EAGLE MCMAHON'S SIDEARM CLINIC + FORM BREAKDOWN

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[@patrickmcmahon1443]

My son is an alien hybrid with special arm bending powers

[@humbledgaming382]

Lol I think most arms are capable of this. Just most of us don’t reach this level of flexibility. Just like most of us can’t replicate many Ballet stretches and poses.

[@jonathanwilliams1342]

Humbled Gaming I think Eagle is just the bees knees

[@Krisjennewein]

There's a Marvel Character Super Hero Story here....What was going on in the Mountains of Colorado In the Late 90's? How was He born? Were his wings surgically removed so he could live among humans. From what world is Jeff Korns? Did you say Hybrid, because your DNA was in fact utilized in his manufacture? It's a Movie?

[@edneely]

He's 67% rubber.

[@PermacultureHomestead]

no, hes hypermobile and is at risk for serious rotator cuff injuries if he doesn't improve his posture and rotator cuff strength, Get on that Seth at DGS, help this kids anterior and posterior chain strength to improve his stability.

[@paulblack2744]

Eagle, you are really becoming a great teacher--your insights (especially around the mental game, and the practice of disc wisdom) imply a maturity beyond your age and I really resonate with it. There is a deeper knowledge available to the neophyte than just the physical techniques you present here--your poise and also your honesty and authenticity are what actually come through--'the medium is the message' said Neil Postman. Our journey in disc golf is our journey thru life, and so although the followers of this vlog may not be able to throw a side arm 400 ft, we can all embrace the ecstasy of a side arm landing next to the basket (at whatever distance) or the visceral disappointment of a shank. Last year, I cracked my ribs smashing a tree skiing glades here in Western Colorado, and for 2 months could only throw side-arm. As a result my game was reinvented. Sometimes we avoid the things we think we're not good at. But my side-arm didn't improve until I had to throw side-arm. This is a weird time right now, but to the open hearted, it is a great opportunity to go deeper into the disc golf life, to embrace the challenges we face, and to show love to our fellow disc golfers despite adversity.

[@Krisjennewein]

charter chickpeas know you have been a great teacher for a long time cuz you care so much, and are so high octane passionate about...most everything.

[@zackp6794]

Yeah, my arm can’t do that. Eagle = Gumby.

[@Pickleballpaul]

I’ve coached (tennis) professionally for over 12 years and this is the highest caliber technical breakdown of any disc golf stroke that I have ever seen. This is the future of the game-quality information. Teaching individuals to master the proper biomechanics of any pursuit after putting in countless hours of your own study on and off the practice field is truly a gift. Well done sir

[@path_of_gore8870]

Matt Odenwelder I played tennis in high school and the forehand is very similar in getting into that athletic stance and generating power from the hips

[@Subdivision21]

I like what you said about countless hours of putting

[@beenaturalinc]

I agree with you, Matt. I coached tennis and swimming for a decade - Eagle's demo was right on - balance of slightly funny here and there, but really a great overall demo. And in the end, the most important advice - 'practice, practice, practice.'

[@ts4gv]

thanks for the review. i’ll definitely watch this one.

[@scauplet]

I just went out to a field and used these tips. And I gained at least 50+ feet to my sidearm!

[@Bahnking]

I love the example with the left hand throw. Ive been using it every time I teach friends and beginners to play, as it keeps them from getting discouraged when they look at your example throws and cant produce anything close to it.

[@glinediscgolf2860]

“The hip is the chest of the forehand” the wonderful AHA moment

[@blinddg5064]

Is that like, “the eyes are the groin of the head” (Dwight Schrute)?

[@ghdisc_golf4606]

2:09. That weird moment when someone is waiting for the wind to stop on the tee pad

[@heartdisciple]

The "hammer" tip is gold

[@jeffnarum1373]

An "Aha Moment" for me.

[@jeffnarum1373]

@Kent Chapman Eagle taught an old dog a new trick.

[@HeronMarkHero]

Finally, this is the level of detail that EVERY other video is lacking. Please Eagle, do this detailed breakdown for the backhand too please!!

