When throwing a sidearm the disc should be cocked back to the point that the thumb touches your wrist and your forefinger and thumb are touching in front of the wrist. Start by bringing your hand into an underhand position, palm facing out. As you swing your arm, twist your torso and shoulder toward your target.
How to throw a disc golf disc?
Grab the disc with a sidearm grip and cock your wrist back as far as possible. Reach your arm back with the disc slightly wing-down and your forearm as flat as possible. Bring your arm through in a straight line with the disc flat in a whip-like fashion slightly leading with your elbow.
What is the best arm motion to throw a disc?
Arm Motion/Hips according to Sarah. Grab the disc with a sidearm grip and cock your wrist back as far as possible. Reach your arm back with the disc slightly wing-down and your forearm as flat as possible. Bring your arm through in a straight line with the disc flat in a whip-like fashion slightly leading with your elbow.
How do I get better at throwing sidearm?
Video yourself trying to throw sidearm and notice how your body positioning and arm-swing vary from experienced sidearm throwers and the techniques outlined here. Typically sidearm throwers prefer more stable discs, so start with a stable driver and adjust the disc choice as your technique improves.
What is a sidearm disc golf shot?
The disc golf throwing technique that goes by the names ‘sidearm’, ‘forehand’, ‘flick’ and ‘two-finger’ is the primary (or only) driving method for some players, a useful tool for others, and an enigma for many. Personally I fall into the second group, and before that spent many years with zero confidence in my sidearm shot.
How do you throw a sidearm disc golf?
2:2314:23How To Throw A Forehand In Disc Golf - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou have what we call an X step and basically that's taking you from being standstill taking yourMoreYou have what we call an X step and basically that's taking you from being standstill taking your momentum forward getting your body turned. That way you can turn back into your shot.
How do you throw a sidearm further?
1:342:34Eric Oakley Disc Golf Sidearm Throw - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo focus on when throwing. The more flippy sidearm keeping our palm to the sky releasing the disc onMoreSo focus on when throwing. The more flippy sidearm keeping our palm to the sky releasing the disc on a hyzer. When it comes to throwing the more power sidearm. We want to come a little more flat.
What is the best disc to throw sidearm?
The Innova TeeBird golf disc is one of the most highly recommended options out there for sidearm throwers of all skill levels.
Can you throw forehand in disc golf?
5:3513:20How to Throw a Forehand in Disc Golf for Beginners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOut into the distance. Most of the beginners that i work with can barely throw a forehand 150. FeetMoreOut into the distance. Most of the beginners that i work with can barely throw a forehand 150. Feet much less 200 feet and i got almost half of that distance.
Why does my disc wobble when I throw it?
Many disc golfers might see the disc wobble or flutter upon release when throwing forehand. This is a very common problem, but can easily be solved. The main cause of flutter is improper grip. Your grip might be too loose and have poor connection points to the disc.
How do you throw farther forehand disc golf?
3:578:29How to Throw Forehands Farther | Disc Golf for Beginners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSmooth as we throw this underhand motion the second is that we want to see these discs hyzering outMoreSmooth as we throw this underhand motion the second is that we want to see these discs hyzering out you're almost drawing a line straight up as you throw the disc with the method.
Do heavier discs fly farther?
In general, lighter discs fly farther than heavier discs, but heavier discs may fly farther in a headwind due to their greater stability. A safe bet for the average player is to throw discs weighing around 160-165 grams for best distance.
How far can pro disc golfers throw forehand?
McMahon is probably one of the few if not only disc golf player in the world, who can consistently break the 650′ barrier and occasionally even 700 feet distance barrier with his backhand throws. He is also known for his incredible forehand distance, which he can throw 450 to 500 feet regularly and max out at 550 feet.
What type of disc is best for forehand?
In this review, we feature 8 of the top forehand discs available today. All of these products have been tested and have successfully passed our criteria....Prodigy P Model S. ... Infinite Discs Chariot. ... Yikun Shu. ... RPM Ruru. ... Yikun FU. ... Divergent Discs Alpas. ... X-Com Zion. ... Prodigy D Model US.
Should I throw forehand or backhand?
Most players would agree that using a backhand is the best throw for distance. While there are players that are able to throw a forehand further than a backhand, most players are throwing a backhand further most of the time.
What is a Hyzer Flip?
A Hyzer Flip is very similar to an S-Shot but follows a straighter line. An understable disc is thrown very fast with a hyzer angle of release. The disc turns or “flips” up and brings its nose down in the process. This allows for a long straight glide.
What is a good forehand distance?
300' is quite easily attainable with proper FH form without any strength behind it. In regards to Wysocki, the distance is attained more from the speed at which he throws and a very loose but fast flick-of-the-wrist. You really can't be quick with the flick-of-the-wrist if you are using a lot of strength.
