When Steve Rogers picked up the shield, he was the first to introduce the concept of throwing it in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since then, the movement has been a staple for future Captain Americas John Walker (Wyatt Russell) and Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. However, the reason that Steve Rogers could launch his shield from a stationary position with so much power was largely due to the Super Soldier Serum. To compensate for this gap in strength, Sam instead makes his own style that is not only unique, but incredibly effective for this new iteration of the Captain.
In Season 1, Episode 5, “Truth,” Sam decides to embrace Steve’s legacy as Captain America, but he knows he can’t be an exact copy of his friend. Instead, he decides to be something wholly original and true to himself. The episode features an extensive training montage that shows how he gets gradually more comfortable fighting and moving with the shield. As an aerial combatant, Sam doesn’t stay on the ground in a fight the same way Steve did. Instead, he is often seen flipping in mid air, granting him more power for his kicks. The same strategy is implemented in his shield tosses as well.
Every time Sam is shown flipping before a shield throw, more momentum and potential energy accumulate. That means that the shield will launch from his hand at a speed comparable to Steve’s throws. This is put on display in Season 1, Episode 6, “One World, One People,” when he does a somersault mid-flight and launches the shield at a helicopter before snatching a Flag Smasher from it.
Flipping can be just as effective in catching the shield as it is when throwing it. During his training montage, Sam has issues catching the shield when he is standing in place. In the moment, he is trying to catch it the same way Steve did. However, as Sam gets more comfortable, he begins to realize that he has a better chance at catching it by moving with the shield rather than not moving at all. That’s why in his first catch, he doesn’t stop it in its tracks; he turns and catches the shield, matching its momentum long enough to grab it without injury.
Sam then takes that logic to the next level, flipping and twisting before and while catching the shield to more closely match its speed in mid-air. He also applies that technique to his throws while he runs, never losing that kinetic energy. As a result of this unique throwing style, fighting enemies works in his favor as, to them, his movements become unpredictable and even disorienting.
Sam Wilson is not like Steve Rogers, and that’s a good thing. From his look to the way he leads, Sam is the best version of himself and a modern take on an iconic hero. His fighting style acts as a physical representation of his individuality and proves that his flips during a battle offer more than just flashiness.
Directed by Kari Skogland, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier stars Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Emily VanCamp, Wyatt Russell, Erin Kellyman, Noah Mills, Carl Lumbly and Daniel Brühl. The series is available on Disney+.
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