In this guide you will learn how to throw backhand, forehand and tomahawk. We also give you tips for putting and recommend discs for beginners. First you get an introduction to general theory. With a bit of theory in the back of your mind, the learning curve becomes steeper, and with more mastery, it becomes an even greater pleasure to walk around and throw discs.
Table of contents:
1.- Rules
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Distance driver, fairway driver, midrange and putter
- What do the numbers on the disc mean?
- Overstable and understable discs
- Different plastic on discs
- How to throw a backhand
- How to throw tomahawk and thumber
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Beginner putting tips
1: Theory
1.1: Rules
When you start playing frisbee golf, it is not so important to follow all the rules to the letter. Agree with those you play with which rules must be followed. The most important thing to follow as a beginner is etiquette:
- Do not start putting on a hole if there is a group ahead of you still playing the hole
- Do not distract teammates who are about to complete a throw
- Keep an eye on where your and other people's discs land and help look for your fellow players' discs.
The most important rules in disc golf are:
- Throwing : The disc must be thrown with at least one foot on the marked tee on the first throw
- Further throw : The disc must be thrown from where the previous throw lands, and at least one foot must be directly behind where the previous disc landed when the disc leaves the hand. The previous disc can be marked with a mini disc. It is allowed to run at running speed.
- Putting : The disc must lie in the basket for the throw to be considered a hit. Throws on top of the basket do not count. If you stand 10 m or closer to the curve, both legs must be behind where the previous disc landed. In other words, jumping forward is not allowed.
- OB : If the disc lands where the track is defined as "out of bounds", you must pull the disc back to where the disc left the track. From there, the player can move 1 meter into the pitch. If you throw OB, you get a free throw.
- Honnør : The player furthest from the basket throws first at all times. The player who did best on the previous hole starts the next.
1.2: Distance driver, fairway driver, midrange and putter
There are primarily four main categories when it comes to frisbee golf - distance drivers, fairway drivers, midrange and putters. Although there are many different ways to play frisbee golf, it is important to have knowledge of the categories of discs in order to choose the right throw in any situation on the frisbee golf course.
Remote driver:
Distance drivers have the potential to fly the furthest of all the discs in the bag, but also require the most speed to achieve the desired flight characteristics. Distance drivers have wider and sharper edges which make the disc cut better through the air at high speeds. It is recommended that beginners start with a fairway driver and move to a distance driver after some practice on throwing technique. If you try to throw a distance driver with little speed, the disc will dump relatively quickly. Experienced players use distance drivers to achieve maximum distance.
Fairway Driver:
Fairway drivers are drivers that do not have as much length potential as a distance driver, but which usually give more control. In general, fairway drivers have smaller edges and do not require as much speed to fly far. Fairway drivers are a good option for beginners, and experienced players use it for long, controlled shots.
See our fairway drivers
Midrange:
Midrangers have round, less aerodynamic edges, which make the disc fly slower than a fairway driver, but stick more to the intended throwing direction. The edge of the disc is smaller in width and often deeper, which often gives a better feeling in the hand. For beginners, midranges are useful for practicing throwing straight forward and they give good distance even at low speed. For experienced players, they are used for controlled and accurate throws so that the disc does not fly far past the basket.
Putter:
Putters are the slowest-flying discs in disc golf because of their thin and deep edges. They are suitable for shorter distances and the most controlled and straightest lines. Putters are designed to fly straight into the basket even if it is flying very slowly. Experienced players also use another type of putter called approach. These are more overstable putters that are used to throw the disc right at the basket when you are relatively close, but too far away to putt.
1.3: What do the numbers on the disc mean?
You may have noticed that there are four numbers on the top of most discs. These numbers are used to guide the player so that one has an idea of how the disc will fly through the air. The four numbers are, from left:
Speed: How fast the disc manages to fly through the air. With maximum power, discs with higher speed will achieve a longer distance, but if they are not thrown hard enough, they will dump faster than a disc with lower speed. Therefore, it is recommended that beginners do not start with a distance driver, even if you think you can throw further. In a headwind, it is easier to throw a disc with high speed
Glide : How long the disc manages to stay up during a throw. More glide means more distance, but at the expense of reliability. In a headwind, a disc with a lot of slip will be particularly unreliable.
