How to Avoid Slingshot Fork Hits

Fork hits can happen to all slingshot shooters at some point. However, it is very easy to correct by paying attention to some simple foundational shooting principles.

[@CatapultCarnage]

loving these shooting videos guys. I'd love to see a video all about release I think it would help alot of people with their consistency. your previous video has made me think alot more about the speed bump effect. I wasn't getting fork hits but I was having the odd shot 2 or 3 inches high over 10m/33 feet very slight speed bump occasionally. I consider myself an advanced shooter (not trying to sound to cock lol) and I still found these videos helpful 👍

[@DrMCbelov]

And in just under 7 minutes my accuracy and repeatability increased an order of magnitude. Great video.

[@MorpheusMushin]

Slow motion portions of the video were quite helpful.

[@cutthenoise]

Great video very helpful. Hey I needed this like 2 months ago!! No, but really, great resource here along with all your other videos. Keep it up!

[@benjaminbongolan8283]

Sir! This lesson gave me a byproduct! I’m connecting almost all the time! Thank you.

[@bhsx]

This was a fun little video. Thanks Nathan. I'm sick of shooting in my garage, if spring would finally get here in Chicago I'd be grateful. BTW I make a lot of my own now with HDPE and naturals but I still love the Scout, great to see you using it in this series.

[@JohnThornley]

Noob here. That was a massive help. Thanks a million. :)

[@simpleshot]

You're very welcome!

[@SurvivalistMedia]

All these videos leave me smiling. 😁

[@johnnycarson8131]

This info was really needed I was getting fork hit a lot. Thanks

[@christiandehlinger3731]

I love spring days like that.

[@zeangelinofishing961]

Great vid!! thank you! the pouch hold has been affecting my shooting soo much, further detailed explanation about pouch hold would be greatly appreciated, it's imo key for accurate shooting but so difficult to master! thanks keep up the good vids ;)

[@michaelchapman1004]

Oh wow right from the start I set myself up for problems when I recently made my first handmade slingshot out of wood. I didnt realize just how important the grip style you use is... I made a pinch grip design and it's either Fork-hit City, or a Beautiful bullseye, never Inbetween. I blamed it on my pouch release or my stance or my cross eye dominance but never realized until watching this that my wrist was flexed and under tension and snapped back on release. I wish I could meet you and get some pointers because you are straight to the point, no BS and really know your stuff. Maybe one day I'll get to shake your hand at a tournament.

[@christiandehlinger3731]

Nathan, I know these things, but thank you. I have been having such problems with a unique frame, upright forks, left hand; getting fork hits on the inside tip of the right fork; this is with .22 steel, learning for proper release. I like to grab the ammo with my index finger, hook the pouch and pinch between my thumb and middle finger knuckle bone, but though I thought I was "pinching the middle" I must have been creating a speed bump. As now, loading the same way but bringing my pinch down to the thumb and middle finger tip, no more hits!

[@borderex9993]

I hit my forks on my handmade slingshot twice because I was distracted and twisted the frame. now theres a dent on my fork lol. good video

I have several dents on my polycarbon Scorpion from trying to shoot marbles with a too small of pouch.

[@gerardriquel7071]

Great vidéo Nathan 👍thanks !

[@happy442]

Love these videos helped a lot thanks guys my shot is getting way better

[@simpleshot]

Thank you. Glad you enjoy them.

[@REBURN96]

I didn't start having fork hits until I tried ott shooting. I'm really new to this though. Got my axiom ocularis yesterday and I'm in love. Didn't take long to get decent enough to cut a can in half, with a few shots, within 20ft lol. Thank you for the valuable lesson 🙏 time to apply what I've learned and improve my shooting. God bless

[@simpleshot]

You're welcome! Thank YOU!

[@valzerna]

SimpleShot slingshots are AMAZING!!!!!!!!¨

[@realdafook]

Never thought a slingshot would be a serious business.

[@jcismysavior9126]

Thanks for the info make alot of scenes God Bless

[@brutallindigo]

Great vid wish I had some pros over here.

[@kenmaynard6367]

Great stuff, learning pleñty at 82 thanks to game keeper john.

[@simpleshot]

Rock on!

[@mike97431]

Thank You for this video . I just purchased a good quality slingshot and if you had explained the thumb support method i may have lost interest in it because i have a damaged wrist joint and the pinch grip is quite awkward and uncomfortable.

[@junezhang2128]

Return to the sender, I had that, it was terrifying.

[@damianflores948]

You Guys should do some hunting.

[@richardgonzalez7567]

nice vid good information.

