Week 5 – Release Height

Activity: High release throwing
Focus: Releasing the disc from a higher than normal position from different pivot distances and heights.

Description:

You should be looking to release the disc as high as possible while able to maintain a flat and stable flight of the disc.

What does this mean? When pivoting for a backhand you may find you release the disc at the same level at all times. Some strong marks may become aware of this. You should be aiming to go through a range of pivots mixing up the height you throw the disc at. This is the height relative to your body that your arm throws the disc through and not the height the disc travels on.

Hint: A good queue to let you know if you’re doing this is to fake at your normal height and then throw from a heigher height.

Your partner can help keep you honest to this.

AVOID: Aiming the disc upwards.

Catching Drills

Two Hand Catches

No matter where the throw goes, make sure you get two hands to it for the catch. Try to get your body behind it whenever possible. Practice catching with both hands on top. Throwers, make the receiver work for these.

One Hand Catches

Catch with your right hand for 10 throws in a row, regardless of where the thrower sends the disc. Then do your left hand. As a thrower, start easy, then make it more difficult for them.

The aim is not to encourage lazy one-handed catching, but to ensure we have practiced, so that when we are at full stretch, catching with one hand is not uncomfortable.

Late Eye Pickups

Throw to a partner that is standing either eyes-closed or facing away from you. About a third of the way through the flight of the disc, say ‘Now’ so that your partner can find the disc quickly and catch it. Give progressively less time to find the disc each throw. Vary throw shapes.

Ups

Receiver runs away from the thrower, looking back over their shoulder. Thrower puts a high disc up out to the side they are looking over. Receiver attacks the disc and goes up for a high, one-handed catch. Repeat on other side, with other hand. Vary the shape and width of the throw.

Practice Catching High Discs