Turn : Assuming a right-handed player throwing backhand: How much a disc goes to the right at the start of a flight is how much the disc "turns". A high negative turn number indicates that the disk turns a lot, and will move sharply to the right at the start of the flight. A lot of spin is very useful for beginners to gain more distance, but too much spin causes the disc to "turn over". That is, the disc goes to the right and never returns to the left. A lot of turning can also be useful when the curve is to the right or if you are going to throw a roller.
Fade : Assuming a right-handed player throwing backhand: How much a disc goes to the left towards the end of the flight is how much the disc "fades". A high positive number indicates that the disc fades a lot, while a disc with fade close to 0 will finish straighter. A lot of fade is difficult for beginners to handle. Therefore, it is recommended to have a disc with fade close to 0 for new players. A lot of fade is useful if the curve is to the left or if you are throwing against the wind.
Although these numbers are used by most disc manufacturers, they will never be the same from manufacturer to manufacturer. In addition, discs from the same brand with the same number will behave surprisingly differently. Factors that come into play include:
- What shape the disc has
- What plastic the disc is made of
- What weight does the disc have
- How much the disc has been used. Discs spin more after hitting the ground and trees.
Therefore, the numbers act as a good guide to buy the right disc for your needs, but you have to go out and throw to really know your own disc.
1.4: Overstable and understable discs
The reason why you see players with over 20 discs in their bag to play a round of disc golf is to have discs that can be thrown to any length and maneuver through various obstacles in different wind conditions. On some holes, the disc must finish sharply to the left, while on other holes you have to throw straight ahead. Thus, you need discs with different stability.
To understand stability, you need to have an overview of what the 4 numbers on the disc mean.
Overstable discs have a lot of fade, and little slip and spin. For beginners, overstable discs can be used if you want the disc to finish hard to the left. For advanced players with a lot of power, overstable discs are also used for long, controlled throws, as well as for throws against the wind. Headwinds cause the disc to spin more, so an overstable disc will neutralize that effect.
Stable discs have less fade, and more glide and spin. These are used for straighter throws where you don't want the disc to finish as hard to the left. With more glide and spin, throws with less power can go further, but there is also a greater likelihood of the disc "turning over". That is, the disc goes to the right instead of straight ahead.
Understable discs have even less fade, and even more slip and spin. These are mainly used by beginners who want to gain more distance. But again it comes at the expense of control, as there is an even greater risk of the disc turning to the right. For advanced players, less stable discs are suitable for throwing into the wind. Downwind makes the disc spin less, so an understable disc will neutralize that effect. In addition, understable discs are used to throw rollers.
If you master discs with different stability, you have greater flexibility to choose which line to throw. Remember that the numbers on the disc and the degree of stability are only indicative, and that the only way to know your own disc is to go out and throw it.
1.5: Different plastic on discs
Discs come in many different plastics, all of which give a different feel in the hand. The choice of plastic depends on what you want in terms of grip, durability, flying characteristics and price range.
A disc is a consumable that wears down naturally when it hits the ground and collides with trees, for example. The more worn the disc becomes, the more unstable the disc becomes. Generally speaking, more expensive plastics have better durability. Harder types of plastic are often more overstable in the first place and softer plastic usually leads to better grip, especially in wet and cold weather.
This is an overview of the various brands of plastic and below the table you will find the characteristics of each column.
Characteristics column 1:
The discs mentioned under this category are usually the most price-friendly discs for the various brands. Therefore, the disc is worn more quickly and the flight characteristics change quickly. They are usually found in both soft and hard versions.
Characteristics column 2:
Discs in category 2 have a better durability than discs in category 1, and are thus significantly more expensive. They are usually found in both soft and hard versions.
Characteristics column 3:
The discs in this category have the best durability, and are more expensive than categories 1 and 2. The discs are therefore durable over time and mean that the disc retains its flight characteristics for longer. These are hard plastic types, which mean that discs are often more overstable.
