Disc golf is a famous sport that takes parts of traditional golf and the flying disc and puts them together. As with any sport, disc golf has its own terms and words that can be hard to understand at first. In this guide, we’ll go over 30 of the most important disc golf terms, from the most basic to the most advanced. This will help you get around and talk about the sport with ease.
In disc golf, an “ace” is a hole-in-one, which is the most impressive thing you can do. To get an ace, you have to throw the disc from the tee pad straight into the hole. It takes a mix of skill, accuracy, and a little bit of luck. In the world of disc golf, getting an ace is a big deal and something to be proud of. Players often keep a record of their aces or use special discs to mark the occasion.
In disc golf, the “basket” is the most important goal. It is a one-of-a-kind building made of a metal chain assembly that is attached to a pole or stand. When the disc goes into the basket, the chains are meant to catch and hold it. There are many different styles and shapes of baskets, from portable and collapsible ones for practice or temporary courses to fixed ones for professional play. Each hole is centered on the basket, which makes it hard for players to aim their throws and finish the course.
In disc golf, the “disc” is the most important piece of gear. Even though they look a lot like Frisbees, disc golf discs are made just for the sport. There are different kinds, like putters, drivers, and mid-range discs. Each kind of disc has its own speed, steadiness, and glide, among other things. Discs are made of different materials, like tough plastics, and can have patterns or artwork made just for them. Players often get their own set of discs that fit their throwing style and the elements of the course.
The “drive” is the first shot from the tee pad, which marks the beginning of each hole. The drive is very important for setting up the rest of the hole. The goal is to hit the ball as far as possible while still being accurate. Driver discs are usually used for drives because they are made to go long distances. For the drive, players need to use the right technique, timing, and power to send their discs down the path and set themselves up for the next shot.
The “fairway” is the path between the tee pad and the goal. It is usually a grassy or cleared area, which makes it a good place to play disc golf. Fairways can be different sizes and lengths, and they often have natural or man-made barriers like trees, bushes, and changes in elevation. Players try to throw their discs so that they stay on the fairway. They must be accurate and in control to get around or over these hurdles. Keeping your ball in the fairway helps you set up the best approaches and putts, so you can finish each hole quickly.
In disc golf, a “hyzer” is a popular way to throw the disc. It includes throwing the disc at an angle that curves to the left (if you’re right-handed) or right (if you’re left-handed). By tilting the outer edge of the disc down, you can make a hyzer angle that will make the disc curve and bank in the direction you want it to go. Hyzer shots are great for getting around objects or making consistent throws that turn to the left. Players can control where the disc lands by changing the angle and force of their hyzer shots.
A “hyzer flip” is an advanced shot that blends hyzer and turnover throws. A hyzer flip is done by throwing a disc that isn’t as stable at a hyzer angle. As the disc picks up speed and spin force, it easily flips up to a flat or even slightly turned angle before fading back left (for right-handed backhand throws). The hyzer flip shot lets players get farther while keeping control and making controlled turnover shots. To learn this versatile technique, you need to find the right balance between power, release angle, and disc choice.
“Anhyzer” is the opposite of “hyzer.” It’s a way of throwing where the disc is thrown at an angle that curves to the right (if you’re right-handed) or left (if you’re left-handed). By tilting the outer edge of the disc up, you can make anhyzer shots that make the disc curve and bank in the direction you want it to go. Anhyzers can be used to bend shots around obstacles in the opposite direction of a hyzer. Players use anhyzer throws to get around small fairways, get certain flight paths, or make shots that turn to the right. To get good at anhyzer shots, you need to choose the right disc, throw it at the right angle, and practice.
After the first drive, the “approach” is a throw that gets the ball closer to the basket. After a player’s drive has taken them a long way, they move on to the approach to set themselves up for a putt or a shorter shot into the hole. Most approach shots are made with a mid-range disc. Mid-range discs have a good mix of distance, accuracy, and control. This makes them good for shots from a moderate distance that need to be controlled. To get the disc close enough to the basket for a putt, the approach needs precision, touch, and the ability to get around barriers like trees or changes in elevation.
A “putt” is the last throw that players make to get the disc into the hole. Putts are shots from close range that require accuracy, touch, and skill. Players use putter discs that are made for exact putting in order to make a good putt. Putters have a consistent flight path that focuses on stability and has very little fade. To get the disc into the basket, players use different putting methods, such as the straddle, the spin, and the push. Putting requires concentration, control over the speed and position of the shot, and a smooth follow-through. Mastering putting is important for getting low scores and getting better at disc golf generally.
In disc golf, a “roller” is a unique way to throw the disc. The roller throws the disc at a sharp angle so that it hits the ground and rolls along the path instead of flying through the air. Rollers are often used to get through tight lines or to get the most distance out of some shots. By playing on the ground, players can get longer rolls, get around obstacles, or take advantage of the way the land is shaped. Rollers are difficult to do well because they need exact angles, release points, and control. However, they can be useful tools for strategic course management.
A “tunnel shot” is a throw where the disc has to go through a tight, narrow field full of trees. Several trees line these fairways, making a road that looks like a tunnel and tests players’ accuracy and control. Tunnel shots require accuracy because players have to throw their discs in a straight line through the narrow passageway without hitting any trees. To avoid having your discs thrown off by objects when performing tunnel shots, you should frequently choose discs with a low profile or less glide. To make a good tunnel shot, you need a steady release, good line control, and the ability to stay focused even when the pressure is on.
