How to Hold a Lasso

A lasso is a loop made out of, and connected to, a length of rope and thrown around the necks of targets to capture them. It is most closely associated with American cowboys driving herds of cattle. Simple as it may seem, throwing a lasso to capture cattle is a skill achieved through long practice. The most important step to making an effective lasso throw is holding it correctly. If you hold your lasso incorrectly, you cannot time or control its throw well enough. Therefore, a good throw starts with a good hold.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Curl a loose length of the rope in your left hand at least six feet from the knot of the lasso's loop.

   • 2

     Hold the length of rope with your right hand at a point no less than a foot from the loop.

   • 3

     Relax your shoulders. Plant your left foot firmly on the ground.

   • 4

     Swing the loop with your right hand in a small circle, slowly at first. Raise the loop above your end. Relax your wrists. Swing the lasso faster and in widening circle until the rope is taut in your right hand. Prepare to throw the lasso.