Increase Sidearm Distance - STOP Serving the Pizza

If you are making this common mistake, it is killing your sidearm distance. This is how you fix it!
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[@MrWylde007]

Okay, I've been playing for a couple years and my sidearm is non-existent. The whole sidearm throw like a baseball thing was something I've never heard before. So, I just went outside and threw the farthest sidearm ever into the neighbors backyard. I think I lost the disc, but it went about twice as far as I've ever thrown a sidearm. Thanks!

[@dineshanblazahan9843]

I have shoulder rotatory problem and had zero side arm . After attending Scott session I have consistent 250 feet sidearm now .. his points are too simple to follow

[@ridethecatclone]

Duuude

[@jonathanhelsten171]

Lmao. I did that with a Innova pro boss back in the day. Wasn't even mad I lost it.

[@craigfs81]

Looking forward to trying this, my sidearm distance is pretty much non existent. By the way, to help with the KZbin algorithm it isn't just subscribing but also liking & commentating on the videos too. The more interaction KZbin "sees" on the video the more it will appear in other people's recommendations. At least that's what other content creators have shared previously.

[@RecRob]

Love the simple break down. It’s so eye opening the way you break this game down. Thank you for all the work you’ve put into this sport we love!

[@patrickmulvehill292]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! I'm 66 been playing for about 2 years and couldn't throw a sidearm to save my life. Well you taught this old dog a new trick. I am now able to throw a decent sidearm that even my grandsons wow about. Thanks again Mr. Stokley.

[@barrypeirson3710]

Scott is the man! When I first started playing I had read a book which FORBID everything but serving the pizza and I gave up on sidearm...until I saw this... This is a game changer for beginners. Well done Scott!

[@andrewhouse2360]

Made this change and immediately added 75-100ft to my sidearm drives. Thanks, Scott!

[@da_birdman6800]

Woah, I've watched so many videos teaching sidearm and nothing has made sense till you. Thank You.

[@Bigticket2510]

I started playing disc golf in 2015 after graduating from college where I played baseball and was a pitcher. I have always thrown forehands with a one finger grip and it has always puzzled me when people try to teach others to put fingers on the bottom of the flight plate for grip. A TON of people I know have do this and it makes 0 sense. One way I try to teach grip for disc golf is to think of your grip when you skip a stone. You want the pad of the finger on the edge of the stone, not under it. Scott, your explanation here is EXCELLENT, and I will definitely implement it when teaching others. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and teaching style. We are blessed to have you freely share with the disc golf community.

[@kyleburns9439]

This makes a lot of sense. I was getting so frustrated because when I first started playing I had a decent enough forehand (probably because I was just using baseball dynamics out of instinct), but recently I've been burning like 50% of my forehands into the ground and my good ones haven't been flying as far (as I've probably slowly gotten away from those original mechanics). I will definitely be trying this tomorrow.

[@larrymorsemusic]

Just finished the Growing up Disc Golf audio book a couple weeks ago and now I'm throwing side arms in my game!! thanks Scott!!

[@ifyouwereme]

If I hadn't watched the big skins match I wouldn't have taken your forehand skills seriously, but seeing the distance and accuracy you displayed makes me hang on your every word regarding side arms.

[@brandonbaird6910]

So I went out and got a very early round in today after watching this video. Got my first ace ever today at one of my favorite colorado courses in boulder!!! Putting was on point!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!!

[@timothyevans6313]

Valmont course or another?

[@andymarttila8088]

Thankyou for putting that into simple terms and not using terms that only the person demonstrating understands. I'll try this the next time I'm doing field work.

[@prattacaster]

Scott nailed it. When I have a bad forehand shot it is from throwing across my body. Realizing this, I focus on my release point being off to the side and releasing earlier than expected. This earlier release point is actually where you have the most power. I was also doing a horrible job of following through with my trail leg, this was putting a lot of strain on my core.

[@jimmyv9398]

Hi Scott. Having just taken your seminar in Oceanside, I can honestly say your lessons have taken strokes off my game and given me confidence I was sorely lacking with my league play. Thanks Listen to this man. He knows what he’s talking about.

[@jinfield]

This is incredible I’ve been playing for 7 years and you just increased my forehand distance by 50 feet I am genuinely in shock I have been throwing sidearm wrong all these years but you have convinced me as the results don’t lie.

