Just PULL!

Strange though with the manual ones there is no pulling. Before, there was a cord attached to an auto thrower. You'd pull the cord for the other person doing the shooting. I believe that's where the expression comes from (could be wrong though) I do remember pulling the cord though.

As for that launcher it's nifty. You basically roll the sporting clay down the track and the arm with the nub(its a wheel) will open and then some spring tension would hold it tight.

The arm would close just over half way so the clay can fly out.

Once the clay is in you, fold the arm and track back towards the handle and it stays in place by how the spring is bent and now pulling toward the arm. (Not sure how to explain it any better)

To throw... it takes practice I broke so may clays. My dad would show off by shooting the pieces. The throw is kind of like swinging a tennis racket at a ball near your hip.

The clay holder part also swings so its like a throw and it also throws. Like a bat that also has another spring loaded bat on the tip. It gives extra speed to your swing.

Pretty cool actually but super hard to explain.