Hyzer vs Anhyzer

Understanding Hyzer and Anhyzer in Disc Golf

While much of disc golf’s terminology borrows from ball golf, certain words specific to disc golf describe the unique flight patterns of discs. Two such terms are hyzer and anhyzer. If you have been playing very long, you have undoubtedly heard these terms from other disc golfers. We use these terms to describe certain disc flights. In this post, we’ll break down what these words mean and how they apply to disc golf.

Hyzer vs. Anhyzer: What’s the Difference?

The terms hyzer and anhyzer describe the angle of the disc as it leaves a player’s hand. For a right-hand backhand (RHBH) thrower, a disc released flat— parallel to the ground—is neither hyzer nor anhyzer. However, if the disc is tilted upon release, it falls into one of these categories. Let’s dive deeper into what each term means and when to use them.

 

What is Hyzer?

A hyzer refers to a disc’s release angle where the side of the disc farthest from the thrower is lower than the side closest to them. Essentially, the disc tilts downward and to the left (for RHBH throwers). Here are some situations where a hyzer shot can be useful:

1. Shaping a Curve
   A hyzer shot is great for navigating around obstacles and achieving a hard left finish. Since the disc is already angled, it naturally curves in that direction.
2. Hyzer-Flipping
   By throwing an understable disc on a hyzer angle, the disc can “flip” to flat during its flight, resulting in a long, straight path before fading. This is known as a hyzer-flip and is a popular technique for gaining extra distance.
3. Spike Hyzer
   For situations requiring precision, a steep hyzer angle creates a vertical descent upon landing, minimizing skips. Conversely, a less steep hyzer can produce intentional skips, especially when using an overstable disc.
4. Wind Considerations
   Wind greatly impacts hyzer shots. A right-to-left wind can amplify the hyzer angle, pushing the disc farther left. Conversely, a left-to-right wind can force the disc downward more quickly, limiting its flight.

Pro Tip: For beginners, practicing a hyzer shot involves bending slightly at the hips and maintaining a consistent release angle. As your skills improve, you’ll find opportunities to incorporate advanced techniques like hyzer-flips into your game.

What is Anhyzer?

An anhyzer, or “anny,” describes the opposite angle: the far side of the disc is higher than the closer side at release. For RHBH throwers, this causes the disc to initially curve to the right. Here are a few practical applications of an anhyzer throw:

1. Flex Shots
   Throwing a stable disc on an anhyzer angle forces it to turn right at first before flexing back left as the disc stabilizes. This technique is useful for maximizing distance or shaping complex lines.
2. Tailwind Use
   An anhyzer shot works well in a tailwind, as the wind stabilizes the flight path and allows the disc to complete its natural fade to the left. Be cautious in headwinds, as they can exaggerate the rightward turn and cause the disc to crash prematurely.
3. Roller Shots
   To execute a roller, an anhyzer angle helps the disc stay on its edge as it hits the ground, encouraging a smooth, extended roll. The disc’s spin helps it maintain momentum down the fairway.

Conclusion

Understanding the mechanics of hyzer and anhyzer shots is essential for improving your disc golf skills. By mastering these angles, you can shape your throws, navigate obstacles, and adapt to different wind conditions.

To hone your skills, head to an open field and experiment with releasing discs at different angles. Observing how your discs fly will give you insight into when and how to use hyzer and anhyzer shots in your game.

For additional tips and video tutorials, check out the video below. With practice, you’ll discover how these techniques can elevate your disc golf performance!