Throw bag-line accuracy issues

ClimbingTN

ClimbingTN

Branched out member
Location
Columbia
IDK what’s going wrong but, suddenly I can’t hit anything. I’ve always considered myself “pretty good “ at getting a throw bag in the tree 1-3 throws. I have a bad shoulder that limits my accuracy to about 60ft. Yesterday, I was practicing at an open crotch at about 40+ feet. I threw numerous times and couldn’t hit it. One handed and granny style. Late and early release, left or right…all over the map. Today’s removal work the same. I put the gaffs on and got mad ( Because I don’t like gaffs) and threw one more time. Got lucky and ended up SRS basal tie. Went up and MRS choked and chucked it down. Can someone suggest a video or two of a good thrower? Thanks Craig
 
Do you adjust the length of what is hanging for the height? If you are targeting a 30 ft height, you should have less line below your hand than for a 50 ft shot. Varying the pendulum length can make a big difference in accuracy.
 
Here’s one of a bad thrower lol
When I throw like shit I get the jokes going so I don’t get frustrated. Step away momentarily if need be..
Hard to do when everyone’s staring at you and you’re paying the bill watching them watch you screw up something you’ve done so easily millions of times.
Rule one don’t get frustrated
I used to change up style and according to certain throws it maybe needed
But the consistency of a very similar approach works best
I always throw with my left hand and do best with a rubber climbing style gloves and need a good glove for any sort of high shot for the grip and tension on dynaglide I’ve burned my fingers if not. Buckle helmet so that doesn’t fly off
On high shots my feet have been known to leave the ground
I visualize that open window above the union im shooting for… stare with deep intent at the mark , take breath in and exhale upon release never taking eye off target window and it seems to help my accuracy.
 
I can't throw very well with a helmet on, that always comes off first. After about 5 throws from one spot at a certain target, if it's not going well, I will switch to a different target from a different spot, when possible. Visualization and consistency of technique. It's definitely a mental game. Often the secret to success with throwball, as with many other things, is lowered expectations. The mantra for me and my guys is always "just get in the tree". Don't swing for the fences, just hit something semi-decent, get your rope in there, get in the tree, and get to work.
 
Another important thing is to give yourself some grace. Some days are first shot at a tough spot and some are 20 shots at an easy one. It's just like that for most of us. Gloves are a menace for throwing but a must for pulling up your climb line in my opinion. I have also been trying to pass to the newer climbers we have that if you can reach the first limb, just climb the tree instead of spending 20 minutes throwing. Seems like common sense but we all get tunnel vision about a specific process.
 
I only hand throw for a few tosses, and if I am having a bad throwing day, I get the air launcher. I have always had an easier time with it, and I'm not getting paid to be the cool guy with the throwball, I'm getting paid to get up in that tree and cut stuff, so whatever tool gets me there faster, I use it. I just don't see any reason not to use a more consistently accurate system (launcher or big shot), and practice your aim more next time.
 
I
ClimbingTN said:
IDK what’s going wrong but, suddenly I can’t hit anything. I’ve always considered myself “pretty good “ at getting a throw bag in the tree 1-3 throws. I have a bad shoulder that limits my accuracy to about 60ft. Yesterday, I was practicing at an open crotch at about 40+ feet. I threw numerous times and couldn’t hit it. One handed and granny style. Late and early release, left or right…all over the map. Today’s removal work the same. I put the gaffs on and got mad ( Because I don’t like gaffs) and threw one more time. Got lucky and ended up SRS basal tie. Went up and MRS choked and chucked it down. Can someone suggest a video or two of a good thrower? Thanks Craig
Click to expand...
Pick a style and commit to it completely. Pick two anchor points and commit to them. Same way, every time. I will also reset when I’m starting to get frustrated with a sip of water or another walk around the tree looking for a better throw.
Keeth said:
Do you adjust the length of what is hanging for the height? If you are targeting a 30 ft height, you should have less line below your hand than for a 50 ft shot. Varying the pendulum length can make a big difference in accuracy.
Click to expand...
I disagree. The length you hold should be about the same every time. You don’t see pitchers shortening their windup for changeups. You don’t see archers not pulling the string back the entire way for short shots. Anchor points and resets are key for me.
 
I can't throw with a helmet on. Even a hat can be a hindrance. Gloves too.

I love tossing the throw bag.

I'm retired now but when I was active in the biz there was usually more than one person wanting to try their hand at the toss. Of course being the owner I often selfishly hogged the tossing. Then one day I got the idea of more than one person tossing at a time. The climber that was doing the tree got a bag and line to toss but I'd toss my bag right along with them. A person often liked the crotch they caught over mine, human nature. They climbed whichever crotch they wanted but we'd leave the other line in the tree so they could do a switch when they got to altitude. Sometimes the climber would 'choose' the line I had caught and may yell down from the tree 'I see what you mean'. My head swelled and stuck at the size it is today.

The competition is good if you have the time and the discussion while tossing is often of planning the climb then climbing the plan. As we all know, plans often change with a view from the top or near top.

I've also set more than a few rigging lines while the climber was in the tree as an aid. Often tip tying over obstacles from the ground.

