Forehand Disc Selection Recommendations

[Whisker Biscuit]

This season I have accumulated many discs I won't be using anytime soon while I try and a find a disc that works for my very small girlfriend with a weak forehand. So far we have found the Archangel and the Roadrunner to be her best drivers. She can get the Buzz almost as far and her aim with a U2-Prostyle is deadly at best. What I am looking for is a disc that can help her throw farther. 150' - 200' is her current maximum range.

Some suggestions on technique would be welcome as well. My forehand is terrible and I have no good advice for her, even after reading articles and watching videos. She gave up the hop on her approach which has helped and tries to stay focused on the scoop/flick.

[mmmatt]

One thing I read in a recent magazine gave the advice of bending at the elbow, keeping the elbow in close to your side and moving the hip in sync with the elbow. It's generally all about practice. The style of finger position that I use is two fingers (index & middle) on the inside of the rim, and I use the ring finger as a kind of shelf to keep the disc in-line. I started forehand-ing with an S-curve driver (sidewinder), but I don't know if that's the easiest or not. Been playing for a year and a half and at least half of that has been forehanding only due to a shoulder injury.

[Texconsinite]

I throw primarily forehand, and my best word of advice is to watch videos of people throwing forehand (not neccesarily super-humans like avery jenkins or barry schultz, guys on youtube that can throw pretty well). Try searching for DG Aces on youtube, since those guys at least must have solid aim (and luck) , thats what helped me.

The way I hold the disc when I throw is with the middle finger on the inside of the rim, and the index finger to stabilize it. Thumb goes on top of disc, and ring finger and pinky curl up and just chill. The angle between my index and middle finger when they are on the underside of a disc is 90 degrees. Get as close to a right angle as you comfortably can. This will generally give you more control and stability than two fingers against the inside of the rim, with perhaps a little power (but a clean, controlled release will increase the distance as well as accuracy, so its all good)

Have her try throwing an aerobie arrow. It will go super-straight when thrown forearm. I crank on mine as hard as I can, and it wont turn over, but at the same time, a soft flick with not much spin will still go pretty straight.

If she's throwing a buzz almost as far as the much faster roadrunner and archangel, then shes probably not able to throw this faster discs even close to their design speeds, so they wont do what they are supposed to. Instead, if she throws some slower discs for awhile and learns to control them, then mover up the speed a bit. Hence the arrow: its a very slow disc so she should be able to handle now, but as she moves up in power and spin, it won't get flippy on her. It can help her practice accuracy, too, since it will go straight with a predictable little fade at the end.

I throw Wraiths forearm, but am just starting to learn backhand and dont have nearly the power or spin as I get with forearm yet, so the fastest/ most overstable thing I throw with my backhand is a Pro-D XL, so I've put myself on training wheels as I develop better technique and power.

[Amorybulldog]

Innova just announced that they are making the Panther in 135 weights in pink and purple just for women. Worth looking into. If you can't find any email me and I will see what I can do. Likely order a couple for my wife and daughters. I actually consider myself a "bigger" arm but look forward to throwing something that light. I don't throw much less than 175 regardless of disc. An older model disc that is great for women and kids to start on is the Ace. I think it runs around 150 gms. There are all kinds of discs in lighter wts now too.

Keith
ktel311@hotmail.com

[Mrbradyhas6]

I throw some mean side arm throws. I am teaching my wife how to throw. I have her using a Valkerie. Stay under the 165 range. The Valkerie is very easy side arm disc and easy to learn the back hand as well. I have her throuw both ways.

[chestercopperpot]

My wife & son both throw Avenger SS in the FLX plastic.. 168 grams. He's 6 and throws a wicked forehand laser that goes 60 ft. My wife throws in the 150 - 200 ft range with just a hint of turnover. For someone with a soft arm and not too much snap it's a great disc. I think it's rated as a .5 to the left.

[Texconsinite]

Generally, I think people who can throw sidearm and backhand find it easier to get a ton of snap, ie spin with the sidearm, (thats why they call it the flick in ultimate) so once they can get a clean release on it (not wobbly) with some decent spin, the spin should come pretty easily. Its like a forehand shot in racquetball, alot of wrist snap, keep it level. So once they get decent at it, they should be able to get it reasonably far without it fading out, due to spin. Good luck

[ERicJ]

Funny, I've been playing serious racquetball for 18 years and my forehand in disc golf is awful....

