Disc Throwing Problems? Grip is NOT Your Problem
Grip is an important aspect of disc throwing but it is not the only aspect of throwing to keep in mind when it comes to smooth-flying success or fluttering failure.
Action & Spin > Grip
The action of your throw and the amount of spin
Spins and Twists are tricks where the dog spins 360 degrees in a clockwise or counter clockwise fashion. Spin is clockwise and Twist is counter clockwise so it is important to have a... More that it places on the disc are more important than your grip.
In the video I’m purposefully butchering the grips on the throws while placing increased focus on the action of the throw and the spin I’m putting on the disc.
These are not great throws, but they’re not terrible either. Your grip, more often than not, is not a dealbreaker.
Focus and Fretting Doesn’t Help
I teach a lot of people to throw and most people tend to focus on and fret about their grip. It doesn’t help. There is a reason I gloss over the grip with a few simple words: “Catch High – Outside – Finger on the Rim – Pull”.
That is really all you need to know until you grow out of those simple instructions. And most of the time you’ll grow into a grip that is comfy and successful as you learn to make the throw.
Placing a bunch of focus on your grip is not an efficient use of your practice time. Put the focus on the action that creates the flick and makes spin happen and grip becomes far less important. Grip is a personal preference and all the different hand sizes and throwing styles makes it a very elusive, one size fits all, target.
Point A to Point B – Creating the Hit
Instead of focusing on your grip, focus on the Point A –> Point B action – getting a straight line from your backswing to the release is far more important than how you’re gripping the disc.
The Point A to Point B, straight line throwing motion with a loose wrist will make the disc spin more. The more the disc spins, the more stable the wing will be. A super-stable wing is not likely to wobble.
When the disc goes from Point A to Point B and the arm stops, the disc pops out. This is called the Hit. If the disc “hits” well it will spin.
Most wobbly throws come from a round throwing motion that doesn’t “hit”. If the disc doesn’t hit, then it can’t fly out of your hand, and you’re left with what little spin your flicking wrist can deliver, which is not likely to be stable enough to come out clean.
And Of Course Grip Matters…
Your grip is important. I am not trying to suggest it is not. The point of this piece is to draw your attention to other things that might not be on your radar that will improve your throwing.
Grip is a limited function in throwing, and there isn’t a lot you can do for improvement. It doesn’t bleed over into your other throws either. Improving your throwing action and getting a handle on the linear throwing motion and creating the Hit will make all of your throws better and will make you a better thrower in general.
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