by Rena Sandou

Created on: April 20, 2010

Disc golf is one of the most popular and addictive sports today that combines throwing discs into designated baskets. Suitable for players at any regardless their body structure and shape, disc golf demands the least strength from a player but lots of practice and knowledge of the basic techniques. Different styles and throws make the disc fly faster, cover long distances, hit the target directly and precisely or even curve when the player has to throw the disc around obstacles.

The hammer throw or else known as Tomahawk or overhand throw is one of the most essential stroke mechanisms in disc golf. This shot is mostly used for hard and tricky baskets enabling the player to toss over a tree or a hedge plant. Nevertheless, skilled players also recommend the hammer throw for normal and close targets as being an extremely accurate and powerful technique.

The hammer throw is in fact an overhanded throw with a fast and steady movement starting behind the player’s head and finishing on top of it. Resembling a lot to a baseball technique, the ball flies high in an almost curving trajectory and lands smoothly to the basket. Even its nickname Tomahawk reveals the style used as it is almost like throwing an ax or a hammer. In particular:

To perform a hammer throw, you hold the disc placing your middle and index fingers on the bottom edge of it and your thumb secured on the top. This is called a forehand grip and by simply pulling out your index finger to the center of the disc you succeed maximum control and accuracy. The forehand grip forces the disc to climb and when reaches its apex, to flip over on its face pointing towards to the ground. Moreover, the overhand movement will drive the disc to fade slightly on the left or right depending on your throwing arm.

For better results, you have to take a really good care of your body posture. Specifically, lift your arm drawing the disc back from your head and take one step with the opposite foot of your throwing hand. This is an essential tip as using the opposite foot will add stability, power and speed to your strike. To finish your motion, snap your wrist as hard as you can while releasing the disc from behind to the front of your head and vertically to the ground. If you do not snap your wrist, then your strike will lose speed and distance failing to reach the basket.

Keep on practicing your hammer throw trying different release angles and distances. Depending on how close you are to the obstacle, you will have to use a higher release angle and slightly more force to pass successfully on top of it. Moreover, practice is vital to fully control your disc despite its flip while reaching the peak.

The hammer throw is one of the most important stroke mechanisms in disc golf. Master your technique and enjoy a triumphant round! Good luck!

Learn more about this author, Rena Sandou.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.