How to Throw a Disc Golf Disc: Complete Technique Guide
Quick Comparison
| Product | Speed↑ | Glide↑ | Turn↑ | Fade↑ | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Innova DX Aviar | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | Learning proper putting form with consistent flight | Check Price |
 Innova Mako3 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | The straightest flight possible with maximum glide | Check Price |
 Innova DX Leopard | 6 | 5 | -2 | 1 | Your first fairway driver with controllable distance | Check Price |
Innova DX Aviar
Learning proper putting form with consistent flight
Check Price on Amazon
Innova Mako3
The straightest flight possible with maximum glide
Check Price on Amazon
Innova DX Leopard
Your first fairway driver with controllable distance
Check Price on AmazonLearning to throw a disc golf disc properly is the foundation of the entire sport. Unlike casual frisbee throwing, disc golf requires specific technique to generate power, accuracy, and consistency. This guide covers everything you need to know about throwing technique.
The Backhand Throw: Foundation of Disc Golf
The backhand is the most common and versatile throw in disc golf. Master this first before moving on to forehands and specialty throws.
Step 1: The Grip
Use a firm power grip with all four fingers curled under the rim and your thumb pressing down on top of the flight plate. The disc should feel secure but your wrist should remain relaxed.
- Fingers: All four fingers under the rim, pad of index finger on the inside rim
- Thumb: Pressed firmly on top, near the outer edge
- Pressure: Firm but not death-grip tight - you need wrist flexibility
A loose grip causes wobble and loss of control. A too-tight grip restricts wrist snap. Find the balance.
Step 2: Stance and Alignment
Position your body perpendicular to the target with feet shoulder-width apart. Your front foot should be slightly in front of your back foot - not on a straight line to the target.
- Feet: Shoulder-width apart, front foot slightly ahead
- Hips: Rotated slightly away from target at start
- Shoulders: Relaxed, not hunched
Step 3: The Reach Back
Reach the disc away from your body on a straight line. Don't round your arm behind your back - this is the most common mistake. Your arm should extend straight back from your chest, with the disc staying on a line toward your target.
- Keep the disc on a straight line from target to reach back
- Don't wrap the disc behind your body (rounding)
- Lead with your elbow, not your hand
Step 4: The Pull-Through
This is where power is generated. Pull the disc straight across your chest while rotating your hips toward the target. Think of cracking a whip - your hips open first, then shoulders, then arm.
- Hips rotate first, leading the motion
- Pull the disc in a straight line across your chest
- Elbow leads the motion, keeping disc close to body
- Weight shifts from back foot to front foot
Step 5: The Release and Follow-Through
Release the disc when your arm is extended toward the target. Your wrist should snap naturally as you let go. Continue your arm motion through the release - stopping abruptly kills distance and can cause injury.
- Release with arm extended toward target
- Let wrist snap naturally for spin
- Follow through completely - don't stop your arm
- Rotate on your heel after release
Common Mistakes
Rounding
The #1 mistake. If your disc wraps behind your body instead of staying on a straight line, you're rounding. This causes inconsistent release points and lost power. Fix: Keep your elbow up and imagine pulling the disc along a straight rail.
Nose-Up Release
If your discs stall out or fade too early, you're likely releasing nose-up. Fix: Tilt the outer edge of the disc slightly down in your grip and keep your wrist flat through the release.
All Arm, No Body
Power comes from your legs and core, not your arm. If you're muscling throws with just your arm, you'll plateau quickly and risk injury. Fix: Focus on hip rotation and weight transfer.
Recommended Discs for Learning
Practice with discs that provide honest feedback about your form. Understanding flight numbers helps you pick the right discs for learning:
Innova DX Aviar
Innova DX Aviar
Learning proper putting form with consistent flight
Best disc to learn putting technique. Neutral discs like this expose form problems rather than masking them.
Innova Mako3
Innova Mako3
The straightest flight possible with maximum glide
Reveals form flaws with honest flight. Neutral discs like this expose form problems rather than masking them.
Innova DX Leopard
Innova DX Leopard
Your first fairway driver with controllable distance
Perfect disc to learn driver technique. Neutral discs like this expose form problems rather than masking them.
Practice Drills
Standstill Throws
Before adding a run-up, master the throwing motion from a standstill. This isolates your upper body mechanics and builds muscle memory.
One-Step Drill
Add just one step before throwing. Focus on timing your weight transfer with your arm motion.
Mirror Practice
Practice your reach back and pull-through in front of a mirror without a disc. Check that you're not rounding and that your movements are smooth.
Final Thoughts
Throwing far is about technique, not strength. Focus on smooth, consistent mechanics before trying to add power. If you haven't already, check out our guide to the best beginner discs - the right disc makes learning proper form much easier. Film yourself throwing and compare to professional form. Most importantly, be patient - good throwing form takes months to develop.
Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Pine Tree Disc earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Learn more