Quick Start
This is a short guide to fast learning how to use a Sloofa. Reading lots of instructions isn't eveyone's favourite pastime, so this page was created as a checklist to learn how to use it quickly. I will occasionally have to remind you about safety, but I'll keep it brief. If in doubt you can always refer to the other pages for more information.
It is better to avoid using your dog while learning to throw. You can include your dog later once you get the hang of it.
There are 3 stages
- Preparing to throw
- Check your space
- Throwing
Preparing to throw
- There are two cords on the Sloofa. One has a loop on it, so with that loop wear it like a ring on a finger of your throwing arm/hand.
- Hold the end of the other cord in the same hand as the first and make a fist so that your thumb is holding the knot on the end of the cord.
- Place a suitable (soft preferably while learning) ball in the cradle of the Sloofa, but don't push it in tight. If held correctly it should look like the picture below.
- The cords should not be twisted and the ball should sit comfortably level.
- Hold the Sloofa in the ready (static) position at your side with your thumb facing forwards.
Check your space
- Ensure that the throwing area is clear.
- Check behind you as well as you're likely to throw the ball behind you initially.
- Check that there are no obstacles above you such as tree branches as you will be rotating it higher than your head.
- Ensure that there are no other obstacles near you such as people or animals.
Throwing the Ball - A gentle throw
Remember it is an underarm throwing motion. The ball is released by letting go of the knot on your throwing hand.
- So, to throw the ball gently forward - Keeping your arm straight, move your arm swiftly forwards and release the knot when the cord is almost level with your waist. The loop on the cord prevents you from throwing the Sloofa as well
You wont get much distance, but you will quickly learn the approximate position of where to release it.
Throwing the balll - a distance throw
- Practice rotating the Sloofa and ball before you release it. Using an underarm throwing direction keep a straight arm and do a full rotation of your arm. The ball will stay in the Sloofa.
- More momentum is gained by the full rotation so when you're ready do one revolution and then release the knot in the same place as you did for the gentle throw.
- After you've thrown it, follow through with your arm as this will reduce the chance of the loose cord striking your face.
The point at which you throw it, is known as the 'sweet' spot and once you master it, you're ready to throw it with your dog. Release it too soon and the ball will hit the ground just in front of you, and too late it will go above or behind you. Releasing at the 'sweet' spot achieves both distance and height without too much effort.
Have fun, and take a look at the techniques page to hone your newly found skill.