Characteristics column 4:
The discs in category 4 are more durable over time than categories 1 and 2, but not as durable as category 3. This means that the disc retains its flight characteristics better than the cheaper plastic types. You can say that category 4 is a hybrid between category 1/2 and category 3, and is a very popular option as you get the "best of both worlds". The price is about the same as category 3.
2: Different throws
2.1: How to throw a backhand
The backhand is the most used throwing method in the disc golf throw, which gives the longest distance if executed correctly. Nevertheless, there are many who think it is more difficult to learn the backhand than the forehand , and a flawless backhand throw requires technical work and a lot of practice.
We can divide the execution of a backhand throw into 3 parts. The first is the footwork, the second is the grip and the third and most important part is the upper body.
1. Footwork : Correct footwork both gives you extra length and helps you achieve more consistent throws. The most common and correct "run-up" technique is the so-called X-step. For details about the X step, see the video below. Standing throws make it easier to focus on the upper body, but to practice timing between legs and upper body, we recommend starting at least with a one-step, which is explained in the video below.
2. Grip: When throwing a backhand, you can grip the disc in many different ways, and there is no concrete answer as to what is right and wrong. The most important thing for beginners is to find a grip that is comfortable and provides a firm and solid grip around the disc. For example on grip, see part 1 of the video below.
3. Upper body: This is where most of the power is generated in a backhand throw. We divide the upper body movement into 3:
- Reachback: Here you pull the disc backwards in a straight line across the chest in the opposite direction from where you want the disc to fly. Do not move the disc up or down. For consistent throws, it is important to have the same reachback every time. The most common mistake is to pull the disc behind the body instead of in a straight line out from the body. This is called "rounding". For a visual example, see part 3 of the video below.
- Pull-through: Here you pull the disc over your chest while rotating your hip to the right. The disc should be pulled close to the chest so that the elbow forms 90 degrees when the disc passes the chest. Here it is important to pull the disc in a straight line without moving it up or down. Imagine starting an outboard motor or lawnmower. Pull the cord in a straight line . For a visual example, see part 4 of the video below.
- Follow-through: Do not stop the movement momentarily after the disc has left the hand. Let the body rotate around, and let the heel rotate 90 degrees to avoid injuries or strain on the knees.
For beginners, we recommend understable discs for backhand throws. Active Genius is very understable and gives good length for beginners. You can also read more about 14 discs we recommend for beginners in frisbee golf .
2.2: How to throw forehand
The forehand comes very naturally to some players, while others struggle more with getting the right forehand technique/throw. One possible reason is that this technique requires the player to give the disc spin with the wrist. Without enough spin, the disc will flutter in the air and not achieve any particular length or control. Nevertheless, it is considered the easiest way for beginners to get up to an OK level and keep up with fellow players on the trail.
We can divide the execution of a backhand throw into 3 parts. The first is the footwork, the second is the grip and the third and most important part is the upper body.
1. Footwork: With a forehand throw, the footwork is slightly different than with a backhand. Forehand, the so-called X-step is not necessary. Many professional players either walk up to the end of the tee pad quite normally, or put in a small jump on the same foot to push off. With a forehand, you can of course also throw standing still. Here you just have to find your own technique and what is most comfortable for you. One of the only things to think about is shifting the weight from the back leg to the front leg, as the momentum generated by the lower body will be transferred to the disc and reduce the load on the shoulder and elbow. For a visual example, see the video below from 2:20 .
2. Grip: When throwing a forehand, you can grip the disc in many different ways, and there is no concrete answer as to what is right and wrong. The most important thing for beginners is to find a grip that is comfortable and provides a firm and solid grip around the disc. The most common grip for forehand throws is a so-called pistol grip, where the index finger and middle finger form a pistol on the inside of the disc. For example on grip, see the video below from 00:50 .
