My Disc Golf Journey from 250ft to 400ft (75 - 120m)

My journey of improvement in disc golf backhand distance! Let's hope this is a part 1 :)
In the video I'll be going over my backhand form improvements in chronological order. We'll talk about footwork, finding the snap, making space for the disc, consistent throwing plane etc. I hope you find it interesting!
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[@EzraAderholdDG]

This was interesting! I had to do a similar thing when I was building my technique as well. I'm really curious about that simulator you used to see what angles are ideal. Have you tried increasing the angle at the shoulder past 90°? It'd be really interesting to see what exact angles produce the highest speed

[@SketchesForHumanity]

Thanks! I still have a lot of things to test with the simulations. Haven't tested putting the angle past 90d yet, I'll have to give it a try!

[@EzraAderholdDG]

@@SketchesForHumanity nice! I'd love to see what the results would be 🤘

[@JustinClarkson-nu1ik]

one of the farthest throwers on tour now wants to see if he can throw even farther. god save us all

[@michaelyork1096]

@@SketchesForHumanity Great video! And cool software. If you're taking requests for experiments, it would be cool to see how arm/lever length affects release velocity. Help put in perspective just how impressive it is when Emerson throws 500' 🤯

[@man0utoftime]

Didn't you and Tristan do a motion capture thing? I assumed that would've yielded all kinds of authoritative next-level insights.

[@OverthrowDiscGolf]

Wow. Great work on both your form and this video!

[@SketchesForHumanity]

Thank you, Josh! 🙏 Great to see you here, you guys' videos have helped me a lot! 😊

[@mattfuller7663]

@@SketchesForHumanity me too!

[@rubusart]

Best video I've ever seen. Finally an honest presentation that explains how complex the backhand form is. Incredibly inspiring. Wish I had seen this video 10 years ago. Very well done!

[@IV_ATCTE]

Holy shit, I've been studying the pros relentlessly, filming my form, everything, I got stuck around 360 roughly 3 months ago. I thought I tried everything, but that tip about bringing the right shoulder forward and also driving through with the left shoulder as well as with your hips just blew my mind. I decided to give it a shot and gave it some reps with a towel and it felt crazy. I then tried it with my discs in a field and it immediately put me over 400. The shorter x-step really helped too.

[@unicorn_catcher]

That right shoulder thing is gold.

[@ROCKONNORG]

I'm 71 years old. I went from 220 feet to 292 feet following many of your examples. The most important one for me was the 90-degree arm illustration at 12:35.

[@kylekopepasah]

Time Stamps: 2:32 Throwing Plane and Follow Through 4:05 Footwork 6:19 Snap and Off Arm Drive 8:56 Disc Spacing and Shoulder Rotation 11:42 90 Degree Throwing Arm 13:39 Heal Rotation 14:44 Reach Back Timing and Rubber Band Effect 16:05 X-Step 17:15 Results

[@jordanamundson4129]

Thankyou.

[@frankhaula]

Man.. I just gotta tell you, I don't know if it's the Finnish summer or the fact that I was cutting onions earlier but that moment made me tear up. I saw that. I saw how important that was for you. And that's what it's all about. This is why we dot it! This is why disc golf or personal growth in any regard is such beautiful thing! I'm definitely sharing this video, this was done in such a genius and humane way. Thank you man! Have a good one!

[@chrisderus8172]

This is has to be the best progress video I have seen to date. You have definitely created a relatable and helpful video for those of us who seek more distance. The way you have documented your journey, spotted inefficiencies in your form and corrected them, and using simulations to back your findings is fantastic. Thank you for doing this, I'm looking forward to more.

[@lavertable]

Yea I was glad to see it wasn't Robbie C. So I clicked on it and now I bet I can get my old distance back.

[@Chris.Davies]

