Trevor Ng
Disc golf is similar to traditional golf, but instead of clubs, players use a variety of discs, each with unique flight characteristics and grip requirements. The way you hold the disc is foundational to your performance, influencing its stability in flight and your ability to release it smoothly. A successful grip is firm yet relaxed, with the thumb and fingers curled around the rim, and should feel as natural as a handshake. There are many different grips to choose from, including the Power Grip, the Four-Finger Power Grip, the Split Power/Fork Grip, the Birdie Grip, the Fan Grip, the Turbo Grip, the Scooby Grip, and the Stacked Fingers Grip, each with its own advantages and suited to different situations.
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What You'll Learn
The importance of grip
The grip you use will depend on various factors, including the type of throw, the disc's rim shape, and your personal preferences. For instance, the Modified Fan Grip is commonly used for Mid-Range Drivers and Putters due to the increased depth and rim height on the underside of these discs. This grip provides more stability and control compared to the Power Grip, as it allows your fingers to spread out along the bottom side of the flight plate, resulting in a cleaner release with less wobble.
On the other hand, the Power Grip is favoured by many top players when seeking maximum distance with control. This grip involves tucking your fingers into the rim of the disc and positioning your thumb on the top plate. While it may take some time to feel comfortable, the Power Grip can provide a firmer hold and generate more speed and distance.
It's worth noting that there is no one-size-fits-all grip. Individual factors such as hand size, wrist strength, and throwing form will influence the grip that works best for you. Experimenting with different grips and finding the one that gives you the right balance of control and consistency for your throwing style is crucial.
Ultimately, the grip you choose will have a significant impact on your performance. A poor grip or inconsistent grip technique will hinder your progress and limit your ability to master the game. Taking the time to find the right grip for each shot style and practising until it becomes second nature will be key to improving your disc golf skills.
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How to hold a disc golf: the Modified Fan Grip
The Modified Fan Grip is a variation of the fan grip that combines elements of both the power and fan grips, offering a balance of distance and control. It is used mainly on Mid-Range Drivers and Putters due to the increased depth and rim height on the underside of these discs. This grip provides a firm and more secure handling of the disc as compared to the Power Grip because it allows your fingers to spread out along the bottom side of the flight plate.
To use the Modified Fan Grip, place the disc on the mid-line palm of your hand, wrapping your fingers around the underside of the disc. Instead of curling the fingers around the rim, simply slide your fingers back, allowing them to spread across the underside of the flight plate. This provides more stability when handling the disc before release. Position your thumb on the top of the ridge where the rim meets the top flight plate of the disc. The heel of your palm should be raised off the top of the disc to reduce drag and increase the speed of release.
The Modified Fan Grip is ideal for approach shots and mid-range shots and putts, offering more control. This grip is useful when you need more control than a power grip offers but more distance than a fan grip. It is particularly useful in windy conditions or for technical shots.
The Modified Fan Grip is a great option for control-oriented players who value precision and accuracy. It allows for more nuanced control, especially in mid-range shots and putts. Being versatile with your grips and knowing when to use them is key to adapting to various course challenges.
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The Power Grip
To execute the Power Grip, place the disc on the mid-line palm of your hand, with the edge of the disc pressed firmly against your palm. Position your thumb on the top of the ridge where the rim meets the top flight plate of the disc. The thumb can be extended towards the middle of the disc or along the edge, whichever feels more comfortable. The heel of your palm should be raised off the top of the disc to reduce drag and increase the speed of release.
Next, wrap your fingers around the underside of the disc. There are variations of the Power Grip that depend on the number of fingers used. The most basic is the Four-Finger Power Grip, where all four fingertips are pressed firmly against the inside rim of the disc. However, some people find that using a Three-Finger Power Grip, where the pinky finger is removed and tucked against the palm, provides more accuracy without sacrificing distance.
It is important to note that the grip you use will likely change over time as you gain experience and comfort with different techniques. Experimenting with different grips can help you find the one that works best for you.
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Plastic selection
Disc golf plastic type varies by quality, influencing your grip and its durability out on the course. Different manufacturers offer a variety of plastics with unique characteristics and advantages to match the various needs of throwers and the diverse environments encountered on different disc golf courses.
