The hyzer shot in disc golf is a throwing motion where the body is tilted forward slightly so that the angle of release is tilted to the left for right-handed players or to the right for left-handed players. To throw the hyzer, use the normal, flat comfortable throw but lean forward, which causes the disc flight to curve to the left (for right-handed players) or to the right (for left-handed players). The hyzer shot is often used for pin positions on the left hand side of the fairway for right handed throwers. The hyzer is also very useful for shaping shots around obstacles and for accuracy in windy conditions.
To throw a hyzer shot, players should first start with the proper grip and stance. The power grip is the most common grip for this shot, where the disc is held with the fingers wrapped around the rim and the thumb on the top of the flight plate. The player should stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and point their foot slightly forward. The player should also bend their knees slightly and keep their weight on the back foot.
Next, the player should lean forward during their runup or lean forward if throwing a standstill shot. The amount of body angle will impact the amount the disc will curve to the left during the first part of the flight and the disc will naturally fade to the left as well towards the end of the flight. The player should then bring the disc behind their back and bring it forward with a fluid motion. The arm should be fully extended at the point of release, with the disc tilted slightly upward to generate lift.
The amount of hyzer you put into the shot will impact the flight path, if the disc is released too flat, it will not turn left as much, if it’s released too steep, it will fade fast and land very short.
To improve on throwing the hyzer shot, disc golfers should practice throwing the disc at different angles and with varying amount of power. The advantage of the hyzer shot is the repeatable control and accuracy that can be achieved with different discs. The hyzer shot is easier to control in windy conditions compared to anhyzer shots and roller shots.
Distance and controlling the flight of the disc for hyzer shots can be improved by practice. The hyzer shot is also useful for upshots and midrange shots.