[mike_riewer]

I throw primarily sidearm also, I have found that using my champion discs (firebird and viking) fly the best using sidearm. I can hit 300' with a very short delivery putting maximum spin on the disc. I think it is all in the wrist. This shortens the delivery and increases the accuracy of the throw. Just keep the elbow close to the body and flick the forearm and wrist.

[petecarp]

Not to sound cliche but i really feel the sidearm/forehand throw is all in the hips. your legs and hip torque can create a lot of energy and power which results in less arm strain and fatigue. i personally keep an offset foot stance with my left foot out front to plant on and create maximum torque for a right handed thrower. i know that if my arm feels strained after i throw i wasnt throwing correctly and need to use my hips to bring my arm around. my personal view is it should never hurt to play sport, if it does youre doing it wrong, unless it is a previous injury.

petecarp

[DiscGolfJunkie]

Not trying to sound cocky but forehand is my money shot. Now to answer the question of best discs for flicking it comes down to the individual. Knowing what I know now, when I try to teach people how to throw forehands I always go overstable and I think it is best to start with a slower disc like a Banshee or Predator or something like that. You probably arent going to create enough disc speed at first so it's best to go with and overstable fairway driver. At first I would focus on working on keeping the disc level pulling it back then abruptly stopping your wrist and following through with a "flick" of your wrist. ******The flick is CRITICAL for distance******** so focus on getting the basics down first before cocking all the way back and letting it go.

For those that dont need tips.... I feel like there are two schools of people who throw forehands and for each I think different discs are necessary.
For myself... I am about a 400-430 feet consistently in distance but I try to get the disc low and zip it out there with a hard right finish. For this because I generate so much spin on the disc it is necessary to use a MAXIMUM overstable driver because it seems to me like forehands spin more so by spinning faster than designed they become stable in flight and fly very straight and finish with a hard right finish.

For others.... I notice that they will flick the disc and it travels out and sway to the right in the air, sway back left and finish right. Alot of people do this with alot of success but you need favorable wind conditions to do this.


As an pretty good player here is my bag of goodies....

175g Innova Max (3 in different ages of wear)
169 G Teerex
175 G Teerex
175 G Crush
175 G Flick
150 G Flick
175 G Banshee


Keyword OVERSTABLE

[disc-o maniac]

i only throw forehand and i use a 172 g DGA ROGUE its is equivalent to a sidearm wraith in terms of speed and slightly more understable than an orc.

[discinator]

I found that heavier, thicker rimmed drivers in champion or star type plastics are easier to learn on. I learned the sidearm with champ Valk., which I still use. As you get better, you can go with something more stable. I use a Teerex for long straight shots that I want to fade right( I'm a righty), the Valkyrie for low straight up the gut shots, and a sidewinder for turnover shots.

I tried a lot of discs at first, but it wasn't until I got a heavier disc that I learned to snap it out there. Now it's not an issue i can pretty much throw any of them.

[Rbuzz9]

i'm a baseball player that had to develop a sidearm / 3/4 arm to continue playing OF after i sustained a hockey injury which ended my pitching career. my forehand (LH) is a little inconsistent - i either can throw a 400' bomb or it's a 200' wormburner right that might roll. When i finally read up on the whole stability thing - i saw how i used to just pull everything right after a while so i figured i needed a more overstable disc - so i got a 171 Flick - it's the most overstable disc - way more than i needed - i usually need to throw it with some anhyser and sometimes ¾ arm angle since it just fades fast if it loses speed, Not a beginner disc. I'm now trying to develop way to throw with nose down - if there's any nose up it just goes real high and left.
I bought a firebird thinking it's a little slower and a bit more understable than the Flick - but i think i'm throwing it as hard as the Flick and it just goes right and not very far. Need to cut the power down a little. I think it requires a touch of hyzer. I sometimes experiment with my Orc/ Flash /Surge (all 171-172g ) but throw with some hyzer - they can really take off - get huge s curves and get some huge distance - the problem is i feel that throwing a hyzer when throwing sidearm feels fairly unnatural and seems "all arm" compared to what i could get when throwing pure sidearm. I like the distance i can get with the Flick - but it seems very unforgiving -- when i get it right its unbelievable- so i know i can get it right - ill need to work with it more to get some consistancy - i feel i can overpower the firebird if i throw it flat - what could be a happy medium - faster than firebird but less stable than the flick? could a 150 flick be a feasible option? Any other suggestions?
luckily i've also been working on my BH a bunch and the gap is closing - slowly but surely - i like having the option of both types of drives seems like a huge advantage