Your "pushing the ground" is "The Brace". See Drew Gibson, to see what he does with it. It causes your right hip to move backwards and hence increase your torso rotation rate, plus it also means you are extending up into balance on your plant foot. Trying to brace against a bent leg is fruitless, and you just glide over the top. Plus, once the leg is completely straight, the body can rotate in place about the stationary hip joint. Coincidentally, the bracing leg extension radically increases grip and traction simultaneously, just when you are applying maximum torque to your contact patch on the ground. :) Even more fun, is the fact that once you have finished extending into your braced position, the pressure on the ground radically decreases, to allow for easy plant-foot rotation/heel spin, and it relieves torque on the knee, as well. :) Since you learned to walk you have mastered the ability to land with a bent leg, and to quickly stand up straight into perfect balance. Using both legs to jump, or just one. If you extend too quickly, then your foot disengages from the ground during the smash, and that is bad news. Your foot can rotate, but it should never move sideways from your plant foot. I call this pole-vaulting, as it lifts you completely off the ground, even if only for a few milliseconds. If you take a final step that's too long, you can't brace against it properly, and if you are going too fast then you can't come into balance on your plant foot after the release. And to finish in static balance means you must have maintained dynamic balance throughout your throwing motion. :) in disc golf, you don't have much time, so you can't flex deeply when you land, as you have no time to stop your downwards motion, and reverse it before the disc is gone. Land with plant leg almost straight, absorb and extend the earliest you possibly can, but do not extend too quickly - as above. This is another thing in disc golf which is greatly dictated by physical talent and ability - and which the rest of us just have to work really hard on, for year, after year... after year... after decade... after decade!

[@ioweutube2]

"trying to brace against a bent leg is fruitless"? Maybe I am misunderstanding you, but doesn't Paul McB have a very bent brace for example?

[@kunle91]

You can brace/plant with a bent leg as long as it is firm. You see this in several rotational style throwing motions - baseball, javelin to a lesser extent, etc. It doesn't necessarily have to be straight, but it appears that a straight leg is more common.

[@romiels]

I really hope that you'll make it to 500 feet and make another video. The physics based animation and explanation were some of the best I've seen on the topic! Thanks for the great video!

[@pashants]

Awesome to witness you tackling your challenges. Love to see it, Great job sketch

[@konstaConstant]

Simulations like that will definitely convince nerds like me and my friends to correct misconceptions! I'd love to see more :)

[@bradyconnor]

This is an excellent video. Thanks for taking the time to share your journey and I'll definitely be sharing this around!

[@perezparty2870]

This video is incredible!! One of the best form growth videos I’ve seen, and that simulation of the throw was super awesome I’ve always wanted to see what that would look like!

[@reynolds022]

Incredible video! Thank you for relaying the information you found in an easy to understand way! So cool to see the progress like this with those simulations. You’re brilliant!

[@MSFB4EVER]

Fantastic video!!! Love hearing I’m not the only one with distance struggles. Keep grinding!

[@capnslapn2905]

absolutely incredible video. this is objectively one of the best tools for learning disc golf as well as improving your game. i smashed all the buttons my dude great video

[@mattfuller7663]

Eureka! These are break through details and your explanations are spot on. I can't wait to try these. I'm an instant subscriber and look forward to your coming content.

[@RGMDG]

Thanks for the great video. Really enjoyed your documentation of your journey. Great explanations. I am still learning and realize it will take a lot of time to get good, but I am enjoying the journey so far. Good luck and wishing you continued success.

[@michaellarsen7276]

This is an amazing journey. I am just starting to really focus on bettering my form and you have opened my eyes to a much better understanding. I've watched a lot of really good form videos that have taught me what I need to change, but this video somehow pulls it all together for me. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@jaredcaccatore]

Fantastic breakdown! Thanks for taking so much time to go into detail about what you learned. This has helped my drives already.

[@tommyboy4835]

Such a great video! Way to stick with it and thank you for sharing your findings. Your explanation was very fluid and easy to understand. Again, Thank you

[@rafaelarguello2171]

This video is so good. There are so many things in this that I try to explain to my group and I will be sharing for sure. Thank you for making this

[@bojeppe]

Well done!! Absolutely love the dissection of your journey! Will absolutely try and film myself more!!! Thanks!

[@Asi32]

Really reallly great video. thank you for taking the time to do this, and make such a good video and tutorial. Really well thought out and well shot. Really enjoyed the animations part =) =D Congratulations on the new PR =D

[@davidlevan9335]

Well done! Thanks for sharing your journey and your technical insights!

[@kylemilburn7901]

Fantastic Video! amazing detailed and nuanced development of your understanding of the form and technique, very helpful! keep up the good work. Thank you!

[@rabbiwabbi3000]

This was really useful! I'm at where you were in the beginning of the video. Let's hope your sharing this will make it easier for me. Thank you!

[@samelisi]

Great viedo! Thank you for this. You explained a lot of things that I think I have felt when getting some longer throws but now understand why they felt better and what to focus more in the future.

