The significance of form

- The ability to throw consistently, accurately and far depends solely on how relaxed and confident you are.

Anything goes

There are nearly as many forms as there are players. Even tournament winners don't throw the same way (although the variation seems to be getting smaller). Why is that?

In addition to obvious differences in body geometry the variation stems from how players got started. Some got guidance and others learned completely on their own. This was true especially before the Internet resources were available.

Nearly every player will start by throwing in a way that feels the easiest and brings the best results. In a backhand throw this means pulling with an upper body emphasis. Very few have the patience and sheer faith to stick with anything less intuitive, especially if it involves sacrificing distance.

Players change their form once, many times or not at all during their disc golf journey. The better your results are less likely you are to change your game. For a serious competitor, the decision to change one's form is a big one and has to be planned and timed well.

Form x mastery

The ability to throw consistently, accurately and far depends solely on how relaxed and confident you are with your technique. This is why you see players whose form looks unoptimal or just plain wrong on the lead card of tournaments. These players are there because they have mastered their form.

Your form affects you in two ways. First of all, it defines the level of performance you can achieve by mastery. Secondly, it determines what kind of stress your throws will put on your body. If you feel like you have to "rip" or "muscle" your drives, you should consider adjusting your form for health and longevity reasons alone.

The primary option for improving your scores is to get better in your current form. If you have hit the ceiling and the results have ceased to improve, or you can't stop doubting your technique it might be a good idea to review and possibly change it.

Good enough

So, when is a form good enough? From health and longevity point of view your form is fine if throwing is painless and it doesn't put abnormal stress on any part of your body.

The issue is more complicated when we are talking about performance. How far should we be able to throw and putt? When is our angle control and accuracy good enough? Since we don't really know the limits of our performance that question is hard to answer.

At the end of the day, it's you who's going to make the call on what's sufficient for you. Not everyone wants to be at the top of their sport, and even fewer have the time to reach the required practice volume.

Still, the idea of maximizing one's performance is tempting, isn't it?

- If a good throw gives you birdie looks, you throw far enough. If you can hit the basket from the edge of the circle, you putt far enough. If the disc leaves your hand at the intended angle so often that you can concentrate on your game instead of your throws, you are consistent enough.