[@Brian424]

You guys think you're really something, don't ya? With your one-guy-knocks-it-off-then-the-other-guy-hits-it-on-the-ground technique, like it's nothing. Well, listen here, pals, thanks for the video! I was trying to teach my six year-old grandson to shoot a slingshot, which I have been somewhat naturally good at all my life (but not as good as you guys). All of a sudden, in my training of the boy, I'm getting fork hits using the same slingshots you're using, and clay ammo. Based on your video, I think my problem is the finger-bone thing, i.e., jumping the pouch over my finger on release. I'll pay closer attention to that and a bunch of other things since watching this. It's also the first time I've used clay, so the weight of the ball may have something to do with it as well. Polishing the technique of a stubborn six year-old who thinks he's smarter than the world is another story, but I'll keep at it. He shot his hand a couple times the first time we practiced and still wanted to do it again the other day, but it was raining so we didn't get to shoot. Shows he's got something on the ball and will endure some pain toward a greater goal. We'll keep at it. Thanks for your time, sirs.

[@muddog1561]

That's my favorite SS, I use a hammer grip with good results with that SS. I also practice with the finger grip. The pinch grip I can say from experience can be a disaster.

[@volp5502]

Great video!!! :)

[@11bayrat]

Hey just got one from you today.i have it set up TTF pinch grip gangster. 7/16 steel with your 7/16 plus p bands.if I don't twist the pouch I get a fork hit .im pinch ing the steel not in front but on the steel ball.and I'm not flipping my wrist I hold it straight flat to the target

[@TheGreatest1974]

Good advice, thanks. I am just starting out with flat bands, and I couldn’t hit a barn door no matter what I try. I guess I’ll just have to keep at it until my mind corrects me. 👍🇬🇧

[@simpleshot]

practice good habits and watch as many videos as you can. You can also come to our live chat feature on our website for help.

[@billcarpenter5615]

Shoot at a paper target, it can help you see just how far you are off, if your groupings are tight etc.. it really helps, my shooting improved a lot when I started using paper targets as I could see where my shots were going. I save cardboard from shipping boxes and stick splash targets on the cardboard and stick the cardboard into a catch box, great diagnostic tool.

[@simpleshot]

Shooting at paper is great feedback!

[@mrkultra1655]

Thanks guys

[@AnubhavAnkitGeorge]

Sir nice tips , I have a hammer grip over head . So do I have to change my grip better aim shooting. I m not so good in aiming target. We usually use stone. Plz any suggestions to me.

[@davidhansen9665]

That clay ammo is very light for some bands, I learned the hard way never thinking of it, did a full draw and it varied upwards and I took a nice hand hit, put steel in never had any more issues

[@simpleshot]

Yes, ammo weights should be matched to the bandset.

[@siddarthgrewal]

I never had a fork hit previously and shoot quite accurately both OTT and TTF but today I was getting fork hits at each shot after replacing my bands. After measuring the bands I realised the tapers were not same width even though the active length was the same as I cut my own bands and accidently mixed up two bands.

[@simpleshot]

Yes, this can happen. I always do my latex cutting with only one thickness out, so it helps prevent getting cuts mixed up.

[@RicardoHernandez-lj1jx]

I got a forkhit with my torque do u know how to make it look new again

[@EightSlingshot]

I just one to ask Is good for dry fire on your band?

[@pyrofful]

Is there a better substance than rubber for flat slingshot bands? I made my own slingshot and use thera gold double banded but after about two days of shooting the bands rip. I try not to make them so short there at max tension and i keep the smallest part just under 1 inch but not much. Any way is there such a thing as a nitrile hunting band? I need the heavy power because if i become a great shot i want to go hunting with it....if and or when

[@ITPCD]

what is the best grip for the hammer? I have child size hands... also I only hit the lower fork what am I doing wrong? I got a few nicks on my lower fork, that doesn't affect the structural integrity right? thx! awesome slingshot though...!

[@andreasdersch76]

Thanx 👋

[@simpleshot]

No problem 👍

[@sherwinpalacio3227]

Very informative😊

[@simpleshot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nostalgiaholic777]

i was using fork supporting grip for a while then i injured my thumb 3 times i think because i tilt the frame forward just before i realse the pouch...(sometimes i felt like frame aren't stright vertical) i think Choker grip work with me at least :))

[@tahoeclimber]

Started shooting over a month ago and no fork hits ever. My accuracy increased over the weeks, bought more frames, got bulk rubber, different size ammo, really got into it - then got a fork hit, then another, then I never knew if I was going to get a clean shot or another scary fork hit. Maybe my form got to lax, not sure, but the hits happen near the middle not at the tips. Not sure what's going on.

[@simpleshot]

Mindset is huge! Work on grounding and clearing your mind! Accuracy will follow.

