how to throw a golf disc for distance

Disc golfers from the beginner level to the pros are always searching for more distance, but a distance driver isnt always the answer. The sharp edge and wide rim of a distance driver make them distinguishable from fairway drivers. If everything isnt synched up perfectly throughout your throw, you will lose power and minimize your distance potential. If your throws arent very accurate, check that your non-throwing shoulder is pointing toward the target. They tend to have wider rims and are the flattest type. Their average disc golf drive distances are impressive not only because of how far they can drive but because they can hit those distances consistently. Weir has three fairway drivers that she reaches for a lot. Again, head over to my guide on How To Throw for a breakdown of the correct form. Distance drivers have a flat, sharp, and aerodynamic edge. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. Step 3: Reach Back 5 Great Videos: Disc Golf Grip (Backhand). Discs Explained is a series that goes over the basic disc typesputters, midranges, fairway drivers, and distance driversand tells you their purposes, how best to throw them, and what situations to throw them in. Here are a few tips to help you get more disc golf distance, max distance, arm speed, driving distance and accuracy: You will hear pro disc golfer players and commentators talk a lot about theX Stepon their run-up. A stable disc like an Explorer or a Savant may add an extra 10-20% of its normal distance just by adding in a bit of anhyzer flex at the beginning of the shot. You may also be able to get more distance using a different disc. The story of DG Max Wax, a new company making a grip enhancement product for disc golfers made primarily of beeswax. If the fairway requires a super sharp angle or a low ceiling prevents you from reaching a specific location with an air shot, throwing an intentional skip shot can get the job done. This is step one of a good drive. Timing is very crucial when you are throwing a disc on a disc golf course. They are what you would normally use from the tee. With the right timing during your throw, you can boost your average drive distance. If a player has a slower arm speed, then a fairway driver is going to fly just as far for them, if not farther, than a distance driver. There is also a variety of different plastics that discs can be made of. If youve been following theDGU Blog, youll realize that we always come back to disc selection (weight range, overstable discs, wide rim, understable discs, high-speed drivers, mid-range discs, slower discs, etc.) Look for a disc in your bag with a high glide value and go give it a couple throws. It struckmeas odd that such an amazing sport could be overlooked by so many people. Average disc golf drive distances are broken down based on several factors. After having the disc snap out of your hand, keep your natural position and let your body finish rotating. The third is to fight the wind. You can see this concept in action in the clip below from Central Coast Disc Golf, where pro Nathan Queen uses a fairway driver on a hole that's distance would typically have most professionals reaching for a mid or even a putter. We recommend watching some videos of intermediate players and experienced players to look closely at their footwork. The correct answer is: When your technique is good enough to handle it. Think about everything that goes into throwing a simple backhand. Weir had a great tip for all beginning to intermediate players. Discs with these intended flight patterns exist in every disc category we discuss in this series.One way some manufacturers have attempted to concretely define the differences in discs is by using flight numbers. How to dye your first disc golf disc: materials, method, and step-by-step instructions that include video examples. When all your body parts are working together, you will gain power, accuracy and consistency. Keep your wrist in a horizontal position, as this helps the disc to fly straight. A disc with a hyzer angle of release is thrown very fast. Hold the disc firmly to give you good control of the throw. There are many players who can't generate the power needed to effectively use a distance driver, and a fairway driver becomes their de-facto distance driver. Imagine three sides of a perfect rectangle formed between your chest, your upper arm and your lower arm. A beginner or intermediate-level disc golfer with a slower arm speed may find that they get better distance out of a less stable drivers,fairway driversor evenmid-rangesversus overstable distance drivers that the pros throw. Ideally, your arm should come through and you should be pointing right at your target after you release your golf disc. As in many sports like baseball or ball golf, the true power of a disc golf throw comes from your legs and hips. The x-step is the best way to perfect your form. This thought was echoed by both Carey and Weir. Newer players might go out and buy the fancy disc that all pros throw hoping to get a similar distance, but it doesnt work like that. This helps the golf disc to fly in a straight line. You can improve your disc golf throw by focusing on each step required for a good throw. We also include recommendations for popular molds of each disc type. How can I improve my disc golf throw? Thats okay. Her TeeBird3 is also reliable on backhand shots because she can trust the flight path and throw it on a hyzer line. Slower speed discs will also be easier to control as you improve your technique. Unfortunately, there is no record of what disc Alex the sea lion used to set his record. For cold weather play the flexibility and grip of GStar cannot be beaten, and even when the weather warms up GStar still retains similar flexibility. No matter what skill level you are currently at, there are few things that feel