Editing Echo Arena Skills Map (section)

== '''2 Throw''' ==
=== OBJECTIVE - Effectively catch & throw the disc ===
After being able to move your avatar, the next fundamental of this game is your ability to move the disc in the arena.
=== CATCH ===
Probably the easiest mechanic in the game, as long as you focus on the following:
* '''Autograb''' - When your controller grip is held down and your hand touches the disc, the disc will snap to your hand. This is referred to as ‘autograb’. Think of your hand as a net rather than a clamp and scoop the disc up. Your hand doesn’t even need to reach the actual disc, it just needs to enter the glowing bubble around the disc.
* '''Positioning''' - Utilise your movement skills from last week to adjust your avatar location relative to an incoming disc & better position yourself for the catch. Staying anchored will make position adjustments much easier.
=== ANGLES ===
Get comfortable finding a shot angle:
* '''Standard Throw''' - The fact that your shoulder is a ball joint means you have the ability to propel the disc at a variety of angles. Around 90% of your shots should be an overarm or a sidearm as these will feel the most natural. These are your bread and butter so make sure to drill them whenever you can.

* '''Swing Plane''' - The main variable in your shot type to consider is the plane you are swinging your arm on. Throw on a vertical plane (overhand) and your shot will be more accurate left & right, but may drift up & down. Vice versa, throwing on a horizontal plane (side arm) will give you more accuracy up & down. Be aware that the shot may drift left or right. This will become relevant later as you explore shooting from different locations in the arena.
* '''Other Angles''' - Once you are comfortable with your basic throw angles, then experiment with other shot angles, such as back hand, under arm and full overhead swing.
=== ACCURACY ===
Arguably the hardest mechanic in the game. Be patient with yourself and focus on these key elements:
* '''Intent''' - Focus on a pin-point location where you want the disc to land.
* '''Movement''' - As you swing, stay aware of each body joint participating in the throw. Feel your wrist flick, your elbow bend, your shoulder rotate and your hip twist. As you practice the same shot repeatedly, pay attention to how small adjustments of each moving body part can affect your throw trajectory.
* '''Relax''' - Breathe. Let go of the tension in your throwing arm. Your throw should feel more like a whip than a rigid catapult.
* '''Release''' - Let go of the disc at the apex of your arm swing. I recommend keeping your wrist cocked back as you swing, then adding a flick at the end as follow through to your throw.
=== SPEED ===
The fastest throw possible in the game is capped at 18.7 metres per second (scoring at above 18.5m/s will be rounded up to 19m/s on the scoreboard). So how do we generate the fastest possible shot speed in the game? The answer is by accumulating the following:
* '''Player Movement'''- 12m/s can be generated by your real life movement. So that is the speed of your controller as you release the trigger at the apex of your swing. This speed is generated from your elbow swinging, your shoulder rotating, your hips twisting and your feet pushing. As covered in the accuracy section, utilise the whole body to generate your movement
* '''Wrist flick''' - 2m/s is also generated by your controller movement input, however this is not taken from your directional movement, but from the rotational spin added as you flick your wrist with your shot. As a newbie this isn’t worth worrying about, however that extra 2m/s can be very valuable at higher level play.
* '''‘In-Game’ momentum''' - 4.7m/s is the maximum speed you can float at in the arena whilst holding the disc. Add it to your shot speed by floating toward your throw target before taking the shot.
=== DRILLS ===
* '''Solo''' - In a private arena (or social lobby training room) get out your personal disc and throw it 100 times. Stay static (use your brake) and rehearse the motion of your throw. As you practise, keep awareness of how the different body parts involved feel as you swing your shot. Also stay mindful of your trigger release point as you swing. With repetitive solo drills like this, I recommend putting on some music or a podcast.
* '''Duo''' - Play catch. Again, stay aware of your body and your release point, but now you have a target which may be moving. Adjust difficulty of the drill with distance & player movement. Note - this is actually a great bonding experience if you have found an Echo friend and want to improve together. Use opportunities like this to get to know your new Echo buddies!
'''TIP''' - As you meet other players in Echo, you will come across recommended custom throwing settings. You are free to experiment with custom settings via the in-game settings menu, however I strongly advise to keep the default. At least for the first few months of playing. Personally, I play on default throw settings myself, even having experimented with them in the past. But if you do decide to change your settings, keep a clear record of changes you make and be scientific about it. Make one change at a time and test the difference each time.