How to Hammer Throw in Disc Golf
Disc golf is a popular sport that blends throwing discs with classic golf rules. Different throws create different results when throwing the disk. Learn how to throw an overhead hammer throw to use in your golf disc game and increase your skills on the course.
Instructions
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Know when to use a hammer throw. A hammer throw is an overhanded throw that begins behind a player's head and finishes over the top of the head, giving the throw a high, arcing trajectory. This shot is best used to throw over obstacles like trees or bushes, or out of dense foliage. Some players use the hammer for normal shots and drives to great effect.
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Grip the disc using a forehand grip. The forehand uses a "pen holder" grip with the middle and index fingers along the bottom rim of the disc, and the thumb clamping down on the top of the disc. Some players prefer to extend their index finger away from the bottom rim of the disc toward the center, which may give extra control.
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Step and release with an overhead motion. Draw the disc back, past the same side of your head as your throwing arm, then take a step with the foot opposite your throwing arm. Whip the disc from behind your head to the front in a motion perpendicular to the ground. The release angle of the hammer will vary greatly depending on how close to an obstacle you are--closer obstacles will require a higher release angle to avoid them.
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When you release the disc, it will start its flight perpendicular to the ground, but as it flies it will flatten out with the top side of the disc facing the ground. The sleek surface of the top of the disc may cause the disc to slide along the ground if you throw at a shallow angle.
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Tips & Warnings
The hammer throw is also known as the tomahawk because the throwing motion resembles that you might use to throw an ax.
Experiment with the hammer throw before trying to use it in a round. The way it flips over mid-flight can be awkward and difficult to control.