better than ripping a wide-rim driver down the fairway and getting a full flight out of yourdistance driverat your maximum distance. Read the other articles in theDiscs Explainedseries:PuttersMidrangesDistance Drivers, Disc golf stories and stats in your inbox. There are 2 main things you want to keep in mind when throwing a hyzerflip. Also, driving distance generally decreases as players age. It is important to remember that there is a lot more to disc golf than just driving. If youre having trouble getting farther throws then check below and see if any of the areas can help you out! In disc golf, the best type of disc to use for driving is called a driver. It might feel like most if coming from your arm or wrist, but not if you want maximum distance. Can you be green when buying disc golf discs? Driving in disc golf is most commonly done with a backhand throw using a distance or fairway driver. Of course, it will depend a lot on the size and skill of the professional disc golfer. Step 2: Stance Stand sideways with your throwing arm back and the shoulder of your off-hand facing the target. As such, it can be difficult to fairly compare outdoor drive distance records. https://www.precisiondiscgolf.com/blog/how-to-throw-straight-disc-golf, https://discgolf.ultiworld.com/2017/03/28/tuesday-tips-breaking-backhand/, https://www.mcs.anl.gov/~blau/disc/club/cache/teaching_forehand.html. DG Max Wax Wants To Help Disc Golfers Get A Grip. The Wraith is similar in design to the Boss, but is slightly lighter and with a narrower rim (2.1cm) to better suit Allens throwing style. This is because the majority of players tend to throw backhands more comfortably than forehands.If you don't know what we mean by backhand, it's the technique seen in this clip from JomezPro: We hope to add similar information for forehands to the blog in the future.Additionally, the directions we mention for flight patterns refer to those for right-handed players. If you're a righty, step with the right foot and raise the disc just below your pecs. The disc that youre throwing with plays a huge part in the distance that you can reach when throwing. If you really want to get more distance and improve your disc golf game, you want to, From your legs to your arms and upper body, there are several important moving parts during a disc golf drive. There are a lot of variations of driver discs available. When driving, it is important to have the right tool for the job. Top 5 Disc Golf Distance Tips It's no secret, every disc golf player wants to add distance to their game. Watch womens coverage, she said. This grip takes more torque to release the disc properly and should only be used when throwing for power. Flight numbers on the disc indicate speed, glide, turn, and fade. An additional benefit is that most fairway drivers will also fly straighter and more predictably than distance drivers. Obviously, there are so many different distance tips out there. Her Innova Valkyrie and Innova Thunderbird are important off the tee for both forehand and backhand drives. Like what you read? There are understable fairway drivers used for holes that call for left-to-right shots or for rollers. We have an in-depth article on flight numbershere, but for this series it's most important to understand what's meant by "speed." Mastering the x-step is a sure way to slow down your game and increase how far the disc will go. There may be a stand of trees or a pond that prevents you from driving in a straight line towards the basket. Every disc is manufactured with a specific flight pattern in mind. To make a backhand throw with a golf disc, stand at a 90 degree angle to the target and place your weight on your back foot. The most common mistake is that most players are throwing discs that are too high speed, Carey said. This makes it possible for a long straight line to be thrown. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Effortless accuracy4. Some distance drivers have rims so wide that smaller-handed players can't grip them properly. The Valkyrie is her go-to shot-shaping driver while the Thunderbird takes its place when the wind picks up because of its extra stability. Innova co-founder, Dave Dunipace, refers to this energy as thetip of the whip.A leather whip concentrates all of its power and energy at the very tip with the distinctive whip crack, but it takes the right form and proper movement through the entire length of the whip to achieve such a dramatic result. Disc down to to a fairway driver, mid-range disc or even a putter improve your accuracy and dial in your form. A specific situation where a fairway driver could be useful is on a shorter, specifically-shaped fairway. If you really want to get more distance and improve your disc golf game, you want toget rid of rounded throws. Fairway drivers are intended to travel far and they are designed to be more stable. Though much of the information here will still be very useful to forehand-dominant players, it's important to point out that in regards to aspects like distance, we wrote this piece specifically with backhands in mind. On average a pro can throw a disc golf frisbee between 450 to 525 feet. These arehigh-speed discsthat require higher arm speeds to achieve their fullflight characteristics. Which disc brands are the best? I found that my progress was made by adjusting a bunch of smaller things instead of one drastic change. The challenge is that because of the lack of indoor spaces large enough to try to establish distance records, fewer competitors have the opportunity to set indoor records. The Wraith is not only a top seller at Infinite Discs, but a staple in Weirs bag. Fairway drivers are a great balance of control and distance.. It is an excellent down wind driver that also performs predictably into the wind. We also include recommendations for popular molds of each disc type. How far do disc golf