Why Backhand Throws Miss Left or Right, and How to Fix It
Published Updated How we research
For right-handed backhand players, a throw that misses left of the target line usually left the hand early, and a throw that sails right left the hand late, which players call grip lock. Rounding the reach back, poor alignment and a disc that is too overstable add to the problem. The good news is that these are form issues that improve with focused practice.
Products from this article
The highest-scoring picks from the buying guides this article links to. Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings.
+ Waffle weave microfiber grabs dirt and water efficiently
From our guide: Best Disc Golf Towels
+ Roadrunner turns over smoothly, giving lower-power players extra distance
From our guide: Best Understable Drivers for Disc Golf
+ 7x7 net catches full-power throws for form practice at home
From our guide: Best Disc Golf Practice Nets
+ Real Innova Destroyer attached makes warm-up swings feel realistic
From our guide: Best Disc Golf Towels
Early release vs grip lock
An early release lets the disc go before your arm reaches the target line, so a right-hand backhand throw starts left of the target. Grip lock is the opposite: the disc stays in your hand too long and releases after your arm has swung past the line, so the throw starts right, often high and nose up. Left-handed backhand players see the mirror image.
Sweaty hands, wet discs and a very firm power grip increase grip lock, and many players also grip harder when trying to throw further. A grip that is too loose, or one that slips, does the reverse and lets the disc out early.
Adjust grip pressure
Hold the disc firmly enough to control it but relax the fingers slightly until just before release. A grip that is too tight prevents the disc from leaving the hand cleanly.
Try a fan grip for shorter throws or a slightly looser power grip. Dry hands and discs with a towel between throws.
Avoid rounding
Rounding happens when the reach back swings wide around the body rather than straight back along the target line. The arm then pulls in a curved path, and the disc releases off line.
Practise reaching back straight along the line toward the target and pulling the disc across the chest in a straight path. Slow motion drills help build this pattern.
Check your footwork and alignment
Poor alignment in the stance can cause the body to pull throws left. Make sure feet, hips and shoulders are aligned toward the target at the start of the throw.
Stepping too far to the left in the final step closes the body and pulls throws off line. Use markers on the ground to practise consistent foot placement.
Release point drills
Stand close to a net or field and practise standstill throws, focusing on releasing the disc when your hand passes in front of your chest. Watch where the disc leaves your hand.
Filming your throw in slow motion shows the release point and arm path. Small adjustments to timing can make a big difference.
Choose discs that suit your arm
Very overstable discs thrown without enough power fade hard left, adding to the problem. Use more neutral or understable discs while working on form.
As form improves, reintroduce overstable discs for specific shots. A balanced bag helps diagnose whether flight is caused by technique or the disc.
Popular right now
- Best Soft Putters for Disc GolfBuying guide
- Best Overstable Drivers for Disc GolfBuying guide
- Disc Golf Weight and Diameter ChartArticle
- Backhand Form BasicsArticle
- Best Fairway Drivers for Disc GolfBuying guide
- Best Understable Drivers for Disc GolfBuying guide
Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.