Disc Throwing Techniques

The first goal when disc golfing is to have fun.  However a close second goal for most people is to improve their game.  Through proper technique, you can throw farther and more accurately.  Also, although fairly rare, injuries can occur when disc golfing if improper technique is used.  All the more reason to pick up a few quick pointers for your throw.

Today, we will be focusing on your drive using a standard throwing technique.

Grip:

You should be using a grip that has four fingers underneath the disk with your thumb resting on top.  It should be firm and not too tight or loose.  You should not actively release the disc, rather, you should let the disc be ripped from your hand at the end of your throw.  It will happen naturally.

Footwork:

Your goal should be to remain balanced throughout the throw.  Make sure you get your weight over your front foot when you plant and start your throw. If your weight is behind your foot it will affect your throw in negative ways and also risk injuries to your knee and ankle. Use the explosion of your hips to start your body rotation. The direction of your feet will lead your hips, your hips will turn your torso, your torso will turn your shoulders, and your shoulders will lead your arm.

Reach Back:
There are mixed philosophies on the reach back part of your throw. There are however a few things that are consistent between the various techniques. Your reach should only be as far as you feel comfortable with and can maintain good balance. You should reach in a straight line rather than swinging the disc back on an arc. You should also plan your intended throw during this time. For a flat line drive your hand should be on the same plane as the disc. For a hyzer, your hand should be under the disc and for an anhyzer, your hand should be above the disc.

Pull Through:
The pull-through is where you begin to generate the power needed for a long throw. For maximum power and speed your shoulder rotation should pull your arm through. Don't try to muscle or “strong arm” the disc it won't be nearly as powerful or fast as a whip driven by the shoulders. Also, keep the disc as close to your chest as possible and let your elbow bend. The extension of your elbow during the latter part of your throw will be your main power source. You should also have your off arm close to your body during the throw in order to let your body rotate as fast as possible. Also of importance, try to be as strong as possible at the point the disc will leave your hand rather than at the beginning of your throw. This should give you maximum snap as the power is focused on getting the most force on the disc at the release rather than during the pull. 

Follow-Through:
A good follow-through is important for both a clean throw and to avoid injury. Although you should be smooth and loose during the first part of your throw, concentrate on finishing strong during your follow-through. A clean pivot is also good to avoid knee injury, as your body will continue rotating after the disc leaves your hand.

Disc Selection:
Disc selection is also a very important part of your game. Make sure you are throwing discs that are light enough and easy enough for you to control. Most of the modern “ultra long” drivers are designed with the pro player in mind. Most new players will have the best success with discs that are easy to control and have good glide and discs under 170 grams in weight. A rule of thumb is if your average distance is less than 200' you will probably have the most success with the larger diameter all-around midrange discs and drivers. If you can throw 200-250' on average the easier to control small-diameter drivers should be within your range of control. Once you can throw 250'+ you will be in a better position to control the faster overstable maximum distance drivers.