I have used these ball launchers before, and enjoyed them, but this one is not what I was expecting at all.  I got the short sport launcher, and the fact that there is a learning curve with that size is no joke!  Everyone in my house that tries to use it has a hard time actually launching the ball.  I think the longer chuck-its might work a lot better, but this shortie was basically a waste of money.  I have tried to throw the ball with it every which way.  Side-arming it seems to work the best, but it's very hard to control what direction the ball is going to go with that method.  Better than straight down or hitting my dog trying to overhand it tho!  Get the longer ball launcher, not this shortie one.  You will thank me later.