How To Throw a Disc - Ultimate Basics

 Teaching a New Player How to Throw and Catch a disc for Ultimate Frisbee

Ultimate is one of those sports that seems very simple on paper, but quickly becomes secretly complex once you begin to get into the sport. It is easy enough to pick up quickly, but also has so many small details that cause even experienced players to continue developing their skills years into playing. When it comes to teaching a compete beginner, the goal is simple. Learn how to throw the frisbee. Below I will focus on throwing and catching, the basics of ultimate. This is evergreen material that you will be able to return to time and time again, with step by step instructions, and examples that I have personally used and I know work throughout my time playing this sport. 

What will be found in this article

1. The basics of throwing a backhand

2. The basics of throwing a forehand "the flick" 

Before I go too in depth of specifics, I would like to go over a few key terms that may be uncommon language. 

Disc / Frisbee: This is the plastic flying disc used to pass and score. Standard ultimate discs weigh 175 grams. 

Backhand: This is the throw that is completed by gripping the disc with your thumb on top and your fingers under the rim, then swinging your arm forward and snapping your wrist to generate spin and power

Forehand / Flick: This is the throw where the disc is gripped with your thumb on top and the middle and index fingers under the rim, then released with a forward wrist "flick" 

Now that we have gone over some simple definitions, lets start with the backhand throw. The backhand is the classic throw, the one that almost everyone will learn first. It's the throw that you've likely used if you've ever thrown a frisbee before, and is likely to feel the most natural once you figure out the grip and wrist snap. 

Throwing a backhand consists of a few simple steps, the grip, the stance, the wind up, and follow through. 

The Backhand

Grip: Place your thumb on the top of the disc around the center of the frisbee, and curl your four other fingers underneath the rim. The grip should be firm, with enough strength to control the frisbee, but it doesn't need to be a death grip. 

Stance: Stand sideways to your intended target. Put your feet about shoulder width apart. Right handed throwers will stand with their left shoulder facing the target. Keeping balanced weight, your knees should be slightly bent. 

Wind-Up: Bring the disc across your body to your non throwing side, keeping the disc level. Right handed throwers should have the frisbee level with their chest on the left side of their body. Its important to keep the disc level in the wind up. Step forward with the same foot you are throwing with and snap your wrist at the moment of release to generate spin. 

Follow through: After releasing the disc, your arm should swing toward your target. Having a relaxed follow through will improve accuracy and prevent any wobble.

In early stages, its easy to have timing of the release to be a challenge point. Going for distance when learning is not as important as generating spin. Beginners should start with close targets and focus on throwing a flat, well-spinning disc. 

The Forehand (Flick)

The forehand throw is often much more challenging and has a much steeper learning curve compared to the backhand throw. This throw often feels awkward, and may even make you frustrated, I know this happened to me when I was learning to throw. 

Once again, I will break this throw down step by step. I will go over the grip, stance, wind up, and follow through. 

Grip: Place your index and middle fingers on the inside, underside of the frisbee and your thumb resting on top. This will almost look like a toy gun like figure. The fingers on the underside of the disc, index and middle will be what produces the main power and direction. The thumb on top will be keeping everything flat and controlled. 

Stance: Face your target directly, with your shoulders facing the intended target. Your feet will be shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent and the elbow you are throwing with will be tucked close to your body. 

Wind up: With your throwing hand close to your body, you will bring the disc back on the same side you are throwing with, similar to skipping a stone across the water. Keeping the disc flat and parallel to the ground is important in this step. With one fluid motion, push the disc forward using a quick flick of the wrist. 

Follow through: On release, your wrist should be doing most of the work. Be sure not to use too much elbow, as it should relatively stay in the same position as before it was thrown. On releasing the disc, your fingers should point towards your target.

Learning the flick can take time. The biggest thing I have learned is not using my arm, or elbow to throw the disc. Almost all of the power with this throw will be created through the wrist snap and push motion from the fingers on the underside of the disc. 

Conclusion: Throwing the disc is the foundation of ultimate frisbee. It's impossible to play this sport without knowing how to throw the disc. Someone who can naturally throw a frisbee well is already miles ahead of someone who has yet to learn these skills. Learning to throw both the backhand and forehand are not about how far the disc can go. It's all about how accurately hit your target time and time again. The only way to master this skill is with practice and repetition. Mastering these basics is essential to anyone who is interested in getting involved in the sport of ultimate. I remember the first time I successfully completed a forehand and backhand throw, it's a memory I'll cherish forever and it's something that made me want to continue learning and improving in this sport .