Backhand and Forehand Disc Target Toss
A partner circuit where students learn the backhand and forehand grip and throw with a flying disc, then test them by throwing at hoops placed at different distances. It builds accuracy, wrist technique, and honest self-assessment.
How to play
- Explain and demonstrate the backhand and forehand grips (3 min); the whole class shadows the motion without a disc, slowly at first and then with hip rotation.
- In pairs, 6 yards apart, throw backhand only for 3 minutes; the receiver catches with two hands in a pancake catch.
- Repeat for 3 minutes with forehand only, then back up to 10 yards once a pair completes five catches in a row.
- Set up 6 lanes with cones, each with three hoops on the ground at 6, 9, and 12 yards; each pair takes one lane.
- Target challenge (7 min): each student throws 3 backhands and 3 forehands; a disc that stops inside the 6-yard hoop is worth 1 point, 9 yards 2 points, and 12 yards 3 points.
- Pairs record their best score, collect the discs, and rotate lanes on the whistle to repeat the challenge.
Rules
- Throw only on the teacher's signal and when no one is in front of you.
- Nobody retrieves discs until the whole line has finished throwing.
- Each student keeps their own score honestly, just like Spirit of the Game in ultimate.
- Safety: all throws go in the same direction and lanes are at least 4 yards apart.
Variations
Easier
Throw from half the distance and replace the hoops with large zones marked by cones.
Standard
Throw at hoops at 6, 9, and 12 yards, alternating backhand and forehand.
Harder
Throw right after catching a pass on the run, with a 3-second limit.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student throws seated or from a wheelchair, with closer hoops and the same scoring.
- Visual impairment: a partner claps next to the hoop and describes where each disc lands.
- Advanced students: earn bonus points by hitting a target with the non-dominant hand.
Learning goals
- Perform the backhand and forehand grip and throw.
- Adjust throwing power to the distance of the target.
- Assess their own performance honestly.
Equipment for a class of 25
- frisbees: 13
- hoops: 18
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
The most common error is throwing with a straight arm and the disc tilted up; ask for a flat release and a wrist snap at the end. Mark a clear throwing line to keep things organized.
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