Different Types of Disc Golf Throws:

When it comes to types disc golf throws, there’s definitely more than one way to sling a disc. In fact, there are probably many more types than you realize. The sheer variety of shots and shot shapes you can achieve is one of the many things that makes the sport so fun and interesting. In this article, we’ll cover the majority of disc golf throws, including a basic explanation, pros and cons, when you would be most likely to use them, and some tips and tricks for each.

Basic Types of Disc Golf Throw

Before you get fancy, you have to master the basics. There are two main ways to throw a disc: backhand and forehand. With each of those, you are able to throw a disc on one of six basic flight lines (the path the disc takes through the air on its way to the target), which we will discuss later. Many players work their entire lives trying to master these basics, and it’s where all disc golfers should start as they work to better their game!

Backhand Throw

The backhand is the most common throw in disc golf. This is how most people would throw a Frisbee during a game of catch. Much like a tennis backhand, this type of throw is done with the back of your hand or wrist leading the disc. With your thumb on top of the disc and fingers curled under the rim, the disc is thrown across your body, the back of your hand leading the way. This type of throw has many benefits. The biggest are:

• It is the easiest for most players to learn (although some find the forehand, the next throw we cover, to be a bit easier).
• It has the least potential to cause injury.
• It has the most distance potential.
• It is the easiest to control and throw on many different lines.
• It imparts the highest spin rate on the disc, which is very important for distance, shot shaping, and control of the flight path of the disc.

The biggest drawback to the backhand throw (or a forehand for that matter) is learning how to manipulate the disc’s finish. Most beginners, throwing right hand back hand, will be limited to a left finishing disc. The opposite for a lefty or forehand player. However, in time, players will learn to manipulate the flight of their discs to finish in various directions.

The keys to throwing a backhand well are:

• Always throw the disc flat and level, not high into the air.
• Keep the nose of the disc down.
• Find a grip that is comfortable and works for you. Don’t change it continually.

These are often easier said than done, but watching some of the greats throw backhands is a fantastic way to learn just what is possible with this versatile throw. I started playing 20 years ago and was (and still am) inspired by the incredible backhand skill of Barry Schultz (2-time World Champ and 3-time US champion). Watching him throw Innova Rocs in the woods and being in complete control of every aspect of their flight path is something to behold!

Forehand Throw

Also, known as a sidearm throw or a flick, this type of throw is the same as throwing a baseball sidearm, but with a golf disc. Here, as opposed to the backhand, a forehand is executed with your fingers under and pressing against the rim of the disc, thumb on top. Keeping your elbow close to your body, the disc is thrown at about waist level with the palm of your hand towards the target.

At some point, it’s important to have both a backhand and forehand in your arsenal as a forehand allows you to throw lines that are very hard, if not impossible to throw with a backhand. The forehand is also easier to learn for some players, especially if they have experience in other sports, like baseball, where a sidearm throw is sometimes used. That said, the sidearm has several downsides. In my opinion, all players should start by learning the backhand and then add the forehand down the road as needed. Negatives about the forehand include the following:

• The forehand can cause injury much easier than a backhand.
• It puts a lot less spin on the disc, making it harder to control.
• There is less distance potential.
• It’s much harder to “shape” the flight line of your disc vs a backhand.

A couple of keys to throwing good forehand shots are:

• Keep your elbow close to your body.
• Finish with your chest forward, pointing towards your target.
• Let the disc lag behind your body, arm, and hand. It should only pass them at the end of the throw.
• In general, use more overstable discs for forehand throws.

To see someone who has thrown a lot of forehands his entire career, watch Greg Barsby (1x PDGA World champion). He can throw a forehand with great control and is a good person to learn from. To see the longest forehand thrown on tour, check out Eagle McMahon. Eagle is known for throwing 500+ foot forehand shots, sometimes from a standstill!

Shot Shaping Throws

Once you have your standard throws sorted, it’s time to start shaping the flight of your disc by altering how your shot is thrown. There are six basic shot shapes that all good players should at least understand, if not be able to throw. They include: Hyzer, Anhyzer, Spike Hyzer, Hyzer Flip, S-Curve, and Flex Shot. Mastering these flight lines allows you to play on any course and in almost any weather or wind.

