Throwing a frisbee is something a huge amount of people are familiar with, and the motion to do it is relatively simple. Just a quick flick of the wrist to create spin and forward momentum, and off it flies.
Many come to disc golf (often referred to as frisbee golf or frolf) expecting that motion to be all they need to know. However, it doesn't take long for a realization to hit them: golf discs fly very differently from frisbees.
Below, we've gathered videos that explain in beginner-friendly terms the basics of how to throw golf discs, and we've made note of the times where you can find specific pieces of information. The videos cover backhands, forehands, and putts. If you don't know what those terms mean yet, don't worry. The videos explain each of them.
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1. Disc Types & Basic Disc Golf Throwing Technique
Nate Sexton is a top professional disc golfer who's popular not only due to his excellent play but also his insightful commentary on post-produced coverage of tournaments. His likability and the ease with which he explains complicated ideas are both on display in this video.
The video introduces the three basic types of discs (putters, midranges, and drivers), their uses and differences, and the basics of how to throw them. Featured on the channel of disc golf equipment manufacturer and Sexton sponsor Innova, the video naturally features Innova products. However, the information given in this video is useful no matter what discs you have or plan to get.
If you're interested in learning more about disc types, we have a series called Discs Explained that details each type, their purposes, and how to use them for newer players.
2. More on How to Throw Disc Golf Shots
Danny Lindahl is a disc golfer who's made a name for himself in the sport by creating videos aimed at helping people improve their games. This Lindahl video will help you understand why throwing a golf disc like a frisbee doesn't yield very good results and also the basics of the two most-used disc golf throws.
Some information he gives on throwing backhand is similar to Sexton's, but Lindahl also covers a few mistakes beginners tend to make so you can hopefully avoid them.
3. Disc Golf Putting Basics
The first two videos showed you how you'll want to throw a golf disc when you're farther from the basket. But once you get pretty close, you'll want to change your technique to go more for accuracy than power.
This video is hosted by German-born pro Simon Lizotte, who's currently the highest-rated European disc golfer. In it, he teaches the basics of disc golf putting, including demonstrating his grip, stance, and putting motion in an easy-to-follow and succinct way.
This is the last video in a three-part series on Discmania's channel, but you don't need to see the first two to learn from this. However, the others have valuable information, too, and you should give them a watch if you like this one.
If this video on putting leaves you wanting to learn more, check out both the next video and our article "5 Great Videos: How To Putt In Disc Golf."
4. More on Disc Golf Putting
Lizotte's video provides a good idea of how to putt on a basic level, but this Infinite Discs video hosted by pro player and experienced disc golf instructor Zoe AnDyke goes more into specifics. Learn the two main stances players use for putting and pick up some great tips for being accurate and generating power.
5. Getting Ready to Throw: A Disc golf Warm-Up
Full disclosure: This video won't teach you to throw, but the information it offers will help make throwing a lot more comfortable and healthier for your body.
Seth Munsey is a performance coach and founder of Disc Golf Strong, a fitness and training organization focused solely on disc golf. You can learn more about his impressive background in fitness here, including about his time working with NHL players.
In the video below, Munsey details a series of warm-up activities that will help make sure your body is ready to throw golf discs. Though disc golf has low impact on the body compared to many other sports, the repetitive athletic motions it requires will take their toll if you don't make sure your body is ready for them. Doing these warm-ups before going out and trying out the throws you learned about above will help keep you healthy and playing disc golf for a long time to come.
If you like what you see, Munsey also contributes a fitness tip to our Release Point newsletter once a month. You can subscribe to that in the gray area just under where this article ends.
More 5 Great Videos
If you're interested in more in-depth advice now or at any point in the future on improving at disc golf, check out the other articles in our 5 Great Videos series by clicking the tag below.