How did the Indians throw a bola?

Answer 1

There are many different types of bola, ranging from two weights on rope tied together to as many as 10 in the small game versions! The most common bola, one consisting of 3 weights ( two heavy weights one lighter one-also known as the Boleadora), is not normally thrown by the middle knot connecting each ball as most people think. It is thrown by grasping the lighter weight, which often has a longer cord attached, and letting the two heavier weights dangle. It is then quickly twirled around the users head a and released when there is enough momentum.

Throwing a bola efficiently takes more practice then most people think, but when you have had enough practice you can get moving creatures with appendages (say an unsuspecting friend) at a range of about 15 metres with ease, and even further away with more practice! One word of advice, when using a bola on a friend or something u dont intend to hurt use a practice bola, one with tennis balls as weights as a heavier bola can break legs in the hands of an experienced thrower.

The best way to practice using a bola is to set up a post in the ground, say a totem tennis pole or fence post and start throwing at the pole from a range of around 3 metres. As you get better at that range move back a step and continue until you can hit a fair distance away, then if you have a dedicated friend, whip up a bola made of tennis balls and try on a moving target.

An easy guide to making your first 3 weight bola can be found here at http://www.instructables.com/id/Making_a_Bola/ (not made by me)

Hope this guide helps any who are interested :D anyone who is experienced at other versions of bolas or finds anything wrong with this are welcome to say :)

-Ben