Disc Golf for Dummies: Part I

 The first type and simplest technique of throwing is just to throw it straight, which is probably what most people assume all it is: releasing the disc and having the flight of the disc have little to no change in direction or angle, in simpler terms, throwing on a straight line. This type of throw is one that many pros execute on a routine basis with great consistency. Many of the courses designed for amateurs require short straight throws of 300 feet or less. for me, I personally prefer to throw very neutral discs for straight throws of this kind; a neutral disc could either be a mid-range disc or a putter, whichever you prefer.

    There are a few different techniques in throwing a straight disc, it can depend on the putter and also the form in which you throw. There are three different types of throws, backhand, sidearm, and tomahawk. Tomahawk throws can be on of the most trickiest of throws to get into a straight line, because discs tend to curve and change direction when thrown at an obscure angle. For a backhand throw, the run up is something that tends to throw people off when they miss throwing straight shots. The key to any good run up is to start slow, establish your momentum and balance, and to keep your body on a line to release the disc straight in front of you. If you find your feet moving fast and feeling like you’re starting a sprint with your run up, you are robbing yourself of power and accuracy. Faster run ups are not more powerful for 90% of players. Until your balance and timing to use that extra momentum is perfected a moderate or slow pace in your run up will be much more beneficial.