Disc Golf Throws 101

“Wait… isn’t this just Frisbee?”

Not quite, friend. If a regular Frisbee is a beach bum, a disc golf disc is a trained ninja.

Here’s the breakdown:

Feature Frisbee (a.k.a. “Ultimate Bro”) Disc Golf Disc (a.k.a. “Precision Plastic”)
Size Big, floaty, and friendly Smaller, denser, and ready to fly
Weight Light and breezy Hefty and aerodynamic
Flight Path Casual and wobbly Laser-focused (or wildly overstable)
Purpose Catch with friends Smash chains and shape lines

Disc golf discs are designed for distance, control, and finesse—not for playing catch with your dog (unless your dog is a beast).

So yes, they’re cousins—but one’s built for chill, and the other’s built for chains.

Disc Golf Throws 101

Throwing plastic with purpose. Whether you're aiming for the chains or just trying to avoid the nearest tree, mastering a few basic throws will level up your game—and your fun.


Backhand (RHBH or LHBH)

The classic. The go-to. The bread and butter.

  • Grip it like a handshake, pull it across your chest, and let it rip.
  • Most players start here—it’s the most natural and versatile throw.
  • For righties, expect the disc to finish left (unless it’s understable).

Pro Tip: Focus on smooth form, not brute strength. Snap > muscle.


Forehand (Sidearm or Flick)

Like skipping a stone—if that stone could fly 300 feet.

  • Grip with two fingers under the rim, thumb on top.
  • Great for shaping shots around obstacles or adding variety.
  • For righties, it naturally fades right.

Forehand = finesse + wrist snap. Don’t overthink it—just flick it.


Hyzer

Tilted release = predictable fade.

  • Disc is angled downward (left edge lower for righties).
  • Great for controlled curves and spike hyzers.
  • Most overstable discs love this angle.

Use hyzer when you want a dependable left finish (RHBH).


Anhyzer

The anti-hyzer. The curveball of disc golf.

  • Disc is angled upward (left edge higher for righties).
  • Perfect for shaping right-turning shots with understable discs.
  • Can create beautiful S-curves when paired with the right disc.

Anhyzers are your ticket to creative lines and big distance.


Overhead Throws (Thumber & Tomahawk)

When the trees say “no,” go over them.

  • Thumber: Thumb inside the rim, overhand baseball-style throw.
  • Tomahawk: Fingers inside the rim, similar motion.
  • Great for escape shots or dramatic flair.

Use sparingly—but they’re lifesavers in the woods.


Roller

When flying isn’t enough—let it roll.

  • Thrown on a steep anhyzer angle to land and roll forward.
  • Great for low ceilings or max distance on flat ground.
  • Requires touch and practice, but super satisfying.

Rollers are sneaky good. Like a secret weapon in your bag.