Saturday, October 15, 2011

The Flick

     Do you play frisbee?  Wait, let me rephrase that: do you PLAY frisbee?  This is the throw that differentiates between frisbee players and frisbee PLAYERS.  Real players mean business, and real players throw flick.
   
     The flick (or forehand) is a must-know in advanced frisbee leagues.  It is difficult to defend and easy to control (if you know what you're doing).  But, like all throws, the only way to make your flick unstoppable and spot-on every time is to practice.
     
     A proper flick can be held multiple ways before it is "flicked" (released).  The Walking Man is the preference of many, spreading one's index and middle finger on the underside of the disc, ring and pinky fingers enclosed in the fist and thumb outside the lip of the disc (see picture).  Another popular grip is similar, but the index and middle fingers are placed together against the inside lip under the disc (see picture).  These are the most widely used flick grips, however variations do exist.  Combinations of three fingers or one finger placed under the disc can also produce and effective flick.  As always, practicing and finding what works best for you is well-advised.
     The best flicks are thrown with the strongest wrist.  The more a disc is spinning the farther it will travel. That said, when you prepare to release, make sure your wrist is working overtime and your arm is on vacation.  Your shoulder should not be the propelling force of your throw, rather, it must come from your wrist.
   
     If you find yourself trowing blades (disc slices the air vertically instead of flying horizontally), try dropping your wrist (lowering the outside of the disc) when you release.  Throwing proper flicks without slicing can be difficult at first, but this can be corrected with practice.  
     Using your non-dominant foot as your pivot foot, step out (away from your pivot foot) with your dominant foot as you release with your dominant hand.  This will make your throw much more difficult to defend.  Another way to prevent slicing is adjusting the position of your step and the angle of your body as you flick.
     The flick is most commonly used in games as a direct, accurate pass for any length.  The best players can throw a flick the length of the field, and show-offs can throw it between their legs.




   
Play on, ultimate players, play on!

For a VERY detailed description of how to throw a forehand,