3. Upper body: The same principles apply as in the backhand, i.e. you have a "reachback" and a "pull-through". But you only pull the disc out to the side of the body, without pulling too far back. Forehand can be compared to a baseball throw, only that instead of throwing the ball over the head, one throws a disc from the side of the body. As mentioned above, forehand throws often do not generate enough spin, so it is important to flick the wrist in the throw. The more spin, the more distance. For a visual example, see the video below from 3:52 .
It is generally wise to use overstable discs for forehand throws. When you spin the disc yourself with your wrist, it is very easy to spin over the disc, so you want to throw a disc with little spin. We recommend buying Active Magician as your first forehand disc. You can also read more about 14 discs we recommend for beginners in frisbee golf .
2.3: How to throw the tomahawk and thumber
Tomahawks and thumbers have roughly the same function as tipping in football. It requires little technique to make an OK throw, and it is an efficient and easy way to carry the disc some distance forward, especially when you have to throw between or over obstacles. On the other hand, the throw has limited length potential.
Thumbers and tomahawks are throws that will start straight ahead, "do a turn" in the air, then plunge vertically toward the ground. The difference between a thumber and a tomahawk is the way the disc is held and which "way" it turns in the air and plunges towards the ground. A typical thumber achieving a full flight will first move to the left before finishing to the right. A typical tomahawk achieving a full flight will first move to the right before finishing to the left.
As usual, we divide the implementation into 3 parts: Footwork, grip and upper body.
1. Footwork: In order to achieve long tomahawk and thumber throws, it is important to have a smooth and controlled "run-up". You should have some technique as in a preliminary draft. It is also important to focus on shifting the weight from the back leg to the front leg, as mentioned in the forehand throw.
2. Grip:
Thumber: Hold the disc vertically, with the top of the disc facing away from you. Insert your thumb into the rim of the disc with the edge of the rim resting on your middle finger. Keep your index finger on the disc to both strengthen your grip and adjust the release angle.
Tomahawk: Use the same grip you are comfortable using for forehand throws. Instead, hold the disc vertically with the upper side of the disc facing you, and squeeze the edge between the knuckles of the thumb and forefinger.
3. Upper body: Throw the disc as if you were going to throw a handball relatively high into the air. It doesn't get much worse than that.
For maximum distance with the tomahawk and thumber, we recommend an overstable distance driver, such as Innova's Star Destroyer . Understable discs will go straighter at the start of the flight, so to have the option of variation, we also recommend buying Active Premium Mentor .
2.4: Beginner tips for putting
As a beginner, you will find that it is extremely difficult to put the disc in the basket, even if you are a few meters away. To putt efficiently and consistently, it requires volume training, volume training and some more volume training. But it is also important to remember some important principles in order to have the best possible starting point.
When it comes to putting, there is no correct method, where you have to putt as you feel is comfortable. Different putting methods such as spin-put, push-put and straddle-put are all equally effective. Having said that, it is the execution of the putt itself that is important. What you should think about when putting is:
1) "Line up" with the curve, and aim from the center of the body. Pull the disc towards you in a straight line and aim at the basket in a straight line.
2) Keep the putt and the putting technique as simple as possible. You don't need to weld the arm around three times before putting. Eliminates large movements in the arm that can cause one to miss. A general rule is that "everything you do when you putt must be done every time you putt". That is, for example, if you jump before you putt, you must do it before every single putt. Therefore, keep the putt simple.
3) The last tip for putting is to point towards the basket or post when you have finished the putt, i.e. point where you drop the disc - and preferably hold your hand like this for a few seconds. This helps with aiming and if you first miss, you can see where you missed.
3: 13 beginner discs we recommend
Here you will find a selection of discs that we recommend to brand new players. We recommend choosing a putter , a midrange and a fairway driver as your first discs. If you only want one disc, we recommend a midrange. You will find all the recommended discs this spring beginner section .
For those who are complete beginners
If you are completely new to frisbee golf, it may be a good idea to start with one beginner set . This set comes at a reasonable price, and contains discs made of plastic with good grip. The disks in the set are light and very heavy understable , which makes it easier for a beginner to achieve distance. The disks are best suited backhand , so if you also want to throw forehand we recommend buying one Opto Saint in addition.