Hyzer Throw

After learning to throw the disc flat and level (where ALL disc golfers should begin), the next most important variation is the hyzer. While we are calling this a “hyzer throw”, it’s not really a type of throw. It’s the angle at which you throw your disc. If, when coming out of your hand, the edge of the disc that is furthest out from your body is lower than the edge closest to your body, that’s a hyzer angle.

Many professionals advise learning to throw almost all of your shots with this angle to start. The type of disc you use will change the resulting flight path, but the launch angle of outside being lower than inside gives you a lot of control over your disc. Throwing with a hyzer angle also matches the way discs naturally like to fly and fade at the end. This makes a disc thrown on a hyzer angle much more controllable.

If your disc keeps that angle through its entire flight, many people call that a “hyzer throw” or throwing on a “hyzer line”. When a right handed player throws a backhand hyzer shot, that shot will typically end up going to the left. For a lefty, the reverse is true.

Anhyzer Throw

An anhyzer throw is the opposite of what I just described. When throwing, the outside edge of the disc is higher than the inside. An anhyzer throw fights the natural tendencies of the disc as it flies through the air. This makes some very unique and useful flight lines possible. Throwing on an anhyzer line with different stabilities of disc can create a wide variety of flight paths and options out on the course!

The key to throwing a good anhyzer is keeping the nose of the disc down. This will keep the disc on your intended flight path much longer. Since most discs will naturally try to “fight out” of the anhyzer angle and move in the opposite direction, controlling the nose angle of your disc becomes critical.

The best way to learn the anhyzer shot is by doing fieldwork. Take all of your discs out and throw them with the outside edge of the disc higher than the inside. When a right-handed player throws an effective backhand anhyzer, the disc will travel to the right its entire flight (as opposed to finishing left when thrown on a hyzer). Again, a lefty’s throw will do the opposite of this.

Spike Hyzer

Sometimes, you need to throw your disc high and over some obstacles. This is one of a few times when knowing how to throw a spike hyzer comes into play. A spike hyzer is simply a shot thrown on a very steep hyzer line (the disc can sometimes be tilted at 45 degrees or more) and high in the air. This creates a high, steep flight path that trades distance for clearing obstacles, improved accuracy, and reduced ground play once the disc lands.

Due to its steep angle, the disc usually stops where it lands instead of sliding or skipping. This makes the spike hyzer a valuable throw to have in your bag, even if there are no obstacles in the way. Professional players can often be broken into two groups. Those that like to throw straight at the basket with control (Michael Johansen comes to mind as a master of this technique), and those that throw a lot of “darts,” referencing the yard game where you throw a large dart high in the air, and it sticks in the ground where it lands.

Hyzer Flip

Learning to hyzer flip a golf disc is one of the great joys of the sport. Every player remembers when they first learned to throw this valuable shot, and most of us spend the rest of our disc golf careers trying to master it! A hyzer flip is when you throw your disc on a hyzer angle, but due to a combination of disc stability, nose angle, and power, the disc “flips” up from its original angle to fly flat instead.

Typically, a hyzer flip is a highly controllable shot and invaluable when playing in the woods where there are tight areas to steer the disc through. Hyzer flips typically fly straight and, at some point, fade (left for a right-handed player and right for a left-handed). I will reference Barry Schultz throwing Innova Rocs in the woods again for the best example of this that I can think of. He is an absolute master of this type of throw.

S-Curve

If your hyzer flip, flips past flat and into an anhyzer angle or flight path, that is called a “turnover” shot. A turnover can then finish in one of two ways. It can continue to turn the entirety of its flight, or it can “come out” of the turn and finish in its usual direction (left for righties, right for lefties).

The S-curve shot is critical for two very important aspects of a well-rounded disc golf game. First, an s-curve is THE best line for distance. By turning your disc over, you keep it in the air much longer than if it had maintained its hyzer angle the entire flight. When people learn the s-cure shot, that always marks a time when they significantly improve their distance.

Second, this is the best shot to help navigate wooded courses. For a right-handed player to be able to make their disc start to the left or straight, then have it stand up and go right for a while, finishing back to the left (thus the name “s” curve) can help you get far down a wooded fairway where a straight shot would be impossible.

Flex Shot

A flex shot is almost the same thing as a s-curve. The only difference is that at the start of the S, the disc is thrown with an anhzyer angle instead of starting with a hyzer flip.

