Newbie disc golfers are regularly taught to “reach straight back.”
It’s not bad advice – guys like Colten Montgomery hardcore lean into this.
But watch Philo Brathwaite tug on a DX Roc or Star Destroyer, and you’ll see something different. And wouldn’t you know it, he’s not doing things wrong – it’s a wide-rail reachback.
The wide rail is an alternative way to reach back during a backhand throw. The most accurate way to throw a disc is to pull it straight. Naturally, over time, some golfers develop a lateral motion to their reachback that adds additional power at the moment the pull-through occurs.
Again, that’s SOME golfers …
Not everybody.
The “additional power” comes from the disc whipping free from the hand at a more distanced point from the body – not much, but enough. If you’ve performed the wide rail properly, you’ll feel the difference. And once you feel it, the subtle, outward reachback becomes natural …
Boom: You’re now a wide-railer.
For many, this will just happen – it “fits” with their game.
For the rest of us, do the following:
- Step No. 1 – Reach wide.
- Step No. 2 – Pull tight.
- Step No. 3 – Release.
But again …
Release AWAY from the body.
Then, rinse and repeat – thousands of times.
Courtesy of Nate Doss, here’s the end goal:
* Note: Film your wide rail from behind. Then, compare your form to the above clip.
The wide rail doesn’t guarantee distance. Kevin Jones uses a wide rail, and he crushes. But Eagle McMahon reaches straight back – and he crushes, too. Ultimately, figure out what works best for you, your body type and the unique way you play the game – patient practice makes perfect.
Plenty of professionals swing (literally) both ways …
Get your mind out of the gutter.
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