How to Throw Backhand in Disc Golf

You step up to the tee pad. Grip your favorite disc. Let it fly. But instead of slicing through the fairway, it wobbles out of your hand. Then it stalls in the air. Finally, it dives hard into the ground. Sound familiar?

If your backhand throw keeps going nose-up, fades way too early, or doesn’t get the distance it should, you’re not alone. Every disc golfer hits this wall. 

Maybe your throws keep hyzering out because you're using an overstable driver thinking it'll fly straight like a beach frisbee. Or maybe you’re trying to throw hard, but your technique breaks down every time.

The backhand throw is the foundation of your disc golf game. Stop making the same small mistakes. Lock in the right movements. Then your backhand becomes your most reliable tool on the course.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to fix what’s holding you back. You will learn exactly how to throw backhand in disc golf with confidence, power, and control. 

Tired of early fades, shanks, or weak upshots? Keep reading. Your solution starts here.

Why Backhand Throwing Is Essential for Disc Golf

When you learn how to throw backhand in disc golf the right way, everything changes.

You will notice your accuracy improving almost immediately. Clean drives start landing in the fairway instead of fading into the rough. Your discs go further, and more importantly, they go where you want them to.

Backhand throws also give you more control on tricky holes. You have probably faced tight wooded fairways or long tunnel shots. Throwing forehand every time just will not cut it. The backhand is your go-to for handling those tough angles.

More control means more confidence. You start to trust your technique. You stop second-guessing your line. That confidence shows up in your scorecard.

Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Backhand Throw

Before we fix your form, let’s talk about what’s probably messing it up.

Incorrect Grip

That loose grip you're using? It’s killing your control. A sloppy hold causes the disc to wobble and veer off-line. You need a clean, secure grip to get spin and accuracy.

Bad Stance and Footwork

Your base has to be solid. When your feet are off-balance or you’re rushing your steps, you will never get full power. Poor footwork makes your throw weak and inconsistent. It also messes with your timing.

No Follow-Through

You need to finish the throw. Stopping your arm short kills your momentum. Follow-through is what helps your disc fly straight and far. It keeps your motion smooth and balanced.

Rushed Release

Ripping the disc too early or too late throws everything off. The timing has to match your body movement.

Wrong Wrist Angle

Holding your wrist too high or too low? Your disc will nose up or roll over. That wrist angle controls your release and flight path.

Lack of Hip Rotation

You are trying to throw with your arm alone. But real power comes from your hips. No rotation = no distance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the Backhand Throw

Let’s fix all that one step at a time.

1. Choose the Right Grip

This is where your throw begins. Your grip sets the tone for everything.

• Power Grip – Tuck all your fingers under the disc. Great for long drives. Tons of spin, but less control.

• Fan Grip – Spread your fingers under the plate. Best for midranges and putters. More control, less power.

• Modified Grip – Mix of fan and power. Balanced for control and distance.

• Stacked Grip – Fingers layered tightly. Helps with precision on short throws.

Find what works for your shot type. You do not need just one, use the right grip for the right situation.

MVP Neutron Envy is known for its incredibly tacky grip and consistent release.

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2. Set Your Stance and Footwork

Start with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your knees slightly bent.

As you start your reach back, shift your weight to your back foot. As you move forward, shift it smoothly to your lead foot. Don’t jump or rush it.

Align your hips and shoulders with your target. And when you plant your lead foot make sure it’s firm. That plant foot is your launch pad.

3. Focus on Your Backswing (Reach Back)

Here’s where most players lose power. They reach back too fast or pull the disc off-line.

Reach the disc straight back, across your chest. Keep your elbow up. This helps you stay on plane.

Rotate your torso, not just your shoulders. This builds momentum. Think about winding up like a rubber band. That stored energy gets released into your throw.

4. Time Your Release Properly

As you move forward, let your hips fire first, then your shoulders, then your arm. It’s a chain reaction.

When the disc rips from your hand, it should feel like the disc is pulling out, not you pushing it. That’s how you know the timing’s right.

At the very end, snap your wrist. That flick adds spin and keeps your flight stable.

And don’t forget your follow-through. Let your arm swing naturally across your body. That full motion keeps your throw smooth and controlled.

Pro Tips to Improve Your Backhand Throw

Engage Your Core

Don’t throw with just your arm. Rotate from the hips and keep your core tight. That’s where your real power comes from.

Adjust Your Release Angles

Need a flat shot? Keep your wrist level. Want a hyzer? Tilt your shoulder. These angle changes are subtle, but they’re everything.

Follow Through Every Time

Never stop your arm short. Let it move all the way through. It keeps you balanced and improves consistency.

Building Consistency in Your Backhand Throw

It’s not about throwing 100 drives a day. It’s about throwing them with purpose. You need quality reps, not just quantity. Focused practice always beats random throws.

Practice With Intention

Pick one thing to work on. Grip. Timing. Reach back. Don’t try to fix everything at once. 

It’s easier to build good habits when your attention isn’t scattered. Master one skill before moving to the next.

Record and Review Your Form

Use your phone. Watch yourself throw. You’ll spot flaws fast when you see it on video. 

Pay attention to your footwork, reach back, and follow-through. Compare your style to pro players for reference.

Play With Better Players

Watch how they throw. Ask questions. Mimic their technique. Most players are happy to share tips.

You will learn faster just by being around people who already throw well. It also pushes you to level up your own game.

Why the Right Disc Makes All the Difference

Even perfect form can’t fix a disc that doesn’t match your throw.

Using something too overstable when you’re still learning? You’ll fight it every time. A disc that’s too fast or heavy? Same problem.

Go for discs that match your skill and throwing speed. Control drivers, straight-flying mids, and soft putters are great starting points.

And when you are ready, try new molds. But always test them before adding them to your bag.

Our shop offers discs built to improve your backhand. We have beginner-friendly plastics. We also carry advanced molds that help you shape every shot. Choose smart. You’ll throw better.

Discraft Putter Line Soft Zone is well-suited for backhand throws

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Key Takeaways

Your backhand is not just another throw, it’s the core of your disc golf game. Mastering it gives you more control, better distance, and the confidence to hit tough lines under pressure.

Do not overlook the small stuff. A slight tweak to your grip or stance can completely change your throw. Timing and follow-through matter more than pure power.

Focus on one part at a time. Keep your practice intentional and your form honest. The right disc isn’t magic, but it supports everything you’ve trained for.

Most of all, don’t rush it. Building a solid backhand takes time, but every rep you throw with purpose brings you one step closer to the throw you want.