[DannyM]

Rbuzz.....disc selection is probably the hardest advice since everyone has different throwing styles, but here is a suggestion...a Destroyer. Definately one of the fastest discs on the market, not nearly as stable as the flick. Try getting a 175g. That way it will be just slightly more stable. I've been trying to find the right "fit" for myself as far as forehand discs are concerned, and have not found anything that will throw as far as the destroyer. When I throw forehand I typically throw flat/level and let the disc do the turning.I have only thrown in the "star" plastic, so not sure how it would handle in anything else, but have really been happiest with the destroyer over all the discs I've tried over the years.

[Nickwells]

I have to agree, the destroyer is probably the best sidearm disc out there... but it's no good if you don't have much experience or the arm to crank it.

I'd suggest an Avenger SS in the 150 class if you're starting out.

[t i m]

I've been throwing sidearm since I was a kid, and it's still my goto throw for distance. With open space to work with, 400'+ is possible with pretty high consistency, especially if you make intelligent use of whatever wind is available.

For pure maximum distance, I agree that it's hard to outdrive a destroyer. I keep two Star plastic, 167-169 Destroyers in my bag for max-D shots (forehand and backhand). However, I throw sidearm with every disc in my bag -- mids, putters, all drivers, etc. With practice, you should be able to flick your putter flat 200-250' with pretty high consistency.

The caveat to the Destroyer is that it is squirrellier than a lot of other discs, so it's hard to know where your max-D shot will land. For consistency, something a notch slower -- like a wraith, orc or valkyrie -- is preferably for most shots.

Most people use too much arm or roll their wrist as they throw, and this produces a tendency to flip the disc over early or burn it into the ground. Other common practices are to follow through too high and the disc stalls out nose up.

Keep a nice, flat throw, elbow close to the body, hard snap -- similar to the motion of popping a towel at someone -- and just get some field practice working on different lines.

My favorite disc for flick shots is a Champion/CE/Proline Firebird, somewhere in the 160s. Both the F (FX) and FL molds work very well. The Firebird is incredibly consistent and the spike-flick shot is unbelievably predictable for shots inside 250', and the low, skip-flick is unbeatable for getting around corners, as long as the ground is accommodating to the skip.

If I was recommending a practice regimen, I'd suggest playing several rounds of golf where you keep two simultaneous scores on every hole -- one for your backhand and one for your forehand. Place duplicates of every disc in your bag and throw the same disc with each hand throughout the hole. For putts, use this as a chance to practice flick putts and Turbo putts, since you'll need both shots someday in the woods. Keep separate FH/BH scores and see how they compare at the end of the round.

I started by throwing all flicks, so playing with two scores is how I learned to throw a BH -- it forced a lot of shots I would have never tried otherwise, and was of immense help in improving my overall game.

[Rbuzz9]

Thanks for the advice - i think i'll check out the Destroyer - if nothing else would be another good forearm disc to practice with - i know the rim is wide - is the disc shallow or deeper than the flick? i can barely cram just over half of my middlefinger onto the inside of the flick - i'd like a little deeper rim - but i know we're talking about highspeed stuff and with that there's a limit to how deep they can go. -is there a limit on how shallow a disc can be?

[jedwards]

Try the Teerex. I can't throw it backhand to save my life. I rarely throw forehand but tried it with the Teerex and was amazed at the distance I was pulling off.

[johnt1969]

A question for all you guys who throw good forhands. I've never been able to master the shot. Sometimes I throw an acceptable one, for me, and the other times they're complete garbage.

So... assuming I'm standing on the tee. Wide open shot. How should my feet be positioned? Elbow? Disc position in hand? Fingers on rim? etc etc.

