
How can i Improve my disc golf backhand?
Field work is one of the most important things you can do to improve your disc golf backhand. Your grip is only part of the battle. The other part is getting into an open field and working on the many different parts of your driving and approaching game with a backhand throw.
How far back should you reach for disc golf discs?
You do not need to reach back very far, just set your back to the target and reach the disc as comfortably far back as you can. Just a little bit of turn and extending the disc away from your chest is an excellent place to start from reaching back. When reaching straight back, it is essential to reach away from your chest as you reach back.
Should your hands be tight when you throw a disc golf disc?
If you have your hand clenched down on the disc for the duration of your throwing motion your forearm will be rigid and this will lead to loss of power. Leading into your throw your wrist and forearm should be loose and fluid. The only time your hand should be very tight is right when the disc is ripping out of your hand.
When should you open your hips when disc golfing?
You will only open the hips after the release of the disc. The force created when opening the hips will make the disc to go forward in motion. If you do it the right way with the right timing, you will get excellent control and distance. When you are doing the run-up, the plant foot must be planted appropriately during the peak of the reach back.

How to release discs?
When this happens, the disc might slip out early or you may grip lock and release it late. When throwing the disc with this reach across your body technique causes the release timing to be very difficult. So, it is crucial to pull the disc straight so that no matter how hard you are pulling the disc, it will release straight to the target.
What is the best throw in disc golf?
One of the most popular throws in disc golf is the backhand . Many players have been vocal about how the backhand helps them throw more distance with minimal effort. However, as good as the backhand throw is, one must know the correct technique and mechanics to perform the right backhand throw. A disc golfer must know how to throw a disc golf backhand properly to maximize the benefits of throwing the throw.
How to get more power in backhand throw?
The main power behind the backhand throw comes from your arms extending to the fullest. So, you will achieve more power by extending your arm, resulting in more spin and power in your shot. If you are struggling with your release while using a firmer grip, that’s the result of rounding. Also, pulling the disc on a straight line to the release points, your grip will not be strong enough to pull the disc offline.
What are the factors that determine a good backhand grip?
Many grips work well with the backhand, but there are also those that don’t. There are two factors in looking for a better backhand grip: firmness and nose-down. The firmness should be comparable to a firm handshake. You want to hold the disc tight because you want to hold the disc down as long as you want.
How to get the most distance on a disc?
An excellent way to find your grip is to line up the disc with the bottom middle of your hand and in between the pointer and middle finger. And then wrap all your fingers around the rim. Wherever they come to rest on the disc’s rim will most likely be the most comfortable grip for you. This fleshy part at the base of your pointer finger must be on top of the disc. That ends up making the disc fly a lot more flat to nose-down, which will help in giving you a lot more distance.
Is a disc golfer good for a short reach back?
If a disc golfer does a total reach back, it will translate into a reasonable distance, while a short reach back will be good for short and accurate shots. But the right way to do it will need you to pull the reach back away from the body to allow a steady point of release. Also, whatever the distance of your throw, it is essential to reach back in a straight line motion to keep the consistency of the pull-through motion.
Do you need to lock your hips when throwing a disc?
The need to lock the hips throughout the reach back while throwing the disc is essential. You will only open the hips after the release of the disc. The force created when opening the hips will make the disc to go forward in motion. If you do it the right way with the right timing, you will get excellent control and distance.
How to get a disc to go back?
Extend the disc forward on the line on which you’re aiming, with your weight on your front foot. Pull the disc back on a flat, straight line about belly-button height, as far back as you can, transferring your weight from front foot to back foot just as the disc passes your body. At this point:
What is the natural tendency of disc golf?
In disc golf the natural tendency (usually ingrained from previous experience ‘flipping’ a Frisbee disc) is to throw on a low-to-high arc that is much like an uppercut in baseball — and the results are predictably similar.
What angle should you throw a disc?
If you are right-handed and your main issue is the disc always cutting immediately to the left, you’re likely holding and throwing the disc at an angle where the edge you’re gripping is much higher than the opposite edge. If you’re trying to get a nice flat, straight flight, both edges should be the same distance from the ground from reach-back to release. The follow-through should reinforce this angle as well.
What is a good backhand throw?
A good backhand throw derives most of its power from the back, torso, and legs rather than just the arm. In this way (and some others, which we’ll cover soon) throwing a disc backhand is just like swinging a baseball bat with the goal of hitting the ball with any kind of power.
How does a flat disc throw affect the shot?
