If you’re an intermediate or advanced disc golfer looking to expand your shot selection, learning the flex shot can make a big difference. It’s a versatile throw that helps with shaping lines and even adding distance when executed correctly. Beginners may want to wait before focusing on this shot, but it’s still useful to understand how it works.
What Is a Flex Shot?
The disc golf flex shot is thrown by releasing an overstable disc on an anhyzer angle. The disc turns out of your hand, then “flexes” back as its stability kicks in. For a right-handed backhand thrower, the disc will first drift right before working back left.
Some players call this the “anhyzer flex shot,” but most simply use “flex shot.”
How to Throw It
- Choose an overstable driver or fairway.
- Release on an anhyzer angle so the disc turns out of your hand before fighting back.
- Keep the nose down to prevent stalling or early drops.
- Adjust the height—higher throws allow more distance and fade, while lower throws give tighter lines.
- Trust the disc’s stability to bring it back.
Tips for a Successful Flex Shot
- Pick a disc with medium to high fade for a stronger finish. For example, the Infinite Discs Emperor or Innova Destroyer are common flex shot choices.
- Generate plenty of snap and power so the disc carries before fading back.
- Avoid too much anhyzer, which can cause cut rolls.
- Devote field practice sessions specifically to dialing in this throw.
When to Use the Flex Shot
Shot Shaping
The flex shot is perfect when you need to bend around multiple obstacles—turning one way early, then fading back. Players who often face wooded fairways will benefit from having this shot in the bag.
Extra Distance
Adding a slight anhyzer release to an overstable driver can keep it in the air longer than a flat release. This gives you added carry before the disc’s fade brings it back.
Flex Shot vs. S-Shot
Many players confuse the flex shot with the S-shot, but there’s an important difference:
- Flex Shot: Overstable disc released on an anhyzer angle. More advanced, consistent, and reliable once mastered.
- S-Shot: Understable disc released flat. Easier for beginners, a simple way to add distance, but less predictable.
The two shots often look the same from above, both carving an “S” shape in the air, but the mechanics and discs used are different.
Final Thoughts
The flex shot isn’t the easiest throw to learn, but it’s worth the effort if you want to expand your game. It helps in wooded courses, provides new shot shapes, and can even add distance to your drives. Take the time to practice, and you’ll soon find yourself reaching for it with confidence.
Looking for discs to start practicing flex shots? Check out our selection of distance drivers and fairway drivers that can handle the stability required for this shot.