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Wooska
Presents: |
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As with any endeavor, the most difficult part is getting started in the first place. Deciding that you want to learn to throw a flying
disc is an easy decision. Venture to the park or the beach on a sunny day and you will invariably see people throwing the disc to one another
or perhaps, to a speeding canine. Many people are under the false impression that flying discs are hard to throw. Frequently, beginning
throwers will attempt to throw a flying disc of inferior quality, a disc that is too large, or a disc that is unsuitable for general
recreational play. Hyperflite discs were designed to have predictable and consistent flying characteristics and to fit the hand of the
thrower. Hyperflite's patent-pending “grip strips” fall readily to hand and make gripping the disc a breeze. There is some
technique involved in throwing a disc properly, but once you have mastered the basic skills, then the sky is the limit. Before long you will
want to add some exciting trick throws to your repertoire. Learning to throw a flying disc well is not only fun, but it will make you look
great at the beach, too!
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| The Zen of Spin |
When throwing a disc it is important to make sure that the proper amount of spin is imparted to the disc during the
throwing motion. Spin provides stability to the disc in flight. At first, beginners can simply concentrate on wrist snap. Ideally, however,
spin is imparted to a disc through several factors, including proper body position and a snapping motion that originates from a steady stance
and progresses through the hips, arm, elbow and finally, the wrist. |
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For the proper grip (see Photos 1-3 above), make a fist with your palm up, open your thumb to the hitchhiking position.
Loosen your fingers just enough to slip the disc between your palm and finger tips and place your thumb down on the top-side grip strip of
your Hyperflite disc just as you might hold a dinner plate if you were holding it upside down. Now use your other hand to lightly grip
the far side of the disc. This will allow you to properly position your throwing hand on disc. For the basic backhand throw, refer to photos
1-3 (below). Avoid placing your index finger along the outside edge of the disc, as this type of grip will not enable you to make accurate
throws over longer distances. |
| Grip |
Use a firm (but not tight) grip to hold the flying disc. Your fingers should fall readily to the “grip
strips” on the top and underside of your Hyperflite disc. After you develop a comfortable grip, practice it repeatedly until it becomes
second nature. As in golf and tennis, a proper grip is key to success. |
| Backhand Throw |
There are many ways to throw a flying disc but the most common is the backhand throw. The backhand throw is a versatile
and an easy-to-learn delivery. It is good for accuracy and distance.
The proper throwing stance for the backhand throw requires that your feet be a shoulder's width apart with your knees slightly bent
and parallel to each other. Essentially, this stance is similar to a stance that a golfer would use to address a golf ball. Your forward
shoulder should point toward the intended recipient of your throws or in the direction of intended flight of the disc. Start with two-thirds
of your weight on your back foot. Then shift your weight forward to your front foot (leaving one-third of your weight on your back foot) as
you transition through the throwing motion and release the disc. Do not lift your back foot off the ground and lunge forward; always keep
some weight on each foot. Follow through with your release hand pointing at your target (see Sequence 1-3 above). If your throw goes to the
left of the target, you've released it too soon; to the right, too late. If the disc wobbles, check your grip, speed up your delivery
and concentrate on keeping the disc level from your release to your partner's catch. |
Throwing Tips
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When starting out, make short throws and keep the disc's flight as flat as possible. The disc will react differently
if released angled nose up or down, or angled side-to-side.
Until you become more skilled, its best to practice when the winds are calm. If you do practice in the wind, try to throw across the wind,
not downwind or upwind. Once you become a proficient thrower, you may choose to throw into the wind for extra float time or with the wind at
your back for longer distances.
At first, practice only short range throws (10 or 15 yards) that are released between waist and shoulder height. Gradually increase the
distance of your throws as you gain proficiency. |
Canine Basics
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If you have ever been fortunate enough to be entertained by a world-class canine disc team at an NFL halftime or other
sporting event, then you know it takes a lot of practice to put on a show that will keep 60,000 people glued to their seats in amazement. A
seasoned canine disc team performing before a roaring crowd is truly a wonder of fluidity, choreography, athletic talent and pure energy. It
all starts with a great dog and a lot of practice.
When you get a dog, make sure that he is healthy, lively, friendly and energetic. Before selecting a purebred, research that breed at your
public library or local book store. The information available should inform you of any health-related concerns.