[jedwards]

Probably the best way is to watch this video -- hope it helps:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOECjLjhiTI

[johnt1969]

Probably the best way is to watch this video -- hope it helps:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOECjLjhiTI

I just started watching it and I have two comments.

- The music reminds me of a 70's porn. Not that I have ever seen a 70's porn:rolleyes:
- I still can't believe Mark Ellis is the guy who teaches all this stuff. I remember when he started. He was really bad. But it sure looks like he has some game now.

[Rbuzz9]

ill be sure to see what i do when i toss sidearm next - it's certainly a more deliberate "windup" / throw than say tossing a baseball sidearm. i usually just take a few steps - but i really havent tried any sort of aggressive run up. im used to baseball where you only take a step or two before you throw sidearm or overhand. Is there an "x step" type move for forehands out there?

[discinator]

You can kinda throw in a small x step like some of the guys in the video, but I really only use it when I have a lot of room play with. I am a little more erratic when I start moving too much. The courses I play are pretty narrow, so I tend to just use a one step approach.

[brokenfixed]

I sorta describe the motion to skipping a rock. When youre skipping a rock youre snapping at the side of your body and a bit lower down. Ive taught 2 people this so far and it worked instantly as soon as i said "skip a rock" BAM dudes can throw sidearm now

[High Flyer]

ill be sure to see what i do when i toss sidearm next - it's certainly a more deliberate "windup" / throw than say tossing a baseball sidearm. i usually just take a few steps - but i really havent tried any sort of aggressive run up. im used to baseball where you only take a step or two before you throw sidearm or overhand. Is there an "x step" type move for forehands out there?

I started using the x-step on forehands a couple months ago, and it added about 50 feet to my distance drive. Also, where the x-step is more of a full body motion, it really took the stress off my arm and shoulder, but at the same time started working my butt and hips.

If you're right handed, just put your right foot behind your left before you pivot to release. Keep your steps small and simple to start, ie don't overstep. I find using the whole body helps to concentrate more on your aim and less on getting power.

[jedwards]

- The music reminds me of a 70's porn. Not that I have ever seen a 70's porn:rolleyes:
- I still can't believe Mark Ellis is the guy who teaches all this stuff.

LOL -- Maybe they let Mark Ellis pick the music. He looks like he's pretty familiar with 70's porn.:D

[sidewinding]

This season I have accumulated many discs I won't be using anytime soon while I try and a find a disc that works for my very small girlfriend with a weak forehand. So far we have found the Archangel and the Roadrunner to be her best drivers. She can get the Buzz almost as far and her aim with a U2-Prostyle is deadly at best. What I am looking for is a disc that can help her throw farther. 150' - 200' is her current maximum range.

Some suggestions on technique would be welcome as well. My forehand is terrible and I have no good advice for her, even after reading articles and watching videos. She gave up the hop on her approach which has helped and tries to stay focused on the scoop/flick.

First of all let me say, I wish I had a very small girlfriend to play DG with.

Try the T-Bone ultralight. Has more glide than any driver out there. Is stable but with almost no fade. Great for cute little disc golfers. Mine lands in the same area as my 175 Champ destroyer when I air it out, but is also great for approaching and putting.

[t i m]

ill be sure to see what i do when i toss sidearm next - it's certainly a more deliberate "windup" / throw than say tossing a baseball sidearm. i usually just take a few steps - but i really havent tried any sort of aggressive run up. im used to baseball where you only take a step or two before you throw sidearm or overhand. Is there an "x step" type move for forehands out there?

I put forehands out ~400' with decent consistency, and when there is the teepad available, I do a full run-up, using whatever space there is on the teepad. I throw, kind-of mid-run, and my follow-through from the forward momentum usually ends up leaving me ~20' in front and a little left of the teepad. I often am surprised when I turn around after a big drive, look back, and realize how far I've gone since the teebox.

For me, the run-up and follow through helps keep joint stress to a minimum, and seems to get pretty good distance. I don't have video, but if I ever do get some, I'll put it up...

[johnt1969]

I put forehands out ~400' with decent consistency, .

For you guys that throw them out there pretty far. What is the distance compared with your backhand shot? How about accuracy compared to the backhand?

