You stand on the tee pad. Trees block the line. A straight shot just isn’t gonna cut it. A hyzer will fade too early. You need a shot that bends and then comes back. That’s where flexshots comes in.
This shot helps when the fairway does not allow a simple throw. It lets you shape a line around obstacles. And it keeps the disc under control even when the wind picks up.
Many players ignore the flexshot because it feels tricky at first. But once you learn it, you will wonder how you ever played without it.
This guide shows you what it is, why it matters, and how to throw it right.
What a Flexshot Is
A flexshot uses an overstable disc thrown on an anhyzer angle. The disc turns in the opposite direction right after release. Then it flexes back as it fades, ending its flight in a different direction than it started.
This turn-and-fade flight path is what makes the shot so useful. It lets you carve around corners that other shots cannot handle.
You are not just forcing the disc around the line. You are using the disc’s natural stability to do the work for you.
The flexshot is not the same as a turnover. A turnover keeps turning. A flexshot turns and then comes back. That finish makes the shot more reliable and easier to control once it lands.
You can use it for both backhand and forehand throws. It works well on long fairways, tight woods, or anywhere a straight shot is too risky.
Why Players Use the Flexshot
The biggest reason players use a flexshot is versatility. The flexshot works in many situations. Doglegs, low ceilings, and tricky lines are all easier to handle when you have this shot in your bag.
Flexshots also add distance. When the disc turns, it stays in the air longer. Then it fades and finishes strong. This gives you more carry compared to a simple hyzer or flat shot.
In tough conditions, especially on wooded courses, this shot becomes a smart option. It helps you stay in the fairway and avoid scrambling on your next shot.
How to Throw a Flexshot
Start with the disc. You need something that’s overstable. These discs have strong fade, which is needed for the shot to flex back at the end.
The Innova Firebird is a reliable overstable option.
Next, set your release angle. Use an anhyzer release, where the outside edge of the disc dips down. This causes the disc to turn away from your body after you throw it.
Your power and wrist angle must work together. Too much turn, and the disc will never come back. Too little, and you will just get a hyzer shot. The sweet spot depends on your form and the disc you choose.
Keep your follow-through smooth and complete. Do not yank or pull back early. A clean release lets the disc fly its full flight path.
You can throw a flexshot forehand too. It works the same way. Overstable disc, anhyzer angle, full follow-through. Try both and see which feels more comfortable.
Practicing with different discs and angles is key. The more you throw it, the better you will know how much turn and fade to expect.
Choosing the Right Disc
Choosing the right disc is not just helpful, it is necessary. A flexshot only works if the disc fades back after the turn. That means you need an overstable disc.
Some reliable choices include the Innova Firebird, Discraft Force, Dynamic Discs Felon, or the Latitude 64 Pioneer. These all have strong fade and handle high speed well.
Heavier discs offer more wind resistance. On windy days, a light disc might turn too much and never recover. A heavier overstable disc will hold the angle better.
Speed matters too. A high-speed driver will cover more distance but needs more arm speed. A fairway driver gives you more control but less reach. Choose based on your throw strength and the hole you are playing.
You can also use overstable midranges and approach discs for shorter flexshots. Two excellent options are the Discraft Zone and the MVP Deflector.
Do not try to use an understable disc for a flexshot. It will turn but not fade back. That turns the shot into a turnover, which is not what you want.
When in doubt, choose something reliable. Consistency is more important than distance. A disc you trust makes the shot easier to repeat.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
Even players who know how to throw a flexshot make mistakes. Most of these come from small errors in form, disc choice, or timing. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
Too Much or Too Little Anhyzer
This is the most frequent mistake. When you throw with too much anhyzer, the disc turns too far and never fades back. It ends up far off course.
Too little anhyzer gives you a shot that fades early and misses the intended curve. You will not get the full flex.
The fix is simple: practice different angles. Watch how each disc responds. Over time, you will learn how much tilt gives you the line you want.
Using the Wrong Disc
A flexshot needs an overstable disc. Using an understable or neutral disc changes everything. Instead of flexing, the disc will just turn and keep turning.
It will also lose accuracy and often crash out early.
Choose discs with reliable fade ratings. Test them in field practice before using them in a round. Stick to what feels comfortable and consistent.
The Axiom Fireball is a trustworthy overstable driver built for consistent flex shots.
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Ignoring Wind Conditions
Wind changes the way your disc flies. A headwind makes it turn more. A tailwind flattens it and can reduce the fade.
If you throw without adjusting for wind, your flexshot may not come back or may fade too soon.
Pay attention to wind direction. Use heavier discs or more stable ones on windy days. Make small angle changes to adjust for the push or pull of the air.
Releasing with Poor Form
Wrist angle matters. If your wrist is too loose or off-angle, the disc wobbles. This ruins the flight and leads to unpredictable results.
A rushed throw or poor grip also causes a bad release. You lose power, aim, and control.
The solution is to stay relaxed but firm. Lock in your grip. Focus on the release point. Keep your wrist stable through the motion.
Skipping the Follow-Through
Many players forget to finish their throw. They pull back too soon or stop short. This breaks the rhythm and messes with the disc’s flight.
A full follow-through lets the disc fly cleanly and naturally. It helps with aim and adds control.
Always finish your throw. Keep your eyes on the line. Let the motion carry through for the best results.
Key Takeaways
The flexshot in disc golf is not just another throw. It is a tool that helps you shape smart lines, beat tough holes, and throw with confidence.
This shot gives you control when straight shots are too risky. It gives you distance when other options fall short. And it gives you a way to hit your lines even when the fairway curves or the wind shifts.
Learning the flexshot makes you a better player. It sharpens your control, improves your angles, and gives you more options during a round.
It also forces you to understand your discs better. You start paying attention to fade, speed, and weight. That awareness makes your entire game stronger.
Try using it on practice rounds first. Test it on different fairways and in different winds. Keep track of how each disc performs. The more you throw it, the more natural it feels.
And remember, a small change today, your disc choice, your angle, your follow-through, can change your next round. Start now. Learn the flexshot. Watch your scores improve.
