If you are just starting the sport of disc golf, one of the key skills required is the ability to throw the disc accurately with the right amount of power. There are two main types of throws in disc golf – forehand and backhand throws.
But what is the difference between forehand vs backhand disc golf? This article compiles several points of difference between the two types of throws, allowing everyone to differentiate each throw.
| Point of Difference | Forehand Throw | Backhand Throw |
| Execution | Fingers on Outside Edge and Thumb on Inside Edge | Fingers on Inside Edge and Thumb on Outside Edge |
| Released Spin | Will Curve to the Right | Will Curve to the Left |
| Control | Greater Control | Lesser Control |
| Accuracy | Less Accurate | More Accurate |
| Distance | Generates More Distance | Lesser Distance |
| Spin | Lesser Spin | Generates More Spin |
| Wind Resistance | More Resistance to Wind | Less Resistance to Wind |
Execution
If you compare forehand and backhand throws in disc golf, the first obvious thing is how the throws are executed. A forehand throw is a throwing technique in which the player holds the disc with their fingers on the outside edge and the thumb on the inside edge. The player then moves their arm upward, releasing the disc with a flocking wrist motion.
On the other hand, a backhand throw holds the disc with the fingers on the inside edge and the thumb on the outside edge. The disc golf player will then execute movies with their arm forward, releasing the disc with a snap on the wrist.
Released Spin
In a forehand throw, the disc is released with a spin that causes it to curve to the right when thrown by a right-handed player as it flies to the air. The forehand throw is useful when the player needs to throw the disc around obstacles or when they want the disc to land with the correct curve.
On the other hand, with the backhand throw, the disc is released with a spin that causes it to curve to the left when thrown by a right-handed player as it flies through the air. The backhand throw is useful when the player wants to throw the disc straight or with a left curve.
Control
The forehand throw offers more control over the disc’s flight than the backhand throw. This is because the player can see where the disc is going and adjust their throw accordingly. In addition, the forehand throw can be used to navigate around obstacles and achieve specific landing zones with greater accuracy than the backhand throw.
Accuracy
The backhand throw offers greater accuracy than the forehand throw. In this type of throw, the disc golf player can see the disc’s flight and adjust the throw accordingly. In addition, backhand throws offer a more consistent release angle and a follow-through that help increase its accuracy. The comfort level of the backhand throw is also one reason it is more accurate than the forehand throw.
Distance
The forehand throw can be used to generate more distance than the backhand throw. This is because the disc is released with more speed and spin. The forehand throw generates more spin that will help the disc maintain its stability and resist turning over the flight.
The angle of release of a forehand throw is also more naturally suited to create maximum distance. Lastly, the forehand throw allows the player to generate more power and speed as it engages more of the player’s upper body, including the chest, arms, and shoulders.
Spin
The backhand throw generates more spin than the backhand throw because of the way the player releases the disc. When throwing the backhand, the player uses their wrist to create a snap, which imparts a high spin rate.
In addition, the motion of the arm of the backhand throw is also a factor in generating the spin. As the player pulls the disc across the body, their arm creates a natural motion that generates spins on the disc.
Wind Resistance
The forehand throw is more resistant to wind than the backhand throw. This is because the disc is released with a spin that keeps it stable in the air. In addition, the angle of release and the orientation of the disc in flight are different between the two throws.
When throwing a forehand, the disc is released with an outward flick of the wrist, which creates a horizontal spin on the disc. This horizontal spin causes the disc to fly with the leading edge up, which makes an aerodynamic effect known as lift. The lift helps to keep the disc stable in the air and resist the effects of wind.
In addition, the orientation of the disc flight is different for a forehand throw compared to a backhand throw. When throwing a backhand, the disc is released with the underside of the disc facing upward, creating a ballooning effect that causes the disc to rise rapidly and lose distance.
Conclusion
When comparing forehand vs backhand disc golf, it should be important to note that these throws are two different techniques. They have different grips, release angles, power generation methods, and comfort levels.
Some players prefer one type of throw over the other, while others use both, depending on the situation. Ultimately, the best throw to use in any given situation will depend on the player’s skill level, the course layout, and the game’s condition.