How do I improve my throw?

[Matthew C]

I have recently, in the past few years, reacquianted myself to the wonderful world of disc golf.  I first played when I was much younger, back in the days when Adler Park was 18 holes.  I recreationally play at nearby courses and have seen many people throw much longer distances than I do.  I was wondering how I can increase the distance of my throw.  What is the proper technique to throwing a disc?  How do I grip it?  Things of that nature.  Any help would be very much appreciated.

[Jon Brakel]

I have recently, in the past few years, reacquianted myself to the wonderful world of disc golf.  I first played when I was much younger, back in the days when Adler Park was 18 holes.  I recreationally play at nearby courses and have seen many people throw much longer distances than I do.  I was wondering how I can increase the distance of my throw.  What is the proper technique to throwing a disc?  How do I grip it?  Things of that nature.  Any help would be very much appreciated.

It might help to explain how you throw now and how far you throw.

[D]

While I think you're post may be better suited for the PDGA forums. I must say it's difficult too get full instruction (in person examples) while posting there.

I am fascinated with proper technique (there is such a thing) and myself have been trying to make minor tweaks to my throw in order to gain more distance/accuracy.

Let's start with Jon's request.. Obviously you have atleast some knowledge of disc golf, since you've been playing for awhile (even if it isn't constantly) So..

What discs, and weight of the disc, are you trying to throw for distance?

Is it possible to accurately describe your throwing motion/technique?


Grip is important but I believe it is more a matter of preference. However, some grips may be better suited for your specific throwing technique. They might help fix problems with your pull line/disc angle, what have you..

Like I said, I just "re-did" my throwing style a little bit, tweaked a few things with my pull line, foot angle, and grip. I'm very confident with my mid-range game now (I was really a mess before) and I can throw 375-400 with more controll of the disc then I ever thought possible.

I did it gradually (it happened over a period of a few days, but I worked hard at it) simply beacuse it's better to change one thing at a time. This way other portions of your motion isn't disrupted by the drastic change of technique.

There are plenty of people who have been playing longer than I/know more than me, but when it comes to technique I think I have a good idea of right/wrong.

Adler is my home-course, I play there 90% of the time (If I'm not at Wildwood or Mundelein) If you want maybe we can toss a round in the near future and see what we can tweak..    

[Matthew C]

Well, I'm really not sure know how to describe my technique.  I have never really been told how to throw a disc golf disc before.  I have adapted my throwing from when I used to toss a frisbee.  Knowing that is prolly not the proper way, I lack any real reference to how to throw properly.  Some of my research has shown that I have a power grip.  I have a 4 to 5 step approach, can't say off the top of my head without being on the course.  I want to say that I have my back very slightly turned toward the basket.  I come around hard and fast, like I'm trying to put all power behind it.  I don't think I snap my wrist.  That's something that I really would like to know how to do properly.  I have a Valkyrie and a Firebird.  Not sure of the weights off the top of my head, I'll look into that.  However, I usually drive with my Cheetah because I feel most comfortable and it is the one that flies the straightest and farthest when I throw.  In my follow through, I think my arm ends up straight out to the right and I am facing the basket.  My throws don't go very far.  I usually get a three on the first hole at Adler.  I am sure there are some basic things I am doing wrong on my drives, but I have no clue what they are.  Well, I have a few small clues, but nothing concrete.  My brother got me to do the Bevier Blast with him and my dad last year.  We were all in the recreational division.  My brother came in third.  I was fourth or so.  If nothing else, I would love to beat my brother.  Nothing like a little sibling rivalry.

I am flattered that you would be willing to work with me and play a round sometime.  But I must warn you that, although I am athleticly minded and love sports, I am not very good at disc golf.  I have the softer plastic innova discs mostly.  I actually have my first disc golf disc from when I was in like fourth grade (late 80's early 90's).  It is bright orange, all beat up, but I will keep it.  Nostalgia.  Again, if you are willing to put up with bad disc golf, I am more than willing to learn from one much better than myself.  Would I be able to bring a friend who is also looking to improve their throw?

Another quick note, I have also noticed at times that I can throw just as far, if not farther (don't know for sure) when I stand in place and throw.  I really don't know what I might be doing differently, or the same, that maybe causing that.

[pat]

Play leagues at Bevier every Sunday morning and you will notice an improvement in your game fairly soon. You will find the people there will be happy to help you with your game if you ask (some even if you don't). $6 a week is cheap for what you will learn and you may even get some of the $ back.
Playing leagues is one of the best ways to see what other, in my case better, players do. Then go out and practice. Imitate what you saw them do. Try different grips, steps, angles of release, etc. until you find what works best for you.

[D]

Well.. just from what you have described I can pick out a few things that I know for a FACT are hurting your distance.

1. You're motive when going for distance should never be to "whing" your arm around as fast as possible. This is a common problem, that is often misunderstood. It may also force other portions of your pull-line and such to work against you. Thus being counterproductive.

2. Anyone who plays disc golf regularly will probably tell you that snap is key to controll and distance. The more spin you place on the disc (snap) the longer it will hold it's line.

3. When you stand and throw, and your going for distance, you are forced to use portions of your body to help launch and spin the disc. Such as waist rotation (power from the legs) and shoulder rotation. You may be lacking this when you go through your tee-off run-up, or whatever exactly you do. (This is why it's easier in person)

Anywas, don't be selfconcious about your disc golf game. Disc golf is not a game of perfect Noone picks up a disc and automatically can throw 400'. It takes patience, and a willingness to practice.

