How to Make a Super Easy Giant Slingshot

This is a super easy way to make a giant slingshot. Since it's so easy and convenient, you can set it up and take it down quickly and can use it for all sorts of purposes like raining water balloons down on friends, launching a softball for a friend to hit or a dog to fetch, or just to send something flying because slingshots are fun.

• A suitable tree
• A workout band

Find a tree that has a Y shape in it, as seen in the image above. Also seen in the image above, it doesn't have to be a picture perfect slingshot-shape; it just needs to have a nice stable place to attach both sides of the workout band with a gap in the middle. Realistically, you can also use stable poles or even 2 trees that are near each other, but let's be real - it looks much more like a slingshot if you find a Y-shaped tree and that does, in fact, make it cooler.

Specifically, it's ideal to find a workout band that is NOT a closed loop. If you use that kind, your options are much more limited. Using a simple band, like the one in the image above, makes this process much easier.

Workout bands are pretty prevalent because they make for good low-impact workouts, which means it reduces the chances of injury while still getting good strength training. Conveniently, they also make absolutely perfect bands for giant slingshots!

While the idea is pretty straightforward, here are a couple of helpful nuances. Tie the more difficult side first, because we're going to want a certain amount of stretch in the center part of the slingshot and you'll want an easier time adjusting for that. In my example, the right side of the slingshot is not only a bigger part of the tree, but the bark also acts as a somewhat inconvenient obstacle. As such, I did the right side first and then tied the left side.

Once you tie one side on, tie the other side such that the segment between the branches isn't drooping but also isn't stretched. This can be done by tightening or loosening the segment you're tying. Notably, also ensure the middle segment isn't twisted around. A simple double knot will suffice and is still easy enough to undue when you've launched enough stuff for the day.

Keep the ball/balloon/etc centered in the band and pool it downward to suit your trajectory and let 'er rip! Workout bands are great because they're intended to be pulled hard without breaking, so you can pull back pretty far without issue. As I tried to capture in the images above, it works quite well!

As we're working with an enormous slingshot, it only felt right to launch a giant tennis ball. The second ball depicted was a lacrosse ball. Both really went flying, so be sure you're safe about it and have fun!