[High Flyer]

For you guys that throw them out there pretty far. What is the distance compared with your backhand shot? How about accuracy compared to the backhand?

I get about 50 feet more on my forehand than backhand. I don't think aiming is a big issue for my forehand shot as much as getting the right trajectory (often too high or low).

On the other hand, forehand is mostly a driving throw for me. Anything under 200 feet, I'll usually go backhand, even if I'm curving right.

[JHern]

I like the star Wraith as a forehand disc, though any of the wide rim overstable drivers mentioned above can work fine in my experience. Don't use an under-stable disc except for forehand roller shots.

The key to the forehand shot is getting your wrist flicking the disc forward faster than the forward motion of your arm just before a clean flat release. Your middle and index fingers on the inside rim provide the leverage that allows your wrist to both propel and spin the disc forward, so try and get both of them on the rim to begin. All good forehand throwers I've seen have their wrists cocking back as the forward arm motion begins from the backswing, like the loading of a spring, and then a powerful unloading forward snap just before release.

I don't think the snapping of a towel is a good analogy...indeed, some pros use this terminology in a derogatory way to describe the way backhand dominant beginners and amateurs throw the forehand. I've heard all sorts of advice on the forehand, and I'm still working on improving myself. I can throw accurately up to about 250 ft...longer shots have a lot of scatter. Here are some tidbits I've found helpful...

- Get the forward wrist snap, and don't throw your arm forward faster than your wrist can accommodate...you'll need to build up wrist strength, for a special kind of wrist motion, before you get over the hump and can throw at your arm's full potential.

- Use your back foot to propel your torso forward and turn your hips as you step onto your plant foot (plant foot is opposite side foot as your throwing hand) and have your hips, chest, and head facing forward in the direction you want to throw the disc when you release it. Your arm should be coming forward in sync with the hip rotation.

- Take a good backswing, it never hurts, and can help you to aim better by orienting and controlling the forward motion of the disc while it is still in your hands.

- Don't over bend your arm at the elbow, but do let it also bend like the wrist and allow the elbow to slightly lead the forward motion of your arm, passing forward past your throwing side hip just slightly ahead of the wrist, which is also cocked at this point and slightly ahead of the disc.

- The wrist snap and release needs to be smooth, don't jerk it or stop the forward motion of your arm (this is why the towel snap fails as a good analogy). If you want to begin throwing more powerful shots, you should have a good follow through to carry your momentum and your arm around after release.

When I throw a forehand properly, there is a lot of wear-and-tear on the thumbward-side of my upper index finger from the disc ripping out of the crease. This is especially true of DX-like grippy plastics. This extra friction actually slows the disc down a bit too, and causes some flutter in extreme cases. My solution is to use star plastic, after I've carefully filed down the little sharp plastic knife edge ring around the rim from the plastic pressing out of the mold form upon manufacture...I recommend everyone do this anyways, forehand too.

[High Flyer]

You know, I hear all this about keeping your elbow in, snapping your wrist, two fingers under the disc, it just doesn't work for me.

If you do the x-step, and really get your body into it, the spin comes pretty naturally with just your pointer finger under the rim. On the other hand, that grip doesn't do well sidarming some of my favorite wide rimmed discs (ie Roc and Shark).

Half the reason you can get more power on a side arm isn't the arm muscles you're using, it's because you're pivoting off the opposite foot, and getting a longer radius for rotation (ie with the same rotational velocity of a backhand, you're getting more linear velocity with a wider circle). Kind of like dunking a basketball, if you're right handed, you jump off your left foot so you can reach further.

Do the x-step, get your body into it, and with all that centrifugal force on your arm, you might find your elbow naturally straightens, and your arm naturally goes perpendicular to your body. And on the topic of centrifugal force, I don't know if it's "proper technique," but you can even lean into the shot, creating a nice set up for an anhyzer, s-curve, or even a roller.

It's all very fascinating to me, and again, I'm just saying what works for me, and by no means trying to claim "propriety."

[Rbuzz9]

Just purchased a 171g Star Destroyer online - should arrive tomorrow!

[t i m]

For you guys that throw them out there pretty far. What is the distance compared with your backhand shot? How about accuracy compared to the backhand?