Innova, for example, offers a range of plastics for disc golfers of all skill levels. Their Star plastic offers high performance, outstanding durability, and great grip. Their GStar plastic is more flexible and grippy, staying flexible at very low temperatures. Their Champion plastic provides excellent durability, while their Driver Pro plastic enhances grip at a more affordable price point. Innova's KC Pro plastic was developed for 12-time World Disc Golf Champion Ken Climo and is a favourite of many pros. Their R-Pro line offers the best all-condition grip and improved feel, making it a great choice for cold and wet weather. Innova's DX line, on the other hand, is affordably priced and provides an excellent grip in a variety of weather situations, wearing in with usage.
Dynamic Discs' Westside BT line offers a range of firmness options for different preferences and conditions. The BT Soft provides a smooth texture and great grip in all weather conditions. The Medium offers a tacky grip and great durability, maintaining its shape in both hot and cold weather. The BT Hard gives a firmer feel while maintaining a tacky grip, making it ideal for warm climates. Dynamic Discs also offers the Zero Line, a grippy putter plastic used in Latitude 64's putters and approach discs.
Other manufacturers also offer a variety of plastics for disc golf. Discraft's Pro-D blend provides excellent grip at a budget-friendly price, making it ideal for traditional disc golfers who prefer to season their discs. Their Z-Line stands out as their most resilient plastic blend, offering a gradual seasoning process preferred by professionals. Latitude 64 also offers Eco Zero plastic, designed for environmentally conscious disc golfers.
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Different types of throws
Disc golf, like traditional golf, has a variety of different throws or shots that can be used depending on the situation. The five most common types of throw are backhand, sidearm or forehand, overhand, hyzer, and anhyzer. Each of these throws can be modified and adapted to create even more types of throws, such as the S-curve shot, which is a variation of the hyzer.
The backhand throw is the most common throw in disc golf. It is performed by holding the disc with the thumb on top and the fingers curled under the rim, and then throwing the disc across the body, leading with the back of the hand. This throw is easy to learn, has the least potential to cause injury, and has the most distance potential.
The sidearm or forehand throw is similar to the backhand but is performed with the palm facing down and the disc thrown from the side of the body. This throw may be easier for some players to learn than the backhand, but it has less distance potential and a higher risk of injury.
The overhand throw is performed by throwing the disc from a low angle high in the air. This throw can be performed with different grips, such as the grenade grip, where the thumb is placed along the rim and inside the index finger, or with the disc held between the index and middle finger knuckles.
The hyzer and anhyzer throws are types of throws that are used to shape the shot. They are often used in combination to create different flight paths for the disc, such as the S-curve shot, which combines both hyzer and anhyzer angles to create an "S" shape in the air.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some tips for holding a disc golf:
- Find the sweet spot between comfort and control. It should feel as natural as a handshake—firm yet relaxed.
- Experiment with different grips to find what works for you.
- Consider your hand size and strength when choosing a grip.
- Pay attention to how each grip affects your throw.
- Be aware of how the wear and tear on your discs can impact your grip.
There are several common grips used in disc golf, including:
- Power Grip: This is one of the most basic grips and is used to generate more rotational spin. It involves curling all four fingers under the rim of the disc and placing your thumb firmly.
- Split Power/Fork Grip: This grip combines accuracy with power. It is similar to the four-finger power grip, but with the index finger hooked underneath the rim.
- Modified Fan Grip: This grip is used on Mid-Range Drivers and Putters to provide a firmer hold and more control.
- Turbo Grip: This grip is used when you're within the circle, with the disc held upside down.
The grip you choose while handling a disc can significantly impact your performance. It determines the release angle of the disc, affecting the precision of hyzers, anhyzers, or straight shots. Additionally, the pressure exerted on the disc through your grip influences its stability in flight and your ability to release it smoothly.
Holding the disc too tightly can stifle the disc's natural flight path. It is important to find a balance between a firm and relaxed grip. Ensure that your fingers are not pressed so strongly that they cramp or hurt. Listen to your body and adjust your grip if it feels uncomfortable to prevent injuries over time.
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