The Forehand, Sidearm or Flick Shot

Although I prefer the backhand for driving for distance, accuracy and injury prevention; the flick shot has it’s place in disc-golf. Mostly I believe it should be used in situations where a tight, subtle anhyzer backhand just isn’t as practical as a forehand shot, such as long tunnel shots with an opposite fade or dog-leg at the end or if you have a short, tight dog-leg shot. That being said, I had a terrible time throwing a good backhand the first decade I played disc-golf and relied entirely upon my sidearm and MOST new players I see on the course do as well. Regardless of your reason for wanting to use a forehand shot, I’ve compiled what I could to help you get the most out of yours. Remember, with any shot you want to generate as much spin as possible on your throw by snapping the disc. Get more snap and you get better spin which gets you better shots.

Once again, Mark Ellis and Discraft produced a very high quality piece that gives excellent pointers on mastering your game. Here Mark breaks down the crucial steps to maximize your forehand shot.

 

This shows a more traditional grip that can be used. Not the best of videos but it quickly explains the technique. The moderator here describes using a “peace sign” style grip that helps keep the “wing” of the disc level (the edge of the disc opposite of your grip) but I would personally recommend you simply stack one finger on top of the other.

Now that you have watched these videos I’d like to point out a few things I’ve learned about the sidearm throw over the years. Most importantly, to avoid injury to the elbow and shoulder try to keep the bending of your elbow to a minimum. I used to actually try to tuck my elbow into my side when using this throw and I suffered strained tendons, pain and shoulder problems nearly every time I played. The problem is that the more you use your arm to make this throw the more strain is put on your elbow when your release the disc. I’m not alone with this either. I’ve seen several people in just the last year rupture tendons, damage cartilage and cause themselves serious injury making this mistake with their forehand throw.

Then the issue of creating snap also comes into play. It is your WRIST that generates snap and spin on a forehand drive, not your arm. Think back to your high school science class. Do you remember the basic engineering concept of the lever? Less bending of the elbow brings more of your entire body into the equation with the wrist as the fulcrum. I promise you, the straighter you manage to keep your arm when flicking the disc will vastly impact how much snap you are able to generate on your throw. I had a personal increase of at least 40% on my distance just changing this one thing in my technique. Not to mention, I haven’t had one single instant were I was in pain from straining my elbow or shoulder.

Remember that only by practicing will you see any improvement in your game. I recommend frequently skipping out on playing a whole round and instead grabbing every disc you have and going out in an open area with a friend (or alone) and just working on your form without the pressure that keeping score adds. This also allows you the freedom to put everything into your shots without the fear of a terrible score and fully understanding how to throw those discs.

May your putts be true and your drives be huge, my friends. Now get out on that course and play some disc-golf!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

No related posts.

Tagged with: • • • • •

Filed under: Disc Golf Tips

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!