Since it is imperative that your dog be healthy before attempting any strenuous disc activity, check with your veterinarian before starting
out. Have your pet examined regularly. Keep your dog dewormed, heartworm free and keep all his immunizations (such as rabies, parvo, kennel
cough) current. Remember, your dog can't tell you if he isn't feeling well, so you must develop the ability to access his physical
and mental condition. Learn to be observant. Notice whether or not your dog is eating properly, check his stools for any discharges or worms,
inspect for body odor, broken nail/tooth, etc. While petting your dog, you may feel bumps or lacerations, notice unusual hair loss, parasites,
etc. These are all warning signs which should be investigated further.
To begin training, a novice canine disc competitor needs to obtain a disc that is suitable for canine play. Hyperflite has developed its
K-10 line of flying discs exclusively for canine use. All K-10 discs feature patent-pending, opposed “grip strips,” designed to help
a thrower maintain a good grip on the disc even when it becomes “lubricated” with the usual complement of dog slobber. Each disc in
the K-10 line was developed with the canine in mind and intended to address a specific need. For example, the Hyperflite Jawz disc is an
ultra-tough, puncture-resistant model designed to withstand the gnashing of canine teeth. The SofFlite, on the other hand, is extremely soft
and flexible for canines with sensitive mouths. All K-10 discs fly similarly, and once you learn to throw one, you can throw them all.
Hyperflite K-10 discs have been selected as the exclusive discs of the Skyhoundz Canine Disc Championships, the largest canine disc
competition series in the world. Starting with the right flying disc will greatly shorten the learning curve and speed you on your way to an
enjoyable and fun activity for you and your pet.
If you apply the tips and techniques discussed below, and practice regularly you will become a proficient thrower in no time at all.
Learning to throw a flying disc properly is critical to your success in canine disc competitions and to your pet's safety. No matter
how good your dog is, if you continually make mediocre or dangerous throws, it will be difficult for your four-legged friend to make
consistent, safe catches. Therefore, when training, make learning to throw well your highest priority.
If your canine has never before had an encounter with a flying disc, it will be important to introduce the disc to him in a non-threatening
way. One way to accomplish this is to use the disc as a food or water dish. Because all Hyperflite discs are made with food-safe polymers
and inks, it is safe to use your Hyperflite K-10 as your dog's food or water bowl. See steps 1-3 below.
Once acquainted with the disc, your canine will now be ready to discover that his food dish is also a great toy. Begin by getting down to
your dog's level. With excitement in your voice, move the disc rapidly back and forth and let your dog try and grab the disc. Once you
have your dog's attention, slide or roll the disc across the ground to develop its tracking skills. If your dog chases the disc, even
if only for a few feet, remember to be liberal with praise for the effort. Canines are eager to please and will respond much more quickly if
they think that you are happy with their efforts.
Next, encourage your dog to take the disc out of your hand. This can be accomplished with the disc right side-up or upside-down. Do not
pull the disc away from your dog once he takes it from you, instead let him have it as a reward for his efforts while you simultaneously
reward your dog with praise. |
Canine Catching
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Once your dog is consistently taking the disc out of your hand, kneel down and position your canine in front of you about
three feet away. Instead of handing him the disc, say, “Catch” and gently toss the disc in the air just in front of your dog. Never
throw directly at your canine. Always let the canine move to the disc. If your dog moves towards the disc and attempts to catch it, give him
lots of praise. Since you want the catch to be the reward, don't let him pick the disc up off the ground if it's not caught. Repeat
this exercise until he catches the disc consistently. Also, make sure that you are releasing the disc at a catchable angle, so the disc's
edge is easy for him to grab.
Next, position your dog to your left side (if you are right handed) and make a short throw (less than five yards) into the wind. As your
dog's catching consistency improves, simply extend the distance that you throw the disc farther and farther. It is a good idea to make
these throws into the wind so the disc will fly slowly and float long enough for your dog to make a catch. |
| Canine Freestyle |
Once your dog has learned to catch the disc and can make mid-air catches, you may wish to establish a routine for both
exercise and possible competition.
Putting together a Freestyle routine involves the use of more than one disc thrown sequentially, a variety of catches and other assorted
tricks.
As you develop a Freestyle routine, try including a combination of short, medium and long throws. You might also attempt multiples, tricks
in which several discs are thrown, in rapid succession, to a dog.
For great exposure to advanced maneuvers attend a Skyhoundz competition. These events offer you the
opportunity to view other dog/owner teams in action, while giving you ideas for tricks to teach your dog. In developing a routine, you should
begin by writing down all the moves and sequences that your dog knows. Then, build a routine from one throw and trick to the next making sure
your transitions are smooth. Also, mix up your tricks, create combinations and avoid repeating tricks if possible. Break your routine down
into thirds to make practicing easier. Finally, make sure that you develop a routine that showcases your dog's abilities and don't
forget to have fun!
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