Freestyle Disc: Partner Trick Routine

An intro to freestyle disc, the trick discipline of flying disc, where partners learn special catches, tips, and nail delays to build a short routine to music. Students work on hand-eye coordination, creativity, and expression.

How to play

1. In pairs 8 m apart, one disc per pair, warm up with soft, floating backhand throws (3 min).
2. Catches (5 min), from easiest to hardest: two-hand pancake catch, one-hand behind-the-back catch, and under-the-leg catch.
3. Tips and nail delays (5 min): the receiver taps the disc up with a finger, then tries to keep it spinning on the index fingernail for a few seconds.
4. Create (5 min): each pair links three or four tricks into a 60-second routine that includes at least one moment where both partners move at the same time.
5. Perform to music (4 min): four pairs perform at a time while the rest applaud one trick they liked from each pair.

Rules

• Always throw soft and floating, never hard or at someone's face.
• Safety: pairs line up in parallel rows, throw in the same direction, and keep 3 m apart side to side.
• A clean routine is worth more than a difficult one with drops.
• During performances, the audience sits outside the throwing area.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: performs the routine seated, focusing on tips, nail delays, and one-hand catches.
• Autism or shyness: performs only for the partner and teacher, or in the largest group.
• Lower skill level: uses a large, slower soft disc and builds the routine around catches.

Learning goals

• Catch the disc in different ways with control.
• Create a coordinated trick sequence with a partner.
• Perform a routine confidently in front of the group.

Equipment for a class of 25

• flying discs: 13
• music: 1

Teacher tip

Nail delays are tricky: the disc must arrive spinning fast, and the nail goes in the center of the underside. Pick calm music so throws don't speed up.

More activities like this

More main activities for Middle School