Backhand VS Sidearm......is there a biased opinion in DG regarding Sidearmers

[Notrepidation]

So, I started playing and threw nothing but RHBH. I mean, I tried a sidearm, quickly saw I had ZERO control over it and then decided to try and improve my backhand before developing a sidearm. About a month ago I decided to start throwing a sidearm shot on EVERY tee AFTER throwing my normal RHBH shot. My sidearm improved. I am now at the point where I am comfortable throwing either. My backhand still needs a lot of work (snap mostly) but I noticed that I am now out driving my backhand with my sidearm. It makes sense as I am an ex college baseball pitcher.

Anyway, the question.....Prior to getting into this game and in at the onset of playing the people I was playing with seemed to have a bad taste in their mouths regarding sidearm throwers.....ESPECIALLY guys that through the sidearm long and accurate. When asked why they felt that way I got answers like " Anyone can throw that sh*t" or "they just throw it sidearm because the can't throw a BH". Honestly, it appears to me that it's actually harder to throw an accurate sidearm consistently than it is to throw a BH consistently. The margin of error is much bigger with MY BH than it is with MY sidearm....that's MY experience though. So....is this thinking rampant in DG or is it just the haters in my area? Is just that these guys probably can't throw a sidearm for crap or is there really an unspoken biased toward sidearm throwers in DG?

[Alcuin]

I respect any disc thrown with good, clean, accurate form. It's funny when I step up to the teepad and throw my Leopard or Teebird or Ion or Buzzz (etc...) dead straight with little fade (as these discs should be thrown) and people are surprised that a disc can even go so straight. Most people know very little about disc golf, even if they've been playing a while. It's best not to listen to them.

[Mind Expansi0n]

I think it's in your head. Alot of new players throw FH (sidearm/flick) because it's easier to get immediate distance - it sounds like you are finding the same to be true. Watch some tournament footage - you'll find whenever the wind is up or a player is really looking for accuracy or a specific line - they throw BH. Control, predictability, and wind are three reasons why you might find folks encouraging others to not give up on the BH in favor of a flick.

[yankees23]

Having both shots is a good thing. The wind might make me throw a forehand if it is blowing the right way.

[Notrepidation]

Absolutely. I think it you are just hurting yourself by not developing both a flick and a BH. Thus far it has done nothing but lower my score. Dogleg right? Sidearm it. Long dogleg left? Grab my Beast and put some Hyzer on it. I am just curious if this type of thinking is local or if it's a general idea embraced by many. I agree with Alcuin and will go one further. If someone is getting CONSISTENT, long and accurate shots, I don't care if they are hop scotching up the tee pad.....if it gives them consistent results it's to be commended.

[StarFirebird]

Ignore those type of people man.There are quite a few at the course I play at.

I throw both.It comes in handy to know forehand,especially if you are in an awkward position and the only option is forehand.I've made many great shots even some long birdies with the forehand.So keep learning the shot it will only make your game more versatile.

Those guys who are badmouthing you and saying all that stuff are only hurting themselves for not making an attempt to learn the shot.

[AaronH07]

I agree with notrepidation. Disc golf is all about being diverse for any type of shot, even though you can anhyzer a FH shot is easier in a sense because it naturally goes to the right. But if you are very specialized, you can do anything with anyshot which is my ultimate goal

[ArcheType]

The big issue stems from the mental image most serious players have of "chuckers." The carrying one, maybe 2 discs, a beer, and a sharpie to write on everything in the park. These are the types of people most players imagine when they think of "fh" players.

Not that this is fair, or even realistic, lots of talented players also throw fh. But I've seen way more fh dominant chuckers than bh dominant.

[Sandman1981]

Who cares how you get it there as long as it gets there in style?! RHFH working on BH, it's there but not FH there. I like having the versatility of both FH and BH but if it comes right down to it and I need that comfort level... you bet your A$$ I'm throwing an anny FH. Evolution of your personal game... as long as you can still hang or put the haters in their place, do your thing. FHer's BYOTCH.

PS Injuries may play part in throwing style.

[Silentwolfy]

I used to forehand almost everything but after reading these forums for awhile I take myself out into a field and practice back hand all the time now, but still use forehand if I need it to finish right.