The forehand is the throw that separates casual players from serious ones. It is difficult at first, but absolutely essential.
In the exciting world of Ultimate Frisbee, mastering different types of throws is fundamental to becoming a versatile and effective player. While the backhand throw is the first most learn, the forehand or “flick” is undoubtedly the second essential throw that opens new possibilities for your game. With proper technique, you will be able to throw with greater accuracy and speed, and also surprise your opponents from angles and positions where the backhand is less effective.
In this chapter, dedicated exclusively to forehand technique, we will explore from the special grip to the complete movement, including the side stance and wrist snap that characterize this throw. We will also help you understand when it is better to choose a forehand instead of a backhand, so you can make smart decisions on the field. This content is designed so that players of the Disckatus Madrid team and all beginners who join us take a confident step towards technical improvement.
If you train with us on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Orcasur Sports Center, this chapter will help complement our practices and accelerate your learning. Let’s turn that disc into a natural extension of your arm!
The forehand requires a particular grip that may seem strange at first, but it is the key to releasing power and control in the throw. Unlike the backhand, where the thumb is on top of the disc and the fingers underneath, in the forehand the disc is held with the index and middle fingers together on the inside edge, almost like forming a pinch, while the thumb presses firmly on the top of the disc.
To achieve this grip, place the disc at your side with the flat face up. Then, place the extended index finger and middle finger along the inside edge of the disc, slightly apart but together. The thumb should press firmly on top, almost in the center, providing stability. The other fingers can be relaxed, lightly resting on the outside edge to help control, but without squeezing.
This grip allows performing the famous wrist "snap," which is the movement that gives the necessary rotation for the disc to maintain stable flight. It is important to practice how to adjust thumb pressure and finger position to feel comfortable and confident. A very loose grip will cause the disc to slip, while a very tight grip limits movement flexibility.
For a powerful and precise forehand, body stance plays a fundamental role. Unlike the backhand, which is usually executed with the body facing the target, the forehand is thrown from a side position. Placing the body sideways allows a more fluid and natural movement of the arm and wrist.
Position yourself so that your non-dominant shoulder (for example, the left for right-handed players) points toward the target. The front leg should be slightly bent, with the foot pointing in the direction of the pass. The back leg serves as support and to generate momentum, with a slight hip turn accompanying the arm movement.
A correct stance not only helps power but also stability. Avoid hunching or tensing your neck. Remember that the forehand is a throw that depends heavily on the wrist snap, but without a good body base, your control and distance will be affected. Practice pausing in the stance before throwing to feel how your whole body aligns.
The forehand owes its alternative name, “flick,” to the characteristic quick and explosive wrist movement known as the snap. This movement imparts the rotation necessary for the disc to travel stable and straight, as well as generating the power and precision that make it unique.
The snap begins just after the arm is extended forward and at waist height or slightly higher. The key is to let the movement come mainly from the wrist and not the arm. The wrist should accelerate abruptly outward and forward, “flicking” the disc with the index and middle fingers while the thumb presses downward.
To improve the snap, practice slow movements at first, feeling the tension and then the relaxation of your wrist. The coordination between thumb pressure and snap speed will make the disc spin stronger. Avoid tensing the whole arm and hand, as this will limit snap speed and throw smoothness.
The forehand is not just a matter of wrist; it is a fluid movement involving from the initial body position to the release of the disc and the follow-through. By combining the grip, stance, and snap, you will achieve an effective and consistent throw.
Start with the disc close to your body, with the special grip. Bring the elbow back, parallel to the ground while slightly rotating the hip and torso. The back foot should push slightly to gain momentum, and the forearm begins moving forward. When the arm is almost extended in front of you and at waist height, perform the wrist snap to release the disc with rotation.
The follow-through is important: the arm continues its path forward and slightly upward, helping control the disc’s direction and height. Keeping the body balanced and breathing relaxed also contributes to pass stability.
Knowing when to use forehand or backhand can make the difference between a successful pass and a turnover. Generally, the backhand is comfortable for medium and long distances in front of the body, but there are situations where the forehand becomes indispensable.
The forehand is ideal when the defense pressures you on the backhand side and you need to throw to the opposite side without excessively turning your body. It is also faster for short and quick passes, as the gesture is more compact. Additionally, it allows tighter or diagonal passing angles, especially when you are moving laterally or in “dump” situations (safe backward pass).
In fast and high-pressure games, mastering the forehand gives you the advantage of surprising the defense and maintaining game flow. However, don’t forget that constant practice, like the one we do at Disckatus Madrid on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Orcasur Sports Center, is key to integrating both throws into your repertoire.
Consistency in these exercises will allow you to gain confidence and improve technique. Remember that the forehand is a throw of precision and speed, and the more natural you feel it, the better your performance on the field will be.
Want to take your game to the next level? At Disckatus Madrid we train every Monday and Wednesday at the Orcasur Sports Center, where we work on these techniques with a practical and motivating approach. We look forward to growing together and becoming true heroes of Ultimate Frisbee!
📚 Sources and Inspiration: This article has been inspired by educational resources from USA Ultimate, WikiHow, Ultimate Frisbee HQ, FrisbeeThrows.com, and the collective experience of the Ultimate community. We especially thank the authors and coaches who share their knowledge to help grow this sport.
