Disc Golf Throwing Techniques

Disc golf, also known as frisbee golf, is similar to the game of golf. The hole that is used as a target in golf, is replaced by a basket in the game of disc golf. The objective of frisbee golf is to place the disc in the basket in the minimum possible number of throws. The game is played by people from all age groups.

Disc Golf Throwing Techniques
The different techniques used for throwing frisbees include the backhand, forehand and overhand. The backhand is the most commonly used technique.

Backhand
The backhand technique includes a series of steps used in throwing the frisbee. The technique is explained below.

Run-up
It is the first step in the process of throwing frisbees. In this step, the player gets into the position to throw. The body is positioned sideways, on the left, if the right hand is used to throw and vice versa.

Reach Back
In this step, the person rotates his hand backwards and gets ready to throw. The reach back helps generate power for the throw. When a player reaches back, care should be taken to keep the head steady.

Pull-through
The pull-through is the action of throwing the disc. The arm should be maintained parallel to the ground during a pull-through. The accuracy of the throw depends largely on how the arm moves through the air.

Follow-through
Though the frisbee is released from the hand during the pull-through, the follow-through too is an important step. The momentum of the pull-through action could break if the follow-through is not completed properly. The force applied on the disc is reduced if the momentum is broken.

Finish
This step in as important as any other step in throwing. During this step, the player tries to maintain the balance of the body. After the follow-through, there is a chance of the player losing his balance. To counter the forward force, the player swings his leg in a circular manner.

The above steps are a part of the 'driving' technique. For midrange throws and putts, the force applied in the throws should be reduced.

Midrange
For midrange throws, quickness, and finesse are required, more than just raw power. If too much force is applied in throwing, the frisbee may flip over. Thus, to reduce the force, the body rotation during a reach back should be minimized. Instead of aiming at the target directly, the disc should be thrown slightly to the right. The frisbee curls in mid-air to the left and reaches the target. It requires a lot of practice to master this technique of throwing.

Putting
It is difficult to master putts, however, with enough practice one should be able to putt accurately. The effect of air on the trajectory of the throw, should be considered during a putt. The frisbee is thrown either by holding it flat to the ground or in a 'nose down' position. During the release, the disc should be lofted up. Instead of applying muscle power in the throw, the technique of shifting weight should be used. While releasing the disc from the hands, the fingers should be used like a spring. This process resembles the action of throwing a dart.

Disc golf throwing techniques can be mastered over time through practice and a proper understanding of the game. One can first start with the simple game of frisbee.