pros throw? Situationally, there are four places to throw a distance driver. A lot of players call it the whip and what they mean by that is the sound you hear when the disc comes flying out. Typically, men can drive farther than women. This record was set by Alex a sea lion at the St. Louis zoo. Thousands of disc golfers helped us find out. The lower speeds and understability will likely make it much easier for you to throw for distance. He uses it for shots that need a late flip or that need to carry dead straight. Average disc golf driving distances for amateur players based on their level of experience and gender are shown in the table below. In this case, you may need to drive a shorter distance and take more throws to get around the obstacle or drive the disc so that it travels around the obstacle if you can. Like what you read? As mentioned, most beginners tend to throw disc golf discs at an average distance of 175 to 250 feet. Professional players have years of experience and have spent countless hours training. When thrown flat some should go straight as an arrow (stable) while others should turn right (understable) or fade left (overstable). Designs differ in terms of diameter, rim width, stability, flatness and weight. That means that if you add together those three categories with a distance from 251 - 400 feet, that covers the vast majority of players while much smaller groups claim 400+ feet. When the required distance for a shot is too much for a midrange to handle, thats when a player should reach for their fairway driver. Wind can be a major factor. Distance drivers are designed to go the farthest distance. Strong grip, comfortable approach, consistent release, and smooth follow through. Both Carey and Weir are not the only ones who prefer these specific fairway drivers. For newer players especially, finding a disc that can travel long distances without sacrificing too much control and consistency is a top priority. So while you focus on grip, stance, and follow through, make it easier on yourself by throwing understable discs that will carry farther and keep pushing you forward. Work on adding a consistent approach where you focus on planting your foot and getting strong hip rotation. Now that you know how you stack up against the pros, you may be wondering how you compare to other species. Keep in mind the target doesnt necessarily mean thebasketitself. Throw super straight3. This includes weather conditions and terrain. Instead of trying to throw sky hyzers like Simon Lizotte or 750-foot [229-meter] rollers like Eagle McMahon, watch Catrina Allen throw an upshot that lands right under the pin, or watch Kona Panis rip a backhand drive 350 feet [107 meters] and, by all means, watch Missy Gannon can a 50-foot [15-meter] putt.. The fourth is to achieve maximum skip. Fix common mistakes. If you arent sure what a power grip is, its when you have your four fingers under the disc rim with only the thumb on top. The right timing involves proper coordination of your upper body and legs. Practice the throwing movement slowly to help you master each aspect of the throw. For instance, a spike hyzer will never go as far as a hyzer flip shot. If you've ever tried to play disc golf with an everyday frisbee, you know that the experience is less than satisfying. This usually causes shots to just fade hard, which can create bad form by forcing players to overcorrect the stability of the driver. If your grip is either too tight or too loose, youll never be able to throw as far as you could with the correct grip. For players who can handle the speed of a distance driver, the suggested grip is called a power grip. For this grip, the thumb (on the topside of the disc) should be placed just inside where the rim begins to provide even pressure. Losing distance because I throw too low. Were hoping youll enjoy the video and that it helps you throw straighter and further! No drawing needed. How To Throw Forehand Step 1: Grip Hold the disc with your index and middle fingers pressing against the inside rim of the disc, and with your thumb on the outside pressing firmly against the top plate. But when you aggregate this sort of data into a trend line, you are averaging a bunch of stuff together. You shouldn't take this to mean that because a disc is a higher speed, it will automatically fly farther. Distance to pin a key feature now available on 40 devices, Best Disc Golf Disc Brands According To Everyday Players. Similarly, if you are driving up a slope you wont be able to drive as far as you normally would because the space between the disc and the ground decreases much more quickly. Every disc is manufactured with a specific flight pattern in mind. The lesson here is that throwing it as far as humanly possible isnt always your best option. If you want to feel the difference in power, do some stand still throws outside and then compare it to how far you can throw with a full routine. It may be helpful to get a more experienced player to watch your drive and give you some tips. According to thePDGA the average drive distance in disc golf for a recreational player is between 200 and 300 feet. In fact, many beginners will find that slower speed discs fly farther for them than higher speed discs.If you're interested in learning more about the physics behind disc flight, give this articlea read. Keep in mind the target doesnt necessarily mean the, 8 Tips for Better Accuracy on Approach Shots, What You Need to Know About Disc Flight Numbers, Improve Your Form with Mid-Ranges and Putters, How to Install a Permanent Disc Golf Basket - In 10 Steps. Creating an account is easy. Though much of the information here will still be very useful to forehand-dominant players, it's important to point out that in regards to aspects like distance, we wrote this piece specifically with backhands in mind. If you are avoiding rounding, then your arm is coming straight through across your body during your disc golf drive. The sharp edge of a distance driver may be the necessary choice to minimize the impact of the wind on your disc. Ultimately, you have to develop a form that is comfortable and repeatable for you. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. They have the potential to fly farther than any other type of disc but players must have the power and technique to make them fly as intended. Notably, a strong wind can help carry a disc a lot farther. Ideally, the apex of your reach-back should coincide with the point when your hips are most turned. /Johannes and Jonathan Might be good to also check out our \"how to throw a hyzer\"-video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnODAehuZBE\u0026t=2sConsider subscribing to the channel if you like what you see :) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEs4x4mXXpuRPTRfOkfwEkg?sub_confirmation=1_________________________________________Want some hyzer flip discs?https://store.latitude64.se/Want some of our sweet apperal? All about the 2023 Jonesboro Open disc golf tournament: how to watch, who won, event history, and more. When thrown at the correct speed, their flight characteristics mimic that of slower discs, ranging all over in stability. Weir also mentioned that sometimes fairway drivers can be good options when wind becomes an issue.A shorter shot, whether from the tee or the fairway, generally does not call for a driver to be used, Weir said. Using discs specifically designed for disc golf is important to enjoying the sport and improving your scores.But what sorts of discs existand when and how should you use all of them? Lots of players seem to forget just how important a follow through is. There are 2 main things you want to keep in mind when throwing a hyzerflip. Throwing heavy discs can be useful, especially if you need to cut through some stronger winds. The main way to drive farther is by improving your technique. Practice this position in the mirror so that you can easily see how your body is positioned. Libraries don't just lend out books, and some have started helping people try out disc golf at no cost. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. If you see your disc falling short on every throw it might be time to switch to a higher glide driver. A successful x-step approach means that you now understand how to be consistent, how to open up your hips and get a full rotation while throwing. and flight ratings because its very important. If you routinely suffer from early releases and/or grip locks on your drives, then you are likely rounding your arm. For many players, especially beginners, they recommended steering clear of distance drivers altogether and instead using a midrange or fairway driver until their arms and forms could harness both power and control. I've been . Libraries Let Locals "Check Out" Disc Golf. The world record drive disc thrown by David Wiggins Jr. was a Boss by Innova Discs. The great thing about understable drivers is that they will fly as overstable even if you cant get the correct speed. As in many sports like baseball or ball golf, the true power of a disc golf throw comes from your legs and hips. However, when players feel more comfortable with the flight characteristics of a driver, or there is a lot of wind, they may rely on a driver for control. A few bonus tips for avoiding injury: Focus on timing, not on power. Speed, which is largely governed by shape, is the only thing that truly separates discs into the categories we explore in this series, with putters having the slowest speed numbers and distance drivers the highest.Discs are made to follow their intended flight paths when thrown at specific speeds. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. This is because as the disc moves forward, there is a greater distance between the disc and the ground so the disc will travel a greater distance before landing. Drivers go farther than other discs because of their design. Keep a nice relaxed grip but focus on the last split second you are holding the disc. The top-selling distance drivers at online retailer Infinite Discs in 2019 were the Innova Destroyer, the Discraft Zeus, and the Innova Wraith. Discs Explainedis a series that goes over the basic disc typesputters, midranges, fairway drivers, and distance driversand tells you their purposes, how best to throw them, and what situations to throw them in. The bigger test comes when your environment makes things difficult. GStar is a blend of Star that adds flexibility and even more grip. In disc golf, this whip effect creates more acceleration at the release point. As your lower body loads up togenerate the power,your upper body must also be doing its part. Well I hope you learned something here today that can help you improve your distance. DG Max Wax Wants To Help Disc Golfers Get A Grip. A fairway driver is the next progression for distance after a midrange, but for some the fairway driver is (or should be) the final progression. For in depth information on how to throw the different driving styles and the footwork needed, I strongly recommend heading over to my How To Throw guide. Calvin Heimburg uses his trustyChampion Eaglefor many of his drives, and thats only a 7-speed fairway driver. If you want to learn more about discs, check out mygear recommendations. You need to find a grip that works for you, have a comfortable approach and footwork, nice consistent release, followed by a smooth follow through. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Throw-a-Golf-Disc-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Throw-a-Golf-Disc-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Throw-a-Golf-Disc-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1354211-v4-728px-Throw-a-Golf-Disc-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"