[@bigjim4x]

I think Trash Panda did a video on trying different suggestions to improve forehand, and when he got to your throw it like a baseball suggestion he said it was literally a game changer!

[@KungFuMunkeyz]

I’ve learned more in 3 videos than two years of playing. I don’t know why this never clicked in my head but thanks for the explanation. I routinely was throwing facing sideways and wound up serving the pizza to correct it. Now I’ve started to implement this and it just feels so much more natural

[@crstone1998]

I never really leave comments on videos. But this one was such a help to me... I've been only playing maybe less than a year now and I would say I have a decent backhand, But no matter what I did to throw a side arm I would either get one that would maybe fly a little and wobble or just not get it to fly at all. After watching this video, I went outside and focused on keeping the hand more flat like giving a slap then laid the disc more flat on top of my hand so my hand kept the same shape. No joke after I did that and kept my wrist firm I actually got a couple different discs to fly really good without wobble.. Thanks for the video!

[@doc9698]

Fantastic info. This completely explains why my run up forehand tends to tomahawk into the ground but my standstill forehand is money. I have a completely different body position which is not facing forward in the run up. Thank you!!!

[@JIMWESTDG]

Following your advice with the backhand (your "How to throw flat backhands every time" video) I have fixed my nose up issue which has increased my accuracy, consistency, and distance. Now, I am going to work on this to help my sidearm. Love the videos Scott, you're doing a fantastic job 🤘💯

[@johnnymartinez3152]

I watched both commercials cos I knew Scott’s info was going to be solid advice

[@peternewman6188]

Glad you're able to contrast disc golf technique with ultimate, it's helpful for folks that play both

[@scottc4076]

Austin Hannum does this sooooooooo good and makes it look effortlessly. Thanks Scott 👍👍👍

[@GStat7]

I am a predominately forehand player and can throw 450+ sidearms and backhand like shots on sidearm and you are the first person that finally got it right on how to properly throw the sidearm. This is how I generate my power on my sidearms and I can confirm Scott is 100% correct. Finally someone on an instruction video got it right!! 🙌🙌. Also I want to add footwork is key to my Power. Some might not need it but when I use my legs to run forward while shifting my weight like I'm throwing a ball from center field to homeplate; this gives me the most amount of power. I'm only about 5'7 5'8ish weigh about 140 with short arms and can still throw the disc far because of using proper technique similar to what Scott is teaching. Also if you have fast arm speed make sure you use more stable high speed disc like the boss destroyer wraith zues force nuke etc. If I want to turn my discs from right to left I use more understable discs like the sidewinder; or undertaker.

[@ericwilhelm636]

Scott's a great guy and has a natural gift for both making things accessible and adding a next level of analysis to all his lessons. Really appreciate it!

[@thehauntedfisherman1792]

EXACTLY! it's weird, i also use a four step bowlers approach to the line. i combine the two into one steady motion. i'm 56, new to this amazing sport, and i've found that sidearms work the best for me for distance. i guess that it's just a find what feels right for you type thing. Great vid.. and thank you!

[@ugadawgs-ho8wd]

The part about "rolling the wrist" is really going to help me. I came from a baseball background and I've always thought about throwing a baseball sidearm the way I throw my golf sidearm, except for pointing my body toward the hole and squaring up. That makes so much sense

[@sku7k740]

Just got to to his clinic is Akron and man I seen improvements putting literally 2 minutes afterwards. It was awesome to get to meet him and I recommend anyone to go to his clinics if given the chance. Everyone can learn something.

[@travislight9662]

I love how you use these ways of teaching the game it just clicks after you break it down

[@Kamakazi152.]

This may have just fixed my side arm drives... Thank you Scott for all the great content. Good luck in Portland, you're gonna shred!

[@elswinesmoker]

Just stopped serving the pizza after 8 months of failing in sidearm. Gained 100+ feet instantly with less effort. Thanks Scott ✊🏽 Love your videos, keep chucking them discs 🤙🏽

[@xterramatt]

Thanks Scott. I’m working on my sidearm this week. Since I’m 50 and my sidearm is kinda sucky…. I’m not usually a watching learner, I’m a try and fail learner. Your many questions at the beginning describes me to a t. Why am I trying to learn my sidearm? EUREKA! See you at Worlds!

