DS325: What's UpDog - Disc Game Strategies

Skills 1.1: Backhand and Roller Throws

When you think of throwing a disc, you are probably thinking of a backhand throw.  This throw is categorized as a “catch low” throw, your thumb is on the top of the disc and your fingers are on the bottom.  You are going to grip the disc with a tight, secure grip along the edge.  As with most disc throws, the spin is generated by a snap in your wrist, think of the action caused by starting a lawn mower.  You will be standing with your throwing shoulder facing your target, reach with the disc towards your opposite side.  Then throw by leading with your elbow with a final snap at your wrist just prior to releasing the disc.  The disc should be released with a slight “hyzer” angle, meaning the far edge should be at a slight downward angle.

Rollers are a useful tool that should be utilized to help teach new or young dogs to grab a rotating disc.  They can also be used strategically in all of the UpDog Games to give an edge over competition.  I use them as a high value reward when training new behaviors to my disc dogs. 

The goal is to roll the disc along it’s edge on the ground.  Because of it’s low placement and high speed, it can encourage even low drive dogs to give chase.  Hold the disc in a “catch low” grip, thumb on top and fingers underneath.  With your palm facing up and the disc vertical, snap your wrist and release the disc perpendicular to the ground.  

Throwing for Distance (backhand and roller)

Throwing for long distance uses the same concepts as a normal backhand or roller throw, however every element is exaggerated and also utilizes our entire body to generate power. If you only use your arm to throw long distance, your disc will likely lack stability and speed making it susceptible to the wind. 

The body movements are the same for both throws, however, the motion of the arm and release angle are different. Backhand air throws are released with hyzer (a downward angle on the far edge of the disc from your hand) where a roller is released with anhyzer. 

The roller throw should be aimed to hit the ground a good distance from you (at least 15-20 yards for a 40-50 yard catch). It also should have less anhyzer on the release than a typical, shorter distance roller. This will help it fly further before hitting the ground and rolling.

The backhand throw should be thrown with more hyzer than your normal shorter throw as this will help it stabilize in the air and prevent it from overturning throughout it’s flight.