A good flat, straight throw depends not only on the line on which you launch the disc, but also the angle in which the disc is held in your hand. While the line of your shot primarily affects the elevation trajectory of your shot (see last paragraph), the angle at which you’re holding and throwing the disc will affect whether it is released with a left or right turn.
What is the parallel between hitting a baseball and throwing a backhand?
Reach back, line, and angle. Another parallel between hitting a baseball and throwing backhand is a literal parallel. In baseball the best chance a hitter has to hit a line drive is by swinging fairly level — or parallel to the ground.
Why do disc golfers have weight transfer problems?
Most often, the reason that disc golfers have weight transfer and balance problems is because they try to incorporate a run-up into their drives and longer fairway shots too soon. You’ve heard the saying “You have to learn to walk before you can run.”. In disc golf it’s more like “before you can run-up .”.
What is the hit point in disc golf?
Hit Point – The hit point is hard to describe. I first learned the term “the hit” in a Dave Feldberg video, and I’ve continued to refer to it as that. In short, it is when you release the disc. But more importantly, it is the point in the throw when you are exerting all the power generated from the reachback and pull through — when you “hit” forward and propel your disc out of your hand.
How to get discs to go through your hips?
Lock Hips – Your hips need to stay locked throughout the reach back and as you are pulling the disc through. Your hips shouldn’t open until you are releasing the disc. This explosion of opening your hips and bringing the disc forward, with correct timing, gives you effortless distance and control.
What is the most popular throwing style in disc golf?
The backhand throw is the most popular throwing style in disc golf, one that allows you to gain the most distance while throwing with the least effort. The key to a successful backhand is to first understand the mechanics, then develop the muscle memory in order to complete the shot repeatedly. In order to throw a great backhand you must first ...
What is the launch point in backhand?
Launch Point – The launch point is the point in the throw when the disc is reached all the way back and your body is ready to begin pulling through. A mechanically sound, repeatable technique is another key for backhand success.
How to pull discs through?
Straight Line – The disc must be pulled through in a straight line. The straight line should go from the launch point, across your body, and then toward your target. Your shoulders must be able to rotate to allow the disc to remain on the line.
How to keep your pull through consistent?
No matter the shot distance, you should always be reaching back on that straight line to keep your pull-through consistent. Look Back – Your head should slightly look back and turn away from your target when reaching back. This allows your shoulders to rotate and your arm to pull straight backwards.
What happens if you don't follow through on a disc throw?
Without proper follow through you will lose distance and have a greater chance of injury.
How to release discs in backhand?
You can do this with your backhand as well. Shift your weight from bottom to up, turn your hips, turn your shoulder, extend your elbow by pulling it forward, fire the arm ahead and release the disc. Just try to follow the events one after another and try to maintain the time.
How to throw a disc in the backswing?
When you are in your backswing, don’t pull as hard as you can then. Pull slow till your disc gets right at your chest then turn your hips and explode your arm through the air like a whip. Be sure to follow through your throw to ensure maximum effort.
What is the snap sound in disc golf?
Snap is a crucial aspect of disc golf motion. The definition of the term snap varies from player to player. Some players prefer this to the snap sound that they get at the rip. On the contrary, some people believe it to be the amount of spin. Or basically how fast a player’s wrist uncoils. Snap sound might be the result ...
How to snap your wrist?
Starting with a sidearm motion, first, shift your weight from right to left, turn your hips, your shoulder should get fired through which will fire the elbow forward and at the end snap your wrist by extending your elbow and forwarding your arm. You can do this with your backhand as well.
Why does my wrist make a snap sound?
Or basically how fast a player’s wrist uncoils. Snap sound might be the result of that fast acceleration , and this might be one of the reasons why people call it snap. To be defined, we can say that snap is transferring the body motion from the body to the disc. Snap is instead using your body like a whip to create maximum power.
How many fingers to use for a long drive?
You can use four fingers when you are looking for the most snap for a long drive. Use four of them to get a good hold and slide your thumb more to the middle of the disc squeezing on top of your index finger. Grip it hard enough to rip the disc out of your fingers. But do not grip it too hard.
What is the X factor in golf?
While playing golf, an angle between the hip and shoulder is maintained , which is called the X factor. What you will be doing while throwing the disc is the mirror-inverted image of X factor in golf.
When throwing a disc golf disc should you use a backhand or forehand?
So, when throwing a disc golf disc should you use a backhand or forehand for maximum distance? 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 happens when you increase the length of the golf disc?
