Disc Golf Overhand Thumber Throw

A Thumber throw is similar to an overhand baseball throw where "...the thumb pad is hooked on the inside of the rim and the rim is squeezed between the thumb pad and the crook of the index finger. The index knuckle is on the top of the outside rim. Hand position resembles using a disposable lighter." (source http://www.innovadiscs.com/home/disc-golf-faq/glossary-of-terms.html) This throw will typically turn out to left and come back in to the right for a right handed thrower. Left handed throwers would see the opposite - turn out to the right and come back to the left. This and the tomahawk throw (which is covered in the next post) are good for getting out of trouble shots or shots where a player needs to get around obstacles.

Here's a look at the thumb position on the underside of a disc.

Here's a look at the finger position on the top of the disc.

GoHam's Thumber video. A very humble player telling like it is for him throwing a thumber with some good looks at his throws as well as the landings of the disc.

The following Discraft video shows three pros explaining their overhead shot selection plus the science and/or physics behind the throw and what happens with different release angles.

Next post - the Tomahawk throw.