Lest I sound like I'm throwing down an unnecessary amount of bravado........

......I consider myself a mediocre tosser and climber when compared to some of you folks.

P.S. If a climber wasn't sure from the tree if there was enough room for a limb or tree top, but I thought there was, one of my favorite shouts was 'go ahead, if there's damage, it's my fault'. As the owner, it was always on me anyway!
 
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Njdelaney said:
Another important thing is to give yourself some grace. Some days are first shot at a tough spot and some are 20 shots at an easy one. It's just like that for most of us. Gloves are a menace for throwing but a must for pulling up your climb line in my opinion. I have also been trying to pass to the newer climbers we have that if you can reach the first limb, just climb the tree instead of spending 20 minutes throwing. Seems like common sense but we all get tunnel vision about a specific process.
Click to expand...
There certainly are days that I can’t hit anything. Last Wednesday, I was on site for a no cleanup removal project with a climber I employ. We had a big shot, two throw lines, and both of us trying for an easy tree. Took almost 2 1/2 hours to get the line in the tree. Between tangles and misses, we just could not hit a thing.

Five different times I fired the weight and all the line went with it. I know the line was flaked properly, it is a new line, there’s no reason for it to happen that way, but it did anyway.
 
TreeCo said:
I can't throw with a helmet on. Even a hat can be a hindrance. Gloves too.

I love tossing the throw bag.

I'm retired now but when I was active in the biz there was usually more than one person wanting to try their hand at the toss. Of course being the owner I often selfishly hogged the tossing. Then one day I got the idea of more than one person tossing at a time. The climber that was doing the tree got a bag and line to toss but I'd toss my bag right along with them. A person often liked the crotch they caught over mine, human nature. They climbed whichever crotch they wanted but we'd leave the other line in the tree so they could do a switch when they got to altitude. Sometimes the climber would 'choose' the line I had caught and may yell down from the tree 'I see what you mean'. My head swelled and stuck at the size it is today.

The competition is good if you have the time and the discussion while tossing is often of planning the climb then climbing the plan. As we all know, plans often change with a view from the top or near top.

I've also set more than a few rigging lines while the climber was in the tree as an aid. Often tip tying over obstacles from the ground.

Lest I sound like I'm throwing down an unnecessary about of bravado........

......I consider myself a mediocre tosser and climber when compared to some of you folks.

P.S. If a climber wasn't sure from from the tree if there was enough room for a limb or tree top, but I thought there was, one of my favorite shouts was 'go ahead, if there's damage, it's my fault'. As the owner, it was always on me anyway!
Click to expand...
I love remote tip tying for the climber, and setting up another rigging line while they climb.
 
I adjust my length.


I studied and practiced the technique where the their weight mostly goes horizontal, front to back, them arcing on the throw.

This seems to be a distance/ height technique.

50' and under its usually a 1 or 2 time hand throw...10,000th time is the charm.

I've been using my BS again, rather than APTA. Need a new pump. Liking the old school.
 
Left and right accuracy especially with one hand can be affected by the non-throwing shoulder shrugging up when you go to toss, if I’m throwing one handed I still “throw” with both hands to eliminate that, different weights also play a huge part, dynaglide I throw 12oz exclusively, FTC stiff line I need 14oz otherwise all my shots are to the moon.
 
“throwball blues”
Some days are just off
Some shots just won’t go
Funny how everyone has their own methods. Helmet is on, no glasses. Two hands, no gloves for me. I mostly hand throw. Big shot is helpful at times, I’ve never used an APTA
I figure it’s like a free-throw shot and those nba players are freakishly specific about their routines.
 
ClimbingTN said:
IDK what’s going wrong but, suddenly I can’t hit anything. I’ve always considered myself “pretty good “ at getting a throw bag in the tree 1-3 throws. I have a bad shoulder that limits my accuracy to about 60ft. Yesterday, I was practicing at an open crotch at about 40+ feet. I threw numerous times and couldn’t hit it. One handed and granny style. Late and early release, left or right…all over the map. Today’s removal work the same. I put the gaffs on and got mad ( Because I don’t like gaffs) and threw one more time. Got lucky and ended up SRS basal tie. Went up and MRS choked and chucked it down. Can someone suggest a video or two of a good thrower? Thanks Craig
Click to expand...
Dude, you are in a slump. Like any great pitcher or kicker that has a few off games. It will end and you will once again be on the money.
 
Mate , it happens.
Focus ..... aim higher than the shot is how I roll. Focus and forget about the time ,viewers,etc... no lid for me, try too hard you will miss, it needs to be a fluid natural movement/state of mind/body..With me the more i miss the more I will miss, need to take a breath , calm down, reassess... When you hit that shot first time ,isnt it just one of the best feelings:) Viewers or not:)
 
When I was younger I broke my "shoulder" meaning actually my collar bone with some socket and ligament damage and I couldn't jump a dirtbike straight for the life of me after that. I was always crossed up in the air. Point being the impulse load on your shoulder is similar to the load chucking a throwbag. You are likely un-calibrated due to favouring the injured shoulder. If you heal up it will again just be training/coordination and you ought to improve. All the technique advice above is good IMO.
 
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