[@zackp6794]

This was great. I’ve been obsessing over my form for a few years now, with small breakthroughs along the way very much like you. This was helpful, and also inspiring. Thank you!

[@beaverboy2351]

Just watched your video and thoroughly enjoyed. I just started on my journey and love the discovery that comes with disc. I cannot wait to go out and throw and try out some of your swing thoughts.

[@andrewbarrenger]

Such an interesting and enlightening video! Had to watch it twice to pick up so much detail. I really like the way you showed the injection of the back arm. Well done and thank you! 🙏

[@ZDio1993]

So glad this video came up in my feed. Definitely a few gems in this video that I'll be chewing on and applying to my throws. Really great video!!

[@paulwinder8163]

This is an excellent video. The content is top notch and since it's personal, it's very touching and relatable. I'm going to try out some of these principles tomorrow in practice. That simulator is neat and I want to see some more. Well done.

[@mr.jitters6531]

Congratulations and thank you for making this video. I've watched a few videos to help improve my distance and yours makes the most sense to me.

[@gwaypsgaming3232]

I'm just hitting the 6:18 mark and what you are describing is exactly where I feel like I am at. thank you for making such a relatable video...earned that sub my man!

[@michaelblair7141]

Awesome vid!! I am very excited for this continued journey!

[@Paul-wk9ky]

This video is nothing short of amazing! Thank you for all the work you put into this. Sharing your cycles of progress, struggles, epiphanies, and success is incredible! An absolute KZbin gem!

[@dcjordan5150]

Congrats on your progress, so glad you’re sharing your journey it’s very inspiring!

[@AgguBaggu]

man there is so much gold in this video! Second time watching and it makes me so motivated to learn the proper form. So many people tell me how smooth my form looks, but for me it is always so nerve wracking to throw and I dont throw very far either. Right now I have to get on top of an injury in my chest that I think I got from disc golf, and then I will try to do the same as you!:)

[@skjalm]

Thank you for a very thorough description of how you improved your form. There are a lot of really good "aha moments" that I hope to replicate. Super bonus points for the Blender animation and congrats on reaching 120+ meters! :-D

[@ZUCChinishrIMP]

Great video! Very useful how you went through the progression from a beginner to where you are now. It's easier to relate and learn from than some videos from pros!

[@benjaminbailey2416]

Dude, amazing video! I’ve only been playing a few months but this makes so much sense to me, more so than any other video I’ve watched. I’ll seriously pay you to coach me. Side note, I can’t help but notice all the equipment in the background. Is that you on the keys!? Amazing!

[@Krillerust]

This was a really great and helpful instructional video! To se what you've been struggling with and how you make change's and progress was easier to take in instead of just watching clinic's from the pro's. Tack you for that. :D

[@jonrmay]

Finally, a video for us everyday people out there that really explains and opens the feels and executions of what little ah hah moments for real improvement. Great video!

[@scottwhite512]

Such an amazing video! After looking through the comments I know I'm not the first person to say something like this, but as somebody who has been obsessed with the sport since picking it up 3 years ago it feels amazing to see the same journey I worked through in somebody else's eyes. We all have this infatuation with improving and putting together a solid performance piece by piece, it's what disc golf is all about. Don't stop overthinking, and don't stop practicing, all the effort you've put in and the knowledge you've shared today would be worth it all on their own, I hope you get some real recognition for how much this video will help beginners for years to come. Keep up the good work!

[@MrFred239]

I do practice a lot for last 3 years. Still not happening anything, but Im not gonna give up 😂

[@jacobbond9796]

Oh man, such an in-depth analysis! I'm impressed. I am a novice to DG and this is a mine of pure knowledge, just can't wait to go outside and try all this myself. Once again, kudos for you man! :-)

[@johntroyer997]

One of the first videos I’ve seen that actually went over more than just the very basics and explains it well, thank you.

[@Marco-nv5zx]

Super analisys ! So these are well deserved results, because you applied a method. A lot to learn from you, thanks a lot! There is hope for my form!

[@Wiensy90]

Amazing video! So well done and impressive to see how much time and effort your put in to understand the technique so well. I'm currently in that 330-350 foot slump so I'll definitely be implementing your techniques as I know I've still got another 100 feet in me. Thanks for posting!

[@JW-ej4yt]

One of the better form videos I've seen, pros included. Thanks for the tips

[@Crowmoor78]

Loistavaa! This was the most analytical, but still the most understable video about backhand drive. Great explanation on the time line of improvement and the details. I believe I have to rethink my form also, because I have stuck on the 90-95m marker. This was really helpful and motivating.

