I hate to be "that guy" but be very careful throwing sticks for dogs. I know several vets and throat damage from sticks is a depressingly common injury for dogs.

The dog races after the stick, and it bounces weirdly. Rather than grabbing it in the middle, the tip goes into their mouth. Their own momentum then impales them on it. It's a major surgery to remove it and repair the damage (assuming the dog survives).

Balls are a lot safer, and go a LOT further, particularly with a ball thrower.