The following guide will help you learn how to throw a boomerang so it returns, the best way to catch it when it does, and other fascinating things.
If you can throw a ball, you can learn to throw a boomerang too! Boomerangs are thrown with the same basic overhand throw used in most other sports. With a little practice (and these instructions) you will be throwing and catching your boomerang in no time.
The Grip
The curved, or decorated side should always be held towards your body and the flat unpainted side should always be facing away from you. The easiest way to grip the boomerang is to make a closed fist and slide the boomerang between your thumb and first finger. Make sure to cock the boomerang back for maximum spin. The "elbow" of the boomerang can be facing either forward or backward as seen in the image (2,3,5,6). Practice is the best way to find the grip perfect for you.
The Throw
Always throw your boomerang in the traditional over arm style image (4). Aim the boomerang at or just above the horizon prior to cocking back. Release the boomerang at the peak height of your throw. When thrown correctly, the boomerang will fly in a circle image (7,12) and reach the apex of its flight at the point furthest away from you. As the boomerang returns it will begin to slow down and hover towards the ground.
Launch Angle
The Boomerang should be nearly vertical when releasing image (8,11). Increasing the tilt angle makes it fly higher and land further back. Holding the boomerang more vertically will make it fly lower to the ground and land more forward. NEVER hold the boomerang horizontally flat like a frisbee image (9). This will cause the boomerang to fly in dangerous swooping and diving flights.
Adjusting for the Wind
Throw to the right of the wind at an angle between 45° and 90°. Left handed throwers should throw to the left of the wind between a 45° and 90° angle. Aiming at a 45° image (1) angle is usually a good rule of thumb, and will utilize the breeze in your favor to help bring the boomerang back. By standing in the same spot and aiming for an object in the distance, you can adjust the throw angle to the wind.
The Catch
Catch the boomerang using both of your hands in a clapping motion as shown in the diagram to the image (10). Only attempt to catch the boomerang while it is slowly hovering towards you and is below shoulder height. Aim for the center section of the boomerang as you catch it, and try to avoid the faster moving wing tips. NEVER try to catch a boomerang that is diving or moving fast.
The following simulator will help you understand everything you described about throwing bommerang:
The following guide will tech you easily and quickly how to throw the boomerang. It has many informative pictures:
