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:
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Your arm starts the motion
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The atlatl continues the motion
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The dart bends slightly, storing energy
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That energy releases as the dart leaves the spur
The result is:
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More speed
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More distance
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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:
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Never throw toward people, animals, or structures
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Practice in an open area
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Start with light throws
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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
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A straight stick about forearm length
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A small branch, nail, or carved nub for the spur
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Cordage or natural fiber (optional)
How It’s Made
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Select a straight stick with minimal bends
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Carve or attach a small spur at one end
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Smooth the grip area
Step 1: Select the Stick
Choose a stick that is:
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Straight
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About as thick as your thumb
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Free of cracks
Hardwood is best, but any solid wood works.
Step 2: Cut to Length
Trim the stick to:
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Roughly the length of your forearm
Shorter gives control. Longer gives power.
Step 3: Shape the Handle
Lightly round the grip end so it fits your hand.
You do not need finger grooves.
Optional: wrap cordage for comfort.
Step 4: Carve the Spur
At the throwing end:
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Carve a small nub or peg sticking out, or attach a secondary branch, horn, nail, or other "Spur" that's lashed on.
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It should angle slightly upward
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Only about 1/4 inch tall
This spur will sit in the bowl socket of the dart.
Step 5: Smooth All Edges
Remove sharp corners to prevent hand fatigue or cord wear.
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.
Method 2: Carved Wooden Atlatl (Traditional Style)
This is the most common historical design.
What You Need
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Hardwood or flexible wood
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Knife or carving tools
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Time and patience
How It’s Made
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Shape the handle to fit your grip
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Thin the shaft slightly for flex
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Carve an integrated spur at the end
Step 1: Rough Shape the Blank
Cut a piece:
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Slightly longer than your forearm
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Thicker than the finished tool
Remove bark and rough bumps.
Step 2: Shape the Handle
Carve the grip area:
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Oval, not round
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Comfortable but not bulky
Some people add finger grooves, but they’re optional.
Step 3: Thin the Shaft
Gradually taper the body:
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Thicker near the handle
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Slightly thinner toward the spur
This improves balance and flex.
Step 4: Carve the Integrated Spur
At the end:
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Carve a raised hook or peg
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Angle it slightly upward
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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:
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Finger grooves
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Slight curves
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Decorative carvings
These features improve comfort but are not required.
Method 3: Cordage Loop Atlatl
Instead of a rigid spur, this version uses a loop.
How It Works
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A loop of cord engages the back of the dart
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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:
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carve a small notch for your cordage to tie to
Step 3: Tie a Knot
Use:
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Square knot
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Constrictor knot
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Or multiple wraps with a stopper knot
The loop must not slide or loosen.
Step 4: Shape the Dart Nock
The dart should have:
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A curved nock, not a bowl
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Smooth edges so the loop releases cleanly
Step 5: Test the Fit
The loop should:
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Hold the dart securely at rest
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Slip free naturally during the throw
Adjust loop size if needed.
This design is simple but requires more practice for consistent releases.
Method 4: Forked Stick Cord Atlatl
This version uses a naturally forked stick with cord stretched between the two prongs.
How It Works
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The dart rests between the two forks
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A length of cord is tied across the fork tips
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The curved nock of the dart sits against the cord
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When thrown, the cord pushes the dart forward
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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.
Step 1: Select the Fork
Look for:
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Even fork arms
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Fork spacing close to dart diameter
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Solid wood with no cracks
Step 2: Trim the Fork
Cut the handle end to forearm length.
Shorten fork arms so they are even.
Step 3: Smooth the Fork Tips
Round all edges so the cord won’t fray.
Step 4: Tie the Cord Across the Fork
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Stretch cord tightly between fork tips
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Tie securely on both sides
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Cord should sit straight and centered
This cord replaces the spur.
Step 5: Prepare the Dart
The dart must have:
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A curved nock
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Rounded and smooth rear end
The nock rests against the cord.
Step 6: Test Tension
The dart should:
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Sit centered
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Release cleanly
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Not slip sideways
Adjust cord tension if needed.
Why This Design Works
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The fork stabilizes the dart
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The cord distributes force evenly
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The dart stays aligned during acceleration
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Release is consistent once tuned
This design naturally resists twisting, which helps accuracy.
Choosing the Right Length
A good rule of thumb:
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Atlatl length equals forearm length
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Longer adds power
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Shorter adds control
Beginners should start shorter.
How to Hold an Atlatl
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Grip it firmly but not tightly
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Keep your wrist relaxed
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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
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Throwing too hard
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Snapping the wrist
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Using darts that are too heavy
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Poor spur alignment
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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
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Knife or carving tool
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Small saw
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Awl or drill
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Cordage or sinew
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Measuring tool
You can find purpose-built tools here:
→ Explore our Atlatl Making Tools Collection
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.