My main reason for willingness to help you is when I first begun playing, I played only forehand (sidearm) and while I am very athletic/athleticly minded, for some reason I just couldn't throw a backhand properly. I could throw a disc maybe 100 ft backhand if I got a good one off, but could throw sidearm 250-275.

After a week of hard work, crappy drives, and pain in my arm, I learned how to throw backhand. Disc golf in my eyes is a constant game of improvement, so no matter how good you are you're still learning/practicing, which is one of the reasons I love it.

Just wondering.. what is a normal score for you at Adler (all par 3s)

[CEValkyrie]

I agree with Pat. I sucked when I first started playing. The more you play with better players, the more you learn from them.

Here is a good link to the basics of throwing.
http://www.innovadiscs.com/downloads/ThrowingCharts.pdf

Practice makes perfect. If you are looking for distance, go out and buy a bunch of discs. Throw every day on a football field.

[SERG]

Matthew,

Here is another site to take a look at: Disc Golf Review.

It offers techniques, analysis, instructional articles, etc.

[Matthew C]

I was out throwing after work.  I went to Fairfield because it's close to my house and it's on my way home.  It was really windy, not an opportune time to examine my drive.  It was also wet and not too warm.  I never really got a good throw in.  It might have started off straight, but they ended up hooking or catching air and riding high.  They seemed they had a better distance still.  I was working on trying to whip my arm around.  I'm heading out tomorrow morning to throw a bit.  I was working a little on my putting as well.  I think I'll do a good deal of that tomorrow.  I hope that it's a little sunnier and maybe able to dry the grass a bit.

Honestly, I couldn't tell you what my average at Adler is.  I try to keep track, but I am usually playing with my wife and I have a bad memory because I am busy talking to her while we walk.  I have parred them all at some point, but not consistently.

I saw a few guys playing at Fairfield when I left.  I have seen them play before, I watched as they threw for the first two holes.  I didn't ask them questions, I didn't want to bother their game.  I was on my way out as well.  On the second hole, they both landed within 4 feet of the basket.  I was jealous.  The taller guy drives a orange Honda Element.  I have seen him at a few courses before and am just awed at his distance.

[CEValkyrie]

The taller guy drives a orange Honda Element.  I have seen him at a few courses before and am just awed at his distance.

That is Dave B. AKA "Brownie" He's a great guy & would probably have no problems with you asking questions.


I live about 1 mile from Fairfield. When baseball season is done, i'll meet you out there sometime.

[D]

That "Brownie" fella is a noodle-arm...  


 

[shawn]

Want to watch the smoothest player in this area....watch Serg..  He has some good form.  I will no longer give him advice...  

[Jon Brakel]

Bruce has been telling me for the last year or so that two of the keys to distance throwing are being loose and smooth. I am starting to feel it and I'm starting to see another 10 feet more in distance on my throws. Today I was feeling really loose at BG. I threw 10 drives on number 1 and was getting them about 10 feet short of the first basket guardian tree. I have never been within 30 feet of those trees before. Hopefully I won't forget what it felt like while I'm asleep tonight.  

[Bruce Brakel]

Bruce has been telling me for the last year or so that two of the keys to distance throwing are being loose and smooth. I am starting to feel it and I'm starting to see another 10 feet more in distance on my throws. Today I was feeling really loose at BG. I threw 10 drives on number 1 and was getting them about 10 feet short of the first basket guardian tree. I have never been within 30 feet of those trees before. Hopefully I won't forget what it felt like while I'm asleep tonight.

My driver's license says I'm 45 and weigh 220 pounds.  No athlete here.  It is not about athleticism so much as it is about learning the secret.

I increased my distance from 270 to 350 by reading Dave Dunipace's Distance Secrets and spending an afternoon with Shawn and Juliana.  This is what I understand but it is hard to communicate:

Throw strong and you will hurt yourself.  That is probably Todd's problem.  Loose and whippy is critical.  When you throw strong opposing muscle groups fight against each other and rob your hand of acceleration.

The disc leaves your hand at the speed your hand was moving at the moment of release.  This is just physics.  The movement you should mimic is like the snap of a rolled up towel where the tip of the towel is your throwing hand and the fat part of the towel is your hips.

Sit down on your butt on the ground with your legs together and straight in front of you and see how far you can throw.  Most people throw 1/3 to half their normal distance throwing like a paraplegic.  Your power comes from your hips and legs, not your arm.

Use the X-step and pull the disc in a straight line toward the target.  Reach way back, directly away from the target, and accelerate the disc in a straight line toward the target like a jet accelerating on a runway.  VrrroooOOOM!  Pull the disc across the chest nipple high leading with your elbow.  Keep the elbow up.

On my first throw at the Ace Place Open Sunday I threw it 50 feet to the right and 20 feet beyond the basket.  The sign said 353.  The unimpeachable Paul Jeffries is my witness.  When you get a four because you out drove the basket on a 350 foot hole you really feel like a kid again!

[Bruce Brakel]

I might add that throwing 350 I'm making half the effort I used to make throwing 270.  350 should be effortless.  450 might require effort but you can get to 350 just by throwing smooth and whippy.

You won't learn to throw distance by playing good courses.  If you cannot discipline yourself to practice at a football field, at least play a lot at Fairfield!

[D]

I once threw a disc 350, no lie

[D]

Forreal though, listen to Bruce he knows what hes talking about