[@garychandler4296]

I've been building a slingrifle, designing it as I go, my own trigger mechanism, stock, and forks. The actual distance, fork to ball release, is about 28", and I shoot mostly 3/8" bearings. With theraband gold, what length and width would it be, mostly target shooting but also to kill our tree rats, which is hard using a regular sling. I'm gonna put a laser on it too!

[@nate6889]

The guy on the left: *I serve no purpose*

[@simpleshot]

🤔😂

[@CTuna-uo3pq]

I had 3 fork hits in a row with clay shot on the scout with ttf set up.

[@simpleshot]

You will need to raise your anchor point then to stop the fork hits.

[@jooky5]

I wish I’d seen this an hour ago! My hand is bruised, a little bloody, and throbbing

[@northeastslingshot1664]

Same

[@jimkonst]

I am a newbie. I had not heard that TTF was an advanced method, and shot my thumb. Looks like I will lose the nail.

[@nutthrower4415]

I actually had a hit at the bottom of the opening between the forks, what's with that? Any idea, was shoot through the forks style, with tubes, thanks

[@simpleshot]

It is very likely your frame was canted forward upon release. Shooting with looped tubes through the forks requires good alignment and release.

[@johnbaca8692]

Thanks for the vid. How do you avoid fork hits using a pickle fork shooter?

[@simpleshot]

+John Baca Great question and we have a video in the works to outline that. Stay tuned...but in the meantime, checkout slingshotforum.com and search for info there.

[@ScreamingReel500]

Use flat band over the top, do not pull full length but half first, choose or make right pull weigh, and right ammo for that band 3/8 " steel or try marble first. flick your wrist is the key, not too early or too late, it should be a follow thru motion and that is why I said do not pull full length so you can learn and develop muscle memory. You can shoot it without ammo, just pull the pouch back about 5 inch and shoot and flick it then increase a little bit every day then use ammo shooting your target. Holding the fork not vertical or horizontal but in between where your hand will flick naturally (remember follow thru flick motion not too early or too late, by practice half pull to get the muscle memory down). And finally focus on you target after all the above are done instinctively. Your slingshot should weigh no more than 5 oz. and no less than 3 oz. and not slippery. Good luck.

[@asifansariart2988]

Hii mate! How are you i hope you are doing great i have a problem how to avoid rubber band fork hit Because my rubber band gets damaged after 10 to 15 shots is this a frame grip problem or something else

[@simpleshot]

You will need to adjust your anchor point. With some frames it is unavoidable if they have a narrow gap.

[@daveslamer]

There was one time I was shooting frameless and I was being dumb and shot a large M&M and I had a “fork hit “still have a scar on the back of my hand I had no idea how much blood you can get from a shattered M&M on the back of your hand

[@simpleshot]

Ouch!

[@alexlamb689]

hi I have a question I am left eye dominant but I feel more comfortable shooting with my slingshot right handed so do you recommend that I change my grip or not? thanks

[@simpleshot]

It is always best to shoot according to your eye dominance. If you are left eye dominant, you would be best served shooting with the slingshot in your right hand.

[@alexlamb689]

+SimpleShot Shooting Sports ok thanks I'll just have to keep practising

[@alexlamb689]

+SimpleShot Shooting Sports how can order off your website if I am in the UK?

[@simpleshot]

Just place the order, we ship worldwide and the website is open 24/7

[@tigranmalkhasyan2922]

hey man, great video, i dont know what is fork hit! BUT i have very serious problem, every time i try shoot it hits to my fingers in front! like knuckle duster are, i gave up many times, i cant undestand why but even with gloves its very painfull, what can you suggest?

[@ScreamingReel500]

Use flat band over the top, do not pull full length but half first, choose or make right pull weigh, and right ammo for that band 3/8 " steel or try marble first. flick your wrist is the key, not too early or too late, it should be a follow thru motion and that is why I said do not pull full length so you can learn and develop muscle memory. You can shoot it without ammo, just pull the pouch back about 5 inch and shoot and flick it then increase a little bit every day then use ammo shooting your target. Holding the fork not vertical or horizontal but in between where your hand will flick naturally (remember follow thru flick motion not too early or too late, by practice half pull to get the muscle memory down). And finally focus on you target after all the above are done instinctively. Your slingshot should weigh no more than 5 oz. and no less than 3 oz. and not slippery. Good luck.

