Forearm vs. Backhand

I throw much farther and accurately with a flick, than backhand. My backhand is decent, I just prefer to drive forearm. I've been told however, that I will never realize my full potential as a disc golfer, because a flick will never be as good as a backhand. (though the people who said this agree that it is best to be able to do both). Supporting evidence given was that the world record backhand is farther then the world record forearm throw, and that absolutely no touring pro's throw predominantly forehand.

So, anyone know any pro's who throw mostly sidearm? Anyone want to back the forearm side?

[mark ellis]

Give up on the forehand now. There is no future in it.

[Chris Perkins]

i throw forehand myself but im gona agree with Mr.Ellis on this one.
backhand allows more body into the throw which equals more distance
and often seems to be more accurate.conitue the backhand.i would myself
but my shoulder will not allow it.grip it and rip it bro !

[mark ellis]

My response above was sarcastic but evidently the sarcasm wasn't obvious enough. I have thrown probably over 90% of my drives sidearm for the last decade.

If you watch beginner disc golfers you will see about half who throw backhand and about half who throw forehand. I think most everyone is naturally dominant one way or the other. I was forehand dominate for the first three years I played but didn't know it. The players who taught me were backhand so I threw backhand like they did. Only when an injury forced me to abandon backhands did I learn the potential of the forehand.

Forehand is the more difficult of the shots to master (due to a smaller margin of error). It does have advantages that overcome this for some players. Some players throw much farther forehand ( I do by about 100 feet). For those with good form the sidearm is much easier on the arm and the body (with poor form your elbow and shoulder are in danger). It is much easier to hit a tunnel since you face the tunnell throughout the shot (but it is harder to control the finish of the shot once you get in the tunnel). It is much easier to throw uphill (and harder downhill). It is much easier to throw with no runup or in terrible lies. It is much easier leaning out of a bush. It is much easier to throw get-out-of-trouble rollers from tight spots. It is much easier to throw on one knee when you need power on the shot. It is much harder to control midrange discs forehand.

In a perfect world all players would have a servicable forehand or would be ambidexterous.

In areas where there are good forehanders (Michigan & Wisconsin for sure) many of the emerging tournament players have good forehands. I would guess the best forehander in the world is Geoff Bennett, who has an amazing blend of power and touch. I have played with him a lot and am still in awe of what he can do. He hits holes that I am afraid to attempt and goes over things mere mortals should be incapable of. The craziest thing is watching him throw 400 feet. He does it effortlessly. Just a smooth little snap. Geoff thinks he might reach 600 feet in a distance competition. I wouldn't bet against him.

[Walker]

Thanks, a lot of good insights. It's good to know that there are pros out there who support forehand. You mentioned that it's easier on your body if you have good form. Are there any instructional videos, or youtube clips, etc that focus on forehand? I'm relatively new to the sport, so I haven't heard of Geoff Bennett. I'll see what I can find.

[mark ellis]

Walker, There is a Discraft Pro Clinic on forehand drives. You can see it at Youtube or the Discraft site.

[eric beich]

I think the forehand shot has it's uses, and is a good tool to have in your arsenal. but my backhand is my bread and butter.

[Jamie]

I have never been able to throw with my forearm. I have thrown forehand however. In fact, today. Avery Jenkins throws forehand pretty regularly.

[Walker]

forearm, sidearm, forehand. I came from Ultimate, so it's all just a flick to me. (and i've always thown hammers, never heard of a tomahawk till i started golfin').

[DC ( DISCFUNCTIONAL CHRIS )]

wow im real surprised to see mike ellis saying give up on forehand, i thought that was your main throwing style do to your bad knees, i as well throw forehand a good bit on drives since i cannot quite get as much distance out of my backhand shot as i do my forehand shot, but i do pretty much use both equally, as a right hander, if a left hook shot is needed then its a backhand throw if its a right hooking shot then its a forehand, i have found for me the forehand is way more reliable for me than trying to backhand a drive that i need to have turn right and get any distance out of it let alone accuracy or any consistency, now i will say this, i see players all the time that will throw forehand shots on just about every shot they throw be it on drives, approach shots and even putting, i don't think this is a wise practice but hey if it works far ya thats all that matters, me personally if i can get to it comfortably with a backhand shot then thats the throw i am going to use, cause it is way more predictable, but until i learn to throw right and left handed like my idle carl cubbage, the forehand shot will remain in my arsenal and lets face it, anyone who can throw a nice forehand shot can relate that there is nothing more satisfying than being out playing with a group of guys that throw predominately or exclusively backhand and teeing off on a right turning hole and ripping a nice forehand shot that makes the turn while everyone else's shots are out in left field or in the woods before the turn I LOVE THAT !!

[eric beich]

I'd have to agree. while I love to see my fellow golfers grow and get better, there is a nice feeling from being able to throw that forehand shot that just hits perfect while others dont even try it and end up with bad lies. is that wrong to feel that way sometimes? haha.

[DC ( DISCFUNCTIONAL CHRIS )]

absolutely not !!! if others don't want to walk toward the light thats their prerogative LOL

[DC ( DISCFUNCTIONAL CHRIS )]

oops sorry mark i meant mark ellis, you were probalbly wondering if there was some long lost relative named mike out there who threw forehand like yourself LOL