I don’t think understable discs get enough credit. It seems to me like their overstable alternatives get all the buzz. I’m not sure if it’s because the pros tend to throw beefy, overstable plastic but if you aren’t throwing understable discs you are missing out. Understable discs can work great in a lot of different circumstances. In this article, we’re going to go over how to throw an understable disc. We’re going to touch on what understable means and how releasing understable discs on different angles can affect the flight. We’ll also talk about other specific shots you can use your understable discs for. By the time you are done reading this, you have a better understanding of how to utilize your understable plastic.
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What Is Understable?
So, first things first, what does understable mean? When we use the word unstable we’re referring to turn rating of the disc or the tendency of the disc to move left or right when it leaves your hand. For an understable disc, if you are a right handed player throwing backhand the disc will fly to the right after it leaves your hand. You hear people refer to understable discs as flippy. This just means that the disc has a higher tendency to turn over.
Angle Of Release
An understable disc is going to fly differently depending on how it is released. There are three main release angles a disc can be released on to manipulate the disc’s flight. These three angles are flat, hyzer and anhyzer. If you throw an understable disc with a flat release you are going to see a different flight than if you throw it on a hyzer.
Let’s take a look at how each release angle will affect the disc’s flight path. For each example, we’re going to use a right-handed backhanded thrower to explain how the disc will fly. If you are left-handed or a sidearm dominant thrower, you can adjust the example by using the opposite direction.
Flat Release
An unstable disc released flat will have a tendency to turn right with it leaves the players hand. Depending on the fade the disc has, the disc will then fly straight and come back to the left as it hyzers out. This is normally described as an S-curve.
Hyzer Release
An unstable disc released at a hyzer angle will tend to fly straight. It may fade to the left at the end of its flight. This flight path is normally referred to as a hyzer flip.
Anhyzer Release
An unstable disc released at an anhyzer angle will turn faster to the right than a flat release. The disc normally keeps moving right and depending on the fade and speed the disc is released at, the disc should finish right. This is normally referred to as a turnover shot. If the disc is released with enough anhyzer it may turn all the way over and continue rolling on the ground. This type of shot is referred to as a backhand roller or just a roller.
Types Of Shots You Can Use An Understable Disc For
- Hyzer Flip
- Roller
- Turnovers
- S-Curve
We touched on these shots when we discussed the release angle above but you can use an understable disc to accomplish all of the shots listed above. This just highlights all the situations you can use an understable disc. Learning how to throw an understable disc will in handy in plenty of scenarios on the disc golf course.
Understable Discs Are Recommended For
- Beginners
- Tailwind
- Slow speed
Not only can you use understable discs for hyzer flips and other useful shots, but they also recommended for beginners, players with slower arm speeds and with tailwinds. Newer players and players with slower arm speeds will find understable discs easier to throw. Players throwing understable discs with less speed will get a straighter flight path than if you tried to throw discs with more stability.
Understable discs are recommended for tailwinds because tailwinds make discs fly as if they were more stable than they are. This happens because the stability of the disc is affected by the speed the wind flies across it. This could also be said that the disc seems to be moving slower than it really is because of the way the wind is affecting the air around it. If you were to throw a stable or overstable disc in a tailwind the disc would tend to turn left and hyzer out to earlier. Throwing an understable disc will in ensure the disc flies further.
Image Credit Flickr Creative Commons – Dan Keck