Choosing the best throwing style in Disc Golf

Let's say you are interested in learning to play Disc Golf. It's not surprising since it is one of the fastest growing outdoor sports in the nation. If you've ever been to a Disc Golf Course you might have seen people throwing the disc's many different ways other than the backhand approach you probably know from throwing a Frisbee. I'm going to explain some of the typical throwing styles so you can decide which will work for you.

To understand the different throws I first need to explain a little about how the disc's fly. When you throw a disc, it spins either clockwise or counter clockwise. The direction of the spin will make the disc drift to the right or to the left. That is called the 'hyzer', or natural fade. For explanation purposes lets assume that all of the throws are using the right hand. The four basic throwing types are the Backhand, Forehand, Thumber and Tomahawk. 

The Backhand throw is the most common seen, and the one that most beginners struggle the most with. This is done by wrapping your fingers under the lip of the disc, and placing your thumb on top of the disc. You bring the disc across and behind your body with the right arm, then whip your arm around and release the disc toward the basket. When you throw the backhand it will spin with a clock wise motion, and will fade to the left after flying straight for the majority of the flight. If you are trying to get around a corner to the left, the Backhand is a good throw choice.

The Forehand throw, or pistol throw starts with your palm facing up, the lip of the disc facing down, and one or two of your fingers under the inside lip and your thumb on top of the disc. This throw is almost like using a whip. Start with the disc behind your body with your right arm extended. Keeping the disc flat, bring your arm forward and whip your wrist as you release toward the basket. The counter clockwise spin will make the disc turn to the right.

The Thumber and the Tomahawk are both overhand throws. The motion is similar to throwing a baseball 

from the outfield to home plate. The Thumber starts with the disc held by the thumb and fore finger vertically in the hand (think throwing knife if you can't picture it). The bottom of the disc is facing toward your head. Raise the disc like a baseball and throw forward at a 35-40 degree loft. The disc will corkscrew left, then come back right. The Tomahawk is just the disc held with the top of the disc facing toward you. The Tomahawk will corkscrew right first, then come back to the left. These shots are perfect for going over trees or obstacles that going around would be dangerous.