[@user-gk6ho9ey9p]

I love the fact that you took your time to explain everything into details

[@torbjornwiken]

Thank you for sharing the process and the study! Really helpful!

[@Flyzguy]

This is really refreshing. I love the depth of analysis and quest for evidence and answering "why" instead of just making statements. The simulation work is inspiring. Bravo

[@Michaellove85]

Great video. We have had pretty much the same journey except the right shoulder position change. Brilliant!

[@lyngron5765]

This video was awesome! I'm stuck at 100 m myself so I will use this video to try to improve my distance. I especially found the simulations was really educational. Interesting experiments and results you found with the simulations. Keep it up! Hope to see more videoes where you have improved your distance or just your form to get more accurate shots🙂

[@alanbolla8443]

Congratulations !!!! This video is very helpful as I'm new to the disc golf world trying to keep up with my son. Great presentation 👍

[@Bulldog8760]

Super fascinating video. Love looking in depth at body mechanics please do more!

[@SituAsian]

LOVED the video. So different compared to the typical disc golf videos in a good way. I can see that you've put a lot of effort in to this and I appreciate it. I have to say that I've gone through very similar path as you, I've figure out same ideas and have same mental notes. Please keep us updated about your improvements and make more videos!

[@jonilehto8354]

One of the best videos on this subject I’ve seen! Great work and thanks a lot! I could really use a same kind of video of putting technique 😅

[@chuckwatkin7462]

Very interesting! Very helpful! You are a humble genius. Good luck in getting to 150m. Please keep sharing. Disc golf needs more videos like yours.

[@rivermungall6374]

I think that was the most enjoyable KZbin video Ive ever watched. Your explanations were very eloquently put. So easy to follow and made so much sense

[@jaboc83]

Fantastic video and explanation. I really loved this content and would love to see more experiments/analysis with the simulation as many others have said. Well done.

[@jeshxll]

Thanks for this great video! As a forehand dominant player, I’ve always struggled nailing down a comfortable backhand - this raised a lot of good tips. This is extremely helpful and as someone who’s just behind 400 ft your journey may help me get there

[@calpauly21]

Thanks for the in depth explanation of how you are using your shoulders. I’m going to give that a try. Good luck on your journey and thanks for taking us along.

[@jdwhite9159]

one of the most objective, and best delivered sources of dg form info. :thumbsup:

[@matholthe]

Ive been working on the same things, so its very inpiring to see others doing the same. Also, i think your form looks really clean and effortless👍🏻

[@jerkwagon]

just put alomst every YT DG channel to shame, great production and the info was AMAZING, spot on! off to the field i go!

[@fredrikforsberg8819]

very nice deep dive in to your form. Im still learning the run up and x step, but will take this information with me when its time to shapen my skills further.

[@Toph378]

Terrific tutorial and congratulations! Thank you for sharing the journey.

[@isaiahbalter4883]

I love this! So many mental cues to help your body develop muscle memory. I have had some of the same realizations in my form. I had a max distance of 450’ almost a year ago, but then couldn’t get back to it. After a year of work I can get about 430’. In any case, I love the breakdown and how you analyze everything, great video.

[@exareon]

Wow, there is so much info in this video.. I will rewatch it alot to grasp it all. Thank you for sharing your insights

[@drewg3087]

AmazIng video, tips, and help. Thanks for all your research and progress vids. Just incredible, can’t wait to use this and work on my form. More DG vids please!

[@reitairue2073]

This is another GREAT video to learn from, very well done. I'm still in the standstill phase, and the whole idea of pushing the shoulder out a bit to engage those back muscles is a game changer. I immediately felt a difference when throwing the left arm into it. Hoping to see the "how I got to 150m" vid. 🤙

[@markuspichler7541]

Really great video, rewatched my own videos on my form and figuerd out I had the same problem with the run up. This helped a tonn thanks!

[@TimTimsTim]

Incredible video sir. Thank you so much for putting the time in to make this and giving us clear and thorough explanations.

[@nathandonaldson2762]

Great video - thanks for the depth and multitude of tips.

[@NewEraMusic972]

Well done! This video opened my eyes to a few things that I can't wait to go practice this weekend! I can throw forehand very well but my backhand maxes out at 310-320ft. Just trying a few of the things you said in the backyard feels like I can throw much further. Thanks!

