All The Disc Golf Throws You Need To Know

In the realm of disc golf, your throwing prowess can make or break your game. The richness and complexity of this sport stem from the diversity of throws one can master. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the spectrum of throws in disc golf, starting from the basics to advanced level maneuvers. Let’s take you on a journey of becoming a master disc golfer armed with the ultimate artillery of throws.

The Foundation of Disc Golf: Backhand and Forehand

Backhand Throws in Disc Golf

As a disc golfer, your first step into the sport likely began with the backhand throw. It is the most commonly used and instinctive throwing style. It involves bringing your throwing arm across your body and swinging outward, releasing the disc from your grip.

Hone Your Backhand Throws

Backhand throws form the backbone of your disc golf game. To improve:

1. Practice Makes Perfect: Utilize open fields to practice throwing as many discs as you can. Repetition is your best friend here.
2. Master the Technique: Repetition is your friend. Keep throwing until it becomes muscle memory.
3. Adopt Drills: Do some fieldwork as often as you can to improve quickly.

The Ideal Disc for Backhand Throws: Discraft Buzzz

The Discraft Buzzz is an excellent starting point for beginners. Its predictability, versatility, and stability make it perfect for learning and honing backhand throws.

Forehand Throws in Disc Golf

The sidearm throw, commonly referred to as the forehand throw in disc golf, is the other primary throwing style in disc golf. Resembling the motion of skipping rocks on a pond, the forehand involves a sidearm throwing action.

Improve Your Forehand Throws

Improving your forehand throw involves a slow and steady approach:

1. Start Slow and Short: Maintain proper form while attempting short approach shots.
2. Use a Practice Net: A practice net is a great investment for practicing forehand throws at home.
3. Use Understable Discs: Start with understable discs when learning the forehand to prevent disc fading quickly and to maintain control.

The Best Disc for Forehand Throws: Axiom Crave

The Axiom Crave is an exceptional disc for beginners. This fairway driver offers stability and a predictable flight path, making it ideal for learning and perfecting forehand throws.

Playing with Angles: Hyzer and Anhyzer

Hyzer Throws in Disc Golf

A hyzer is a throw where the top of the disc is angled away from the thrower, causing the disc to curve left for a RHBH thrower. Hyzer throws let you take advantage of the disc’s natural fade, making them essential in navigating obstacles or sharp dogleg left holes.

Ways to Improve Your Hyzer

To fine-tune your hyzer throws:

1. Begin Short and Slow: If you’re struggling with your hyzer, start from a distance of 15-20 feet and gradually increase as you become more comfortable.
2. Choose the Right Disc: Different discs have varying degrees of stability, which impacts the curvature and distance of your throw. Experiment with different discs to find what suits your style best.
3. Observe and Learn: Learn from others. Watch how pro players handle hyzer throws and incorporate their techniques into your own throws.

Anhyzer Throws in Disc Golf

Anhyzer is a throw where the top of the disc is angled towards the thrower, causing the disc to curve to the right for a RHBH thrower. They are a valuable addition to your arsenal, particularly in navigating around obstacles or tackling right-bending holes.

Improve Your Anhyzer Throws

To enhance your anhyzer throws:

1. Perfect Your Grip: Ensure your grip is firm but not too tight, maintaining a steady hold of the disc to achieve the desired curve.
2. Control Your Wrist Action: A swift wrist flick at the time of release can help you get a good anhyzer angle.
3. Fine-tune Your Release Point: The point at which you release the disc is crucial in achieving the correct flight path. Practice to find your perfect release point.

The Advanced Spectrum of Throws

Turnover Shot in Disc Golf

The turnover shot is a throw typically used to navigate around obstacles on the course. It is a type of backhand throw where the disc is given an anhyzer angle, causing it to curve to the right for a right-handed backhand (RHBH) thrower.

Master the Turnover Shot

Here are some tips to perfect your turnover shots:

1. Select the Right Disc: Use understable discs, as they are prone to turn right when thrown with a backhand grip.
2. Proper Grip and Release: Adopt a solid backhand grip and release the disc at a slight anhyzer angle.
3. Control Your Throw Speed: Speed control is crucial in turnover shots. A slower throw will give the disc more time to complete its turnover curve.

The Roller Shot in Disc Golf

The roller shot is an advanced throwing technique where the disc is thrown with an angle and speed so it lands on its edge and rolls towards the target instead of flying through the air. This technique is often used to navigate long, open fairways or to get around low-hanging obstacles.

Enhance Your Roller Throws

Improving your roller throw takes practice and technique:

1. Select the Right Disc: Generally, understable discs work best for rollers as they naturally turn right and hit the ground at the perfect angle for a roll.
2. Get the Angle Right: You need to throw the disc at a specific angle for it to hit the ground correctly and start rolling.
3. Control Speed and Spin: The speed and spin of the disc upon release are key in determining how long and straight the disc will roll.

Disc golf throws are diverse, from the basic backhand and forehand throws to the more advanced hyzer, anhyzer, turnover, and roller shots. Understanding each throw, when to use it, and how to improve it can significantly elevate your disc golf game. Remember, it takes patience, practice, and constant learning to truly unleash your disc golf potential.

Happy throwing!