Overhand Shot
Definition: An Overhand Shot is a disc golf throw made with an over-the-shoulder motion, similar to throwing a baseball or football. The disc is generally released at a steep or nearly vertical angle and travels through the air by turning, panning, or rotating before descending. The two primary Overhand Shots are the Tomahawk and Thumber, which differ according to the grip and direction of the disc’s flight.
Why It Matters: An Overhand Shot provides an alternative flight path when trees, dense rough, steep terrain, or other obstacles prevent a conventional Backhand or Forehand throw. It can travel over obstacles, descend sharply into a protected landing area, and limit ground movement by landing on its edge or flight plate. Overhand Shots can be accurate and useful, but they require considerable shoulder motion and generally provide less distance than a player’s primary driving throw.
Term Observations:
- Overhand Shots are commonly used as Utility Shots to escape trouble or reach otherwise inaccessible landing areas.
- A Tomahawk and a Thumber usually rotate and pan in opposite directions because of their different grips.
- Disc stability strongly affects how quickly an Overhand Shot turns, pans, and completes its rotation.
- Overhand Shots can be effective in wooded fairways where a narrow vertical opening exists above the player.
- A steep descent can reduce skipping and rolling, although the resulting landing may be difficult to predict.
- Repeated full-power Overhand Shots can place substantial stress on the shoulder and should be practiced carefully.
