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Game tips — Grip
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Backhand grip
For the most common way of throwing, which is the backhand throw, there are two main grips: Fork grip and Power grip.
Fork grip
Fork grip is a universal grip that suits nicely for both putting and driving. Most people find the fork grip to be very natural because of its similarities with the grip you would use to hold a fork when eating or a pen when writing.
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Fork grip from 3 different angles |
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To make the fork grip work optimally in disc golf, the index finger should also be placed under the edge of the rim to form an even better grip. However, many people let the index finger lean along the edge of the disc, which means that the strength of the grip is reduced. A major advantage with the fork grip is that it can be used for all types of throws; putts, approaches and even drives. Players using the power grip will be forced to switch to a different grip for shorter throws and when putting. Frequent switching of grips may itself create a feeling of uncertainty.
A well developed fork grip will be an advantage for two reasons:
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Modified fork grip (pinch grip). The index finger is places alongside
the rim. Some players use this grip for short approaches and putting.
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1. You'll never have to change grip, no matter what kind of throw you are forced to do.
2. The disc’s placement in the hand becomes more natural and "right" which often leads to a better release, more spin and often less flutter than with for example power grip throws.
A disadvantage of this grip is that the middle finger and index finger (bottom) have tendencies of getting blisters if you have not played frequently enough and thereby gradually strengthened the skin.
Power grip
The power grip is just as the name suggests a grip that is suitable for long throws in particular. Also shorter throws could be made using this grip, but usually the power grip players use two different grips depending on the distance to the basket. A clear advantage of this grip is that the disc will be allowed to be released with much power, since all fingers help to "grab" the disc at the extremely fast and powerful movement of a drive.
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| Power grip from below |
Finger tips against the edge |
Power grip from the side |
Actually, you could say that the four fingers placed under the disc towards the inside of the rim drag the disc throughout the swing. Without a doubt, this grip will facilitate fast and powerful throws simply because the risk of having the disc slipping out of your hand is eliminated. On the other hand the disc could more easily get stuck in the grip, resulting in a late release. In addition to the disadvantage of having to change grip for putts and approaches, there are further downsides with the power grip.
You will often see power grip players hold the disc in a somewhat wrong angle towards the forearm. The grip itself makes it easy for the hand to go too much on top of the disc, making the angle of the disc end up differently from the angle of the forearm. This will also obstruct the wrist from being able to flex out in the same direction as the movement of the forearm, which means that the disc at the time of its release cannot be given the same spin as it could have if the forearm and the wrist moved in the same direction. The release of the disc thereby becomes slightly wrong in relation the force.
Forehand grip
The forhand (also called side-arm) throw generally has the advantage over the backhand throw in that you will be able to see the basket at drives or approaches. The disadvantage is that the distance potential will be reduced. The forehand throw doesn’t suit well for putting since the throw so to speak starts off from the side of the body instead of in a straight visual line between your eyes and the basket. Now let’s take a look at two different forehand grips:
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| Pinch grip from below |
Pinch grip from above |
Forehand — Pinch grip
The pinch grip (or "two finger flick shot") is by far the most commonly used forehand grip. Holding the ring- and little finger straight out, perpendicular to the palm of your hand or turned towards the palm is a matter of taste.
Forehand — Power grip
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| Forehand power grip from below |
The forehand power grip is just like the backhand power grip suitable for long throws in particular. In this grip, both the long finger and the index finger are placed against the inner edge of the disc and by doing so the fingers will hold the disc tightly throughout the swing. the thumb pinches the disc in the same way as with a pinch grip.
/Tomas Ekström & Kjell Söderholm, translated by Jonas Lindberg
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Advices
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Scott
Stokely advices:
"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." |
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| Scott
Stokely, 21 National Discgolf and length titles. |
| Copyright:
www.scottstokely.com |
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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."
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| Ken
Climo, 11 times PDGA world champion
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Copyright: www.kenclimo.com
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Adds
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