[@tigranmalkhasyan2922]

@@ScreamingReel500 now that is a answer

[@dalroache]

I don't understand ? The pinch grip looked like the fork supported grip I am new to slingshots I've not put bands on my forks yet its ñt very wide so I'm gonna attach my flat band for Ott shooting can u give me advice as best ways to shoot Ott slingshot please thank you from the UK....ha ha I'm shooting catapults because we not allowed guns is very strict in UK but catapults are one of the only legal things I can do etc even air guns are restricted to up to 12 ft pound no more etc I like precision sports I like the outdoors and I believe having this skill is awesome if shtf at least I can hunt squirrel and fowl I must sày I.love animals I doubt I'd ever eat squirrel but I'd make rabbit stew if it comes down to the wire n there's major food shortages as projected and predicted I also am going to apply for my UK SG license I just putting things in good order for that I'm really looking forward to that....PEACE from the UK PS I'm getting into archery also but in UK u.can only shoot it on private land and need permission of land owner I don't think you can hunt any game with it....I will get sameck sage as starter recurve bow with 40 pound limbs and 50 pound limbs when my technique is good and I've done enough to get good groupings at 20 meters I'll move up to 60 pound bow or maybe opt to get a proper compound bow...its weather can get enough hours practice in at archery club and make my garden legal and safe to shoot my bow with all safety features as required by law I will look into that as I don't think I could shoot in back garden with out proper safety ie back stops and stuff its frustrating for my lots of my interests and hobbies take emmense effort to do and I have to always consider laws of my country I am super sensitive I don't want to piss ànyone off i been squeeky clean for many years I am proud of that achievement if u knew my past struggles you understand why it means a lot to me to be considered for something I never thought I'd be considered for as you get older you do get wiser and you look at youthful things people do in there youth n shake your head....when your young you don't have old man wisdom n this is where silly thing are sometimes done....peace from the uk

[@simpleshot]

Pinch and fork supported are very close. Check out our Scout XT manual here - simple-shot.com/scoutxt-manual - for photos of each grip. You'll see the slight difference is in the position of the thumb. The pinch is truly a pinch: the fingers are wrapped around the frame fully.

[@wadepatton2433]

I just started and was getting some good shots--but also frame hits low-inconsistently. I'll change my grip.

[@simpleshot]

You may need to change your anchor point to a lower anchor point. You could also get frame hits due to speed bumping the ammo on release.

[@wadepatton2433]

@@simpleshot No speed bump, I was a rifle and pistol marksman years ago-I'm quite aware of the little things with release and anchors. I'll work on it. Thanks.

[@simpleshot]

Best of luck to you!

[@thebikerepairshopformby]

Thanks for that. First time I used a slingshot the ball hit my hand, went out of line and put a hole in the garage window. Not a good first shot result 😕

[@simpleshot]

You are very welcome. Oh no, sorry to hear that! Rubber Ammo is a GREAT beginner item to learn with.

[@armandogonzales9304]

A fork hit using a "Butterfly" draw will make you jump out of your skin!😂

[@simpleshot]

You better believe it!

[@_g_520]

If you have as torque ur gonna wanna watch this

[@seanwade58]

Swollen hand watching 2 late 😔

[@northeastslingshot1664]

Same. 7/16 twice in same spot

[@TurfSurf]

Flip-style shooting is like gangsters shooting pistols while pushing the gun forward, it will make projectiles go faster I heard.......LOL

[@saint3210]

Nathan, so Finger hook (Pinch grip) is not a proper way to hold a slingshot? Your video kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3i8hauPbdqImcU stated that gripping is a personal choice. However, in this video you mentioned Pinch grip is a bad ergonomics. Can you please clarify. I don't want to continue Pinch gripping if it's going to mess my my wrist in a long run.. Thank you very much..

[@simpleshot]

It should not cause problems if done consistently and you do not have any wrist problems. If you are having wrist strain, avoid shooting with a pinch grip. The main danger is hand and fork hits when a new shooter is learning.

[@saint3210]

@@simpleshot Thank you very much for always responding to my questions.. You're the best!

[@simpleshot]

🤗 You are always welcome!

[@rendydddd]

My slingshot looks like moon surface, so does my palm

[@ScreamingReel500]

And of course the speed bum is over analyzed. you don't open your pouch hand but let the pouch slip thru your fingers. Do it slowly an see how your fingers work.

[@Stahlbeschleuniger]

Just twist the pouch 90°- No more fork-hit/hand-hit, even when the bands/tubes are not aligned. Even better Twist & Tweak. No relation to the style of holding the slingshot. Why all "active shooter" and almost all PFS Style shooter Usingen Twist, Tweak & Flip?

[@11bayrat]

cyberdealer72 should you shoot with a twist in the pouch TTF or ott ?Will it Chang your aiming?sorry I'm new and I'm getting fork hit on the top fork . I hold gangster grip with 7/16 steel 7/16 bands 6 inch long