You probably heard of rollers if you plan on taking up disc golf. Rollers are a great type of disc to play because they are not as fast as other discs but still offer a significant amount of distance. You have to know how to throw a roller and also how to use it to have success with it.
Forehand vs. backhand
When throwing a roller disc golf, it is essential to determine whether you should use a forehand or a backhand. Both will provide the same basic benefits, but the backhand will yield the longest and most accurate throws. Forehands can also be beneficial in certain situations.
The most common problems associated with forehand throws include off-axis torque and poor rotation. However, a backhand throw is the best way to control these issues.
While the forehand is the preferred choice for most players, there are times when the backhand is more suitable. A forehand is better for low ceilings or windy conditions but can be challenging to control if you are on a hill. If you have a headwind, the backhand can give you some advantages.
A backhand will be easier to release but will also leave you prone to off-axis torque. This is because you rely on a smaller muscle group to get your disc into the air.
Using a roller will also help you achieve greater distance. However, it is essential to remember to make a clean release and take power off of the disc. Also, the disc should be released in the same direction as it will roll.
The right-hand analyzer is an excellent example of a forehand throw. It is essential to have an anhyzer disc with a wide rim. That way, it will reduce the amount of off-axis torque and will make your throw more streamlined.
The S Shot is another standard disc golf throw. It is a more complex version of the roller and has a few advantages over it.
Stable discs are better for rollers than overstable or understandable discs.
Stable discs are a good option for a new player who has a limited amount of experience. These discs are easier to control and have a high glide rating. They are perfect for roller shots.
More experienced players typically use overstable discs. They can be helpful for overhand tomahawk throws. The extra glide at the end of the flight gives you a better chance of hitting an object. In many cases, these discs are also used for specialty shots.
Understable discs are suitable for intermediate and advanced players. These discs are lighter and require less power behind them. This helps them to keep the flight path straighter for longer. Unlike overstable discs, these discs are not as prone to flipping. Their high glide rating can also be a drawback.
When choosing an overstable or understandable disc, make sure that you read the descriptions carefully. Many understandable discs could be more effective in windy conditions. Also, understandable discs will not fly well when thrown too hard.
Aside from stability, some features include speed, weight, and glide measurement. Each of these features can help you to choose a disc that will perform best for you. You can choose a disc with a speed range of 7 to 11 or a high speed and a low glide measurement.
Depending on your arm speed, you may need understandable or overstable discs. Some understandable discs tend to flip over when thrown too hard. Therefore, it is essential to practice with them. It is also a good idea to try different shot types in varying wind conditions.
Footwork to throw a roller disc golf
You must get your footwork right when throwing a roller disc golf shot. The proper footwork will allow you to control the direction of your image.
There are several ways to do this. You can use your wrist roll or make your disc go a long way by releasing it at an angle.
To do this, you must first decide where you want to throw your disc. For example, you can choose a basket if you want your disc to fly far or a tree if you’re going to fly close to it.
After determining where to throw your disc, you must also find a suitable one. Some options include an approach disc, designed to be thrown a second or third time, or a speed range of 7-11.
The roller disc is a good choice if you need to travel a longer distance through a few obstacles. It can drive 10% to 15% more than a shot thrown in the air.
A good technique is to pick a place to land with a tight release angle, a wide rim, and high speed. Rollers can be tricky to throw, but with practice, you can master the technique.
You can do this by following a simple footwork strategy:
- You plant the foot you’re going to throw in front of you.
- Move your arm forward.
- Pull through with your elbow bent.
If you are a newbie disc golfer, you might need help with what to do with your arm. This is because you need to know how much force you can produce.
Inconsistency in a rolling portion of disc golf
Roller shots can be difficult to throw, but they can help players get farther than their average throws. However, they require a little practice and some trial and error. Two types of rollers are used in disc golf: cut and max distance.
The cut roller is thrown on a moderately heavy anhyzer angle. Its purpose is to put the disc on an angle to stand up when it hits the ground. Once it does, the disc will then acquire more speed.
On the other hand, a max distance roller is thrown on a very heavy anhyzer angle. This roller should hit the ground at an angle of 45 degrees or more. Ideally, the disc will curvy towards the top plate of the disc.
Rollers are affected by different things, including terrain, wind, and debris. They are also tricky to throw because of the curved path they take. To avoid muscle up the fairway, you must be careful about your lead foot placement.
Stability is another factor that affects the way a roller disc rolls. If it’s unstable, it will turn over after the initial flight and roll back along the ground. But if it’s stable, the disc will end up finishing right.
More stable discs will finish less right and more left. Some discs even have a significant fade.
Inconsistency in the rolling portion of disc golf is a common occurrence. Players often unintentionally put their discs over the basket or turn them over in mid-flight. As a result, it is essential to know what a roller shot is and how to throw it properly.
Max distance rollers in disc golf
Max distance rollers are a type of disc golf throw that aims to cover a lot of distance. These types of discs have a moderate altitude. This protects more space as the roller flies across the ground.
To achieve this goal, the disc must be thrown hard. The angle of the disc when it hits the ground is also essential. If the angle is incorrect, the disc will not stand up and continue to spin. To get the best results, throw the disc with the analyzer release.
While you can use different styles for max distance rollers, the most common is the backhand. Throwing the roller using the backhand is advantageous because it provides a high degree of directional control. It also helps you to keep your shoulders back. You will need to practice to learn this style.
The release for this type of shot is heavier than the analyzer release for other rollers. After throwing the disc, you must reach back in your stance and follow through. Keep your shoulders back and lean back. As you do this, your disc will go slightly left.
The speed of the roller is also critical. You will want to select a disc with a speed rating of at least 14. Your roller must have a decent amount of spin to get a long distance. Also, it is recommended that you choose a disc with a neutral rim. That way, you will be able to control it on narrow gaps.
You can also try a flat-release roller. Flat-release rollers fly out of your hand reasonably low to the ground. They are faster and easier to control. However, they require a different release than the max distance roller.