If you increase the length of the lever, you can apply less force to move the object. When throwing a golf disc, your arm acts as this lever. By this logic, you’ll want the disc to be at the end of the longest lever you’re arm can produce. In this case, a backhand throw.
Why do you need a disc for forehand throws?
Because forehand throws are prone to off axis torque and turning over (anhyzer release), you’ll want a disc that minimizes these effects. For this you’ll need a disc that has a wider rim width and lower height profile. A wide rim reduces off axis torque by distributing more weight to the outside of the disc.
How to throw a disc with a forehand?
To throw a golf disc with a forehand, you need to release the disc while your forearm is fully supinated (palm up). This is what allows for a flat clean release on along the axis of the disc. The problem with supinating our forearms is it isn’t a common position we hold throughout the day.
Why do you throw a backhand?
For a forehand throw, you’ll inherently rely on smaller muscle groups to generate your power. I believe a major reason for this is a backhand allows you to keep the disc closer to your body during the throw.
Why does my disc golf disc wobble?
If your disc is spinning off of its axis and begins to wobble in the air during flight, it is going to have more air resistance. Instead of slicing through the air it will drag through the air due to stunted aerodynamics and eventually lose valuable distance. Disc Golf Disc Wobble.
How does disc work in backhand?
The range of motion between these two throws are very different. When executing a backhand, the disc is pushed back behind the body and then fully extended outward. The disc needs to travel a long distance from point A to point B, before being released. When executing a forehand, the disc is also push back behind the body .
How to get a disc to go back?
Extend the disc forward on the line on which you’re aiming, with your weight on your front foot. Pull the disc back on a flat, straight line about belly-button height, as far back as you can, transferring your weight from front foot to back foot just as the disc passes your body. At this point:
What is the natural tendency of disc golf?
In disc golf the natural tendency (usually ingrained from previous experience ‘flipping’ a Frisbee disc) is to throw on a low-to-high arc that is much like an uppercut in baseball — and the results are predictably similar.
What angle should you throw a disc?
If you are right-handed and your main issue is the disc always cutting immediately to the left, you’re likely holding and throwing the disc at an angle where the edge you’re gripping is much higher than the opposite edge. If you’re trying to get a nice flat, straight flight, both edges should be the same distance from the ground from reach-back to release. The follow-through should reinforce this angle as well.
What is a good backhand throw?
A good backhand throw derives most of its power from the back, torso, and legs rather than just the arm. In this way (and some others, which we’ll cover soon) throwing a disc backhand is just like swinging a baseball bat with the goal of hitting the ball with any kind of power.
How does a flat disc throw affect the shot?
A good flat, straight throw depends not only on the line on which you launch the disc, but also the angle in which the disc is held in your hand. While the line of your shot primarily affects the elevation trajectory of your shot (see last paragraph), the angle at which you’re holding and throwing the disc will affect whether it is released with a left or right turn.
What is the parallel between hitting a baseball and throwing a backhand?
Reach back, line, and angle. Another parallel between hitting a baseball and throwing backhand is a literal parallel. In baseball the best chance a hitter has to hit a line drive is by swinging fairly level — or parallel to the ground.
What is the most common mistake you make in backhand shooting?
One of the most common mistakes I see players of all levels make with the backhand shot has to do with transferring weight from the back foot to the front foot.
How to get disc tighter?
Practice the feel of pulling the disc through on that line. Keep in mind on a real throw your shoulders will be doing the pulling, but this will at least give the feel of a disc tight to your body. You aren't rotating your shoulders enough on your reach back and pull-through. Possible Fix:
What happens if your disc isn't tight?
Possible Fix: If the disc isn't tight to your chest you aren't going to get the benefits of the elbow extension or wrist bounce that is the source of much of a throw's power. A good drill for this is standing facing a wall with your disc.
What is the problem with thumb grip?
A common grip problem is applying thumb pressure with the very tip of the thumb.
How to get better at throwing?
Make sure that your shoulders are opening up all the way during your throw. Poor shoulder rotation or bad follow-through will sap your power by limiting the explosion of your shoulders as well as sometimes causing you to strong-arm your throws. Your grip and wrist positioning are off. Possible Fix:
What happens if you are late with the whip?
If you are late with the whip it will sap your power and leave you out to the left. Your balance and center of gravity are off. Possible Fix: Make sure you have your balance and a defined center of gravity during your motion and plant. The weight should be on the balls of your feet at all times, no heels.
Does disc golf require a crush drive?
Disc golf, pure and simply, requires excellent technique to crush drives.