My accuracy with my forehand is better than my accuracy with my backhand, but I've thrown forehands longer and have thrown a lot more of them, so that is a matter of practice I think, more than anything. As for distance, it really depends on the line. On the course, I try to throw whatever shot the hole demands of me, or whatever shot has the best risk/reward potential, and wind speed/direction also factors in.

Flat ground, open field, zero wind, my forehand is probably about 40' farther on average than my backhands, and with better consistency. Max-distance forehands will land in the 380-420' range in those conditions; backhands will be in the 340-380' range, unless I get a big helix just perfect, in which case I can get that magic 400'+ RHBH, but the consistency is so poor it's useless in my golf game and would only be attempted on the practice field.

The fun part was at an A-tier this weekend (taking my first pro cash, whoop!), I was frequently outdriving the pros I was playing with for "golf distance". Pretty much any of them could outdrive me in field, but that's not worth much if they don't lace the drive down the fairway. One little branch and a big-arm's 450'+ of distance becomes 250' and in the rough.

I also got my longest deuce ever this weekend off back-to-back flicks: 675' on Tony's Valley at Paw Paw (http://www.westvirginiachampionships.com/map/P/posthole14.htm). Flicked a 167g Star Destroyer ~480' on a helix to the others side of the valley and flicked a 175g Star Firebird on a spike-hyzer ~200' uphill and it drove straight into the chains and stuck. Whoop!

[Rbuzz9]

i was just out tossing my new Destroyer and other various discs at the nearby field. I think i just accidentally discovered how to throw a forehand "FLICK" drive. Its impressive how you can get so much distance from a fairly effortless throw. At the field there were too many people around the other day so i pretty much had the outfield of a softball field to work with and would throw across it - and go back and forth mostly backhand - then i was flicking all of my discs with slight anhyzers and they seemed to be going a mile - much further than any backhand at full power. So when i finally had room i tried this flicking technique with my Firebird, Destroyer ,Flick and even a Rogue was throwing some impressive drives. They were all under control and all had a nice helix to them. - i really like the Destroyer - gets A lot more glide than my Flick
I still want to find a way to throw more traditional forehand -and get my whole body into it w/out turning the discs over everytime- i suspect i should focus on keeping the disc more stable and with an anhyzer upon release.

[SunIsBlue15]

So I primarily throw RHBH, but my friend only throw RHFH. Because I play with him a lot, it makes it very clear that it would be very advantageous to be able to throw FH and BH decently. So I read through this thread to get a good idea of what disc to throw and how to go about getting better. I don't want to go back through the thread, but someone mentioned throwing a round where you throw BH and FH, and then compare the scores. I tested that strategy out today and it really does help. I was able to really see the advantage / disadvantage of a certain shot if I was forcing myself to throw one style or the other. Anyway, the point of this post is just to say thanks to whoever posted that idea because I think it really has, and will, help me a lot.

[Rbuzz9]

i'll have to try the FH & BH only rounds - there's definitely a huge advantage to be able to throw a decent FH and BH. Most people are BH dominant - but if they all learned even an ok FH it gives a whole new set of options for difficult shots.

[JHern]

I strongly agree with learning and using both the FH and BH to get a balanced game. I think everyone can learn to do both, it just takes practice. I've been practicing my RHFH throws over the past few weeks (I usually throw a highly accurate 200-250 ft RHBH on many different lines, but have trouble adding distance RHBH without losing lots of accuracy). I've gained ~80 ft and a ton of accuracy with the forehand (I've been practice throwing across a seldom used but nicely kept soccer field aiming at the goal on the other side). Most of this has come from simply relaxing a bit and not over-powering it as much. My walk up and footwork are not so different from the bowling I used to do before my ex-girlfriend lost my balls. I also grew up playing baseball, and I can generate a ton of arm speed even side arm, but I won't be able to use all of this power until I condition my wrist to be able to push the disc forward faster than my arm during the wrist snap. When I can do that, I look forward to throwing 350-400 ft (I'm rapidly going up through the 300 ft mark now), and I'll probably end up being a RHFH dominant driver on longer holes and then a RHBH dominant mid-range/approach thrower but with a backhand option everywhere.

