Allow me to set the scene for you …
Tell me if this doesn’t sound familiar:
- Your buddy launches a forehand off the tee.
- The disc instantly turns and burns – shameful stuff.
- Without a moment’s hesitation, he says, “Thing’s gettin’ flippy.”
He threw a max-weight, pop-top Star Boss.
This is absolute insanity.
Here’s what grinds my gears even further about the situation, though …
Later on in the SAME round, the second-coming of Ryan Sheldon himself will call upon the powers of that SAME Boss for backhand flex shots and spike hyzers – probably a thumber, too. And wouldn’t you know it, miraculously, the distance driver’s beef has returned without issue.
Homie is rolling his wrist – this shouldn’t be revelatory info.
The wrist-roll takes place immediately following the release of a forehand throw. When setting up for a flick, during the backswing, it’s important that you set the disc on a plane – and then keep it on that plane: hyzer, flat or anhyzer. Done well, you’ll see a clean, smooth release.
Naturally, when you set the disc on one plane, yet follow through on another, the disc will wobble, flutter or – as your friend so beautifully demonstrated – transform into a “throwler.”
And don’t be fooled …
Everybody loves the flight of a good forehand flex, but unless you’re intentionally coming over the top of an overstable disc, you might be doing your sidearm form more harm than good.
To fix the issue, keep your palm up during your follow-through. By so doing, you force your throwing hand to stay on its original plane, whatever you intended for it to be – this works.
Also, take the Zones, Mutants, Felons and Destroyers (or Bosses) out of your bag. Then, at least for a week or two, replace ‘em with Pures, Meteors, Valkyries and Scorches. These discs are stable- to understable-fliers and will do EXACTLY what your flick form tells them to …
For better or for worse.
But this is HARDLY new information – experienced disc golfers already know this …
Which makes it all the more maddening when “Mr. 5-Digit PDGA Number” from your local D.G. club makes the same complaint with 20-plus years of forehand hucks under his belt.
Whatever the issue, when you make a boo-boo, own it …
Your game will be better off because of it.
[Steps Down From Soapbox]
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