This type of shot is usually thrown with an overstable disc (one that really, really wants to go left its entire flight if you are a right-handed player). Forcing this type of disc to the right with an anhyzer angle means it will go to the right (all of this is reversed for lefties, btw) and then cut back hard to the left.

The best example of a flex shot is the albatross (-3 on one hole) that team Innova’s Philo Braithwaite threw during the Beaver State fling in 2016. This might be the most famous and most-watched shot in disc golf history. If you haven’t seen it, stop reading now and go watch it on YouTube!

One warning about the S curve. Many new players start playing with discs that are far too overstable for them. The only way for a new player to make that type of disc go farther is to throw steeply angled s curves. While this works for a time, it hinders your progression and creates a LOT of bad habits. Try to avoid doing this if at all possible. The best way is to start off with slower speed, more understable discs like a Roadrunner or Sidewinder from Innova.

Roller Throws

Sometimes, there is too much in the way of your throw to advance down the fairway in the air. This is where learning to roll a disc comes into play.

Backhand Roller

A backhand roller is a backhand throw that results in the disc rolling forward instead of flying in the air. There are two primary ways to achieve this. One is to use a substantially understable disc, like the Innova Rollo. When thrown hard and nose down, this type of disc will naturally turn over to the right at a steep angle, hitting the ground almost perpendicularly. The natural direction of the spin imparted on the disc will propel it forward.

The other is to “force” the disc over and throw it at a very steep anhyzer angle towards the ground in front of you. This method usually results in more distance than using an understable disc, as the disc will roll forward in a straight line for much longer. Rollers are a great way to get more distance on holes that have a low ceiling and prohibit the disc from being in the air very long. Six-time world champion Paul McBeth is known for being able to throw some extremely long and controlled rollers.

Forehand Roller

The grip and mechanics of this throw are similar to a forehand, just with a much more extreme angle of release. This disc starts out higher in the air, similar to an overhand throw and is released with a downward flicking motion. The disc typically lands on a slight angle and then “stands up” during the course of its roll.

This type of shot is usually thrown with an overstable disc like an Innova Destroyer or Firebird when throwing for distance. It is also commonly thrown with a putter when trying to scramble your way out of a bad shot in the woods. Being able to throw a forehand, flick-type roller with your putter will serve you well on wooded courses and is often the best way to get out of trouble.

Sky Roller

A sky roller is basically the same thing as a backhand roller, but the disc is thrown very high in the air. This allows the disc to clear tall obstacles or to clear hazards like tall grass or water before rolling. The result of a sky roller as far as the disc path once it hits the ground is very similar to a standard backhand roller.

Overhand / Overhead Throws

While forehands and backhands are the most common shots in disc golf, overhand throws are often used to achieve otherwise impossible flight lines. An overhand throw mimics throwing a baseball, and players with a background playing baseball are often able to execute this type of shot extremely well.

A significant benefit of overhand throws is that they tend to be highly repeatable and accurate. Much more so than forehands or backhands. A talented overhand thrower can often throw this type of shot up to 500 feet. Jake Wolff has been doing very well on the pro tour, throwing exclusively overhand.

One caution is to make sure you are throwing overhands with excellent form, as they can result in injury to players not used to throwing with this motion. They are often best left to the occasional get-out-of-jail type shot and not used as your primary type of throw.

Thumber Throw

A thumber is an overhand throw executed with your thumb under the rim and the inside of your index finger and knuckles on the flight plate. You typically release the disc with the disc perpendicular or with the top edge of the disc pointing out from your body at a slight angle from the perpendicular.

Depending on the stability of the disc thrown, the flight path (for a right-handed player) will go to the left and then sharply come back to the right. This type of shot is very useful on wooded holes where a straight, hyzer, or anhyzer flight path is blocked by trees.

Tomahawk Throw

Very similar in usefulness to the thumber is the tomahawk. It is also thrown like an overhand baseball throw but has the thumb on the flight plate and the inside of your index finger along the underside of the rim. The tomahawk is thrown so that the disc is either perpendicular or with the flight plate tipping over your head a bit.

The flight path of a tomahawk is the opposite of a thumber, and knowing how several discs in your bag will fly using either throw will allow you to play lines in the woods that many other players cannot.

Hammer Throw

Outside of the backhand or forehand, a lot of overhand and other unusual throws have different names based on the region of the country you find yourself in. A hammer throw is the same as a tomahawk. As far as I know, the term hammer throw originated in Ultimate Frisbee, and many disc golfers that started in Ultimate will often use this term.

