Find a proper area
Only throw over grass or sand. Do not throw over concrete, asphalt, or near trees, as hard impacts can damage your boomerang.
Want to learn how to throw a boomerang so it actually comes back? The secret isn’t throwing it hard—it’s all about the spin and the angle. To throw a returning boomerang correctly, use a “pinch” grip, face the wind and turn 45 degrees to the right, hold the boomerang almost vertically (at a 1:00 o’clock angle), and snap your wrist upon release to create maximum spin. Never throw it flat like a frisbee!
Need an easy-to-throw model? Check out our Top Boomerangs for Beginners.
LEFT-HANDED OR RIGHT-HANDED ?
All our boomerangs will work, regardless of which is your dominant hand. Only the throwing technique is different based on which hand you use.
Safety First
Before you begin, ensure you have a safe environment.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RIGHT-HANDED THROWERS
Mastering the return takes patience and technique. Follow these fundamental steps to achieve the perfect flight of your boomerang.
1. The Grip (The “Pinch”)
Hold the boomerang vertically. The decorated/rounded side must face YOU (towards your face), and the flat side must face AWAY from you.
- Pinch the wingtip firmly between your thumb and index finger, as if you are holding a key or a pen.
2. The Wind Direction
Face the wind directly. Now, turn your body 45° to the right. You are not throwing into the wind, but 45° to the right of the wind.
3. The Throwing Angle (The “1:00 PM” Position)
NEVER throw sidearm like a Frisbee. This is the #1 mistake!
- Hold your arm straight out.
- Tilt the boomerang slightly to the right (about 5 to 15 degrees).
- Imagine a clock face where 12:00 is vertical; your boomerang should be tilted to the 1:00 o’clock position
4. The Aim
Pick a reference point on the horizon (like a distant treetop or building).
- Aim straight out at eye level.
- Do not throw it up towards the sky, or it will swoop up and crash down.
5. The Throw & Spin
Bring the boomerang back behind your head and snap it forward.
- The Secret: It is not about throwing hard; it is about throwing with SPIN.
Just before release, give a sharp flick of your wrist (like cracking a whip or snapping a towel). This spin creates the lift needed for the return.
6. The “Sandwich” Catch
- Keep your eyes on the boomerang as it slows down and hovers back toward you.
- Wait until it is below your shoulders, and then clap your hands together to trap it flat between your palms. This is known as the “sandwich catch” and is the safest way to grab your returning boomerang.
Safety Abort. Not every boomerang should be caught:
- Too Fast: If the boomerang is returning with high velocity (missile-like), step aside and let it pass.
- The Head-Hunter: If the boomerang is flying at your face, step aside, turn your face away and cover your head.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR LEFT-HANDED THROWERS
Mastering the return takes patience and technique. Follow these fundamental steps to achieve the perfect flight of your boomerang.
1. The Grip (The “Pinch”)
Hold the boomerang vertically. The not decorated/flat side must face YOU (towards your face), and the rounded side must face AWAY from you.
- Pinch the wingtip firmly between your thumb and index finger, as if you are holding a key or a pen.
2. The Wind Direction
Face the wind directly. Now, turn your body 45° to the right. You are not throwing into the wind, but 45° to the right of the wind.
3. The Throwing Angle (The “1:00 PM” Position)
NEVER throw sidearm like a Frisbee. This is the #1 mistake!
- Hold your left arm straight out.
- Tilt the boomerang slightly to the right (about 5 to 15 degrees).
- Imagine a clock face where 12:00 is vertical; your boomerang should be tilted to the 1:00 o’clock position
4. The Aim
Pick a reference point on the horizon (like a distant treetop or building).
- Aim straight out at eye level.
- Do not throw it up towards the sky, or it will swoop up and crash down.
5. The Throw & Spin
Bring the boomerang back behind your head and snap it forward.
- The Secret: It is not about throwing hard; it is about throwing with SPIN.
Just before release, give a sharp flick of your wrist (like cracking a whip or snapping a towel). This spin creates the lift needed for the return.
6. The “Sandwich” Catch
- Keep your eyes on the boomerang as it slows down and hovers back toward you.
- Wait until it is below your shoulders, and then clap your hands together to trap it flat between your palms. This is known as the “sandwich catch” and is the safest way to grab your returning boomerang.
Safety Aborts, not every boomerang should be caught:
- Too Fast: If the boomerang is returning with high velocity (missile-like), step aside and let it pass.
- The Head-Hunter: If the boomerang is flying at your face, step aside, turn your face away and cover your head.
TROUBLESHOOTING: WHY IS IT NOT RETURNING?
The boomerang lands far to my LEFT or RIGHT
The Cause: You are throwing too wide relative to the wind. The Fix: Turn your body slightly to the right (clockwise). Aim further to the right of the wind. Tip: Try aiming 45-90 degrees to the right of the wind direction.
The boomerang climbs high, stalls, and crashes (The "Swoop")
The Cause: You are throwing with the boomerang laying flat (like a Frisbee). This is the #1 beginner mistake! The Fix: Check your Tilt Angle. The boomerang should be almost vertical (1:00 PM position). Remember: Only a 5–15 degree tilt is needed. Never throw it horizontal like a flying disc.
The boomerang hits the ground before returning
The Cause: Two possibilities: Aiming down OR Weak throw. The Fix: 1. Aim for eye-level (pick a tree top or building in the distance). 2. Focus on the SNAP of your wrist. Spin creates lift. It’s not about muscle power; it’s about the flick!
The boomerang returns but flies over my head
The Cause: You are throwing too hard or aiming too high. The Fix: Try aiming slightly lower (still at eye level) or reduce your power slightly while maintaining the spin.
SAFETY TIPS
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Find a proper, large open area. You will need a significant amount of space to safely throw without losing your boomerang or accidentally hitting others. Ensure you have a radius of at least 50 to 100 meters (approx. 100 yards) of open space on all sides. Football fields, open parks, and empty beaches are great options. Only throw over grass or sand. Do not throw over concrete, asphalt, or near trees, as hard impacts can damage your boomerang.
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Check the wind conditions. Wind is one of the most important factors for a proper return. The best conditions are a light breeze between 1 and 3 m/s. Do not throw in winds exceeding 5 m/s; high winds will cause the boomerang to balloon and drift dangerously off course.
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Use the correct throwing angle. Never throw your boomerang horizontally like a Frisbee—this is the #1 mistake! You must hold the boomerang almost vertically, tilted slightly to the right (about 5 to 15 degrees, or the “1:00 o’clock” position). Throwing it too flat will cause it to swoop straight up into the sky and dive back down at high speeds, which can cause serious injury.
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Spectator Safety and Age Recommendation: Keep everyone out of the throwing circle; bystanders must always stand behind you and slightly to the left. Because boomerangs are real sports equipment, they are recommended for adults and teens ages 14 and up. Any minors using the boomerang must be under strict adult supervision.
RESPONSIBILITIES & ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Boomerangs are sports equipment, not toys. Failing to strictly adhere to our throwing instructions and safety guidelines can result in serious injury to yourself, bystanders, or property. While designed to return safely when thrown correctly, boomerangs can behave unpredictably in heavy winds or when used with improper technique.
Before your first throw, you must read this guide carefully and secure the required 50 to 100 meters of open space. By purchasing and throwing a boomerang from Woodenboomerangs.com, you explicitly accept full liability for any resulting accidents or damages. Your boomerang is your personal responsibility; if you allow others to use it, you are strictly obligated to brief them on proper throwing techniques and the inherent risks of misuse.
