New to Disc Golf? – Basic Disc Golf Throws

New to Disc Golf? Team Infinite’s Eric Oakley walks you through the 3 core types of disc golf throws. Backhand, Forehand, and Overhand. Follow along for weekly beginner tutorials from Eric!

Start With These 3 Throwing Styles Every Beginner Should Know

If you’ve ever watched someone sling a disc across a park with perfect control and thought, “How the heck do they do that?” — you’re not alone. Disc golf looks easy from the sidelines… until you try it.

Getting your disc to fly where you want isn’t just about power — it’s about technique. And guess what? Eric Oakley, one of the sport’s most recognized pros, is dropping gold in a new video series — and it all starts with throwing basics.

Think of Throws Like Tools in a Toolbox

Just like a carpenter wouldn’t show up to a job with one hammer and call it a day, disc golfers need more than one throw in their arsenal. The backhand, forehand, and overhand are your go-to tools — each one built to tackle different shots, curves, and challenges on the course.

In this post, we’ll break down these three essential throws, what they’re used for, how they fly, and how to practice them — all with a few pro tips along the way.

1. Backhand Throw: The Foundation of Your Game

You’ve probably seen this one — reach back, whip forward, watch it fly. The backhand throw is the most common throw in disc golf, and so knowing how to throw backhand is essential to being a proficient player.

The backhand is the most common and beginner-friendly throw in disc golf. For right-handed players, the disc typically flies straight and then fades left at the end.

Why it matters:

It’s your bread-and-butter throw. The more consistent you are with it, the easier it is to learn distance, power control, and angles.

Form is everything. Let the disc do the work. — Eric Oakley

Stat to know: A 2022 survey by UDisc found that over 80% of amateur players rely on the backhand for more than half of their shots.

2. Forehand (Flick) Throw: Your Curveball Weapon

This one’s for when the course throws you a curve — literally. The forehand throw (also called a sidearm or flick) flies straight and fades to the right for right-handed players.

Why it matters:

Some fairways dogleg right or have obstacles that make a backhand tricky. The forehand lets you work the opposite angle, expanding your range of attack.

When the forehand clicks, you feel unstoppable. — Paul McBeth

Practice makes precision: According to DGPT stats, top pros throw forehands about 30% of the time — but the average amateur barely uses it. That’s your edge!

3. Overhand (Tomahawk & Thumber): The Escape Artist

Ever feel trapped by trees or brush? That’s when the overhand comes in clutch. Think baseball pitch or football throw — the disc goes up and over, then drops down with style. The Thumber and Tomahawk are two different throw techniques with similar mechanics but different results.

Why it matters:

Overhand shots break the mold. They’re perfect for tricky get-out-of-jail situations or clearing obstacles vertically.

They can do some crazy things. — Eric Oakley

Science of the shot: Overhand throws create vertical torque — causing the disc to flip, roll, and dive in unique patterns. Master it, and you’re officially a magician on the course.

4. Why Repetition Is Your Best Coach

Eric says it best: the more you go out and practice these shots, the more options you’ll have. Variety is the spice of disc golf.

Try this: set a goal to throw 25 backhands, 25 forehands, and 10 overhands each session. Mix them in with actual course play to see how they behave in the wild.

Consistency comes from repetition, not luck. — Paige Pierce

5. The Big Picture: Control Over Chaos

Each throw is more than a motion — it’s a mindset. The better you understand how discs fly and when to use each throw, the more control you have over your game.

Disc golf isn’t just about power; it’s about solving a puzzle with the right piece.

Remember: Left finish = backhand. Right finish = forehand. Overhand = wild card.

Wrapping It Up: Your First Step to Disc Golf Greatness

To play smart, you’ve got to throw smart. And with backhand, forehand, and overhand in your toolkit, you’re already ahead of the curve. As Eric Oakley kicks off this tip-filled video series, now’s the time to lace up, grab your discs, and start practicing like a pro.

TL;DR:

• Backhand = staple throw, fades left (for righties)
• Forehand = curves right, opens new angles
• Overhand = vertical power shot, great for obstacles
• Practice = your shortcut to confidence on the course

The more you throw, the more you know. So get out there and let it fly!