[@johnathonscheurer1233]

Please. I'm just starting off and I can launch a forehand (played baseball my entire childhood) but I cant get ANY distance on a backhand. It literally goes 100 feet and that's a stretch

[@stevet3733]

@@johnathonscheurer1233 snapping a towel, or pulling a lawn mower cord on a picnic table were good analogies that helped me. Also, follow through with hips, so you end up swinging body around after release, where you're standing with left foot in front, facing with body opposite of arm you are throwing at the end. Those all helped me crank backhands

[@SituAsian]

Veryveryveryveryveryvery useful forehand tips my man! Can you pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease do similar video for backhand? It would be so appreciated and awesome!

[@adamintheoutdoors2119]

Lucio Boop Check our simons Form critiques, Simon taught eagle his backhand if I’m not mistaken

[@millsda2]

Dude, this is fire! Exactly what I needed. I’ve really been struggling to learn how to get better at this type of shot, so thank you for putting in the time to teach us. Can’t wait to get out this weekend and put the reps in.

[@benjamingerhardt5574]

Perfect dude! I think your range of motion and flexibility is the reason you can crush forehands. Plus you’re goooooood! Now backhand brah! 💗

[@douglasacramer76]

Thanks Eagle! Can't wait to get out and try some of this out to improve my forehand. Thanks for taking the time to put so many angles and clips together to really show all the techniques operating in real time. Can't wait to see you back out on the course! Will you be bagging the PD3 when the season starts back up? If so, what are the shots you would use it for?

[@jasonz994]

I love how honest and straight up you are about your form & technique. Some people may be tempted to leave that throw out but I learned from it as I'm sure others did. Great fore hand vid ! Thx a million mate, Good luck out there & lets get back to disc golf !!!!!

[@kuligc.6784]

The last part of this video is the realest thing I’ve seen someone put out for advice at improving. Such a creative way to display how important pure practice is. Awesome video, the biggest thing I took away was really pushing off the back foot and planting on that front foot to transfer into the disc (south paw but I’m used to it)

[@addforme]

Usually right before I tee off I yell "COMMENCING THE MOVEMENT!". The homies all love it.

[@edwardpartlow4132]

I practiced after watching this and gained about 20% more distance forehand. More importantly, they’ve been coming out more consistent and I’ve felt less stress on my body. ‘Fan grip’ was a godsend for getting my midranges working! Thanks Eagle!

[@rattnroll1989]

Thank you so much for this video. You breaking down the forehand as you did was very eye opening. I was at Waco last round and you let me take a photo of you and I really appreciated your humor in the pic. Keep doing your thing Eagle!

[@subspaceanomaly]

He's a funny guy

[@daemn42]

I think the key to that weird looking body position you see from the side near the end of the vid, is really about what's going on at 16:49 (seen from behind). The throw starts with the disc well outside the driving line (more than a disc width and a half outside), and as your hips rotate your upper body forward, you pull your elbow in toward your hips, the disc whips inward before it goes forward, and that's what causes the lower arm and wrist to bend so far back, and build up energy like a spring, which is then released as you continue rotating forward. I started becoming aware of this while I worked on my backhand form with tutorials saying "don't extend your arm behind your body, but *out* from your upper body which is rotated back, then use hips to rotate upper body forward keeping a 90 degree ange between upper arm and body, letting your elbow bend and whip the disc back into the power pocket". Again, the disc often starts outside the driving line, so as you rotate forward the disc is sucked inward, and then whips forward. Once I could feel that happening more often (still a work in progress), I started thinking about how to get the forehand to do the same, start outside, and whip inward and then forward, rather than starting with it simply extended straight back and trying to "pull" it forward.

[@fb341]

This is by far the best sidearm instruction/breakdown that I've ever watched. Thanks Eagle!!

[@calebonner8782]

Eagle tryna steal yo bish @ 2:56

[@kiisseli6759]

Lol

[@Danny_S.]

Eagle!! A side-arm clinic just for me? wow!

[@neilrankin4133]

This is the best clinic I've seen on a sidearm. Thank you!!!