In disc golf, a “forehand” throw, also called a “sidearm” or “flick,” is a common way to throw. It involves swinging the arm from side to side instead of across the body. Compared to a backhand throw, this makes the disc spin in the opposite direction. Forehand throws are versatile and easy to control, so they can be used to get through small fairways, make controlled shots, or stop the natural fade of the disc. Players use the forehand technique to shape their shots, send the disc in a certain direction, or throw the disc with accuracy in difficult conditions. To make effective forehand throws, you need to have the right grip, arm motion, and wrist snap, and you also need to know how the disc flies.
In disc golf, the “backhand” is the most popular way to throw. It includes swinging the arm across the body, releasing the disc with a spinning motion, and using the body’s rotational force to get power and control. Backhand throws are very accurate and can go a long way. This lets players control where the ball goes and get the most distance off the tee. To master the backhand technique, you need the right grip, body mechanics, and timing to get consistent throws, direct where the disc goes, and get the most power out of your throws. The backhand is an important skill for all levels of disc golf players, as it is the base for many different throws and shots.
The “power grip” is a way to throw a disc with the most control and the most distance. It involves holding the disc tightly with all four fingers under the edge and the thumb on top. This gives you a good grip and lets you move with as much power as possible. The power grip makes sure that there is a strong connection between the hand and the disc. This makes it less likely that the hand will slip or the disc will wobble during the throwing action. By using the power grip, players can increase their snap and release speeds, which leads to longer shots and better distance overall. Players who want to improve their throwing power and throw as far as possible need to develop a steady, comfortable power grip.
“OB” stands for “out of bounds,” which refers to areas of the disc golf course that are off-limits or outside the playable boundaries. These areas can include water hazards, marked boundaries, roads, or other areas determined by course rules.
A “birdie” is a score in disc golf. It means that a player finished a hole with one less stroke than par. For example, if a par-4 hole is finished in three strokes, it is a “birdie.” Birdies are good in disc golf because they show that a player did better than expected on a particular hole.
“Bogey” is also a term for a score in disc golf. It means that a player finished a hole one stroke over par. It is a minor setback on a player’s scorecard, showing that they did not finish the hole as well as they would have liked.
“Par” is the average number of throws it should take an average player to finish a hole. It is used as a measuring stick for how well a player does on that hole. For example, a par 3 hole should be finished in three throws, a par 4 hole in four throws, and a par 5 hole in five throws.
When a disc enters the basket and stops between the chains, it is said to be “in the chains.” This is a successful putt or approach shot that lands safely in the target.
“Disc fade” is the natural tendency of a disc to curve at the end of its flight. As a disc slows down, it experiences a fade, which makes it hook or turn in a certain direction. The stability rating of a disc shows how much fade it has, with higher numbers indicating more fade. Discs with a lot of fade are good for making sharp turns or finishing shots because they curve back in the right direction.
“Disc stability” refers to how much a flying disc wants to turn. Stability ratings usually range from “overstable,” which resists turning, to “understable,” which turns more easily.
“Disc speed” is a disc’s ability to keep its speed during flight. Discs with higher numbers are faster.
“Turn” is the ability of a disc to move to the right for right-handed backhand throws (or to the left for left-handed throws) during the first part of its flight. Negative numbers in a disc’s stability rating show it. A disc with a high turn is likely to veer to the right shortly after release.
The “flexibility rating” of a disc is a measure of how it bends or flexes during flight. Discs with higher flexibility ratings tend to be more forgiving and adaptable, making them good for different throwing techniques and shot shapes. A disc’s flexibility also affects how it absorbs energy when it hits the ground, giving it different flight characteristics.
“Wind read” is the ability to judge and account for wind conditions when throwing. Wind is an important factor in disc golf because it can affect the flight path, stability, and distance of a disc. Experienced players learn to adjust their throws based on wind direction, speed, and gusts to get the best flight paths.
A “flex shot” is a throwing technique in disc golf that involves throwing a disc at a hyzer angle and letting it turn in the opposite direction during flight. This creates an S-curve flight path by combining the initial hyzer angle with the disc’s natural stability and player technique. Flex shots are useful for navigating tight fairways with low ceilings or obstacles, as they allow players to shape their throws around obstacles and land the disc in a specific spot.
A “skip” happens when a disc hits the ground and bounces or skids, changing its direction of travel. Skips can be planned or unplanned, depending on the player’s throwing technique, release angle, and surface conditions. Skips can help the disc cover more distance after the initial impact, allowing it to move forward even after hitting the ground.
A “mandala course” is a type of disc golf course with multiple loops or circles of holes that return to a central starting point. This layout makes it easy to change the course to fit different events and player levels.
A “basket hit” is when a player’s throw hits the chains or the basket itself but doesn’t go in. It doesn’t count as a score, but it shows accuracy and can be a sign of a near miss or a great shot.
“MandO” stands for “Mandatory.” A mandatory is a specific obstacle or designated flight path that players must pass during a hole. They are used to add more challenges and strategic elements to a disc golf course.
The “zone” is a type of disc that is often used for short approach shots and accurate putts. Its overstable flight pattern lets players control the disc’s fade and avoid too much drifting.
Beginners may find the language of disc golf confusing, but knowing the essential terms is key to enjoying and getting better at the sport. This guide has given you a deeper understanding of each term, from the most basic to the most advanced, so you can confidently navigate the language of disc golf. As you continue to play and explore the world of disc golf, you’ll come across even more terms that will help you learn more about and enjoy the sport.
