When I was growing up, shouting, “Kobe!” during a pickup basketball game was standard practice. And assuming you drew nothing but net a half-second later, it was pretty cool, too.
In disc golf, outside of the putting green, I’m no stranger to something similar. It’s similar in that I shout it after throwing a toy into the air. The result, however, isn’t nearly as positive …
“Throwler!”
In disc golf, a “throwler” is a shot that was intended to be airborne. However, due to a poor disc choice, shoddy execution or even a combination of the two, it inadvertently turns into a roller.
Let me help you connect the dots:
Throw + Roller = Throwler
More often than not, the throwler takes place on backhand hucks. As previously mentioned, they occur when the selected disc is WAY too flippy for the situation. Frequently, with the same disc, trying to throw as far as humanly possible, you’ll come over the top of it more than you should. And before you know it, you’re burning worms like the (sad) second coming of David Koresh.
The forehand throwler is a thing, too.
It’s not as common, though.
Most disc golfers lean heavily on overstable, torque-resistant discs for forehand approaches and drives: Zones, Felons, Firebirds, Destroyers, etc. So while the wrist might fail to maintain a level plane throughout the entire throw, no matter how atrocious the form is, the disc will rarely roll.
But why is the throwler so demoralizing, exactly?
Disc golf is full of highs and lows.
Here’s one of the simplest, most pleasure-packed highs:
- You step up to the teepad or your lie.
- You envision the precise line that’s needed.
- You choose the best tool for the job from your bag.
And then …
It actually happens.
Deliberate disc golf is good disc golf.
Of course, especially for amateurs, even on a quality throw, there’s usually at least a slight difference between the original plan and how the throw plays out – that’s to be expected
You do your best. You work to improve. You move on.
But when you intend to launch a straight-to-fade control shot with a Champion TL3 and end up throwing a backhand roller that comes to rest three fairways over in the wrong direction, the result is nearly the polar opposite of the starting goal – that’s serious cause for concern.
Should this happen multiple times a month, consider taking up cornhole.
Maybe anime.
Something else. Anything else.
“Yes, Virginia, there is a throwler – and it sucks.”
Avoid them at all costs.
Or, simply choose to lean into it as I have …
“Throwler!”
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