Hyzer Flip vs. S-Shot vs. Flex Shot: The Ultimate Guide
Three main shot types are used to maximize distance in Disc Golf, but which is right for you?
All three provide different flight patterns that can be useful for avoiding obstacles, but in this article we’ll focus on the mechanics of the Hyzer Flip, S-Shot, and Flex Shot, and then explain the associated benefits (and challenges) of each to help you determine which is right for your style of play and experience level.
Some Groundwork
All Graphics are based on Righthand Backhand (RHBH) or Lefthand Forehand (LHFH) throws, meaning that the disc is spinning clockwise on release.
For counterclockwise spin, the shot-line and flight paths will be reversed.
The S-Shot
Skill Requirement: Low-Moderate
Disc Selection: Understable with High-Fade
Release Velocity: Moderate / High
The S-Shot provides disc golf beginners and lower-power players with the opportunity to generate additional shot distance.
The S-Shot is made using an Undertable disc with a flat release aimed to the left side of the fairway. The natural tendency to turn-over during high-speed flight will bring the drive back to the right, with a balancing fade pulling the disc back to center.
HeavyDisc Keys To Success: As your release speed increases, you will have to increase the trajectory or else the turn will take the disc into the ground. Thrown flat or anhyzer with enough power, this shot will turn into a backhand roller.
Downsides: Even when executed correctly, the S-Shot is the least predictable of the three shots. Understable discs require the least velocity to turn-over in flight which makes them suitable for newer players, but Understable discs also provide the least consistent flight patterns.
Recommended S-Shot Disc: Prodigy 400G F7
- ABOUT THE F7 - The Prodigy F7 is a medium speed, understable fairway driver with enormous amounts of glide! It is a favorite among pros and beginners alike with its dependable understability
- HOW IT FLIES - The F7 is less stable than the F5, giving it longer glide and more understable flight. Easy hyzer flips for slower to medium arms, and great turnovers and rollers for fast arms!
- FLIGHT NUMBERS - The F7 is rated as Speed 7 | Glide 5 | Turn -3 | Fade 1. This makes it a great disc for beginners and pros alike. Whatever your skill level, the F7 will fit in your disc golf bag.
- STAMP & DISC COLOR MAY VARY - Please note that when you purchase the Prodigy F7 that you will receive a random stamp and color disc.
The F7 is the most understable driver we have tested, making it an ideal option for generating significant turnover during the initial stages of flight.
To help generate turnover, we recommend moderate weighting from 160-169g
See the F7’s full Flight Ratings Analysis and Reviews
Flex Shot
Skill Requirement: High
Disc Selection: Overstable with Moderate Fade
Release Velocity: High
The Flex Shot provides a very similar flight pattern to the S-Shot, but using different mechanics and an Overstable disc.
Thrown to the left side of the fairway with an Anhyzer angle, the disc will begin to hook right before its natural flight tendency pulls it back to the left. This shot is commonly used by pros because the results are much more predictable than an S-Shot due to the disc’s Overstability.
HeavyDisc Keys to Success: It’s extremely important to keep the nose down during the release. Any nose up flex shot is going to stall and drop out of the air without flexing to the right. Also, anhyzer releases are much more dependent on getting your angles just right. Too much annie, the disc won’t flex out. Instead, it will cut roll. Too little annie, you’re way off to the left side of the fairway.
Downsides: Perfecting the correct Anhyzer angle will take practice, and Anhyzer angles can be difficult to release at high speeds.
Recommended Flex Shot Disc: Innova Champion Firebird
- Big hyzers
- Headwind drives
- Flex shots
- Colors May Vary
Though it does have a similar rim-width to the F7 above, the highly-overstable Firebird is the F7’s aerodynamic opposite.
The Firebird’s extreme overstability compensates for aggressive anhyzer releases, ensuring the disc finishes right (even with a moderate headwind!).
For additional stability, we recommend the heavy 170-175g weight class.
See the Firebird’s Full Flight Ratings Analysis and Reviews
Hyzer Flip
Skill Requirement: Moderate-High
Disc Selection: Neutral to Understable with Low Fade
Release Velocity: Very High
The Hyzer shot provides players with a long, straight flight — perfect for tight fairways and superior distance.
Like the S-Shot, the Hyzer Flip is also made using an Undertable disc, but with a Hyzer release.
The two shots differ in that an S-Shot starts flat and turns over to the right, where the Hyzer Flip begins Hyzer and turns over (flips) to flat, providing a longer, straighter flight.
HeavyDisc Keys To Success: Hyzer flips need room to move and fly their full path. I rarely throw a hyzer flip if I’m worried about a ceiling. Many true max-distance throws are high hyzer-flip shots, thrown on an extremely high trajectory. The disc flips during the cresting of the flight arc, and ideally glides out from as high as possible.
Downsides: This shot requires significant release velocity, and underthrown (or overly angled) Hyzer Flips will quickly crash-out to the left.
Recommended Hyzer Flip Disc: Innova Pro Katana
![INNOVA Star Katana Distance Driver Golf Disc [Colors May Vary] - 170-172g](https://i0.wp.com/m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ISfclC3ML._SL160_.jpg?w=800&ssl=1)
- Colors may vary
- Star Plastic
- Flight Ratings: Speed 13, Glide 5, Turn -3, Fade 3
The Katana is an understable wide-rim distance driver, ideal for generating long, straight flights when thrown at high speeds with a slight Hyzer release.
For Hyzer Flips we redommend the moderate to heavy weight range from 165-172g
See the Katana’s Full Flight Ratings Analysis and Reviews
Summary
| Shot Name | Disc Stability | Disc Turn | Benefits | Challenges |
| S-SHOT | Understable | High | Best way for low-power throwers to generate extra distance | Least predictable of the three shots |
| FLEX SHOT | Overstable | Moderate | Predictable, consistent flight patterns | Perfecting the correct anhyzer angle may take time |
| HYZERFLIP | Neutral to Understable | Low | Very long, straight flight | Extremely high release velocity required |
As you can see, all three shots have varying benefits and challenges, but we hope this guide helps you find the right shot for your game.