[@AndrewJDJepson]

Now this is a phenomenal video! I am very stuck at 300--330ft throws and it is certainly due to my xstep, reachback and overall form. I will definitely take your tips into account when making fixes!

[@newsYk]

Amazing video. You are not alone. The struggle for distance is real and progress is happening really slowly and nothing comes easy. I'm stuck at 300ft and you gave me a huge hint were should I go next to increase the distance :) thank you

[@japes1172]

really enjoyed this! we have eerily similar journeys... I started playing almost the exact same time and have been figuring out all the same things you mention, so it feels very familiar. great to see the progress and know that all the work is paying off. keep it up man!

[@SketchesForHumanity]

Thanks a lot! I'll definitely keep it up, I'm hoping this is just a "part 1" :D

[@adrianfyi]

THIS WAS SO GOOD! I’m trying to improve by breaking down my own form and even though I’m not doing it correctly I have trouble discerning exactly what’s wrong and what I should do to fix it. But hearing you and seeing your examples of analyzing your own form has opened my own eyes. Thank you so much for your insight and hard work!

[@ericames9234]

I found this very enlightening. My form has similar "flaws" to yours - as you gradually uncover in this and subsequent videos. I've been asking myself many of the same questions that you address here. Your dedication and methodical approach was impressive. I think I learned more from this series than most of the form videos I study from the pro's! "More relatable" if you will. I look forward to incorporating some of what I've learned here. A HUGE THANKS for putting in the work and sharing with the community!

[@gianlucabarbarini7415]

Bravo! I really enjoyed your work and the way you share it with us. Thanks so much

[@PhillipMiass]

Cool video! 400+ is a special club to be in. It takes a lot of things going right to achieve that. Keep up the good work!

[@Coco192694]

The extension from the shoulder really is the key here. Without that everything else distance wise is fruitless I really think many people are rounding, just are too fast to ever notice it. Can't wait for another video man

[@Hanserfaust]

I love the idea of my body becoming a slingshot now being taught (2023+) rather than starting the lawn mower "pulling across your chest". Like your Blender simulations proves, the most awesome sling of them all - the Trebuchet works by this exact principle. Inspiring video, thanks!

[@JazzInATinCan]

Fantastic video. Am away for disc golf for some time bcz travelling and this is very inspiring - I look very much forward to go home and look at my form and start learning to throw more consistent max distance on the course. Very helpful and thorough video, thanks for all the work put in.

[@Beaglefaust]

The struggle is real. Thanks for documenting all this for those of us who are on the journey where it doesn't happen overnight.

[@arituononen6599]

What a great video on your journey! I'm actually stuck at around 90-100 m range and a bit confused why is that. And like you, I don't really feel the snap. This video might prove to be really helpful to me. At least it gave me couple of things to concentrate on. Btw love your engineer-like approach and output. I hope you continue to improve your technique and that eventually we'll get another video on the subject.

[@iGnominee]

This has been one of the best videos explaining the biomechnics needed to throw efficiently. Bless KZbin algorithm for sending me here and thanks for the work you didz

[@ROCKONNORG]

Incredible! This video is far more helpful than videos produced by the top experts. It truly chronicles the extreme nuances of form required to throw over 400 feet. More importantly I don't feel so alone in my struggles now. You must have kept a detailed journal. Thank you!

[@seekrdiscgolf]

REALLY love this. Great video and explanation. Love the progress.

[@CO77938]

Bravo man! That was extremely helpful and informative.

Great progress by you and a great video. Thanks for sharing your intel!

[@tomgill3247]

Excellent video and congrats on the distance and perseverance! There is SO MUCH to process in these 20 minutes that I feel a bit overwhelmed by the notes I took for my next Field Work session. I also feel it’s time to start taking videos. “Film it don’t feel it” is a term I heard used to hone attempted changes to what may already feel “comfortable” (ie, familiar) when it comes to form. I look forward to the work ahead for me and any additional analysis and tips you decide to post. Great production quality too. You could have a side career as a DG Form/Distance Coach!

[@discgolfchronicles]

Great video! Love the breakdown of it all. My goal is a 400 foot drive this year and i think if i use some of your insights i can make that happen.

[@Snail678]

really appreciate this video! I am stuck in a similar boat (stumped around 300-330ft) and suspected it was a timing issue. It is great to see someone else crack the puzzle :)