[@420bloodlust420]

The Hammer analogy really drove things home for me. Thanks for helping me tac that down Screaming E. Chef B

[@mortenlothe6893]

BIG THX EAGLE. Im a noob (played for about 8 months) i have a pretty ok forehand, but your tips gained me over 80 feet. Greetings all the way from Norway;)

[@erkdaj3rk]

A tip for educational content: When analyzing footage like this, start with playing the whole clip so the viewers know what to expect. Then go through the clip piece by piece just as you did and then finish with playing the whole clip again. This way we the viewers know where your body is going to be during the analyze phase and, most importantly, where it's going to be. Keep up the good work! You're doing great :D

[@tommysheridan2601]

"Your hips are like your chest for a forehand" Hands down the best piece of advice I've heard as an ultimate player who can crush a backhand, but struggles mightily with the flick. Thank you!

[@Orangepie86]

“I dunno... people think I have a pretty good forehand.” Yeah okay Eagle... pretending it’s not the best in the world lol.

[@blameitoncartman]

Orangepie86 Simon said it’s the best side arm in disc golf and Big Sexy Commentary always use the phrase “what a weapon!”

[@jeremiaskalliokoski2702]

Maybe most distance but not most accurate or technical. That title belongs to Ricky or Nate but Eagle is up there!

[@XaeoLS]

@@jeremiaskalliokoski2702 He doesn't have the most distance either. Silver Lätt most certainly throw farther forehand. The reason Eagle's forehand may be considered the best in the world is that he has top notch accuracy (even though maybe not quite as accurate as players like Sexton, Koling, Wysocki, etc) while simultaneously having more distance than almost every other touring pro. It's the combo that makes it just about uncontested.

[@tjhall7976]

Im guessing you didn't notice the sarcasm in the post if that's your responses. Read and understand guys then comment

[@ryry562000]

@@XaeoLS what about the dude from Minnesota Ryan Sheldon, man that dude can rip a forehand. He was over 80-82 at the Preserve Championships

[@GuMbYRoCkS123654]

Eagle, you are a champion and a stellar teacher. Keep crushin it

[@apriltong1305]

Excellent break down of technique! Super helpful. I had no forearm throw to speak of when I watched your video and after applying your techniques and only a few hours of practice I could actually use my forearm during a game. I really appreciated your explanation of the different grips even if you personally don't use all of them. Also, echoing the sentiment of several of the comments - I love your demo of your left handed throw!

[@DougDunfee]

Thanks for sharing Eagle! I've been starting to trick flicks with my MD3 lately. Learning a lot and having fun!

[@tjpohorelsky4399]

Great video Eagle. I love your technical breakdowns. Thanks for helping us out, I can tell you put your heart into the sport and into helping others. Your depth of analysis is incredible. Keep them coming dude.

[@nutmegdonkey]

they really need to be paying you to do clinics , this is the best disc golf tutorial I've ever seen.

[@Paperbisonmaker]

Excellent video! Your Shatner esque de-liv-ery is clearly heard and understood, well done. Love the self critique at the end, very helpful. If this disc golf thing doesn't work out you definitely have a backup career in instructional video and motivational speaking.😁

[@SomeDudeInTheChat]

That's profound disc golf wisdom mixed with the physics of the body... Shared this many times!

[@whatitdo4203]

I'm a semi-new disc golfer who almost exclusively throws forehand (dunno why but no matter how hard I try I cannot get the hang of backhand unless it's for close approach or putting) and I find that the fan grip is great for control approaches and since it allows me to keep the disc more stable since I'm obviously putting a little less power on the shot 🤷‍♂️

[@johnferguson5658]

Thanks for this, very helpful! Eric Oakley says much the same in his Physics of Flight forehand VLog, but great to hear it again in your words. I need to work on the wrist snap..

[@robertcruz3128]

Very true! Eric's vid is great as well.I learned off of his video, but Eagle's just goes into great detail and break down.I can't wait to try it! I definitely picked up some other things from it that i'm excited to try.

[@kennyschneider8277]

Loved your sidearm video,seeing the actual breakdown as you were throwing was excellent!

[@MrAdultMan]

When Eagle throws farther lefty than your dominant hand...

[@jomebrew]

Threw a couple forehands about 100 feet yesterday. Wobbly and clearly fighting to stay in flight before they violently crashed into the ground. Liked and Subscribed!

