By: Scott Janczak
A Brief Introduction: Disc Golf

Disc golf is played much like traditional golf. Instead of a
ball and clubs, however, players use a flying disc, or
Frisbee. The sport was formalized in the 1970's, and shares
with "ball golf" the object of completing each hole in the
fewest number of strokes (or, in the case of disc golf,
fewest number of throws). A golf disc is thrown from a tee
area to a target which is the "hole". the hole can be one of
a number of disc golf targets; the most common is called a
Pole Hole, an elevated metal basket. As a player
progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each
consecutive shot from the spot where the previous throw
has landed. There are a number of different throws in disc
golf, but the most effective, yet most difficult shot so the
forehand flick. The forehand flick provides the thrower
with great distance if thrown correctly and enables the
thrower to manipulate the disc around many obstructive
objects such as trees, ponds, and other various terrains.
Through this task analysis I will explain how to properly
execute the forehand flick
Disc Golf – The Sub skills

Forehand flick - A forehand flick is the most effective way to
move your disc down the course. The “flick” allows the throw to
manipulate the angle of the release point of the disc to maneuver
the disc around many obstacles the frolfer my encounter on a
course.

Backhand - A backhand is another very effective way to move the
disc down the course, although the backhand does not provide the
distance a forehand flick does, it does present the frolfer with much
more accuracy.

Push Putt – A push putt is one of many ways to make a putt in
disc golf. The other options the frolfer has is using a backhand or
flick shot, but the push putt provides the most amount of accuracy.

Hammer - A hammer throw is an over handed throw that begins
behind a player's head and finishes over the top of the head, giving
the throw a high, arcing trajectory. This shot is best used to throw
over obstacles like trees or bushes, or out of dense foliage.
Disc Golf – Forehand Flick

A forehand flick is the most effective way to
matriculate your disc down the fairway and
into the basket. The flick can be rather
difficult to learn, but once it is mastered, it
can remarkably improve your game. The
flick can be thrown at a slight angle to
either have it fade left or right or flat so it
will go straight, the angle of the disc upon
release should be dependent on the terrain
of the course you are playing.
Disc Golf – Breaking Down the
Skill

Learn the grip. A forehand grip in disc golf is similar to the forehand grip for
throwing a normal Frisbee. Place your middle and index fingers along the
bottom rim of the disc, and use your thumb to clamp down on the top of the
disc. These three fingers will end up in a grip resembling that used to hold a
pen, but your palm should face upward so that the top of the disc is level
with the ground. Your grip should be firm.

Place your left foot forward if you are throwing right-handed, vise versa if
you are left handed. Bring your arm and wrist back, perpendicular from your
body. This is your backswing. Power your arm forward from your elbow to
begin your throw.

Learn the form. Unlike backhand drives, forehand drives do not require any
special run up, wind up or body rotation to be effective. Some will find a
short run up will give them more confidence in their throw. Another approach
is to take a single step before the throw. It can even be effective to stand
with planted feet and throw. In all cases, the player should align his body in
the direction he wants to throw, and keep his eyes focused on his desired
flight path throughout the throwing motion. Experiment with each approach
to determine which works best for you.
Disc Golf – Breaking Down the
Skill cont……

Practice the release. With a forehand throw, power is generated by
the pressure exerted by the middle and index fingers pushing the
bottom rim of the disc forward. You should begin the throwing
motion by reaching the disc behind yourself while pointing your
opposite shoulder towards the target, and finish by quickly pulling
the disc forward along the side of your body, exerting as much
pressure into the disc with the middle and index fingers as possible.
As the disc reaches the end of the throwing motion, quickly flicking
the wrist can add additional power and spin before it releases from
your hand. When releasing the disc, concentrate on keeping it level
to the ground, which will make your throws fly straighter and farther.

Follow through with your arm, this will ensure a smooth, controlled
throw. Bring your arm across your body at an upward angle during
your throw to get your disc higher in the air. With practice, you can
get the disc to roll on its edge after it lands.
Disc Golf – Difficult Skills

The Most difficult aspect of learning the
forehand flick is throwing it straight and flat.
Many people when first learning the forehand
flick try to throw the disc with to much power,
which in turn causes them to lose their form
and they end up releasing the disc at an angle
and the disc will fly straight into the ground. A
major comparison between disc golf and
“regular” golf is the importance of the form to
execute a shot correctly. If you don’t master
the form of throwing a forehand flick, you will
never see positive results.
Disc Golf – Modifying the Difficult
Skills


An easy way to correct yourself from “over powering”
your flick shot is to keep your feet stationary. Instead
of worrying about your feet and your arm motion all
at the same time, focus only on your arm bringing
the disc forward and snapping the disc with your
wrist.
Another way to help you throw with more accuracy is
take the feet and arm motion out of the throw. Stand
with your feet stationary, keep your arm bent 90
degrees slightly in front of your hips and just snap
the disc forward with your wrist. This will allow you
the opportunity to learn the snapping feeling with the
disc, then slowly incorporate he arm, then feet to
complete the entire motion.
Task Analysis – Forehand Flick
Grip

A forehand grip in disc golf is similar to the forehand grip for throwing a
normal Frisbee. Place your middle and index fingers along the bottom rim of
the disc, and use your thumb to clamp down on the top of the disc. These
three fingers will end up in a grip resembling that used to hold a pen, but
your palm should face upward so that the top of the disc is level with the
ground. Your grip should be firm. It is important to put the pad of your
finger(s) against the inside vertical wall of the disc's rim for maximum power.
Squeeze the rim between your thumb and the "fist" knuckle of your index
finger.
Task Analysis – Forehand Flick

Begin by keeping your arm at a 90 degree angle with the disc parallel to your ear. Take
a small step forward with your dominate foot while your non throwing should is pointing
towards the target, very similar to throwing a pitch in baseball
Task Analysis – Forehand Flick

Then your left foot steps forward and turns toward the target, as your weight begins to move
forward. Your hips lead your body rotation followed by your shoulders pulling your bent arm,
elbow first. Your weight transfers to your front foot which has planted, pointed toward the
target.
Task Analysis – Forehand Flick

Continue rotating your hips towards the target and pulling your non throwing arm into
your body. Keep your arm still, allow the rotation of your arm to naturally pull your arm
forward.
Task Analysis – Forehand Flick

Your hips should continue pulling your shoulder and arm. The arm straightens, then
your wrist and fingers stop abruptly and stiffen, forcing the ejection of the disc. Your
back heel must lift to accommodate complete rotation.
Task Analysis – Forehand Flick

Your shoulders continue to rotate, and your weight continues forward. Your back foot
may come all the way off the tee pad as your front foot rotates to take the stress off
your knee.
Task Analysis – Forehand Flick

Continue your follow through allowing your body to complete the motion and alleviating
any stress that may be on your body.