A spear-thrower, spear-throwing lever, or atlatl (pronounced / ˈætlætəl / ⓘ [1] or / ˈɑːtlɑːtəl /; [2] Nahuatl ahtlatl [ˈaʔt͡ɬat͡ɬ]) is a tool that uses leverage to achieve greater velocity in dart or javelin -throwing, and includes a bearing surface that allows the user to store energy during the throw.

The Atlatl is used for spear-throwing, usually three to eight feet in length. By resting the spear in the Atlatl, pulling the throwing arm back, and then releasing the spear, the Atlatl acts as a lever and an extension of the throwing arm.

2024年10月7日 · The atlatl or spearthrower is a hunting technology that was invented at least 17,000 years ago by Upper Paleolithic humans in Europe. Atlatls give additional velocity and thrust compared to spear-throwing, and they allow the hunter to stand farther away from the prey.

2021年11月17日 · In 1836, Charles Darwin described aborigines using a “throwing-stick” to launch a “spear” at a target thirty yards away. The target was hit “with the rapidity of an arrow from a practised archer.”

2018年3月13日 · Throwing with an atlatl is similar to throwing a baseball. The main difference is that you are flipping your wrist at the end of the throw. Timing, balance, consistency, and follow through will eventually lead to accuracy. There are many techniques on how to throw an atlatl.

Atlatls are simple spear throwing devices, the precursors to the bow and arrow. They consist of a stick about two feet long with a spike on the end, which engages in the slightly hollowed end of the long fletched spear (called a dart) they throw.

The atlatl throwing board consists of a stick about two feet long, with a handgrip at one end and a "spur" at the other end. The spur is a point that fits into a cavity at the back of a four to six foot long dart.

Spear-thrower, a device for throwing a spear (or dart) usually consisting of a rod or board with a groove on the upper surface and a hook, thong, or projection at the rear end to hold the weapon in place until its release.

2018年6月1日 · Described by enthusiasts as “throwing a stick with a stick,” the atlatl is an 18–24-inch, handheld spear launcher. It has a handle on one end and a socket on the opposite end that holds the end of the spear or “dart,” much like the nock of an arrow fits onto a bowstring.

2019年2月25日 · Essentially, the atlatl is a stick that has been equipped with a handle on one of its ends and a socket or hook that will engage a dart or light spear on its other end. The atlatl’s flipping motion will propel a spear much farther and faster than if it was thrown by hand.