Your First Backhand Throw

Learning your first backhand? Josh from the DGW Street Team breaks down the basics and shows you the three mistakes that trip up almost every beginner.

This is the throw you'll use most on the course, so it's worth getting right early. The good news? It's simpler than it looks. Grip, stance, pull, release. That's it.

What the Video Covers

The grip. Four fingers curled under the rim, thumb on top. Firm but not tense. The key is keeping the nose of the disc down, which Josh explains in detail.

Your stance. Stand sideways to your target in a staggered stance. Your front foot should be slightly in front of your back foot, feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Weight shifts from your back foot to your front foot as you throw. Start with standstill throws before adding any run-up.

The throwing motion. Reach back, pull the disc straight across your chest, and snap your wrist at the end. Think of it like starting a lawnmower. Keep the disc flat and follow through naturally.

Three Mistakes to Avoid

Throwing nose up. If the front of the disc is pointing up, it kills your momentum. Keep the nose down and the disc parallel to the ground.

Releasing on an angle. This sends the disc off to one side or straight into the ground. Imagine balancing a glass of water on top of the disc. Keep it flat.

Letting go at the wrong point. Most beginners release too early. Wait until the disc is pointing directly at your target, then let it go.

Go Practise

Grab a putter or midrange, find some open grass, and start at around 20 metres. Standstill throws only. Focus on a flat release and a clean snap. Do it 10-20 times, then step back to 30 metres and repeat. Distance comes later. Form first.

Not sure what to throw? Check out our beginner-friendly discs.

See you on the course.

Sean & Vanessa
Disc Golf Warehouse