Different Types of Throws

We know what you’re thinking; how many ways can a disc possibly be tossed? Well, there are endless throws used in Ultimate games. This is a list of throws that are both popular and very necessary to use. You may not use all of these throws in each game, but the more diverse your throwing arsenal is the bigger your advantage over your defender. Here is a top 5 hot throws list for you and your team!

• Backhand: The easiest and probably most commonly used throw. It is the most generic and natural way to throw a disc. You will put four fingers in the cup of the disc with your thumb on top. If you are a righty you would stand straight up, twist to the left, and bend your wrist and elbow in front of you so they are in front of the disc. Then un-do all of that in one steady motion releasing the disc. Try to keep the disc as level as possible and to give it spin. Remember that most of the spin comes from bending your wrist then snapping it.
• Forehand AKA ‘The Flick’: This is the most efficient throw in Ultimate because it uses the least amount of energy and can be thrown in milliseconds. Put 2 fingers (Pointer & middle) under the disc and your thumb on top. Throw as if you were trying to skip a flat rock on water. Keeping the disc parallel with the ground is really important. The key element to the flick throw is the spin you put on the disc.  Do this by pulling your wrist as far back as it will go and snapping it forward while bringing your arm through the motion. The disc should wrap around and “flick” off your two fingers.
• The Hammer: To throw a hammer simply pretend like you are throwing an axe. First, hold the disc with your pointer and middle finger on the inner side of the disc, your thumb on the other side. It is typically held the same way as a Flick. The top of the disc should be facing your left side. Tilt the top of the disc slightly to the left side to give it an angle. Pull back and release the disc when it gets even with your forehead, keep your elbow bent at all times. If done right the disc should start out tilted and slowly turn upside-down. The disc should land completely upside down on its face because it makes it more predictable and easier to catch for you teammate.
• The Scoober: A variant of the forehand throw, the Scoober, is similar to the hammer and thrown from a backhand stance. The release of the Scoober is typically more flat than the release of a hammer but the flight path is very similar to the hammer. Used to throw over defenders, the Scoober is usually a short 10 - 20 yard throw. While holding the disc with a forehand grip turn the disc over so its belly side up, and bring the disc across your body. Lead the throw with your elbow and flick the disc forward.
• The Blade: The blade is a flat vertical throw used to get over a defender's head. The disc is held the same as in a forehand throw and projected up and forward holding the disc perpendicular to the ground.

We hope you have a great time out there. Be patient as some of these throws take a long time to perfect, and have fun!