Optional Practice Throw Before Each Round — Explained

By Jeff | April 13, 2017

🎯 The Optional Practice Throw: Dialing in before Toss & Fetch begins.

How many times have we seen that first throw hit the dirt, get blown out-of-bounds . . . or watch the dog sprint off at a 90° angle while your disc drops unseen right down the middle?

Back in the golden age of Frisbee dog events – when Friskies and Alpo sponsored Toss & Fetch competitions around the U.S. in the late ‘80s – handlers were allowed a single practice throw before each round. It was simple but brilliant: it helped orient the dog, calmed nerves, and let handlers test the wind.

K9 Frisbee Toss & Fetch League brings that tradition forward, offering an Optional Practice Throw before any round begins. It's a simple tool, and if used wisely, it can make a big difference.

🧾 How It Works before the Clock Begins

  • Step up to the starting line with your dog ready.

  • Announce “Practice Throw” to the Sideline Judges before doing anything else (always make sure 2 sideline judges are on the field).

  • You’re allowed one throw downfield to your dog – no points awarded.

  • After the throw, you may switch ends of the field if needed – but you do not get a second practice throw from the new side.

  • Re-set to begin your round and give a thumbs-up when you're ready to go.

Line Judges are encouraged to ask, “Practice throw?” as a reminder and check before starting a round.

✅ When You Should Take the Practice Throw

1. Your Dog is New to that Field
Some dogs could use directional help if it's a new field or a set-up different from what they're accustomed – especially in wide-open spaces. That first throw can go beautifully… or result in your pup tearing off in the wrong direction. A practice toss can help orient your dog, saving you from a botched start.

2. Your Dog is a Disc-Crazy Fireball
If your canine teammate is vibrating with excitement – spinning, barking, shaking with anticipation – a practice throw can help burn off a little energy to help settle them into focus mode.

3. You’re Nervous
It happens. Even veteran handlers feel the butterflies. That quick warm-up throw is like a practice swing in golf. It grounds you, reminds you to breathe, and gets your throwing mechanics in gear.

4. You Want to Test the Wind
Conditions change fast. Even if you’ve scoped out the wind earlier, by the time you step up, it could shift. That one throw gives you a last-minute read on the breeze, humidity, or disc glide.

As League founder Mark Vitullo puts it:

“I always encourage handlers to take advantage of the Practice Throw, especially beginners. It’s a valuable coaching tool — whether it’s adjusting grip, correcting angle, or just settling nerves before the clock starts. Even experienced Teams use it to get dialed in and ready to perform.”

It's Optional -- You Decide

A wise disc dogger once said:


“You can’t have a perfect round if you screw up that first throw.”


A practice throw won’t guarantee perfection, but it can set the tone and help avoid preventable mistakes.

Use it when it makes sense. Skip it when it doesn’t. But always know it’s there – one more tool in your kit to help you and your dog shine on the field.