[@dwmichaels]

Well done. I've seen some of your prior how-to sessions and I agree with the comments below that you're really good at that now. While the form might be straight forward, having one of the best in the game break down their form and talk about it is always a treat. You captured some great angles and added some insightful comments. Thanks very much for sharing. May I be so bold as to ask for a backhand breakdown like this video? :) Would also enjoy (once things get back to normal a bit) seeing some more of you doing commentary on a course like the one you did in Europe. Great content these days. Happy to see you doing so well.

[@roberthaley8111]

Hi Eagle, enjoyed the video. I would be really interested in a follow up video on forehand release angles. Throwing NOSE DOWN hyzers and anhyzers in particular.

[@1horton3]

great point about importance of muscle memory

[@heartdisciple]

Vivobarefoot shoes are great

[@jaymcillece9807]

Random Q: What shoes are you wearing? I am in the market for a new pair and wanted to see what was out there before settling on Adidas

[@patrickzehnder7447]

Jay, I second that question. Eagle?

[@shivabest2469]

Same Q. Those Vibrams look cool and comfy but I can't find them.

[@corgrapes]

Vivo

[@shivabest2469]

Thanks to Corey Peschke for the correction. I believe these are Vivobarefoot Magna Trail shoes. www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/outdoor/magna-trail-mens?colour=Obsidian

[@minusthepain]

Thanks for this video! One of the best forehand instructions out there.

[@1974billym]

This is probably the most in depth explanation of a forehand throw that I have ever seen. I feel that this was much needed because there is so much information and breakdown of the backhand, but comparatively little about the forehand. There's definitely nothing this thorough. Thank you for this, sir.

[@shaneb6964]

When he explained not being able to put fingers between the disc 😂

[@dsmithprogrammer]

Thank you for taking the time to explain this! That was awesome 👍

[@Dorris89]

Thank you so much for this video. Been playing for about 3 weeks now and pulled my shoulder from some bad/frisbee style backhands and was throwing just terrible forehands. Watched this and pulled a 300ft drive to park for my first eagle (from red)!

[@LelandReview]

Thanks for the help ! I have been trying to learn better sidearm form for years. And most vids I found were hard to follow. You did excellent job explaining it clearly. Now I know what to call my shot. Its sidearm standing upright. I will try the lower stance to get better distance. That is what I have been lacking.

[@st1LeOG]

Great point on hips vs chest. BH your chest leads the throw and your hips follow through. FH your hips lead the throw and your chest follows.

[@matthewlaughon2158]

Eagle, this is awesome! Please make a video like this for Backhand. There are a lot of backhand videos, but none that are as complete as this.

[@Str8Flossin]

Awesome tutorial! You resemble a MLB pitcher at 20:00 almost identical form and explains the torque you’re able to generate.

[@CapnPink28]

This is excellent…..I think you should revisit this video, Eagle!! Now’s the time, teach us to master the forehand!

[@Chris.Davies]

Hmmm. I changed the thumb position of my FH grip, and suddenly it feels a lot more powerful. So, I'm popping over to the park next door to test this. See ya!

[@AAceRon]

Excellent coaching E!

[@dustman96]

Thanks Eagle. I'm a pretty decent forehand thrower, but this breakdown is going to help take it to the next level. So important to have in the arsenal. That arm thing is a little freaky...

[@jeffdejaynes7231]

dust man I totally agree. I started playing forehand and my friends quickly convinced me to work on my backhand. Now I probably play 20-30% of my game forehand. I’d like to think I’m pretty equally balanced either way.

[@dustman96]

@@jeffdejaynes7231 I started out throwing mostly forehand. Now I throw the majority backhand but use forehand a lot for upshots and some medium range drives. I bet it helps by 2 strokes a round at least.

[@billmcclernan8298]

Look at any video of a baseball pitcher, their arm bends about the same as yours, especially sidearm. I agree, newbies shouldn't try to do that, so good advice. Thanks for the video, I like the footwork tips!

[@matthewallen9776]

I wanted to offer some comfort for you, may you rest easy. Your elbow isn't freakish or alien. Check out pictures of MLB pitchers mid throw. Their hand and the ball lag WAY behind their humerus and elbow. All that torque from the trunk into the arm literally makes your arm into a trebuchet for launching.

