How to Make an Atlatl Primitive Spear Thrower Skill Guide for Beginners

How to Make an Atlatl Primitive Spear Thrower Skill Guide

What an Atlatl Is

An atlatl is a primitive spear thrower that acts as a lever to dramatically increase throwing distance, speed, and power. Instead of throwing a spear or dart by hand, the atlatl extends your arm, allowing the dart to flex and store energy during the throw.

This simple tool predates the bow and arrow and was used around the world for hunting and warfare thousands of years ago.

Despite its age, the atlatl is still incredibly effective and surprisingly easy to make.

How an Atlatl Works 

An atlatl works by adding length to your throwing arm.

When you throw:

• Your arm starts the motion

• The atlatl continues the motion

• The dart bends slightly, storing energy

• That energy releases as the dart leaves the spur

The result is:

• More speed

• More distance

• More penetration

It’s leverage, not strength, doing the work.

Parts of a Basic Atlatl Thrower

Every atlatl, no matter how simple, has the same core parts:

Handle

The part you grip. It can be straight, curved, or shaped to fit the hand.

Shaft or Body

The main length of the atlatl. This provides leverage.

Spur or Hook

A small peg, hook, or notch at the end that engages the back of the dart.

That’s it. Everything else is refinement.

Safety First

Before building or throwing an atlatl:

• Never throw toward people, animals, or structures

• Practice in an open area

• Start with light throws

• Use blunt or practice darts when learning

Atlatls are powerful. Treat them with respect.

Method 1: Simple Stick Atlatl (Fast Build)

This is the easiest and most primitive version.

What You Need

• A straight stick about forearm length

• A small branch, nail, or carved nub for the spur

• Cordage or natural fiber (optional)

How It’s Made

• Select a straight stick with minimal bends

• Carve or attach a small spur at one end

• Smooth the grip area

The spur only needs to protrude slightly. It just has to catch the socket or notch at the back of the dart.

This style works surprisingly well and can be made in under an hour.

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Method 2: Carved Wooden Atlatl (Traditional Style)

This is the most common historical design.

What You Need

• Hardwood or flexible wood

• Knife or carving tools

• Time and patience

How It’s Made

• Shape the handle to fit your grip

• Thin the shaft slightly for flex

• Carve an integrated spur at the end

Step 1: Rough Shape the Blank

Cut a piece:

• Slightly longer than your forearm

• Thicker than the finished tool

Remove bark and rough bumps.

Step 2: Shape the Handle

Carve the grip area:

• Oval, not round

• Comfortable but not bulky

Some people add finger grooves, but they’re optional.

Step 3: Thin the Shaft

Gradually taper the body:

• Thicker near the handle

• Slightly thinner toward the spur

This improves balance and flex.

Step 4: Carve the Integrated Spur

At the end:

• Carve a raised hook or peg

• Angle it slightly upward

• Keep it smooth and rounded

This works with bowl-socket darts.

Step 5: Final Smoothing

Scrape and sand (or burnish with a smooth stone).

Many traditional atlatls include:

• Finger grooves

• Slight curves

• Decorative carvings

These features improve comfort but are not required.

 

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Method 3: Cordage Loop Atlatl

Instead of a rigid spur, this version uses a loop.

How It Works

• A loop of cord engages the back of the dart

• The dart releases naturally at the end of the throw

Step 1: Prepare the Stick

Trim and smooth a straight stick.
No carving at the tip is required.

Step 2: Carve the Notch

At the throwing end:

• carve a small notch for your cordage to tie to
  

Step 3: Tie a Knot

Use:

• Square knot

• Constrictor knot

• Or multiple wraps with a stopper knot

The loop must not slide or loosen.

Step 4: Shape the Dart Nock

The dart should have:

• A curved nock, not a bowl

• Smooth edges so the loop releases cleanly

Step 5: Test the Fit

The loop should:

• Hold the dart securely at rest

• Slip free naturally during the throw

Adjust loop size if needed.

This design is simple but requires more practice for consistent releases.

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Method 4: Forked Stick Cord Atlatl

This version uses a naturally forked stick with cord stretched between the two prongs.

How It Works

• The dart rests between the two forks

• A length of cord is tied across the fork tips

• The curved nock of the dart sits against the cord

• When thrown, the cord pushes the dart forward

• The dart releases cleanly at the end of the motion

Instead of a single point or loop, the dart is driven by tension across the fork.

Why This Design Works

• The fork stabilizes the dart

• The cord distributes force evenly

• The dart stays aligned during acceleration

• Release is consistent once tuned

This design naturally resists twisting, which helps accuracy.

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Choosing the Right Length

A good rule of thumb:

• Atlatl length equals forearm length

• Longer adds power

• Shorter adds control

Beginners should start shorter.

How to Hold an Atlatl

• Grip it firmly but not tightly

• Keep your wrist relaxed

• Point the spur directly behind the dart

The dart should rest along the atlatl naturally.

Basic Throwing Technique

Step 1

Raise your throwing arm back smoothly.

Step 2

Step forward with the opposite foot.

Step 3

Throw in a smooth arc, not a snap.

Step 4

Let your wrist follow through naturally.

Accuracy comes from smooth motion, not force.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

• Throwing too hard

• Snapping the wrist

• Using darts that are too heavy

• Poor spur alignment

• Standing too close to targets

Slow down. Technique matters more than strength.

Atlatl Tip Card

Making an atlatl is simple, but remembering proportions, spur placement, and throwing basics is easier with a quick reference.

This is a perfect skill to keep offline.

→ Learn how to make an atlatl with our Tip Card

Tools and Materials That Make It Easier

• Knife or carving tool

• Small saw

• Awl or drill

• Cordage or sinew

• Measuring tool

You can find purpose-built tools here:

→ Explore our Atlatl Making Tools Collection

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Related Skill Guides

This guide focuses only on the thrower. For the rest of the system:

→ How to Make Atlatl Darts
→ How to Make Primitive Spears

FAQ

Q: Is an atlatl hard to make?
A: No. The simplest versions can be made in under an hour.

Q: How far can an atlatl throw a dart?
A: Skilled throwers can exceed 100 yards. Beginners often reach 30–50 yards.

Q: Does the atlatl need to flex?
A: Slight flex helps, but rigid atlatls still work well.

Q: What wood is best for an atlatl?
A: Any strong, lightweight wood works. Straight grain matters more than species.

Q: Can kids learn to use an atlatl?
A: Yes, with supervision and practice darts.

Q: Is an atlatl legal?
A: Laws vary. It is generally legal to own, but hunting regulations differ by region.

Q: Do I need special darts?
A: Yes. Atlatl darts are longer and more flexible than arrows.