How to Throw a Flick Huck (Ultimate Frisbee)

In this Instructable, I will be showing you how to throw a flick huck. A flick huck is a deep throw thrown from the forehand side, that is commonly executed in the game of Ultimate Frisbee.

Materials: Just a disc. Ultimate Frisbee is easily the cheapest sport (played at the club-level) as you will only need a disc, cleats, and cones to mark the field.

Cover Photo: Mac Hecht (Brown '19) throwing an around flick against Carleton College during Easterns 2019 in South Carolina.

Step 1: The Grip

1.1: With the hand that you write/throw anything with, make a finger gun out of your thumb, index, and middle fingers.

1.2: Firmly wedge your middle finger into the intersection where the flat top of the disc meets the rim on the underside of the disc.

1.3: Use your index finger to support the middle finger. This will aide in gaining power during release (See Figure 1.1 - Underside of the disc).

1.4: Make sure that the rimmed edge of the disc nests between your thumb and the base knuckle of your index finger.

1.5: Let your wrist dangle slightly to prepare for the lax grip required for the release of the disc (See Figure 1.2 & 1.3 - Good & Bad wrist angle). If you pinch the disc too tight, it won't be able to find its way out of your grip until after the optimal release point.

Step 2: The Approach

2.1: Start facing your target. Then, turn and square your shoulders & feet at a 45 deg angle away (towards throwing arm side) from your target. Your feet should be roughly shoulder width from each other, with your toes pointed diagonally away from your target.

2.2: Establish your pivot foot. Your pivot foot is the foot that must remain planted in one place on the ground until the disc is released. In Ultimate Frisbee, you must keep one foot planted during the entire throwing motion (generally the foot on the opposite side of your throwing arm).

2.3: Keep pivot foot planted and step out with the opposite leg in the same 45 degree direction that you squared towards in step 2.1.

2.4: As you are stepping out, bring the disc behind & below your shoulder in preparation of sidearm motion used during release.

For a visual example, you can find a GIF of the approach here.

Step 3: The Release

3.1: Using the momentum from the launch foot being planted, begin the forward momentum of your forearm towards the target.

3.2: Slightly relax your grip (Refer to Step 1.5). The forward momentum will help keep the disc flat through the throwing motion. Also, this will help the disc exit your hand at the point necessary for a straight line path to your target

3.3: Let your shoulders turn along with your arm to maximize torque and increase throwing power.

For a visual example, you can find a GIF of the release here.

Step 4: Troubleshooting

4.1: If the disc curves away from your throwing hand towards your non-throwing side (this is called an outside-in, or OI, curve), you may need to loosen your grip so that the disc isn't at a downwards angle 45 degrees away from your throwing hand.

4.2: If the opposite curve - away from your throwing hand staying on the same side of your target - occurs (this is called an inside-out, or IO, curve), your grip may be too lose and your throw will require a more firm snap of the wrist.

4.3: If the disc travels upwards and floats back towards you, you may be failing to throw the disc far enough away from your body. Try to step out further and release the disc using more forward momentum.

Step 5: Conclusion

Someone once told me to pretend like I was sliding the disc across a table at about chest height. Visualize where you want the throw to go and refer to the troubleshooting step to try and correct your trajectory if the disc doesn't fly right to your target. Remember, practice makes perfect!