Sidearm Grip According to Sarah
Place your palm up and make a “gun” with your middle finger, pointer finger and thumb. Tuck the disc into the space between the pointer and thumb (...
Footwork/Hips According to Sarah
For a right handed player, line up the left side of your body with your intended trajectory (you will be standing sideways on the tee with the righ...
Arm Motion/Hips According to Sarah
Grab the disc with a sidearm grip and cock your wrist back as far as possible. Reach your arm back with the disc slightly wing-down and your forear...
Sarah’S Miscellaneous Tips
1. The motion is difficult to break down into words but sometimes visualizing a similar motion that is familiar to you can help you find your sidea...
Jack’S Breakthrough Moments
After years of having a forehand shot that I used only in situations where there was absolutely no other option – due to my lack of confidence in i...
The Sidearm Throw
This throw, also cleverly known as the flick, or forearm throw is a max distance disc golf drive that every player must have. The game of disc golf is never wide open. Every so often you will find a tree or obstacle directly in the path of your target. When this happens, you have to change the angle or direction of your disc’s flight.
How to Throw a Sidearm Disc Golf Shot
Much like the other shots in these tutorials, there are numerous ways to throw a sidearm flick shot. The best example I can give in demonstrating a sidearm throw is skipping a stone across the water. I’m sure you remember a time as a kid or an adult when you tried to skip a stone across the water.
Sidearm Throw Tutorials
Follow these tutorials below for a general idea of the proper body mechanics which are necessary to execute the perfect disc golf sidearm throw. Both of the videos provided below feature the worlds highest rated disc golfers and coincidentally to of the best flick throwers in the business.
How do you throw the Flick?
There are more variations to this shot than you could ever imagine. Please feel free to leave a comment below on how you personally have seen great results using the sidearm throw. All comments are moderated so please refrain from foul language or negative remarks as they will not be posted.
How to throw a shot on the tee?
For a right handed player, line up the left side of your body with your intended trajectory (you will be standing sideways on the tee with the right side of your body closest to the back of the tee). Take a step with your left to initiate the footwork, then replace the left foot with the right foot in a low sliding motion, exploding forward off the right foot onto the left foot, rotating your hips forward to face your target as you throw the shot. Finish the shot by releasing your right foot during your follow through. If possible, get low during the release point to maximize the use of your lower muscle groups and create added power.
How to make a pistol with your fingers?
Place your palm up and make a “gun” with your middle finger, pointer finger and thumb. Tuck the disc into the space between the pointer and thumb (pointer/middle on bottom, thumb on top). Feel the inner rim on the underside of the disc with the side of your middle finger. Secure your grip with your thumb on the top of the disc, near where your pointer finger knuckle is on the underside. The other two fingers can simply rest on the edge of the disc or be tucked underneath- whichever feels more natural. The grip should be firm but wrist should be flexible in order to create the “whip” during your stroke.
How high should sidearms be thrown?
With the exception of extreme hyzers, sidearms should be thrown at around 15-degree anhyzer when the body is upright and balanced above your hips. This is much more like throwing a traditional 3/4 sidearm in baseball than it is a standard Frisbee throw, which is often released below the belt line.
What is the difference between a sidearm and a backhand?
When you throw a sidearm, you have to deliberately put spin on the disc. On the vast majority of throws, more spin is always better than less spin. This is completely different than the backhand where the disc leaves your hand automatically spinning enough. With the sidearm, you have to do all the work yourself.
How to spin a disc?
Grip the disc firmly but let your wrist remain loose. During the backswing, on the farthest point back, let the weight of the disc pull your wrist back so it cocks all the way. Then at the point of release, use your wrist to spin the disc as much as you can.
What is the most common sidearm mistake?
The most common sidearm mistake I see players make is turning 90 degrees and throwing sideways across their body. Since this is exactly what you are supposed to do on the backhand, it is natural to assume that the reverse would apply for the sidearm. This is not the case.
Why do you lose power when throwing?
Not only do you lose power and accuracy, but you are also at a much higher risk of injury due to placing excessive strain on individual joints. Using your entire body to aid in the throw, creates more power and less stress on any one point on your body.
Who holds the world distance record for both backhand and forehand?
With proper technique, you can reach back and fully throw that plastic object in your hand. Scott Stokely is a former world No. 2 and the only player to hold the world distance record simultaneously for both backhand and forehand.
Can you throw from both wings?
In today's game, most players can throw well from both wings, so owning a proficient sidearm has become a necessity. There are many components to developing a sound sidearm technique, but these are the top three things that I teach that lead to the most radical improvement for my students. 1.
