Shot Shaping

Disc golf shot shaping refers to the technique of controlling the flight path of a disc by adjusting the angle of release, the speed of the throw, and the direction of spin. Shot shaping is an essential skill for disc golfers who want to navigate around obstacles, avoid hazards, and reach the target with accuracy.

Here are some basic types of disc golf shots, along with their primary flight characteristics.

1. Straight Shot – A straight shot is the most basic type of throw, where the disc is released flat and travels in a straight line. This shot is useful for short to medium range throws when there are no obstacles or curves to navigate around.
2. Hyzer Shot – A hyzer shot is a throw that curves to the left (for right-handed throwers) or to the right (for left-handed throwers). To execute a hyzer shot, the disc is released with the outer edge tilted downward, which causes it to bank left or right. This shot is useful for navigating around trees, bushes, or other obstacles.
3. Anhyzer Shot – An anhyzer shot is the opposite of a hyzer shot, where the disc curves to the right (for right-handed throwers) or to the left (for left-handed throwers). To execute an anhyzer shot, the disc is released with the outer edge tilted upward, which causes it to bank in the opposite direction. This shot is useful for navigating around obstacles that require a right-to-left curve.
4. S-Curve Shot – An S-curve shot is a throw that combines a hyzer and an anhyzer shot, resulting in a curved flight path that resembles the letter “S”. This shot is useful for navigating around obstacles that require both left and right curves.
5. Tomahawk Shot – A tomahawk shot, also known as an overhand shot, is a throw where the disc is released with an overhead motion and spins like a helicopter blade. This shot is useful for navigating over tall obstacles, such as trees or bushes, or for throwing out of a thicket or rough terrain.
6. Thumber Shot – A thumber shot is similar to a tomahawk shot, but the disc is released with the thumb on top of the disc, resulting in a different flight path. This shot is useful for navigating over obstacles that require a steep ascent and descent, such as hills or cliffs.
7. Roller Shot – A roller shot is a throw where the disc is released with an angle that causes it to roll along the ground. This shot is useful for navigating around obstacles or for reaching a target that is downhill. There are two types of roller shots: backhand roller and forehand roller.

Here’s a table that summarizes some of the different types of disc golf shots:

Now if you want to get started fast, check out these posts here.

Perfect your Thumber

Learn throw a flex shot

Shoot the perfect forehand flex shot

Throw your best anhyzer

How to get your rollers right

How to make your discs fly straight

How to hyzer flip

Practice Makes Perfect

Youtube is great for advice, but there’s no amount of video watching in the world that will improve your form more than regular practice in the park and on the course. Even if you take an iPad or browse videos on your phone while you head out to practice, it’s those regular practice sessions and competitions out on the course that will force you to become a better player. Youtube can’t improve your mental intelligence and mind game.

Naturally, you probably can’t make it out on the course each day, but you can buy a cheap disc golf basket and at least work on your short game if you don’t have the space or are hampered by time.