I've been trying to break the throw down into a sequence of events that I can focus on when I practice. So far, the steps I've come up with are:
Step 1. Grip the disc by pinching the flight plate between the index finger and thumb
- if I'm not mistaken, pinching the disc allows it to rotate out of the hand at the end of the throw and imparts more spin on the disc
Step 2. Reach back and step the front foot forward offset and perpendicular to the target
- I think the purpose of stepping the front foot offset and perpendicular is to engage the hips
- I've been trying to reach away from my body to prevent rounding
Step 3. Rotate the hips forward and shift weight to the front foot without moving the arm
- if done correctly, it seems that rotating the hips brings the disc into the power pocket/hit
- I think this step may also be where the lag occurs. I'm no ball golfer, but I've been trying to lead with my hips to create a lag with my arm which I've read is part of a good ball golf swing.
Step 4. Pull the disc through the power pocket/hit by leading with the elbow
- I'm not sure if this is correct, but it seems to prevent my shoulders from rotating early. I am concerned that it may be causing me to strongarm my throws.
Step 5. Rotate the shoulders through and pivot on the front foot, keeping the arm on a constant arc
- basically following through. I think this engages the back and shoulder muscles and prevents injury.
- the constant arc prevents wrist roll and oat and maintains angle integrity
What do you guys think about this conceptualization of the disc golf throw? I'm sure that I have some parts of the throw incorrect and I've simplified/missed a lot of the nuances, but I'm hoping that this will help me focus on the important parts of a disc golf throw with the goal of refining the technique as I advance. Is this a good approach?
I posted this before I was able to read slowplastic and sw22's replies. It seems that breaking the throw down into steps might be messing up my timing. I think that some of the concepts are right, but some of them need to happen more simultaneously and some are just wrong. Still interested to hear what you think about the breakdown.