Sean40474 wrote:I'm in need of a form overhaul with my sidearm. More and more as I play I realize how much I really need a better flick. I think I'll start with putters for the time being, then work up to Buzzzs or something.
Any other pointers that folks have for training on proper form?
The only reason I know how to throw a flick in disc golf is from playing years of ultimate and catch with an ultrastar; this builds strength and consistency (muscle memory) in your wrist. Its also a great way to warm up your elbow for a round. You can just use your putter instead which will help you get more used to using that in a game.
Im not sure how good your flick is at the moment, but I've taught quite a few people to throw a flick with an ultrastar who had no previous experience, heres what I tell them:
(This is for short throws (about 30 feet playing catch) to work on form, strength, and understand how a forehand should feel coming from your wrist and off your finger.)
1. Grip: Make a peace sign with your index &middle fingers, put the inside rim of the disc on the outside of your middle finger. Put your thumb on top of the disc between where the lower finger knuckles are on the bottom of the disc.
2. To start I would recommend keeping your elbow next to your hip (dont move it away from your hip during the throw! All the power comes from your wrist for these short passes; act as if your arm is tied with a rope just above the elbow around your body.)
3. Put your forearm adjacent to your body, so that your whole arm is now at a 90 degree angle.
4 If you are throwing an ultrastar or another catch disc, let your wrist hang so that the disc is pointing at about 45 degrees toward the ground (these discs are very understable and will flip if you dont angle them down). If you are using a putter you want to hold the disc straight out from your arm, no angle (maybe a very slight up/anny angle if you are using an overstable putter).
5. Now flick your wrist; the disc should roll off of the outside tip of your middle finger.
If you have any issues with accuracy, adjust the angle of your wrist.
6. After you feel like you understand the wrist motion (about 10 throws usually), take your elbow off of your hip and try to emulate the wrist action of the previous throws; this will lead to you learning to put your whole arm into the throw.
I hope I'm not offending you by offering such a beginner explanation of how to throw a flick, I just don't know if you have any inkling of form whatsoever! I think this really helps to learn how a disc coming off of your finger and how the snap of your wrist are supposed to feel.