Yesterday I went to a local course that is incredibly overgrown and tough even on short holes. The forehand/backhand option got me several birdies and many pars where I had only bogeyed previously! I also experimented with throwing my sidewinders FH with a bit of hyzer angle and it was nice seeing them flip flat and do huge S-turns. This is going to be a blast!

[High Flyer]

Yesterday I went to a local course that is incredibly overgrown and tough even on short holes. The forehand/backhand option got me several birdies and many pars where I had only bogeyed previously! I also experimented with throwing my sidewinders FH with a bit of hyzer angle and it was nice seeing them flip flat and do huge S-turns. This is going to be a blast!

I think that's the best thing about this game, you learn something new, add something to your arsenal, try a different strategy, your game continues to evolve and it's a lot of fun.

[PhattD]

I have never been good at the forehand. Most of the people I see that use it for distance don't really have much of a backhand. It seems that , for everyone but me, that the forehand is easier to learn but that the backhand will get you more distance once you learn it. Case in point at our end of summer league party we had a long drive contest.
Novice winner threw 340'
Intermediate winner threw 390'
Advanced winner threw 450'
Not one person threw forehand out 50 people.

[dobbins66]

I throw primarily forehand(occasional thumbers) and have been for the 4 years I have been playing. Started playing at 38 and am now 42 (Wish I'd started a lot younger)!

Some of the more consistent discs (for me) are:
Teebird : Very consistent for multiple shots - One of the best to learn with
Banshee : Very underrated disc, Great for hitting narrow fairways, Another good disc for beginning FH.
Firebird : Extremely Predictable and great disc for windy days
Max : A Longer Firebird that's even better in the wind
Whippet : A Great all round disc, Don't recommend it for beginners! Crazy flight paths are possible.
Destroyer : Longest FH Disc I've found, 375+
XCaliber : Doesn't glide like the Destroyer but better in wind

I throw with one finger laying inside the rim of the disc, I feel the single release point keeps things from being too complicated. For the first 2 years I played I used no run up. I stood on the front of the Teepad, shifted weight back and threw. I was getting over 325 out of Wraiths. I now use a small (and slow) two step approach on holes over 300' but still throw shorter holes and approaches standing still. The standstill approach taught me to learn the disc, the grip and the release without worrying about whether my footwork was causing the problem. Pay attention to the disc and the flight path and learn to take advantage of the flight path to get extra distance. Teebirds & Destroyers are great S-turn disc while Firebirds & Maxs are better for straight line distance. I'm not a great disc golfer but what success I have comes because of my Forehand.

[treethacker]

I have been throwing forehand for about three weeks now cause backhand was tearing up my knees.
I am using a teebird 150,low weight but works for me.
Right now I throw the disc by wedging it between my thumb and forefinger,my forefinger is curled under the disc so that it rest on it and the thumb rest on top. when I try to throw it with my forefinger under the rim my finger grabs the rim when I try and release.
Any suggestions on how to fix this problem?

[swellerdiscgolf]

I'VE BEEN THROWING SIDEARM SINCE I STARTED 2 YEARS AGO AND AM JUST NOW GETTING IT TO GO PERFECTLY STRAIGHT AT ABOUT 300'. I STARTED WITH A SIDEWINDER, AND WENT UP TO A TL AND NOW A DESTROYER. MEDIUM WEIGHT DISCS SHOULD BE GOOD BECAUSE YOU CAN GET A LOT OF SNAP/SPIN ON THE DISCS WITH SIDEARM THROW. THE LIGHTER THE DISC THE MORE IT WOULD FLIP OVER ON ME. ONE THING I NOTICED ABOUT MY THROW IS I HAVE TO GET REALLY LOW TO THE GROUND, BY DROPING MY RIGHT SHOULDER AND ALMOST SCRAPING MY KNUCKLES, THIS HELPS ME TO KEEP THE DISC LEVEL THROUGH MY ENTIRE MOTION. WHEN I STAND UP MORE I EITHER THROW IT INTO THE GROUND OR WAY OFF TO THE LEFT. SO IN SUMMARY......DROP THE SHOULDER AND TRY MID WEIGHT SIDEWINDERS. GOOD LUCK

[bbiehn]

Discraft Crush for me

[jgumby]

Crush works for me too. I'd like to get to the point of using a Flick, but in heavier weights, it's a tough disc to master.

