Abstract: The present invention addresses problems not resolved by conventional hand-held clay target throwers by providing a clay target throwing device comprising two unique main components that, both separately and upon combination, provide for a significantly improved hand-held clay target thrower device. The first main component is a unitary rear-loading flexible wire headend. The second main component is a specially formed handle including a self-cocking block component and an impact backstop structure. Together the combined flexible wire headend and handle provide an easy-to-use, efficient, effective, comfortable, and weather-resistant hand-held self-cocking and controlled release clay target throwing unit.