Tomahawk and thumb have roughly the same function as tipping in football. It requires little technique to make an OK throw, and it is an efficient and easy way to carry the disc a little further, especially when you have to throw between or over obstacles. On the other hand, the throw has limited length potential.
Thumbers and tomahawks are throws that will start straight ahead, "do a turn" in the air, then plunge vertically toward the ground. The difference between a thumber and a tomahawk is the way the disc is held and which "way" it turns in the air and plunges towards the ground. A typical thumber achieving a full flight will first move to the left before finishing to the right. A typical tomahawk achieving a full flight will first move to the right before finishing to the left.
As usual, we divide the implementation into 3 parts: Footwork, grip and upper body.
1. Footwork: In order to achieve long tomahawk and thumber throws, it is important to have a smooth and controlled "run-up". You should have some technique as in a preliminary draft. It is also important to focus on shifting the weight from the back leg to the front leg, as mentioned in the forehand throw.
2. Grip:
Thumber : Hold the disc vertically, with the top of the disc facing away from you. Insert your thumb into the rim of the disc with the edge of the rim resting on your middle finger. Keep your index finger on the disc to both strengthen your grip and adjust the release angle.
Tomahawk : Use the same grip you are comfortable using for forehand throws. Instead, hold the disc vertically with the upper side of the disc facing you, and squeeze the edge between the knuckles of the thumb and forefinger.
3. Upper body: Throw the disc as if you were going to throw a handball relatively high into the air. It doesn't get much worse than that.
For maximum distance with the tomahawk and thumber, we recommend an overstable distance driver, such as Innova's Star Destroyer . Understable discs will go straighter at the start of the flight, so to have the option of variation, we also recommend buying Active Premium Mentor .
If you want to learn more about other throwing techniques, basic theory and recommended beginner discs, check out our complete guide to Frisbee golf for beginners .