Two Aiming Strategies

Usually we try to hit a certain point as closely as possible. But sometimes the situation is different: beside the target is something, one must never hit! And this needs a new strategy.

The Great Throwdini throwing
The classical circus picture. Never try this yourself! Leave such tricks the professional artists and enjoy their thrilling performance. Many thanks to Niabi and David, The Great Throwdini, for the foto from their website http://www.knifethrower.com .

Hm ... the assistant might try to catch the knives and throw them back. And they play nicely pingpong then with knives. Smile.

Another thrilling story of not-hitting e.g., you can read at John Bailey's website www. throwingknives. com/ johnb.htm (bottom half). He tells, how he hit a rattle-snake at several yards distance, directly beside the head of a colleague, who lies on the ground.

The above things are something only for professional artists and survival experts. But the never-hitting-situation may occurre in quite normal lives as well. Here some harmless but practicable examples:

With axes on a chopping trunk, only about one yard high. I try to hit as close as possible to the upper edge of the trunk, but never above it. Otherwise the expensive device maybe flight gone away. See a hit picture in chapter "The Targets".
The living room target for small knives is placed in the book shelf directly beside the stereo. I strongly avoid to hit the stereo.
In a video of a throw into the camera, I want to hit close to the camera, but never the camera itself. See such foto sequence in chapter "Technique - From Grip to Throw - Step 4".

What is the difference between the two aiming strategies?

To hit as close as possible to a certain point is always possible. Even if I miss for miles, I can try to come as close as possible.
To hit as close as possible, but never over it, is not always possible. It bases on the exact knowledge of ones own skills and limits. Security is the key word.

When aiming, these two situations make distinctive sensations and strategies. That not-hitting kind of aiming surely has its own charm!

Have fun not hitting something!

Your Franz Virtual

Always watch the security and NEVER aim at persons! Not even kidding!