[@oliversyre5714]

Just excellent lesson. After your career you will be a very good disc golf teacher.

[@jonathanbaldwin1539]

Thank you Eagle, I definitely learned a few things that will help me achieve my forehand goals.

[@Mr.SpocksBrain]

And your backhand is as good as you sidearm! You Sir, are gifted!

[@encouragedbyChrist]

Ty for wrist back tip, havent seen that, i definitely start my throw with straight wrist

[@jedediahgordon4064]

think its time for to introduce a 360 forehand to the game, and Eagle is the man to do it

[@Zhenyization]

Great video, thank you! Would love to see the same breakdown on your backhand as well.

[@stevenosmond2168]

Great content and also a pun on the thumb. Smooooth.

[@blameitoncartman]

Very insightful, Eagle! I’m sure you’ve already seen Simon’s side by side breakdown of his forehand compared to yours. It’s pretty funny 😆 b/c the whole time Simon’s basically like “how does his arm do that???” So I’m gonna start making sure my bodies already turned sideways and that my front heel is planted before I start my forward motion with the disc!

[@LehmanRacingTeam]

Could you redo this one soon? Great content BUT would be super beneficial to see your body in full to see how it all works together :)

[@jr07foto9]

Awesome video! Thanks for those tips !! cool stuff !! Peace from Central Cal!!

[@Arodynamics]

I’ve been a recreational player since 2011 and I’ve never felt remotely confident in my sidearm nor felt like anyone properly explained to me how to do it (at least not in a way I understood) and now I’m feeling excited and motivated to apply these tips. Thank you Eagle!

[@bigjerm_3189]

This is by far the most informative instructional video I've seen for forehand up-to-date! I've watched a lot too! Great vid!

[@discgolfprofessor7074]

Nice video E. I like your thumbnail colors etc. thx

[@teeboxmedia]

Before watching this I could only throw 250ft and after watching this video, I can now throw 750ft with ease. thanks eagle

[@cameronbartzen5534]

Thanks for the leftie shots / emphasis on practice Eagle!

[@bepriceless]

Excellent video Eagle, Thanks. Your lefty is far better than my righty ever was, but I'm going to change that.

[@MasterHatred]

Great vid and awesome tips!

[@joem8496]

ever watched a baseball pitcher in slow mo? same thing!

[@The1jonnyz]

Great video! I'm 65 years old and just getting into it, with the help of my sons who have been doing it for a few years. I don't get much power out of backhand therefore prefer forehand. I am working on accuracy now. I am heading out tomorrow to a soccer field to practice what I saw you teaching in this vid. Btw, if my elbow bends like yours does, it's because I just snapped it 😂😂

[@VacheManoukian]

One of the best tutorials ever made; you’re a natural gifted teacher. Oh and video production is on point 👌

[@brandong4576]

Woah I watched this video and now I'm flicking Teebirds 600 feet, thank you Eagle 🙏

[@davidismilliganjr]

man I love this! I am studying this as if I could actually do it.. I like to dream big! THANKS EAGLE :)

[@dylancoe1801]

Off subject about forehand, but I've been thinking about buying the trail vivo barefoot shoes for discgolfing for awhile now. How are they?

[@EagleMcMahon]

I think they might be the 🐐

[@keithdk123]

Just so you know, that funky elbow position isnt actually from the elbow. Its because you have good external rotation in your shoulder. The more you can externally rotate the shoulder, the more you can place your hand behind the shoulder, but it keeps the elbow forward.

[@keithdk123]

@Z Z if you train your rotator cuff youll be fine.

[@lastchancevideos1772]

This is excellent and almost much more in-depth than prior backhand ones I've seen you give. With your pedagogical improvements, I would HIGHLY encourage you to come back and do a backhand one, please and thanks!

[@romanvigil1555]

Great tutorial 👌 thanks

[@joecortesi2894]

so crazy you actually posted this, I've been waiting for this video for like 2 years, thank you, I truly feel I'm about to finally stop throwing 375 side arms!