Grenade Throw

While many players disagree on how to hold a grenade-type shot, the flight path and result are the same regardless. The two most common grenade grips are either with your thumb along the rim and inside of your index finger on the flight plate or holding the disc firmly between your index and middle finger’s knuckles. Instead of throwing overhand, the disc is thrown from a very low angle high in the air.

A properly thrown grenade will go up at the angle it is thrown on, stall/flip in mid-air, and plummet straight down to the ground. This is a very fun shot to throw and allows you to get over tall trees where the basket is close to those trees on the other side. A grenade doesn’t get much distance, but that’s not the point. It is strictly a “get to the basket when there is no other way” type of shot.

Less Common, Weird, and Obscure Throws

Scoober Throw

The most well-known player these days throwing a scoober is Brodie Smith. The scoober is a common throw in Ultimate Frisbee, and this is where Brodie perfected this shot. A scoober is thrown with the disc upside down, the finger tucked along the rim, and the thumb underneath on the flight plate. The disc is brought back across your body, over your non-throwing shoulder, and then thrown forward, keeping the disc upside down.

While Brodie Smith often uses this for very accurate throw-ins from 100-150 feet, most players use the scoober as a get-out-of-trouble shot in the woods. Its unique flight path lends itself to get over and around obstacles you couldn’t otherwise get around.

Chicken Wing Throw

The chicken wing throw in disc golf is an unconventional overhand shot where the player holds the disc upside down and releases it with a horizontal spinning motion, resembling a flapping chicken wing. Used more as a trick shot than something useful out on the course, many pros use the chicken wing to attract attention on social media. Its unusual appearance and flight path make it very fun to watch.

Scomahawk Throw

A Scomahawk is another unconventional throw. For this throw you will want to grip the disc like you would a backhand roller and then throw the shot high into the air with an extreme angle. The idea is to get the disc to make a complete rotation back to a flat, straight flight. While not super useful in most cases, this shot is fun to watch and has an extremely cool flight path! This is another shot that is often used on social media for trick shots and other unique uses.

Fold Up Throw (Matt Bell)

Quickly made illegal by the PDGA, the fold-up throw uses a very soft and pliable (some would call if floppy) disc. This allowed creative players like Matt Bell to fold up the disc, tuck it closed, and throw it like a baseball. Bell made the throw popular (thus bringing it to the attention of the PDGA, who then made it illegal) by successfully throwing it in the basket through bushes where a disc in its standard shape wouldn’t have fit. The throw is illegal because the disc is no longer a disc when thrown and does not have any of the flight properties that the PDGA’s standards and practices require a disc to have.

Pterodactyl (Jeremy Koling)

Only a handful of players in the world can throw a pterodactyl, and almost no one can throw one as far or as accurately as Jeremy Koling. Koling is so well-known for this shot that it’s not uncommon to see fans requesting he throw one for them anytime they see him. It’s almost impossible to describe in writing, so you are much better off checking out the video below!

Putting Throws

Once you use one or more of these throw types to get close to the basket, it’s time to putt! And, you guessed it, there are multiple ways to throw a putt too. Here are a few of the most common:

Anhyzer Putt: For an ‘Anny’ putt, the left side of the disc is tilted upward (for RHBH putt) and flies on a left to right path toward the basket. Some players prefer to putt with an anhyzer release while others may only use it to get around obstacles.

Hyzer Putt: This refers to a putting style where you throw the disc on a hyzer angle (with the left side of disc is tilted down and away from your body for a RHBH) and play the natural curve in the air to control your putt.

Jump Putt: When you are outside circle 1 (outside 10 meters from the basket), you are allowed to jump putt as long as your plant foot is still on the ground at the moment you release the disc. After the disc is released, the jump forward can provide extra momentum.

Push Putt: A putting style where your arm acts more as a pendulum and you “push” the disc out of your hand without much spin. It may float up and drop into the basket or wobble a little to catch the chains softly.

Spin Putt: A putting style where you impart more spin on the putt as you release the disc, usually with the goal of throwing it as straight as possible into the basket. A spin putt will generally enter the basket with more speed.