Since the disks in the starter set are very affordable, they also have very low shelf life . Therefore, we recommend that you buy discs separately if you plan to play more than a couple of times. We can recommend the following disks which are suitable for beginners:
Putter:
Retro Burst Pure flies light and straight. It keeps the straight flight longer than most other putters. At the same time, it is affordable and has a good grip. Therefore, this is an inner tier as your first putter.
The DX Aviar from Innova is a variant of the most popular putter of all time. The DX plastic is the cheapest Innova produces, and it has a very good grip. This putter could quickly be the putter you use for your entire frisbee golf career. It is also possible to go up a bit in the price range to get a better putter durability , namely KC Pro Aviar.
Midrange:
The Prime Burst EMAC Truth from Dynamic Discs is an inexpensive disc that is great for learning how to throw correctly, both backhand and forehand. If you throw the disk straight ahead, the disk will fly straight ahead. The Prime plastic also gives you a good and comfortable grip.
Champion Mako3 from Innova comes in a slightly harder and more premium plastic, which means that you get a counter that you can have for a long time. Premium plastic is a bit more expensive, but you get a disk that retains its flying properties for longer and is more resistant to nicks and scratches. Fuse stays straight for an extremely long time, so it's a disc you quickly fall in love with.
Fairway Driver:
Retro Burst Diamond is a cheap and lightweight option. This is probably the disc that beginners can throw the longest with, but as soon as you start to get a little more speed in the disc, the disc will quickly turn over . Nevertheless, it is a very good alternative in the starting phase.
The Opto Saint offers even more control than the discs above, and with its durable plastic, the Opto Saint is a perfect choice as your first forehand disc. This is a counter you can use throughout your journey towards frisbee golf expertise.
Remote driver:
Gold Sapphire is the counter to use to step up from Diamond. It is also light, but you get more length potential and stability compared to the Genius. The gold plastic is also very durable, which means that you will enjoy the counter for a long time to come.
Active Mentor is a good choice as your first distance driver. It is light and understable , but at the same time is not excessively understable.
The Star Shryke has very similar properties to the Active Mentor, but has a significantly more durable plastic. The Star plastic for the Innova gives the "best of both worlds" in terms of grip and durability.
For those of you who have thrown a little before:
Until now, we have, so to speak, only recommended understable disks. It's time to get more stability in your bag. Overstable discs require more speed in the throws for good length, but it gives you more control because they dump to the left so to speak at the end of the flight (for right-handed backhands), without fear of the disc tours over . In addition, as I said, it is important to use overstable discs when throwing forehand, as it is much easier to turn over the disc when you flick it out with your wrist.
The Star Firebird from Innova is an ultra-stable fairway driver, and is one of the most popular discs in the world. It is popular because it is very reliable and gives good distance, both with backhand and forehand. The Star plastic is of high quality with both very good grip and good durability.
The Opto Explorer from Latitude 64 is a very good companion to the Firebird. It is less overstable than the Firebird, which makes it an obvious choice if you are going to cast far straight ahead. It still has enough stability to be a reliable disc, also for forehand throws. The opto-plastic is very durable, so this disk will retain its flying properties for a long time.
The BT Harp from Westside Discs is the disc to reach for when throwing a short forehand throw. It provides a very good grip for the forehand and is extremely stable and reliable. The reason why you also need a forehand disk with low speed is to avoid the disk rolling around or "skipping" far past the curve. Harp hits the ground more quietly and has less chance of rolling than, for example, a Firebird.
Royal Grand Grace has the control of a fairway driver and the distance of a maximum driver. The Royal Grand plastic has exceptional grip and durability, and has a silky smooth edge thanks to Latitude 64's "NextEdge" technology.
Royal Grand Trust has enough stability to press on, but at the same time goes straight as a string at the correct speed. It can be seen as a much higher quality EMAC Truth.
See all the recommended disks in our beginners section.
Remember, the best way to learn is to play disc golf all the time. Be sure to check your form, learn more theory and learn new throwing techniques as you progress on the field. If you need help choosing your next discs, don't hesitate to contact us !