Throws – There are two basic throws in disc golf, the forehand or sidearm (flick) – leading with your palm and the backhand – leading with the back of the hand.

Grips – There are a variety of ways to hold a disc but in most cases they can be grouped into three categories.

Power Grip – When throwing backhand, three to four fingers on the bottom rim and thumb on the top. The best time to use a power grip is for max distance throws. The amount of pressure between your top thumb and bottom fingers is important, you want to make sure to pinch or squeeze the disc tight with lots of pressure so that it can snap off your hand creating more torque or spin.

Fan Grip – Pointer finger resting on outside rim pointing to your target and three fingers fanned out on the bottom of the disc and then thumb on the top. The best time to use a fan grip is for approach shots or putting. It is all about fine touch and accuracy, not as much pressure. To get the spin you want or need you can snap your wrist more.

Forehand Grip – Lots of varieties but most of the time involves two fingers on the bottom wedged against the rim and two fingers pinched on the outside of the rim, like scissors almost. Again it is important to have good pressure in order to have the disc snap off your hand.

Foot Work – When starting out it is best to keep it simple. Standing side ways some people start by just stepping forward pushing from the back leg. Then the next progression might be to put in a small hop. To get more torque and power though the best foot work is to work on the X step. If throwing right handed start by facing your target step forward with your right foot then your left foot plants behind your right foot creating a X plant the left foot strong twist your hips turning side ways and then step your right foot forward.

Follow Through – It is always important when throwing to allow your arm to follow all the way through across your body even to move behind you causing you to rotate around. On more powerful throws if you want more power you will need to follow through with your throwing arm, non-throwing arm, and non-throwing leg as well. Most powerful follow throughs will rotate their throwing foot that is anchored to the ground.

Straight Line – When throwing it is important to keep your throwing arm on a straight line. For a flat shot think of it as pulling a lawn mower from shoulder to shoulder. Your arm does not stay straight it can bend up the disc should stay on a straight line towards the basket. Then if you want to adjust the angle of the disc releasing from your hand just lean with your core forwards or backwards. Beginner players to get more distance should focus on getting the disc to come out of the hand flat.

There are so many things that you can continually develop and change as you progress in disc golf. You will also notice that there are many different players with different styles. The most important thing when working on mechanics is making sure it feels comfortable. Practice and repetition will definitely help.