How To Throw an Upshot

The upshot. I have taken this part of the game for granted for years. After all, it’s an easy shot, right? And as I have found out many others have taken it for granted as well. Upshots are from a short distance and do not have many variables. We should be able to park or make them every time. But we all know this does not happen. We leave ourselves uncomfortable putts and hit obstacles on our flight path. We skip way past the basket and come up too short. We grip lock shots and throw OB. This article is designed to give you options and confidence in your upshots. Then check out the end of this article as it has links to videos with in-depth teachings and tutorials.

As a backdrop for everything in this article, PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE! Buy a bunch of your favorite throwing putters and midranges. Take them out to the field and throw at targets. Throw these shots on different angles and heights and speeds both forehand and backhand. Get to know your discs. There is no replacement for practice in the field. The goal is to have an arsenal of shots at your disposal when the situation calls for it.

For starters, let’s get on the same page about what an upshot is. Upshots are thrown from a comfortable distance from the basket and are typically thrown with a midrange or putter. An upshot is meant to land in or as close to the basket as possible.

Upshot Variables

The first aspect of an upshot is to decipher which type of shot gives you the best opportunity to get up and down (i.e., throw your shot and make the putt). There are many ways to get from Point A to Point B. If there are no obstacles in the way simply throw whichever shot you feel most comfortable with. However, if there are obstacles between you and the basket look for the most air space and throw the shot in that direction. Combine your skills and the air space to figure out which type of throw you will employ.

Ground play is an extremely important element of upshots. Look at the area within the circle around the basket and take inventory. Is it dirt or hard pan or mud or rocky or short grass or tall grass or something else? All of these environmental elements will affect which type of upshot you throw. With this being said, if there is ample air space, it is best to throw a shot that has more loft and lands gently. This removes a high percentage of the variability of ground play.

Form Dynamics of Upshots

The backbone of every quality upshot is mental preparation. Take at least 15 seconds before every (tournament round) upshot to visualize your flight path and pick the line of least resistance. Visualize the flight path from start to finish including ground play. Many players will blindly force shots because they have not taken inventory of all their options. Formulate a game plan based on critical thinking of your environment and execute. Visualize, breathe, and let it rip.

Upshots are all about rhythm and tempo. This is where most players have the most trouble. The difficulty arises in throwing an off-speed shot. Upshots use less than 100% of your distance and employ a great deal of touch. It can be difficult to find consistency when our mechanics slow down. It is imperative to bring a focused and calm mindset to this shot. When I am amped up or feeling anxious my upshots tend to miss long. On the contrary, when I am not focused, I tend to miss short due to releasing early. Don’t be me! Take a breath and execute your game plan.

I highly recommend a standstill stance as it will lessen movement in your form. As long as you feel comfortable with the distance, try to employ a standstill stance. The key to throwing consistently is lining your shoulders up directly to your target. Make sure your rear and forward shoulders are square to the basket. This allows your push back and pull through to project a direct plane to the basket. Push straight back, pull straight through, and release.

Let me emphasize something; ​remember to follow through! ​Upshots do not require all of your strength. As a result, many people will “short arm” their upshots and suffer the consequences via inconsistency. For a RHBH upshot, be sure to swing your right arm through the shot and follow through with your left leg and hip. Finish with your entire body facing the target ​every time. ​Any time you are throwing a shot and not a putt you should have a follow-through. Consistency will develop and confidence will ensue.

Videos

All of these videos explore the dynamics of what was described above. Take whatever information speaks to you and leave the rest. Try not to change too much of your form too quickly. Use only what is useful and head out to the field with your throwing putters and midrange discs. Upshots are not the most glamorous shots but they have huge potential for shaving strokes off your game.

Danny Lindahl is a spokesperson for Dynamic Discs and has many great videos on YouTube helping beginners understand the game. This video breaks down all aspects of upshots and has many useful nuggets for beginners and advanced players alike. He suggests using the Warden, Harp, or Suspect discs for midrange.

This video explains the “nose up floaty run” employs long time pro Paul Ulibarri explaining how to throw a backhand upshot from 100-150 feet. The useful part of this video is how to run the shot while still landing close to the target if you miss it.

This video is by the Prodigy Team discussing how to throw a forehand upshot. It is great for beginners as well as more seasoned players to gain more consistency.

This video displays Paul McBeth showcasing how to throw an upshot. He gives his biggest tips and aspects of the shot to focus on. Listen to a master of his craft describe how to throw an upshot.

With these tips and tutorials, you can bring confidence to your future upshots. But remember, you must PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!