Top 10 Most Useful Throws in Disc Golf

One aspect that makes disc golf so interesting is the variety of shots that a player can preform to control the shape of the flight line, speed and landing of a golf disc. Mastering each of the dozens of throws can take a lifetime but there are a few shots that we recommend players develop first since they provide a solid foundation for the rest of your throwing game. There are some throws that are more popular than others, but it is important that a player uses the shots that will give them the greatest benefit in any given situation. Players should always play their own game meaning, you should play to your strengths but once you are ready to broaden you game and grow as a player we encourage you to work of developing these core throws first, in order to build confidence and become a more well rounded player.

The flights described below are for right-handed players:

10. Backhand Roller (Disc recommendation: Roadrunner or Avenger SS)
The Backhand roller gives the player the ability to go far distances under low ceilings.
Pros: Distance for players with less power, great for low ceilings, great for open areas, good for downhill shots.
Cons: affected by the terrain and ground cover, sometimes unpredictable, not good for most uphill shots

9. Spike Hyzer (Disc recommendation: Firebird or Banshee)
This type of throw is a shot that is thrown almost vertically then quickly stalls and dives toward the ground.
Pros: Predicable flight, sometimes sticks in the ground, does not glide, does not flip
Cons: limited distance, could roll away if landing on an incline, no skip

8. Hyzer Straddle Putt (Disc recommendation: XD or Classic Aviar)
When a disc lands behind a tree or bush near the green, the player can spread their feet apart in order to throw around the obstacle. Putting the disc on a hyzer line will also allow for a hook shot that will curve around barriers.
Pros: will not glide far past basket, enters basket at the best angle to avoid spit-outs, allows players to maneuver around obstacles that are guarding the basket.
Cons: Limited distance, more affected by the wind, less visible flight line for disc to hit pole.

7. Anhyzer Backhand (Disc recommendation: Areo or Stingray)
This is a shot that takes a little more finesse but will allow the disc to glide for a long time in a curving direction that helps to hook around large obstacles.
Pros: lands flat, longer flights, more glide time allows disc to hook around large obstacles or dogleg fairway, more comfortable initially due to familiar grip.
Cons: too much glide, could turn over and become a cut roller.

6. Thumber (Disc recommendation: Firebird or Max)
The Thumber does not fly straight and its best feature is the sudden dive at the end of its flight which allows the thrower to drop the disc in a desired location with less chance of fade or glide.
Pros: Drops on the target, no fade to account for, skips, wind is less of a factor
Cons: limited glide, not great for low ceilings

5. S-shot (Disc recommendation: Katana or Sidewinder)
This throw which makes the shape of the letter S in the air, keeps the flight plate of the disc horizontal for most of the flight using more glide and allowing for maximum distance.
Pros: Max distance, good glide, good for curving fairways
Cons: not great for tight fairways, could turnover

4. Hyzer Flick (Disc recommendation: Firebird or Drone)
This shot which is also referred to as the forehand or side-arm throw is great for curved fairways since it hooks to the right.
Pros: will not glide past target, predictable fade and skip, good for hooking around obstacles or curved fairways
Cons: limited distance, less glide

3.Hyzer Backhand (Disc recommendation: Suspect or Wasp)
The most natural throw for disc golf beginners, the backhand hyzer tends to fade left at the end of its flight.
Pros: limited glide, predictable fade and skip, good for hook shots
Cons: Limited glide, less distance

2. Straight Push Putt (Disc recommendation: Rhyno or KC Aviar)
The player will transfer their body weight from their back foot to their front foot and “shake hands” with the basket while springing their fingers forward.
Pros: good power, less chances to miss left or right, will not glide far past basket
Cons: more affected by the wind, more moving parts could affect the accuracy

1. Straight Backhand (Disc recommendation: Buzzz or Coyote)
The straight shot is achieved by throwing a disc with medium power to prevent turnover and timing the glide of the disc and allowing it to land before the disc has time to fade.
Pros: predictable flight path, lands flat, good for low ceilings, good for placement shots and staying in the fairway
Cons: less distance, less fade, difficult for beginners

We hope that descriptions of these types of throws have been helpful and encourage you to incorporate them into your practice rutines. Once you feel comfortable throwing these shots, you can work them into your game and shave off strokes in the process. Just keep in mind that it is best to play to your strengths in order to be successful. What shots did not make the list that you think should have? Please comment below.