Frisbee

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Person throwing flying disc

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Professional Model Frisbee Canadian Open 1972

Headrick Frisbee Ashes 001

Frisbee is a flying disc sport and recreational activity that involves throwing and catching a disc. The term "Frisbee" often refers to the disc used in the game, which is a trademarked name owned by the Wham-O toy company. The game's origins trace back to the early 20th century, but it gained significant popularity in the 1950s and 1960s as a leisure activity and sport. Today, Frisbee is played globally in various forms, from casual play in parks and beaches to organized sports such as Ultimate Frisbee, Disc Golf, and Guts.

History

The concept of throwing a disc-shaped object for sport or recreation has ancient roots, but the modern Frisbee originated in the 1940s. Students at Yale University would throw empty pie tins from the Frisbie Pie Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut, which led to the popularization of the term "Frisbie-ing." In 1957, Walter Morrison and Warren Franscioni invented a plastic version of the disc, calling it the "Pluto Platter" to capitalize on the growing fascination with UFOs. The toy caught the attention of Wham-O, a toy company, which bought the rights to the design and renamed it the "Frisbee" in 1957, modifying the spelling to avoid trademark issues.

Types of Frisbee Games

Frisbee can be played in various forms, each with its own set of rules and gameplay. Some of the most popular include:

• Ultimate Frisbee: A team sport played with a flying disc, with the objective of catching the disc in the opposing team's end zone. Ultimate combines elements of soccer, football, and basketball, emphasizing sportsmanship and "Spirit of the Game."
• Disc Golf: Played similarly to golf, but instead of balls and clubs, players throw a disc towards a target, usually a metal basket. The goal is to complete the course in the fewest number of throws.
• Guts: A high-speed game where teams throw and catch the disc at speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph). The objective is to throw the disc in a way that the opposing team cannot catch it.

Frisbee Techniques

Throwing and catching are fundamental aspects of Frisbee. Some common throwing techniques include:

• Backhand: The most basic throw, where the disc is held in one hand behind the body and released forward.
• Forehand (or Sidearm): A throw where the disc is flicked forward with the wrist, allowing for quick and precise throws.
• Hammer: A throw where the disc is tossed over the head with a grip similar to a forehand, but the disc travels upside down.

Catching techniques vary, with the two most common being the "pancake" catch, where the disc is clamped between both hands, and the "rim" catch, where the disc is caught by one hand on the rim.

Competitions and Organizations

Frisbee sports are governed by various organizations, including the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF), which oversees international competition and sets rules for multiple disc sports. The Ultimate Players Association (UPA) in the United States and the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) are also significant bodies that organize competitions and promote the sports.

Cultural Impact

Frisbee has made a significant cultural impact, symbolizing leisure, youth, and outdoor activity. It has been featured in movies, music, and as a part of various social movements. The disc itself has evolved, with designs catering to specific games, professional play, and even light-up discs for night play.

See Also

• Flying disc techniques
• History of Ultimate Frisbee
• List of disc golf courses