Throwing objects in self-defence is a legitimate tactic
if your life is in danger. Some missiles may be capable of injuring an attacker
but a more likely consequence is that you will distract them long enough to
press home a counter-attack or affect an escape.
In my book I describe a number of throwing techniques,
some of them not that well known. In this post we will look at an addition
technique, that of horizontal or
side-arm throws. Horizontal throwing is harder to master than vertical throwing
and generally has less range and power. On the other hand, it has several
features that make it more applicable for self-defence. One of these is that
horizontal throws are less telegraphic than most vertical techniques, which
increases the surprise element and distracting ability of a missile attack.
Another element is that a horizontal throw can be combined with drawing a
missile from a place of concealment. If a supply of projectiles are held in the
other hand a number can be launched in a short period of time, the action of
moving the throwing hand back to take another missile naturally setting up for
another horizontal throw.
To throw an object such as a pencil, nail or knife it is
held in the palm, parallel to the fingers, as is described in the book for
push-throwing. Bend the elbow so your hand is near the opposite shoulder or
hip, palm downwards. The action you are going to make is rather like a horizontal
karate-chop. Your arm should be relaxed during the motion and you should avoid
the temptation to hurry the movement. Lock your gaze on your intended target. Smoothly let your arm swing straight and let
the missile leave your hand when your fingers are nearly towards the target. At
the same time, sway your body towards the target to add momentum. If you are
throwing consecutive missiles you will rock back and forth as you throw and “reload”.
Some sources talk of the missile being “pressed”
towards the target and this is probably a better description of the release you
are aiming for rather than thinking of this as a throw. Unlike some of the
other throws described in the book this technique adds very little
stabilization to the missile so is more suited to “nose heavy” objects.
To throw missiles such as coins or washers the same basic
action is used but the missile is head slightly differently. The object is held
horizontally between the thumb and second finger, with the forefinger on the
edge to apply a little drag and induce some reverse spin. Lock your eyes on the
target and in a smooth, relaxed and unhurried manner swing your arm out
straight so your thumb points towards the target. If the missile you are using
has a sharp edge you may need to hold it between thumb and first finger and
adding some spin-stabilization may require a little bit of a snapping action on
release.
You will need to practice this to get the correct feeling
and timing. Generally the missile is released just before or as your hand
reaches the same vertical plane as your target. Depending on distance you may
have to aim above your intended target rather than pointing your hand right at
it.
