Slingshots are not a toy, they are an ancient weapon often used for hunting and target practice. 

1.  To use the sling shot, grip the vertical part of the ‘Y’-shaped catapult firmly with one hand (usually the less dominant hand). 

2. Choose your ammunition. Any small solid object, like a rock or a BB, can be used. Most hunting stores will sell slingshot ammunition of different sizes and weights. Choose the type of ammunition that best suites your purpose. You can even use paintballs as ammunition to leave marks on your target.

3. Arm the shot by placing a projectile on the leather pouch.  It has to be on the center of the pouch to prevent it from falling or losing momentum at mid-flight.  Keep the projectile in place by enclosing it with the fingers of the other hand.

4.  Next, raise the hand holding the catapult in front of you, slightly diagonal to your body.  Your line of vision if you were looking straight forward and your raised arm should form a 45-degree angle.  This will optimize your ability to aim, stretch the bands of the sling shot and release it comfortably.

5.  Holding the projectile within the pouch, stretch the bands toward your chin or cheek, depending on how you’re aiming.  Use the upper ‘V’ shape of the catapult as a sight to keep your target in view.  The target must be at the center of the ‘V’ shape.  The bands should form a straight, horizontal line parallel to the ground.

6.  Next, release the projectile by letting go of the pouch.  Your hand should move backward, allowing the bands to freely stretch back to their original shape so they can push the projectile.  Do not attempt to ‘guide’ the projectile by bringing your hand forward prior to the release.  This will weaken the stretch and reduce the momentum.

7.  Initially, you might not be able to hit the target accurately.  To use the sling shot effectively, you will need a few tries.  Get to know your sling shot — familiarize yourself with how it ‘behaves’ and compare the distance your projectiles travel as you stretch the bands to different lengths.  Most of the time, the longer you stretch the bands, the farther the projectile travels.  In time, you will be able to gauge the appropriate force required to hit a target from a certain distance.

8.  Be a responsible owner of a hunting sling shot.  The force of a projectile can break glass, puncture cardboard, paper or thin wood panels and could hurt a person or an animal.  It can even be dangerous, causing unnecessary physical harm.  When using for target practice, make sure you are shooting at an inanimate object propped up against a wall or an area where no human or animal passing by will be hurt and cause you legal problems in the future.  If you must use it for hunting, make sure you are aware of its power, efficacy and any legal restrictions you might have to conform with.