Backhand
Backhand throws are the most common type that you’ll see disc golfers do. It’s the most basic of throws and is much easier to learn for most players, especially compared to forehand flicks.
Forehand
The second most used throwing style is a forehand flick or sidearm as many players like to call it. Even though a forehand seems to be the exact opposite of a backhand throw, there are a few differences to note about how the disc will fly.
Overhand
Overhand throws are not used as often and are usually saved for those situations where you don’t have any other option. Most of my overhand throws are when I’m deep in the woods and have no other angle than to go above any obstacles that are in the way.
Roller
One of my favorite shots to throw on wide-open drives is the roller. The basic idea behind the roller is to throw an understable disc with enough force and angle so that it will land on the side of the disc and continue to roll down the fairway.
Disc Golf Throwing Angles
There are three categories that make up the angle a disc is released on; hyzer, flat, and anhyzer. Understanding and getting the right angle for your shot is key to improving your drives and mastering the game of disc golf.
Top 5 Best Discraft Drivers
Besides being one of Discraft’s most popular drivers, the Nuke is one of the most used discs of all time. The Nuke is an overstable high speed driver that features a thick rim compared to other distance drivers.
How to grip a disc throw?
Most professionals recommend grasping the disc with your thumb and two fingers, with the disc snuggly bedded into the fold between your thumb and forefinger.
Why is the backhand throw called the backhand throw?
The name of this throw is actually derived from tennis because the behavior of the throw mimics the backhand tennis stroke. In order to do the backhand throw, the arm crosses over the front of the body, then moves outward into a release.
What is fade in disc golf?
Fade is measured on a scale of 0 to 5. Wide rims and heavier weights are other key features of the best disc golf discs for forehand throws because they help increase torque resistance and therefore allow for more stable flight patterns.
What is a hyzer throw?
This throw resembles throwing a tomahawk which is how it earned its nickname. Hyzer throws have more to do with how you angle the disc or your arm when you throw it. Hyzers can be thrown in either backhand or sidearm. The same applies to anhyzer throws.
Which way do understable discs go?
Depending on how high the disc’s fade rating is, some understable discs may hook to the left at the end of the flight while others will finish straight. Overstable discs tend to travel to the left and are great for headwinds and advanced shots. They typically have a harder hook than understable discs will.
What is the speed of a disc?
All discs are measured based on four criteria: speed, glide, turn, and fade. Speed the speed at which the disc is able to travel through the air. Speed is measured on a scale of 1 to 14. Glide describes the disc’s ability to maintain loft during flight. Glide is measured on a scale of 1 to 7.
What is the name of the throw that you throw over your head?
Next is the overhead throw, also known as a tomahawk or hammer throw. The starting position of the overhead throw is similar to the sidearm throw, but the except is that instead of throwing out to the side, you’ll throw over your head. This throw resembles throwing a tomahawk which is how it earned its nickname.
What is the best sidearm throwing technique for disc golf?
A good disc golf sidearm throwing technique should have all of the following: control, balance, acceleration, power and follow-through. These are all essential in executing a very demanding throwing motion that requires excellent acceleration and timing to produce successful results. While it might come natural to some and be a labor ...
What is the best thing about sidearm throws?
Eyes on the Target. One of the best things about the sidearm throw is that it allows you to face target or line of flight the entire time throughout the throw. With a backhand throw you have to turn away for a split second to acquire good extension.
Why does my disc flutter?
This is a very common problem, but can easily be solved. The main cause of flutter is improper grip. Your grip might be too loose and have poor connection points to the disc. You want to ensure the disc is getting enough spin and a clean rotation to help stabilize the disc.
How to throw a disc?
Take your time, line up your shot, and remain focused. Concentrate on only the necessary movements that contribute to the actual throwing of the disc, unnecessary movements will greatly affect your timing and ultimately your accuracy. Remain relaxed, take it one step at a time, and keep it as simple as possible.
Where is the webbing on your hand?
The webbing of your hand is the area between the bottom knuckle of the index finger and thumb. Having a firm grip of the disc against the webbing in your hand will help provide control and a clean release. Be sure to have the disc positioned all the way back in your hand and have your wrist back into full extension.
Can disc golfers improve their forehand?
While it might come natural to some and be a labor of love for others, there are some things every disc golfer can work on to improve their forehand/sidearm shots. Many disc golfers might see the disc wobble or flutter upon release when throwing forehand. This is a very common problem, but can easily be solved.
Does a disc wobble go away?
Once the grip improves and the speed increases, that wobble will go away. Make sure that you have the disc completely tucked back into the webbing of your hand with no visible spaces in between for a firm overall grip. The webbing of your hand is the area between the bottom knuckle of the index finger and thumb.