[@dharmadobby7062]

Awesome video, Eagle, thanks so much. I'm predominantly a forehand player, just getting started, and I'm looking forward to working on these techniques. So far I can only throw about 275, so I need some help!! XD

[@joeditta2321]

Okay, I had to come back to share my experience incorporating some of Eagle's advice in this video. 2024 will mark 20 years of disc golf for me; for whatever reason I never really committed myself to learning forehand shots until the last couple of years. I was getting better but still unable to throw well over 250 feet or so. Today I practiced the shuffle, "baseball"-like throw and "hammer the nail" concept that Eagle presents, and I threw straight and over 300 feet about four times during a round. The best was about 320. THANK YOU, EAGLE! I feel like my game just went up a big notch and can't wait to keep working on the forehand. I found that a somewhat short and under control shuffle was best, keep it as movement free as possible until I can start working on more power and so on. Watch this video and improve your game, y'all!

[@shaun761]

Eagle still forearms further than I can with his opposite arm 😭

[@sosomesa7276]

Hey Eagle, I have to say this has been my GO to 📹 video. You know doesn't matter what course I am on. It all forehand. Don't really do backhand. I even putt a upside down forehand putt. I been trying to get the cloud ☁️ breaker 😩, but people buy them and sell them higher on eBay. Finally got better getting up to the 12 speed. Love the hats and shirts you wear. But soon hope to get those item. And thank you for this video !!!

[@codygarner7337]

Coming from a baseball, golf, throwing sports background the forehand/sidearm/flick came naturally to me. The weight transfer and hip movement is almost identical. I primarily throw RHFH and have excellent results. I'm throwing Terns, X-Cals, Apes, and my GO TO Colossus's for max distance. Max for me at the moment in no wind flat field is 450'. My fairways are Firebirds, Starfire, CD2, Thunderbirds, Sidewinders/Mambas/Daedalus(for left finishing fade), Valkyries, and Teebirds. These fairway molds are my bread and butter for any course, especially in the woods. North Carolina woods courses to be exact. I use an XT Colt for my midrange, one OS and one not so stable. Working in a flat Star AviarX3, and Champion Caiman for additional OS mids. (The Caiman is a great finesse midrange). I say all of this hoping to help others interested in forehands; so if you're confused about mold selection(I sure was), this might help. Yes, you might not throw Innova, but these molds can be a good reference for you. Note: When I started playing, 250'-300' feet drives were my MAX, but I practice daily and use resistance bands for my workouts. The practice has paid off! I'm currently working on building up my PDGA tournament "resume" and ratings.. in hopes to make it to NT/DGPT touring level soon! Peace, and stay safe! Thanks for your vids, Eagle!!

Thanks Eagle, this was amazing!

[@juanbernardez1295]

Great vid Eagle! I've been playing longer than you've been alive and never have been able to throw forehand. This vid has explained the mechanics better than I have ever heard it explained. I'm definitely going to the field after work and try (once again) to develop a forehand! Thanks! Just sub'd!

[@bigman23511]

Dude you are awesome to watch! Hope to see you in person some day!

[@pallarmann]

Great video. Thank you very much Eagle for that excellent breakdown. On a side note, I´m curious about what editing software you use for your videos. I want to get into making videos but don´t know where to begin when it comes to software.

[@mosk11tto]

Big question eagle will the pd3 replace the legendary metal flake max? The one simon has seems little too domey.

[@loginusername7]

This kid is incredible. From the moment he came on the tour he’s displayed it all. Insane forehand distance, insane backhand distance, deadly putting skills. Phenom.

[@loginusername7]

Z Z, give him a little more time to grow and gain experience. Eagle is without a doubt one of the best players on tour. He is still young and putting it all together... but if you can’t recognize he has all the tools, then I don’t know what to tell u bud.

[@subspaceanomaly]

@Z Z what nonsense. In tennis you might have someone with a not great serve who still wins because their other shots and movement get them over the line. Their opponent who aces them often has a better serve. It's nuanced thinking, don't go mad on it straight away as you'll end up more confused, but try it in little bits to get yourself started.

[@Two_Buck]

Haha....your lefty throw looks better than my natural forehand. I've been playing disc golf for years now and still struggle with the forehand. Hopefully, these tips will help. Thanks.