Origins

Origins of the flying discs dates back to 1871 when William Frisbie of Bridgeport Connecticut bought a baking company and renamed it the Frisbie Pie Company. The company not only made pies but also baked a variety of goods that included cookies. The containers for the pies and cookies were made in tin containers. It was not long until the customers of William Frisbie discovered that the tin containers would float upon the air if thrown in just the right way.

History Who threw the first Frisbie tin is unknown. Historians are in dispute as to whether it was the pie tins or the cookies tins that were first used. By most accords, the students at Yale University are credited with bringing popularity to the tins by enjoying a leisurely game of catch and throw between classes.

Commercialization In 1948, Fred Morrison designed and built the first flying disc that was used for recreational purposes only. After experimenting with several types of material, Morrison decided that the lightweight characteristics of plastic were best suited for the discs. In 1951 the concept of his design was perfected and he introduced the 'Pluto Platter' to the public. The 'Pluto Platter' had instant public appeal and became the next rage across the USA. Richard Kneer and Arthur Melin of Wham-O Toys took notice of the disc in 1955. They were so impressed with the public appeal and marketability of the flying discs that they bought Morrison’s company in 1958. After hearing second hand about the origins of the flying discs, the two renamed the product in honor of the William Frisbie. Having never seen Frisbie's name in print, they took their best guess at the spelling and dubbed the flying disc with their misspelling of 'Frisbee'.

Recreational and Sporting Forms Flying discs is played and enjoyed by millions of enthusiasts around the globe. Two or more participants enjoy most forms of recreational and sporting flying discs. By far, the most common form of recreational flying discs is the catch and throw played by two or more participants. The attraction of this form of flying discs is that no formal rules are required. Freestyle Frisbee is a solo sport that demonstrates the talent of the handler while performing tricks with the Frisbee. The tricks consists of a variety of moves that includes spinning the Frisbee, toss and grab, and the inclusion of acrobatics during the display. Ultimate Frisbee is game that is participated in teams that has some resemblance to American football. The fast paced game requires the players to score points by advancing the Frisbee to the other end of the playing field. Frisbee Golf is a game that requires players to complete the course with the least number of throws. Players finish a hole by hitting a target with the Frisbee. The game is a modified version of common golf. Frisbee Dog consists of a [dog] catching a Frisbee thrown by the trainer. There are four basic forms of competition Frisbee Dog; fetch and catch, freeflight, accuracy, and long distance with the most popular form being fetch and catch.

External Links World Flying Disc Federation Frisbee Freestyle Players Association Ultimate Frisbee