Elevate Your Family Fun: How to Improve Frisbee Skills TogetherFrisbee is often seen as a casual, lazy-day activity—a leisurely toss at the beach or a quick game in the park. However, it is also a fantastic, low-cost way to get the whole family moving, improve coordination, and enjoy the outdoors. Moving beyond simply throwing the disc back and forth can turn a mundane afternoon into an engaging, skill-building session. Improving your family’s frisbee game isn’t just about athletic ability; it’s about technique, communication, and, most importantly, having fun together.
Choose the Right Gear for Family SuccessThe first step in improving is to stop using the wrong frisbee. A hard, competition-style disc can be intimidating for young children and painful to catch for beginners. For family play, especially with kids, selecting the right equipment is paramount. Consider soft-edged discs, such as fabric flying discs or rubberized options, which are gentle on hands and easy to grip [Source: Disc Store]. Choosing a lighter-weight disc can make long-distance throws easier for smaller arms, while a brightly colored disc helps in keeping track of it during play.
Mastering the Fundamentals: The Backhand ThrowThe backhand is the most common throw, yet many beginners struggle with accuracy and distance. Improve this by focusing on the “grip and rip” technique. Place the thumb on top of the disc, with the index finger around the rim, and the remaining fingers tucked underneath. A common mistake is aiming too high, causing the disc to soar upward and die. Encourage family members to keep the disc parallel to the ground (flat) throughout the throwing motion. A simple exercise to improve this is to stand in a line and try to throw the disc through a hula hoop hung from a tree branch.
Building Confidence with the Forehand (Flick)Once the backhand is comfortable, introduce the forehand, or “flick.” This throw is essential for ultimate frisbee and provides a different challenge. The grip involves holding the disc on its side, with the index and middle fingers tucked under the rim and the thumb on top. The movement comes from the wrist, similar to skipping a stone. Practice this by setting up a target, such as a trash can or a specific tree, and trying to land the disc near it. This adds an element of competition that keeps kids engaged.
Fun Drills to Improve Catching and AccuracyCatching is often overlooked, but it is just as crucial as throwing. A great game to improve this is “Around the World,” where family members stand in a circle and pass the disc in a specific order, gradually increasing the distance. Another effective technique is to practice the “pancake” catch, where the disc is caught between two hands, one on top and one on bottom. To practice accuracy, set up a “Frisbee Golf” course in the backyard, using trash cans, park benches, or trees as “holes.” This turns technique practice into a creative game.
Introducing Simple Team GamesTransform casual throwing into active games to keep the energy high. “Ultimate Passing” is a great game for families: divide into two teams and try to complete five passes in a row without the disc touching the ground or being intercepted. Another fun option is “Frisbee Tag,” where one person is “it” and must throw the frisbee to tag another player; the person with the disc cannot run, forcing teamwork to get close to the target. These games build cardiovascular health and teach spatial awareness in a relaxed setting.
Improving frisbee skills as a family is a rewarding process that combines physical activity with bonding time. By focusing on proper technique, choosing the right equipment, and turning practice into playful competition, you can take your family’s game from basic tossing to confident throwing. The key is to keep it low-pressure, laugh off the bad throws, and enjoy the satisfaction of a perfectly soaring disc. With a little practice, your next backyard gathering will be a high-flying success.
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