DiscDog Wushu #1 – Butterfly Backvault to Handplant

Here’s a shot of a new sequence we’re working on.
The entire sequence is ScootA Scoot is a Set Up Move where the dog scoots backwards between the handler’s legs. It’s a really clever Set Up Move, the image of your dog spinning around and shimmying backwards... More to Flip to 2 Disc ButterflyA butterfly toss is a throw that cascades end over end instead of spinning round and round, like flipping a coin. Catching a butterfly is more difficult than catching a stable spinning disc... More Back VaultThe dog uses the player´s body as a launching pad to jump for a disc. A Vault is a leaping catch from the handler’s body. The dog leaves the ground for the target... More to Handplant out throw.

The Session

Sometimes when working a new sequence, handler movement or throwing skill, I film myself walking through the moves on camera so I can remember how they go together.

This particular Session started with an Overhand Wrist Flip release I was working for vaults, Flips and Overs. I got some real cool action out of the disc and wanted to film it so I could have it on file. I’ve learned over the years that super cool moves are often forgotten if they’re not put on file. I’ve also learned that writing it down is a poor alternative to video – “WTF does ‘Spinny-Left-Drop’ mean?”

Plan B

The flip tosses that I was working went well, and when I went to assemble them into a sequence – Flip to Two Disc Butterfly Back Vault to Out ThrowAn Out Throw is a throw that resolves a freestyle sequence. Out Throws allow you to showcase a dog’s leaping ability and draw the attention away from you as you pick up discs... More – it didn’t quite feel right. I got a bit caught up in the flip toss, and the sequence started to suffer as a result. So I decided to make an easy toss – just a backhand toss.

“Wow! That feels like Yachi!” Yachi Hirai is one of my favorite and most stylish players out there, so obviously we had to add the Handplant toss.

I’ve been working Si quite a bit on a short arcing start of our Around the WorldAn Around the World is a disc dog flatwork pattern consisting of 4 catches in a circular pattern around the handler. This pattern is typically larger than 5 yards and often features creative... More. It is made of HUGE air and a floating disc. This Handplant toss, could be absolute money for that application. If I keep a disc in the hand that I plant with, a left handed Airbounce is super easy after the handstand. Not a bad start to an around the world…