Backhand Throws

Written by Dinesh 'Den' Narayan

Flat Backhand

The most common throw, the one which anyone who has ever thrown a disc will instictively use. The player throws the disc forward as well as across the body, with the disc held horizontally. A sharp flick of the wrist just prior to release is required to get the disc spinning which is essential for long, level flight on a windy day. It's easy, nuff said.

Example of a backhand pass (right), the disc is thrown forward and across the width of the body. Mwnci See at practice: Flea sets up a point for his team with a backhand pass to the endzone, Steve tries hard to block the pass.

Outside-In Backhand Curl

This throw is one of many players can use to make the disc fly around opponents in front of them. Similar to the normal backhand throw the disc is thrown forward and across the width of the body. However the disc is tilted towards the body, top of the disc facing inwards before the throw. The greater the tilt of the disc the more the disc will curve in flight.

Rob showing an example of an outside-in backhand pass (right). The greater the tilt when throwing the disc the more its' flight will curve. Again, in this example the curved flight of the disc has been exaggerated.

Making the disc curve in flight has another use in overcoming a crosswind when playing outdoors. A straight flatback pass to another player in strong crosswind will probably make the disc to fly off course. The crosswind might even flip the disc over in mid-flight. The trick to get around this is to throw the disc at an such angle that the crosswind hits the top of the disc rather than allow it to get underneath.