Disc golf courses are full of obstacles, tight gaps, and tricky angles that sometimes make regular backhand or forehand shots difficult. When you need to get up and over something or hit a tricky flight path, the tomahawk throw becomes a valuable tool. This overhand style of throwing gives players a reliable way to navigate vertical space and reach targets that would otherwise be blocked.
Although players often use the terms tomahawk and thumber interchangeably, they are actually two different grips. To keep things simple, we will use the word tomahawk to describe both types of overhand throws. Learning this shot expands your options on the course and gives you an escape route when the obstacles get tricky.
Understanding Overhand Throws
Overhand throws rely on a unique combination of grip, angle, and disc stability. The two main variations are the thumber and the tomahawk. The difference between them comes from how the disc is held and how it rotates during flight.
A thumber uses the thumb inside the rim while the rim rests on the middle finger. The index finger sits on top of the flight plate and can be straight or bent. A tomahawk places the middle finger inside the rim with the index finger stacked on top of it and the thumb pressing down on the flight plate.
These grips create opposite rotation. A right-handed thumber pans clockwise and finishes to the right. A right-handed tomahawk pans counterclockwise and finishes to the left. A simple way to remember this is that the disc finishes in the direction the flight plate faces when you hold it.
When thrown down a fairway rather than over an obstacle, a less stable disc can help the throw pan faster and travel straighter before hitting the ground. Once it lands, the disc often skips in the direction of the flight plate.
How to Choose a Tomahawk Disc
Selecting the right disc for a tomahawk depends on the distance you need and the type of shot you want. Stability plays the biggest role in how the disc behaves in the air. More overstable discs pan slowly, fly farther, and drop almost vertically. They tend to stay close to where they land, although they can bounce depending on the angle and ground conditions. Less overstable discs pan more quickly and produce shorter, more technical flights.
If you need maximum distance with minimal ground action, choose a more overstable option. For shorter lines or tight gaps, a slightly less stable disc can give you better control and a quicker pan.
How Wind Affects Overhand Shots
Wind direction and speed have a major impact on tomahawk throws. Crosswinds can push the disc dramatically because the flight plate is exposed for most of the throw. Headwinds and tailwinds influence how quickly the disc pans. The best way to understand these effects is to practice in windy conditions and observe how different stabilities react.
Best Tomahawk Discs
Here is a list of some of the more popular discs that are used for tomahawks (and thumbers).
Infinite Discs Slab – This flat-top distance driver is an excellent choice for a tomahawk. It is overstable and will give you a slow, consistent roll in the air. It could also be used for headwind backhand or forehand shots.
Innova Firebird – The Firebird is a popular utility disc. It is overstable and excellent for tomahawk throws.
Latitude 64 Stiletto – The Stiletto is a speed 13 disc with lots of fade. That beefy flight makes for a consistent, slow turning tomahawk.
Discmania Tilt – This super-beefcake is one of the most overstable discs on the market. It is speed nine and a great utility disc for times when you want zero turn and all fade. Its overstability makes it great for tomahawks.
Infinite Discs Scepter – The Scepter is another than the others on the list, but it is just as overstable. It is a utility disc with a flat top. The lower speed means a more narrow rim.
Conclusion
Adding a tomahawk throw to your disc golf skill set gives you a powerful option for navigating obstacles and shaping challenging lines. Once you choose the best tomahawk disc for your needs, spend time practicing with different weights, plastics, and wind conditions. The more comfortable you become with overhand mechanics, the more confident you will feel when the course demands a shot that climbs high, pans wide, or drops straight onto the target.
