Abstract: An apparatus for launching a flying disc comprises launching and handle members connected to permit relative angular motion, a disc gripper connected to the launching member, and a release mechanism coupled to the disc gripper to (i) enable it to hold the disc with the launching and handle members forming an angle less than a release angle and (ii) cause the disc gripper to release automatically the held disc as the launching and handle members move to the release angle. Launching the disc comprises: arranging the launching and handle members to form an angle less than the release angle; loading the disc into the disc gripper; engaging the release mechanism to engage the disc gripper to hold the disc; and grasping the handle member and swinging the launching apparatus to cause the launching and handle members to move to the release angle and to cause automatically the disc gripper to release the disc, thereby launching the disc.