How to Throw a Metal Throwing Card

Standard playing cards lack the weight necessary to throw for longer distances. Metal playing cards have the weight needed to change this.

Throwing a playing card is tricky due to the lack of weight in the card, causing it to flutter after about twenty feet. Metal throwing cards change this by adding weight to the card, allow it to fly farther and with greater force. The motion, however, for throwing normal playing cards remains the same for metal cards made for throwing; it's only the result of the motion that changes. The key to throwing a card, metal or not, is in the wrist.

Instructions

1. Train the wrist to remain loose while applying force. All the force of throwing a card comes from the motion of the wrist, not from brute strength. Wrist strengthening exercises include working with a stress ball everyday for about a month or attempting to crack a walnut with only the thumb, index and pointer fingers. While the practice of throwing strengthens the wrist as well, there is a possibility of developing bad habits if you start throwing before the wrist is strengthened.

2. Grip the card holding one corner flat between the index and pointer fingers so that the card is behind the fingers but moving away from the hand. There are many other grips, including those used by magicians in various tricks; however, most of these require placing a finger on the edge, and when dealing with metal cards which may be sharpened, this could result in injury. When dealing with sharper cards, keeping the edges away from the hand is better. Pinch down with these fingers to keep the card steady and secure until thrown.

3. Bend your throwing arm to a comfortable angle. The arm is not at all needed to throw a metal throwing card, the entire motion is in the wrist. Find a comfortable position where the wrist remains loose and hold the arm there.

4. Draw the wrist in so that the card moves closer to the forearm.

5. Flick the wrist and fingers forward and part the fingers to release the card. This should come in one fluid motion while keeping the wrist relaxed and loose.

6. Practice the motion with and without a card. Expect that your first throws will be weak and inaccurate. Continue practicing. Eventually the arm and other parts of the body should naturally become included in the motion as needed to generate power for better distance, but while starting it's important to perfect the wrist flick which throws the card.

References

• Knife Throwing: Card Throwing