Straddle Putt: A straddle putt is a style of putting stance where both feet are parallel with the basket, usually spread out to provide balance or to help throw around an obstacle on the green (such as a tree or bush). Some disc golfers prefer to use a straddle-type putt for all putts.

Turbo Putt: An unorthodox putting form that consists of holding your disc above your shoulder with your fingers on the back of the rim. The disc is thrown with a pushing motion (similar to tossing a football) toward the target. It is a good utility putt when you have to putt over objects.

How Many Types of Throws Do I Need to Learn?

So, are you overwhelmed yet? Who would have thought there were so many ways to throw a round, flat piece of plastic?! The good news is that most players never use even half of these types of throws and do very well with just 2-3 of them.

Beginner / Just Getting Starter

The best thing a beginner can do is to learn the backhand throw. Learning a backhand is harder than a forehand, but the long-term benefits are unmistakable! Backhand shots can be shaped into more types of flight lines than any other type of shot. They are the most versatile and controllable as well.

Backhand shots present the least opportunity for overuse injuries and have the most distance potential by a good margin. If you could only learn and use one type of throw, it should be the backhand. In fact, many players play their entire lives with only this throw. Don’t add a bunch of extra stuff at this level. Just get good at the basics. They can take you very far!

Intermediate – Casual to Regular Player

Once you master the backhand, it’s wise to add a forehand throw to your arsenal. Even if you only learn a short, forehand approach shot, you’ll shave quite a few throws off of your score with this type of shot.

Advanced – Experienced and/or Competitive Player

Advanced players are usually marked, among other things, by their putting skill. Being able to both push and spin putt is a great way to do this. Depending on the wind, what’s behind the basket, your stance, and a variety of other variables, being able to execute both types of putt with accuracy will yield you lower scores and the respect of your opponents!

While some players are always focused on distance, accuracy is much more important. Not only knowing how to throw forehand and backhand, but being able to control nose angle with both types is critical. Without this ability, you’ll never be as accurate as you need to be, especially when playing tight, wooded courses.

This is the level at which some players decide to add a roller to their abilities. Many players play their entire lives without learning roller shots, but putting in the effort will pay off in the long run. I also always recommend that players start practicing “scramble” type shots every once in a while too. While it doesn’t matter which you specifically choose to learn, you should have 2-4 ways to get yourself out of trouble. Knowing a thumber, tomahawk, and flick/forehand roller is a good starting point. Those three shots can get you out of just about any pickle you find yourself in.

Tips for Improving Your Throws

Most pros will recommend fieldwork. Heading out to an open field with all your discs and learning what each will do with all the throws you intend to use in competition. Unfortunately, this can be excruciatingly boring for most players. Especially when they would rather be on the course playing.

Making practice fun is the key to improving your throws. Here are two very good ways to do this while playing solo rounds, or rounds with friends. Three-disc worst shot is a great way to practice your shots. Basically, you throw three discs on every shot on the same intended line. You are looking for consistency here. You play the next throw from the worst of your previous three shots. This type of practice not only gives you real-world application of each shot type but also adds some pressure to the mix. Exactly what you’ll be feeling in competition.

Another fun game also involves throwing three discs on every shot. This time, though, instead of throwing all three on the same line, you throw each on a different line. One hyzer, one anhyzer, and one straight. This is an excellent way to force yourself to throw shot shapes you wouldn’t normally throw. Both of these forms of practice are more fun than fieldwork and will keep you coming back for more. The most effective form of practice is practice you’ll actually do consistently!

People Also Ask:

How many types of throws are there in disc golf?

There are at least 24 different throws in disc golf. While that’s a lot, there are many more. It’s hard to say how many there actually are, especially when you consider regional shot name differences. When you look at how many types of throws are used by pros in competition, the number is much lower.

Which type of throw is the most common/popular?

The most common throw by far is a backhand hyzer shot. This is the most controllable and accurate shot that can be thrown for distance. If a pro who throws predominantly backhand has the option, they will almost always throw this type of throw.

Are there any illegal throws in disc golf?

Matt Bell’s fold-up throw is the most well-known, but that’s because of the way he deforms the disc, not because of the throw. If you are throwing a PDGA legal disc from a legal stance, there really aren’t any illegal ways to throw a disc.

What is a bad throw called in disc golf?

Most players call a bad throw a “shank.” It can also be called a grip-lock or early release, depending on how bad the throw is and where it goes.