| |
 |
Backhand
For the most common way to throw a disc - the backhand -
there are two main grips: fork grip and power grip
fork grip
The fork grip is a universal grip that is suitable for both putting
and throwing. The grip is a very natural grip for most people since
it's very similar to holding cutleries like a fork, knife or spoon; or
writing with a pen.
 |
 |
 |
| fork grip in
3 different angles |
|
|
For the fork grip to work as good as possible in disc golf
you should bend your index finger under the rim to getter an
even better grip in the disc. Some put their index finger
alongside the disc's rim but this technique has the disadvantage
that the necessary grip the heavy disc weakens. A great
advantage with the fork grip is that it can be used for all
types of throws, putting, and drives; on the other hand, this
can create a sense of insecurity.
A well developed fork grip has two major advantages:
1) You never have to change the grip, no matter the which
throw you're executing.
2) The disc's placement in the hand becomes mor natural and
more ”right” which adds better release, more spin
and less flicker then for example power grip throwers.
A disadvantage with fork grip is that the middle and index
finger tends the get blisters unless you've slowly hardened
the skin.
 |
 |
|
modified fork grip (pinch grip). Index finger is placed
alongside the rim. Some players use this grip for short range
plays and putting. |
power grip
The power grip is, just as the name implies, a grip that is
especially suitable for longer drives. Also shorter throws
can be controlled with the power grip, but most power
grippers use two different grips depending on the distance
to the basket. One major advantage with this grip is that the
disc always receives maximum power since all fingers
contributes with gripping force when perfomning the extremely
quick and powerful motion the drive consists of.
 |
 |
 |
| power grip from below |
finger tips against the rim |
power grip from the side |
You can actually say that the four fingers that you place
under the rim drags the disc through the swing. Without
doubt this grip can produce more speed to the throw since
the risk for the disc slipping out of your hand before you
open up the hand, is eliminated. The downside is that it's
a little easier for the disc to get ”stuck” with
the power grip, but there are more disadvantages with the
power grip than the need to change grip when throwing/putting.
You often see power grippers holding the disc with an
incorrect angle related to their arm. With the power grip it's
easy to place the hand to much on top of the disc which gives
the disc a different angle than the arm. The wrist won't be able
to bend the same way as the arm moves. As a consequence the disc
won't receive the same spin when released, compared to a release
where the arm and wrist moves the same way. The disc's release
path will also be slightly incorrect related to the power.
forehand
Forehand generally has the disadvantage that you att all time
can have your eyes focused at the target. The disadvantage is that
a forehand thrown disc travels shorter then a disc thrown with a
backhand. Forehand isnät suited for putting since the disc isn't
released in front of you and therefor you won't have a straight
path between your eyes and the basket. There are two types of
forehand grips:
forhand: pinch grip
Pinch grip (or two flinger flick shot) is the most common
forehand grip. How you hold your ring and pinky finger, straight
out, perpendicular to your palm, or if you fold them in your hand,
has little importance.
 |
 |
| pinch
grip - from below |
pinch
grip from above |
forehand: power grip
Power grip is, just as in the case with backhand throws, a
grip that is best suited for long drives. Both the middle
and index finger is placed against the inside of the rim and
assists in gripping the disc through the swing, the thumb
squeezes the disc the same way as with the pinch grip. The
forehand power grip is less common than the forehand pinch
grip.
TE, KS |
| |
|
 |
tip from Scott Stokely:
"There is no "perfect
grip" that is best for everyone due to the
fact that we all have different shaped hands, so
experimenting to find what's best for you is important.
I stay relaxed all the way though the throw and
only grip it tight during the pull forward. This
relates not only to the grip but with every part
of the throw as well. You want to keep everything
relaxed and focus on the explosion of power coming
only at the very end. If you tighten up during any
other part of the throw then those flexed muscles
will restrict your motion when you need it most,
at the end." |
 |
| Scott
Stokely, 21 national discgolf and distance titles. |
| source:
www.scottstokely.com |
 |
Ken
Climo analyzes:
"The grip is the most important thing. It's
the only thing separating you and the disc.
I don't grip the disc with all four finger-pads
touching the underside. That means there are four
variables for you to release from. I will roll three
of my fingers over on top of my pinky as if I am
holding a fork. Only my index finger and my pinky
are touching the inside of the rim.
The rolled finger or fork grip is a natural hand
position. You write and eat like this. The fork
grip also promotes more tendon elongation in the
forearm than a Berkeley Grip. The tendon elongation
is what enables you to follow through at the end
of the throw. You're totally extending and once
you are at the end of the movement you can follow
through.
A lot of people with all finger pads go up and pop,
stop, and don't have a lot of follow through. They're
throwing with the outside of their forearm muscles
that run across the top of the forearm. When you
grip a disc with fingers rolled you can feel the
muscles underneath the forearm working. That's a
major difference in the way many people throw the
disc.
I use the same rolled finger grip for putting where
a lot of pros switch to a more open, looser finger
on the rim type of putt. I want consistency - same
grip for every throw." |
 |
| Ken
Climo, 11 times PDGA world champion |
| text
and photo: www.kenclimo.com |
 |
|
