OK, so this isn't magic. But I thought it was really cool, so I saved it anyway.
By: Richard Morecock
Warning #1: Shooting bands at people can be dangerous, of course.
This works best with #19 bands, or other bands that have a "squarish" cross-section, as opposed to a ribbon-like cross-section. Better aerodynamics.
Let's say you are right handed. If you shoot a band normally, you will place one end on your right thumb, pull back with your left index finger, and release. If you try this, you will notice that the band *always* hits your hand on the way out. This robs it of most of its energy. The Optimal Rubberband Shooting Method (tm) succeeds largely by avoiding this.
These instructions are for right-handers. Take your *left* hand, and form a big C with your index finger and thumb. Place the band around these fingers. Then turn your hand such that the C is parallel to the ground, if it wasn't already, such that thumb and index finger are the same height above the floor. Hold the left hand at about chest level, comfortably out in front of you.
Now take your *right* index finger and point it as if at someone in front of you. Place this finger *underneath* the left hand's thumb to the left of where the band is. Place the tip of this finger on the *top* of the *lower* loop of the band, and do this as close to the thumb as possible (i.e. closer to your chest). In other word the right index finger comes *from the left* and goes *underneath* the left thumb to touch the lower section of the band. Begin to stretch the lower loop of the band by moving the right index finger forward as the left hand stays still. What you are trying to do is to stretch the band between the index finger of the *right* hand and thumb of the *left*. As you continue this action of moving the right index finger forward, begin to collapse the C of the left index and thumb until you are able to remove the left index finger entirely. What you are striving for is to have the band stretched between the right index finger and left thumb alone, with the right section of the band stretched much more tightly than the left. This is the key. The final position looks just like the normal rubber band shooting setup except with different fingers, but the fact that one side of the band is under much more tension than the other is the key to whole sheband. The uneven distribution of tension will cause the band to miss the right hand entirely while being shot, as well as impart an aerodynamic spin.
Warning #2: The band WILL break with repeated shots, so never bring the hand up to such a position that a band break will cause you to get shot in the face.
To shoot, simply poke the right index forward a bit while releasing the left thumb. It's a bit of a knack thing. What you will find is that the band will rocket off your hand much faster than normal, will fly farther, and hit with greater impact. It also makes an impressive noise when it flys, very impressive if you happen to be on the receiving end and it flys by your head. Depending on the type of band you use, impact on naked human flesh will leave a red mark from 20 feet away and cause distinct yelps of pain. :) You can also practice target shooting, etc.
It may take several reads of the description to get it right, and of course I can answer any questions if it doesn't make sense. I can guarantee one thing, if you do this right, you will be absolutely shocked that you got through grade school without learning it. :)
By: TJ
Amateurs ;o)
For distance and speed and great accuracy, make left hand into fist, but point towards the object you are aiming for. Put the rubberband over that finger and stretch (with right 1st finger) that sucker as far as it goes up your arm, aim and release. I've shot these things up and over my house that way, and not to mention hurts like crazy when you get hit, so where a paper plate over your head when in rubberband wars (of course cut out eye holes) Have fun.
-TJ
NOTE: shooting rubberbands at people is dangerous and could lead to injury. Please do not try this at home. Please take advantage of the "no faces" rule in rubberbands and dont aim at faces or bare skin. Be safe! (paid for by supporters of BSWSRB [be safe when shooting rubberbands])
By: Richard Morecock
Hmm. It's not a matter of how far you stretch the band, it will
stretch as far as it will stretch without breaking. The method
involves a) missing the shooting hand on the way out, and b) imparting
a uniform spin. For that you need to make one side more tense than the
other.
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