold and release the pouch using other fingers besides the typical thumb and index finger?”

Definitely. There are several other ways to hold the pouch and shoot your slingshot successfully and accurately. Holding with the index finger and thumb is not the only option when you are shooting your slingshot!

First, we have to consider if there is another issue that you were experiencing when you are shooting your slingshot. Slingshot shooting really should not cause injuries from overuse as long as you are using an appropriate slingshot band set and ammo set up. If you are experiencing pain or any other issue from overuse, step down the intensity of your band sets. You should be able to shoot hundreds and hundreds of rounds a day with no fatigue by shooting light weight bands on your slingshot. And, as always, make sure that your slingshot ammo is matched to your slingshot bands.

But back to the question. It is possible to hold the ammo, pinching it between the second knuckle of the index and middle fingers. This style actually keeps the rest and forearm in line all the way to the elbow very nicely. Shooting your slingshot while gripping your ammo in this fashion is a great option.

Another grip is often referred to as the spider grip or Spiderman grip. This group utilizes the palm of the hand near the wrist. Using any combination of the index to ring fingers, the ammo is pinched between the fingers and the palm of the hand. Fun fact: when using the middle finger and ring finger to perform this grip, it looks like the pose that Spiderman uses when firing.

This grip is often used by shooters with a full butterfly or albatross draw.

As always, the key to a great shot is the release. If one of these alternate slingshot grips helps you with your release, then it is a winner. Never underestimate the power of a clean release!

And like we always say, what works best for you is best for you. Try them all and see what’s best for you and your slingshot shooting!

Slingshot Ammo