Disc golf: Why you should start flicking understable discs

Understable discs are fun to throw.

Because of this, I’m obsessed with them.

With the Innova Rollo, to be more specific.

If you’re not quite as enthused about the flippy stuff, it’s not a big deal. Seriously, for as much as I like understable golf discs, most of my bag is stable-to-overstable. They’re less finicky. They’re  predictable. And you can beat the living snot out of ‘em for longer, too – that’s a major plus.

But if I could have your attention for only two or three minutes, I’d use it to push the wonders of flippy plastic when forehanding, sidearming or flicking discs – they all mean the same thing.

THIS is the end result …

Andrew Marwede throws a beautiful hyzer flip forehand approach on Hole 3 and moves into solo 4th place! pic.twitter.com/mQSXBkTBOa

— Disc Golf Pro Tour (@DiscGolfProTour) August 5, 2023

Not bad, eh?

Including myself, of course, most disc golfers lean heavily on mega-beefy fliers for sidearm hucks. Yes, they’re less impacted by strong headwinds, but the real reason for this is that they brilliantly mask crap forehand form, accounting for even the most offensive of wrist-rolls.

Otherwise known as a “dirty flick,” this is why you see flex forehands all over the place – Ohn Scoggins, anyone? Starting out, sidearming something like a Mako3, River or Nuke SS might not seem all that fun, but there are a few clear-cut benefits to sticking with the strategy.

First, see above …

No Champion Firebird does that.

End of story.

More importantly, however, that trash form I mentioned? This’ll fix it. Or rather, it’ll force you to fix it. Roll your wrist with a pop-top Star Destroyer, and she’ll fight out of it every time. Do the same thing with a Lucid Maverick, and you’ll have inadvertently thrown a forehand roller.

Whoopsies.

When throwing a sidearm, remember the following:

• Your palm should intentionally set the angle on which your disc will fly.
• At the moment the disc leaves your hand, the palm’s plane shouldn’t change.
• Similarly, even when following through, make sure said plane remains constant.

What wrist-roll?

Problem solved.

That said, it’s my belief the true beauty of an understable flier on a forehand line is the ability to throw straight. And here’s the kicker: while looking in the direction you plan to throw. If you fancy yourself a wooded-golf wizard, this is a skill you’ve (likely) acquired over the years.

Fear no gaps.

So much of the stock advice beginner disc golfers are given is shoddy, blown out of proportion or both. This, though? Not a chance. Start understable. Learn good flick form. Dominate with it.

Eat your heart out, Jeremy Koling.

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