When it comes to disc golf, we all want our throws to go the distance. And while backhand throws remain a favorite at delivering great distance throws, the forehand throw is not to be ignored.
What’s that you say? What is a disc golf forehand? How do I throw a disc golf forehand? It’s okay; I was only recently introduced to the throw too!
But since then, man, has my disc golf game been elevated! The throw has allowed me to throw further, and with a bit of practice, I can achieve the throw with ease.
But I can’t keep this information to myself; what kind of disc golfer would I be if I did that?
So today, I am going to tell you how to disc golf forehand and include some handy tips that are sure to elevate your game! What are you waiting for? Keep reading to find out all about it.
What is disc golf forehand?
Let’s first examine what a disc golf forehand is for the beginners in the room or those that need a gentle reminder.
The disc golf forehand is a move in the disc golf sport where a player throws their disc using a sidearm throwing motion, which looks similar to how a sidearm baseball pitcher would throw a ball.
The forehand throw can often achieve greater distance than a backhand throw, too, despite not being as popular with players. The disc used will determine the throw, with some being better for forehand or backhand throwing than others.
It’s best to check that you have the suitable disc for your intended throw to ensure that you achieve the best results possible.
Now that we have covered what a disc golf forehand is let’s find out how we throw these beauties!
How to disc golf forehand
When it comes to throwing forehand, we can break it down into the grip, stance, swing, release, and follow through to create the perfect forehand throw in disc golf. Let’s walk through these steps so that you, too, can throw forehand!
Grip
Let’s start with the grip. You want your middle finger straight and flat against the inside rim. The outside rim of the disc should contact the web between the thumb and index finger.
Take some time to ensure the grip is comfortable and correct before attempting to throw the disc.
Ideally, you want a firm grip. It can feel a little uncomfortable, especially for beginners, but stick with it; you will get used to it! You might notice a slight bend at the top of the disc from the pressure of your thumb, which is fine.
If you are an advanced thrower, you can place the index and middle finger together. The middle finger will extend straight out in line with the palm of your hand and offer more spin, thanks to the more wind it will gather!
Placing the fingers together can mean less control, so for beginners, I’d advise keeping them separate until you have more control of the disc.
Stance
Your stance is also critical when it comes to throwing forehand. You want the balls of your feet to be shoulder-width apart.
Stand side-on, and you can throw with your elbows close to the hip. This is the easiest way to throw, although you can adjust the stance after practice if you wish.
Have the disc cocked, ready to spin before throwing. You can start to wind the disc as far back as it can go, or you can use a small whip of the fingers just before the throw to spin the disc.
Swing
On to the swing now, where the main focus here is keeping the outer tip of the disc down. You want the motion of the disc in your hand to be like a whiplash, not an arc-like swing that we see in other throws.
As you increase the speed, motion towards the target will start at your shoulder, working its way down to your elbows, wrist, and eventually your fingers.
If you are struggling with the spin, consider a motion similar to flicking a towel and practice that motion. Pay attention to your wrist when doing so, and you should notice an improvement in your results!
Here you can step forward with your non-pivot foot if you need better balance or angle. Remember that your pivot foot should be on the opposite side of your throwing hand.
The time of your release is vital here, just like it is with those arc-like swings. As we are using a whiplash notion compared to a swing, you should move the center of the disc to the target in a straight line rather than an arc.
The direction of the horizontal plane should be easier to master this way, and you can get some more length on your throw too!
Release
Now it’s time to release that disc! By now, the flight plate of the disc should be spinning within one plane. Unless you are after an air bounce, you want the direction the disc is launched to be within this plane.
The moment of release is where these steps come together, so be sure to check your positioning and swing before releasing the disc.
These final motions as you release the disc are impacted by wind and gravity, so it can be hard for beginners to ascertain what went wrong if there were any complications.
Once you are ready, release the disc with force as you usually would, following the steps to see your forehand throw come to life!
Follow-through
Once the disc has been thrown, it’s out of your hands! We cannot control certain things, such as wind and gravity, and these will all play into the follow-through.
Be sure to practice the throw before attempting it and pay close attention to your technique, as you can improve the follow-through usually with good technique!
Final Word
And there you have it, that is how to disc golf forehand! The steps can be a little confusing at first, so take your time and practice them before attempting the throw at any games or tournaments.
Remember your technique and check out any online tutorials if you are still struggling; visual aids are incredibly handy!