There are a lot of different Ultimate Frisbee throws that you can master. In fact, it seems that newer ones are always being added. Whichever style or technique you use it is always important to make sure the disc lands at its target. Being accurate and precise is a great advantage in the ultimate game.

Where the Frisbee lands will usually vary with the distance, angle, trajectory, as well as the technique of your throw. For instance, you will throw the Frisbees sideways if your teammate is on your right or left side. However, if you are facing him/her, the technique will change. The distance also influences the style you should use. Backhand throws go further than a forehand throw, but we will cover all that below. Spinning the disc causes the Frisbee to rise in the air, while flicking the wrist adds more force or causes it to change direction. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the common Ultimate Frisbee throws that you should master.

 

Our List Of The Most Useful Ultimate Frisbee Throws:

1. The Backhand

This is undoubtedly the most common throwing style in Ultimate Frisbee. We love it for its simplicity and good power. You hold the edge with your index finger and place the middle finger beneath the disc. Relax your wrist, arm, bring the disc to your tummy or waist and keep it parallel to the ground. Now imagine the same motion you would use to slap a person with the back of your hand. Move your hand outwards with force to release the Frisbee. You can release the disc low to the ground or high, depending on what trajectory you want it to follow.

 

2. The Forehand/ Flick

Also referred to as the two-finger, flick, or side-arm throw, the forehand is among the popular ultimate Frisbee throws. It is one of the easiest techniques to master. It also has a good coverage and does not require lots of effort. You place your middle finger beneath the disc and the index finger on its trailing edge. Relaxing your wrist and holding it parallel to the ground, you slightly stretch out your hand (imagine cutting something or beating something). The power comes from the wrist’s flick action.

 

3. Hammer Frisbee Throw

Picture yourself using a hammer. You start at a high point then end at a low point. The technique is similar to that of the forehand (index finger on the edge and middle finger under the disc). However, you hold it from a high position as if holding hammer then aim it at a low position. It’s not a very powerful throw but can come handy when you need to quickly pass the disc to your teammate from a jumping position.

 

4. Scoober

The holding technique used for this throw can be similar to both forehand, backhand, and hammer. The only difference is that the belly will now be facing upwards and not the ground. Imagine hammering but using the backhand pose and not forehand, or throwing backyard but aiming at the ground. Well, it isn’t the most accurate or most powerful throw, but can get you out of a tight situation. Picture yourself surrounded by other placers and you need to release the disc to your teammate who is close. The Frisbee usually doesn’t go farther than 20 yards with this technique, so it’s great to use it for a tight pass.

 

5. Blade

The disc is held in a similar manner to the forehand throw and is held vertical to the ground. You then project it upwards so as it moves above the person nearby. The technique is used to get the Frisbee past the defenders. It is, in fact, a type of modified hammer throw, with a few major differences. One is that as you can see the arm is extended way to the right, and secondly, you are making a large sidestep. Why? Well, as I said it’s because this move is intended to quickly avoid a defender and pass the frisbee to another player. It is also not a very powerful throw and isn’t very accurate especially for newbies.

 

6. Overhand Throw

The Frisbee is held with four fingers on the top surface and the thumb beneath it. The hand is brought to the shoulder or behind your back. Using a fast motion, you straighten your hand and at the same time flick your wrist clockwise. Upon releasing the disc, it will continue moving in a clockwise direction but towards your right for a right-handed person. This technique allows the player to quickly let go of a disc.

 

7. Thumber

This technique is all about medium range. You need to be placing the thumb on the inner edge/rim of the disc and the four fingers on the top surface. Your arm also has to form a 45-degree angle. The release of the Frisbee is similar to overland, but, in this case, you end the throw by flicking the disc. This adds some spin to the Frisbee and can help avoid a defender or confuse him/her.

 

8. Duck

This is a variation of thumber grip with backhand throw. The way you hold the Frisbee for this throw is exactly like a thumber, but the throw motion differs. Four fingers on top of the disc and the thumb beneath it. The motion is like a backhand throw. For right-handers, the disc is also brought to your left hip side. The only difference is that when releasing the disc, you flick the wrist anticlockwise and not clockwise like in Overhand. The disc will move in the opposite direction, anticlockwise for a right-handed person. Similar to Overhand, this technique is applied in quick, catch-and-release instances.

 

8. Chicken Wing Frisbee Throw

The holding technique and release method of the Frisbee are similar to the backhand throw. The only difference is that instead of reaching towards your back, you change the position to the hips instead. For right-handed people, it will be the right hip while left-handed thrower positions it on the left hip. It is not the easiest of techniques but can be very effective especially in tight situations.

 

How to Throw A Frisbee Straight

It’s true that many people can throw a Frisbee easily. Doesn’t look like such a big deal and, honestly, it’s not. However, it is only a few that can throw a Frisbee straight. Many things come into play when throwing a disc. However, the key ones are the tilt and the spin-speed. On release, the Frisbee will tilt a bit and towards the end of its path, it will lose some spin. This will alter its course. You can correct these natural forces by altering your angle of throw, increasing the spin, and most importantly, snapping your wrist at the end of the throw. Always try imagining whipping a person with the towel. The following are the basic steps you need to follow to throw a Frisbee straight:

– Hold the Frisbee the right way. Your arm, wrist, and palm should be very relaxed, flexible and not rigid.

– Stand in the right pose. Do not arch your back, do not bend backward, and ensure you have the best view.

– Choose your most comfortable position – facing front, slightly angled, or sideways.

– Select your preferred throwing technique. It helps to focus on one style at a time rather than combining them.

– Focus on your target. If it’s a little far move closer and if you are confident move a few steps back.

– Take a deep breath, throw the disc, and do not forget to snap the wrist at the end of the throw.

How was it?

Well, remember one very important thing. If you want to be able to throw a Frisbee straight, you must work at your craft. Practice makes perfect. So don’t just read our advice about it: go get a Frisbee and start practicing. Do that and you’ll see that you’ll be able to throw a Frisbee straight in no time.

 

Conclusion

Becoming a good thrower takes lots of practice. You have to sacrifice time to work on your mistakes and also aim at becoming better every day. There are a lot of cool Frisbee throws we showed you, but go try them out and work on them.

You should continue practicing even when you have perfected your skills. This may mean sticking to a routine and constantly focusing on throwing drills. In any case, now that you’ve read our article, you surely know a lot more about some of the most versatile Ultimate Frisbee throws out there.

Now that you master the throws, you can also learn how to improve your frisbee catching technique here.