Tip of the Week

The Hook Thumber:
The shot is easy to learn, even for newer players. Unlike the relatively unfamiliar backhand which requires perfect timing and awkward footwork, the overhand technique is essentially the same throwing motion used in other sports such as baseball and football.

A few different grips can be used when throwing an overhand shot, however, there are two grips that are the most prevalent. The primary difference between the two major grips is defined by whether the disc's flight plate is faced towards the thrower (referred to as a "two finger pan/hammer") or away from the thrower (referred to as a "thumber"). To perform an overhand throw using the two finger pan grip, start by placing the disc between your thumb and index finger with the flight plate facing towards you. Next, place your middle and index fingers along the inside rim of the disc and pinch the disc with your thumb.

Your ring and pinky fingers are curled against your palm and do not contact the disc. To execute the "thumber" grip, place the disc between your thumb and your index finger with the thumb on the inner rim. Next, pinch the disc by placing your index finger along the flight plate. The other three fingers do not contact the disc and are curled against your palm.

The actual throwing technique is relatively simple. The shot is characterized by a throwing motion where a player reaches back with the elbow bent and then thrusts forward straightening the arm and snapping the wrist to release the disc over head in a vertical or near-vertical position (i.e., a baseball throw). The run-up involves at least three steps, beginning and finishing with the foot opposite of your throwing hand. To envision the run-up, imagine a center outfielder trying to throw out a runner at home plate (releasing with more height, of course). After release, the disc will follow a corkscrew flight pattern, usually rotating at least 180 degrees prior to finishing (typically the more overstable a disc is, the less it will rotate).