A flying disc that weighs at least 135 grams (look at the packaging)

Sunglasses (optional)

Practice, practice, practice!

2torial #0469: Learn2 Throw a Flying Disc "All Riiiight, Great Throw!" Way back when the world was a simpler place, kids threw hubcaps at each other - and orthodontists were happy campers. Those metal monsters could take out a set of teeth like nobody's business! Fortunately for legions of free spirits everywhere, someone invented a plastic flying disc. This is what most of us today call a Frisbee. Flying discs now come in various sizes, generally defined by weight. A lighter disc will travel faster and be more maneuverable than a heavier one. A heavier disc, however, will be more stable, and travel farther than a lighter one. Heavier discs are better for windy conditions, such as the beach, and make great all-purpose discs to keep in your car's trunk. There are two main factors to consider when throwing a disc; forward momentum and centrifugal force (spin). In other words, a well-thrown disc will have both sufficient wrist "snap" AND force behind it. Wrist snap is often overlooked by novices, but is essential to throwing the disc successfully. Two additional important considerations are the angle to the ground at which the disc is released, and the point in the throw at which the disc is released. If this all sounds confusing, don't worry too much. With disc in hand, your physical instincts will kick in and grasp the mechanics fairly quickly. You'll learn two throws here which will serve you well in most situations. Method 1: The Basic Backhand Throw This throw provides the foundation for building your throwing skills. Subtle variations in angle and release point will produce straight, right-banked or left-banked throws. The necessary force is produced not only by arm strength, but also by your body's mass moving forward with the throw. Method 1 - Step 1 Method 2: The Basic Sidearm Throw This throw is more difficult than the basic backhand, but is very useful when playing games such as Ultimate. Again, subtle variations in angle and release point will produce either straight or banked throws. Method 2 - Step 1 Method 1: The Basic Backhand Throw Stand corrected Our natural tendency is to directly face the person we're throwing the disc to. Unfortunately, this often results in throws that veer wildly off target. So, position yourself accordingly:   If you're right handed, stand with your right shoulder toward your target; left handers should stand with their left shoulder facing the target.   Spread your feet about hip width apart, so that you have a more stable platform to throw from. Flex your knees slightly, so that your body is not rigid. Method 1: The Basic Backhand Throw Get a grip! When you grip the disc, you'll also determine the angle to the ground at which the disc is held. Grip the edge of the disc firmly, but not in a death grip. Place your thumb on top, and first two or three fingers underneath and slightly behind. Bring your arm backwards, so that the disc is next to your rear leg and you feel your weight shift slightly back. Your forearm should not be parallel to the ground, but dropped a bit, so that the disc is at about a 45 degree angle. Method 1: The Basic Backhand Throw Gain the necessary force Remember, the force in this throw comes not only through arm strength, but from your weight (and body mass) shifting forward as well. Bring your arm forward with some force. Not a desperate heave, but a smooth, disciplined action. The disc should remain at an angle to the ground, although that angle may be decreased in a natural, swinging motion. Practice a few times, back and forth, before releasing the disc. As you bring your arm forward, shift your weight forward and take a slight step ahead with your front foot. This will add force to the throw, so that your arm doesn't have to do all the work. Method 1: The Basic Backhand Throw Release the disc Here's where it all comes together - with the final two components, release point and wrist snap.   Be aware of where the disc is while your arm is in motion. The point in the motion at which you release the disc will determine where the disc goes: left, right or straight ahead.   As you release the disc, snap your wrist forward, so that the disc "jumps" off the side of your first finger. This will impart spin to the disc, and stabilize it in flight. The harder you snap the wrist, the more spin the disc gains and the better the throw will be.   Be careful to keep your wrist in line with your arm as you snap it. If you allow your thumb to lift upwards, you'll lose control of the disc and it won't go anywhere near its target.   Continue your arm motion after the disc jumps off your finger. Known as "following through", this will help direct the disc towards its target. Method 2: The Basic Sidearm Throw Stand corrected yet again Your stance here will be quite different from the backhanded throw. If you're right handed, stand with your left shoulder forward, your torso turned slightly towards your target. Left handers stand with their right shoulder forward, torso turned slightly towards the target.   Keep your feet shoulder width apart and your arm behind your rear leg. Flex your knees again, so that your body's not rigid. Method 2: The Basic Sidearm Throw Get a grip! When you grip the disc, you'll also determine the angle to the ground at which the disc is held.   Grip the edge of the disc firmly, but not in a death grip. Place your thumb on top, and first two or three fingers underneath and slightly behind.   Bring your arm backwards, so that the disc is next to your rear leg and you feel your weight shift slightly back. Your forearm should not be parallel to the ground, but dropped a bit, so that the disc is at about a 45 degree angle. Method 2: The Basic Sidearm Throw Gain some necessary force In this throw, most of your force will actually come from the wrist snap and weight transfer, as your arm will move only a short distance. Bring your arm forward with considerable force. Your elbow will be the pivot point, and your hand will actually stop with a jerk before it reaches your front leg. Again, as you bring your arm forward, the foot facing your target should step forward a bit as your weight shifts forward. Since most of the force is generated with the wrist snap, your wrist needs all the help it can get. Method 2: The Basic Sidearm Throw Gain more force and release the disc The importance of the release point and wrist snap are magnified with this throw. As your arm only travels a short distance, the possible release points are much closer together. Even a slight variance will greatly affect the flight direction.   A good starting point is to release the disc just after your wrist crosses your rear leg. The disc angle must be fairly steep when released. Snap your wrist quite firmly as you release. This throw will not be successful unless the disc has good spin. After the disc leaves your hand, your first two fingers should remain firmly extended. Following through is not necessary or desirable in this instance -end- Learn More!