Fundamentals
Remember to step towards your target or at very least shift your weight
from back foot to front foot. Concentrate on rotating shoulders, hips and
legs through to the point of release and then a natural follow through.
Keep a straighter arm for distance or curl the elbow and exaggerate the
snap at the end of the throw for greater spin on the disc.
Backhand
Simply place four fingers under the rim of the disc and your thumb on top.
Reach back and swing your arm along side your body releasing the disc towards
the target. Tilt the outside edge of the disc down slightly upon release.
Follow Through!
Finger-Flip
Place the thumb on top of the disc and first two fingers in the rim. Much
like snapping a towel, swing your arm along side your body snapping the
disc towards the target. More snap equals more spin. Tilt the outside rim
down slightly upon release.
Thumber
Much like the Finger Flip except for the grip. This time place the thumb
in the rim with four fingers on top of the disc. Again swing your arm along
side the body snapping the disc toward the target. Slightly tilt the outside
rim down upon release.
Overhand Wrist Flip
With the wrist cocked backward, swing the arm above the shoulder and snap
the wrist forward towards the target. Remember to keep the outside edge
of the disc tilted slightly downward at the point of release.
Hook Thumber
Place your thumb in the front inside rim of the disc (facing opposite of
the thumber grip). Your first two fingers will rest on the rim. Tuck the
disc under your chin and extend your arm towards the target. Use the thumb
to provide extra snap at the point of release.
The Helicopter
Curl the disc in your hand so that it rests on the elbow side of the forearm.
You are now in the cocked position and ready to throw. Extend the arm and
snap the wrist around to create the spin.
More Trick Throws
Can be created by using your body to throw around. Use momentum from spinning
or pivoting to create the snap needed to throw around your back, neck or
legs. Be creative and invent new throws with your friends.
Catches
All catches can be made with either hand. The disc is always spinning so
be sure to make a strong squeeze when catching. Standard catches are made
with the thumb up on low catches and the thumb down on high catches. Catches
can be made more difficult by spinning before the catch is made. These
are some examples of beginning and advanced catches, but make up some of
your own, that's half the fun. Catches can be made while standing, sitting
or jumping in the air.
Nail Delay
The act of spinning the disc on the finger nail allows you to do many things.
By balancing the spinning disc in the center you can maneuver it under
the legs, around the body and set-up for catches. Move your finger-nail
in a small circle underneath the spinning disc. The circle should be in
the same direction of the spin. When outside always face the wind!
Note:
Silicon Spray is used to create less friction. It can be purchased at most
auto parts stores. If you can't get a can, try furniture polish or vegetable
oil.
Rim Delay
Similar to the nail delay, this technique involves letting the disc slide
on your finger-nail on the inside of the rim. Simply hook your finger so
that your nail is the only thing making contact with the disc. This allows
you to swoop the disc and create a flowing motion. Percussion Tips
and kicks in the center of the disc offers many moves for the novice and
professional alike. Concentration is most important to make contact as
close to the exact center as possible. The action should be quick and precise
for the best control. Use your fingers, elbow, knee, head, toe or heel
to pop the disc into play or a catch. Experiment with trick tips under
the leg, behind the back and with your feet.
Flight Adjustments
A common way to experience changes in flight is to have three players,
one in the middle. The middle-person touches ("macs") the disc on its deflection
side or on top to create a new disc direction. Flight adjustments can also
be made while air brushing ("cuffs") Experiment with touches underneath
and on top of the disc.
Body Rolls
The act of rolling the disc across your body can be amazing and very satisfying.
Most common is the chest roll. Start the disc at your finger tip, the disc
should be tilted towards you and your body leaning back. Step into the
disc so that you maintain contact throughout the roll. Watch the disc.
Face the wind. The back roll is similar in technique.
Air Brushing
By hitting the disc on the outside rim with either the foot or hand you
can maintain spin and keep the disc in play. It is easiest when there is
a slight breeze. Angle the disc upward into the wind and brush across the
outside rim. The disc will rebound. Repeat the action or make a catch.
(Indoors) the brushing action can be used to pass the disc to your partner.
Experiment with different hits and kicks into the wind or indoors.