Started out using a Champion Firebird and had really good luck, but since my backhand has improved, I've had to change again.

Love the sport, and the exercise that goes with it.

[swarren1977]

I started with a Valkeryie then moved up to an Orc and have finally settled on the Destroyer as my go to sidearm disc. I find the wider rim fits better in my hand. Lately I've been experimenting with the new Boss (so far, so good). I also prefer the upper 160 range. Not too light and not too heavy.

[jgumby]

What color is your crush?

[sidewinder22]

I only drive sidearm, I feel like my thumb dislocates driving backhand and hurts like hell. I only use a run-up when I really need the extra distance on drives over 400'. For better accuracy I typically use a baseball stance and throwing motion but keep my throwing should low to the ground. I get a lot of torque from shifting weight across the hips and follow through. I vary shoulder height and disc angle depending on the shot and disc. I use two fingers on the inside of the rim and a third on the bottom of the rim with my thumb about 90 degree on top. I would say the champion banshee 172g is the best disc to learn sidearm. My star wraith 170g is my longest disc over 400' sidearm on a flat drive with a run-up. I can't drive anything under 160g with any power because it just turns right over and usually rolls. I prefer stable to overstable discs for straight and hyzer shots. Understable discs tend to turn over and roll with power, unless I put a lot of hyzer on it, then it will flatten out and anhyzer. Understable discs will do a nice helix with less power and standing more upright.
Best for straight/right : Star Wraith 170g, Champ Banshee 172g, Champ Orc 169g, Champ Firebird 168g,
Best for left: DX Cheetah 166g, Star TL 167g, Star Leopard 175g, Star Wraith 170g

I'm having trouble finding a good sidearm approach disc. Any suggestions? I starting to get used to the Star Cro 170g, which is pretty good under 100', but turns over with any power. I often use my Star TL 167g for longer approaches. I prefer discs with a wide rim, but most midrange/approach discs have tiny rims.

[swellerdiscgolf]

I'm having trouble finding a good sidearm approach disc. Any suggestions? I starting to get used to the Star Cro 170g, which is pretty good under 100', but turns over with any power. I often use my Star TL 167g for longer approaches. I prefer discs with a wide rim, but most midrange/approach discs have tiny rims.

TRY JUST USING LIGHTER WEIGHTS WITH MORE GLIDE AND NOT PUTTING MUCH POWER INTO IT. WHEN I KIND OF FLICK MY 170 CHAMPION PANTHER IT JUST GLIDES AND GLIDES AND GLIDES.

[Rbuzz9]

I'd recommend a star/champ gator (175g) for a good sidearm approach disc - very overstable midrange - it can handle the extra torque that comes with a sidearm throw - unforturately i dont think you'll find a wide rimmed approach disc.

but if you really like wide rimmed discs for FH shots - you can probably get away with using an overstable driver like a Firebird even for midrange shots - due to the fact they dont glide very much and are much more predictable than an understable disc. Though i wouldnt go as far as suggesting a Flick for approaches - you would need to throw that with ¾ arm so it wont fade immediately since u would throwing it much slower than you would be for driving

[Mark R]

Gave up on forehand drives a while ago, though I will throw a Champion Valkyrie about 250' when the s-shaped curve is advantageous.

For forehand approaches I use an Discraft Elite XL (125-200 feet) or a Z-Storm (less than 125 feet).

[swarren1977]

I’m a loyal fan of the Destroyer when it comes to sidearm; however, I happened to throw a Sidewinder for the first time (sidearm) today and man did that thing go. It was at the end of one of my lunch sessions (sometimes I throw at the baseball field by my work on lunch) and I had to get back to work, so I only got a chance to throw it once. I was standing a couple feet behind home plate and let it rip. The disc sailed over the center field fence, unfortunately, there is a sea of trees behind the fence, so it quickly killed the flight of the disc. It’s a smaller size ball field so I suspect the wall in center field is ~325 feet deep. I’m not sure how much farther it would have gone had the trees not gotten in the way. But it sure felt good on the release and it was one of my farthest sidearm throws to date. Now I’m really looking forward to getting to throw that Sidewinder again. I’ll keep you posted if I get good results.