Disc golf: What’s a power pocket?

All new disc golfers try to “arm” the disc off the tee.

You’ve seen this in your friends and family members – the ones you tricked into playing, at least. And when you first got started in the sport, you probably did the same thing. Most people have some kind of experience throwing a fastback frisbee on the beach or in a game of Kan Jam.

In that setting, the arm does all the work. And while that might not be as much of an issue when putting or approaching the basket, when throwing for distance, it’s a death sentence. There’s no pop. There’s no snap. And as a result, there’s no distance – only complete and utter shame.

There are MANY elements that go into a strong backhand bomb …

The “power pocket” is a big one.

Knowing what it is won’t auto-enable 500-foot hucks, but it IS required to get there.

When throwing for distance, the power pocket is the U-shape created by a disc golfer’s chest, arm, forearm and hand. Apart from the initial reachback – or “reach out,” if you prefer – the angle created by your chest and throwing arm should remain constant at 90 degrees.

Ezra Aderhold throws far – he knows what he’s doing:

* Note: To view the entirety of the above three-minute video in Aderhold’s words, click here.

Though the disc golf community often uses the term “pull-through” when talking about what comes immediately after the reachback, a literal pulling motion isn’t powerful – it’s flimsy.

Instead, use the rotation of your hips and chest when swinging. Injected directly into your frisbee, the natural momentum produced by their rotation is what rockets a disc forward.

It has NOTHING to do with any conscious throwing motion you feel is necessary. This is why Danny Lindahl preaches the whole “slow is smooth, and smooth is far” vibe – it’s science.

Remember: Don’t “muscle” the disc.

In fact, in and of itself, the arm does very little:

• It reaches back.
• It forms the power pocket.
• It extends, and the disc is released.

This is why you have to pick your jaw up off the floor when guys like Kyle Klein, Paul McBeth and Simon Lizotte throw 500-plus feet off the tee, yet look like they’re hardly doing anything. Obviously, there’s WAY more that goes into a big-time backhand, but in a roundabout way …

It’s because they aren’t:

• They lead with the elbow.
• The power pocket takes shape.
• Both hips (first) and chest (second) rotate to create power.

The result is a disc that “whips” forward.

As you work to improve your backhand form, the X-step, reachback and follow-through are constantly talked about. For some odd reason, though, the power pocket is often forgotten. Or, it’s mentioned in passing when discussing other facets of building a booming backhand …

Either way, don’t overlook it.

You’ll throw farther BECAUSE of it.

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