How to Throw Forehand Drives in Disc Golf

Disc golf is a fun and easy game to play. Here are the basics of throwing forehand drives for the recreational outdoor game of disc golf.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 
   A forehand grip on a normal Frisbee

   Learn the grip. A forehand grip in disc golf is similar to the forehand grip for throwing a normal Frisbee. Place your middle and index fingers along the bottom rim of the disc, and use your thumb to clamp down on the top of the disc. These three fingers will end up in a grip resembling that used to hold a pen, but your palm should face upward so that the top of the disc is level with the ground. Your grip should be firm.

2. Learn the form. Unlike backhand drives, forehand drives do not require any special run up, wind up or body rotation to be effective. Some will find a short run up will give them more confidence in their throw. Another approach is to take a single step before the throw. It can even be effective to stand with planted feet and throw. In all cases, the player should align his body in the direction he wants to throw, and keep his eyes focused on his desired flight path throughout the throwing motion. Experiment with each approach to determine which works best for you.

3. Practice the release. With a forehand throw, power is generated by the pressure exerted by the middle and index fingers pushing the bottom rim of the disc forward. The player should begin the throwing motion by reaching the disc behind her while pointing her opposite shoulder toward her target, and finish by quickly pulling the disc forward along the side of her body, exerting as much pressure into the disc with the middle and index fingers as possible. As the disc reaches the end of the throwing motion, quickly flicking the wrist can add additional power and spin before it releases from the player's hand. When releasing the disc, concentrate on keeping it level to the ground, which will make your throws fly straighter and farther.

Tips & Warnings

• The natural spin of a disc is inverted when you throw forehand. If you are right-handed and normally throw backhand, your disc will fade off to the left after a straight drive. When throwing a straight forehand drive, the disc will tend to curve off to the right at the end of its flight. (this is opposite for left-handed throwers.)
• The ring and little fingers are not used in a forehand grip.
• A forehand throw can also be called a "flick" or "sidearm" throw.
• After a good forehand throw, the middle finger will snap off the bottom rim of the disc and may tingle for a moment.