Unfortunately, throwing a Frisbee isn’t as simple as picking it up and chucking it 50 yards. It takes time. Learning to toss isn’t as easy as it may seem, but in this article, I will show you how to throw, speak, and understand everything about it.
“There’s not really a trick you can do, and boom, be able to throw a Frisbee,” said Chamblee Ultimate Head Captain Mason Weiss (‘26).
Throwing a disc is a popular game at parks and picnics, often just a group of people throwing a Frisbee or a large pickup game of the football-inspired Ultimate. Ultimate is becoming increasingly popular among teens and young adults, as it brings a much safer version of other contact sports while adding the unpredictability of the disc. Formerly called Ultimate Frisbee, the sport had to be rebranded due to Frisbee being a registered trademark of the Wham-O company.
The Backhand
The Backhand is the most common disc throw and is often the first toss taught to players.
“It’s all in the rotation of the body and then the flick of the wrist, and it’s called a backhand because the back of your hand is facing down the field,” said Chamblee Ultimate Captain Sam Russ (‘28).
To throw a Backhand, one first has to grip the disc with all fingers except the thumb underneath the disc. Then, by placing the thumb on top of the Frisbee, you can keep the disc flat through the flight. From then on, it is an extension of the arm before flicking the wrist. The flick of the wrist is the most important aspect of throwing a disc.
The Flick
Also known as the Forehand and Sidearm, the Flick is the second most common Frisbee throw, and allows for a different disc trajectory. By switching the side of the body that the Frisbee is thrown from, it’s easier to get around defenders in a game or add some variety to your friend group.
To throw a flick, place two or three fingers beneath the disc, splayed out to gain stability. Then, place your thumb on top just as you would for a backhand. To start the motion, bring the disc to the same side of your body as the hand that is releasing the Frisbee. Then, all that needs to follow is flick your wrist. A little trick to get a well-spinning forehand is to pin your arm to your side and throw the disc with only the flick of the wrist. Typically leaving it at a small angle downwards allows the disc to readjust in the air and fly straight.
The Hammer
The Hammer, also known as the Blade, throw is commonly used for getting over defenders or hucking the disc down the field. It’s also often used for Pulling as well.
“You hold it the same way you would hold a flick, but you throw it directly over your head and slightly tilted inward top-side down, but because of the way the disc is shaped, it will turn over midair,” said Russ.
Since it is thrown the same as a flick, the most important aspects to understand and master with a Hammer are the release point and the angle at which it is held.
Interesting Throws, Lingo, and Why It’s Important to Know Different Types
Fun throws for players who have mastered the three above include the Chicken Wing, Airbounce, and Scoober. Each of these throws adds a little bit more to your game, whether it be impressing your friends or getting out of a jam in a pickup game. The different tosses are not going to be used often, but it still pays to know them.
“It gives you aura,” said Russ.
The situations in which having multiple throws in your arsenal will occur more than you may think, besides, throwing the disc well isn’t something to sniff at, it takes time, dedication, and patience.
Common words to impress friends with include Ultimate (the official name of the sport ), huck (to throw far), and pull (the act of starting a point in Ultimate). Other vocabulary include H and Vert stacks (a type of offensive formation) and OI and IO (Inside-Outside/Outside-Inside, describes the curve of a throw).
Now go outside, touch some grass, and make some friends with The Plastic.
Ben parks • May 19, 2026 at 9:05 am
when i read the first half of the title i thought it would be about something else and then i was disappointed when it wasnt