[@raidonbay]

WOW! Being a RH FH dominant player, this makes so much sense. When you started relating it to baseball ( i was Left Feild and center/ shortstop backup), i see your point.

[@raidonbay]

I've been throwing my putters and mids on that correct hinge....but been throwing drivers like im serving a pizza. Lol

[@dannysarmiento6545]

Hey Scott! Love the video. I would also note the importance of good shoulder stability and health when using proper sidearm form, as placing the wrist cocked back to generate speed can put the elbow into a pretty exposed position for people who either do not have great shoulder strength/did not play baseball previously. I have some of my own strength drills and stretches for shoulder and elbow stability from baseball, but sharing some in a video to your community would probably save a lot of pain for people. Great video!

[@cnking27]

I'm new to disc golf and I've been shocked how little most people warm up before they step up to rip a drive as far as they can, forehand or backhand. Watching this makes me want to carry a tennis ball with me to throw against a wall or something for a minute like I'm warming up for baseball before grabbing a disc, in addition to core & leg stretches.

[@caelanharamis5660]

I integrated this technique into my sidearm a couple months ago. Sidearm instantly became more confident, flew further, and was more consistent. Awesome tip, very well explained.

[@Collin_Calling]

This helps more than anything I've heard for a long time. Listen to it again, people. Thanka thanka. Scott: Ruler of Reason. Because it always makes sense.

[@g8orballboy]

The lightbulbs that just went off thanks to this. This may have been the most enlightening side arm tutorial I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait to go do some field work tomorrow and try this out. You’re the man Scott!!!

[@dwightbrimley5590]

Yep, it works. Best tip I have had to gain distance on my forehand. Thanks Scott.

[@jaredgr88]

Your teaching style is great, very easy to follow along.

[@koroba01]

Bought my first Innova disc in 1985 and played since (except for a 15 year break up to 3 years ago). Never tried a forehand previously but tried it of late but without much success, the usual 100-150 foot range with little control. This new info makes sense, will try it during our Saturday club play this weekend. The course we play is fairly technical with a number of holes that beg a forehand drive, now we’ll see how this works out.

[@Denniken]

I have been playing for 5½ years now and I had completely given up on my sidearm until watching this video. I had bought into this whole "palm to the sky" myth ever since starting out but I just spent 30 minutes throwing putters sidearm in my back yard and throwing sidearm feels so much easier now and I don't really have to worry about "rolling my wrist" as I used to do constantly. Thank you so much for sharing this mind blowing video, Scott. :)

[@alwolschleger7242]

You're the reason I have a workable sidearm now, and I thank you for that! I've been trying to clean up my footwork some, and I thought I had started rolling my wrist. Definitely going to have to be mindful of my body's orientation when I throw!

[@Chris.Davies]

Thank you, Scott. I have been saying this for many years! If you have your palm up, then you are restricted to the small range of motion available via ulnar deviation, and the small muscles which power it. But, if you keep your wrist hinge vertical (or nearly so), then you can use the large range of motion in the wrist hinge, and the correspondingly large muscles which power it. I was taught (by someone you know!) to FH with my palm up. And I got very accurate with it, but I could never develop any power until I thought about it, and made the switch to palm-forward/vertical wrist hinge. I still suck, but I suck a lot less now! :)

[@bryansans2564]

You are my Disc Golf grounder.....when i feel off axis i just watch your vids.

[@bryanfellenbaum9250]

I think I figured this out by accident a couple weeks ago. I stopped throwing "sidearm, and started changing my body angle and throwing like I would a ball. From there I just needed to dial back because I was over torquing my throws and my shots were becoming rollers. But after some notes I threw a shot that was as far as I throw backhand! Great video.

[@rageoid]

Watched again - still the apex of effective forehand explanation.

[@kylebrazelton1364]

Good stuff, gonna be my field work tomorrow. Serving the pizza always felt strange to me, now I know why. Thanks.

[@johnmcho]

This explains so much! I picked up disc golf last summer and my forehand was always better than my backhand and I couldn't figure it out. I played a lot of baseball so embracing the background instead of trying to "fix it" makes a lot of sense!

[@NJT1013]

Watched the DGLO coverage and then this video. Then, I went to watch the MPO highlights vid (Jomez), and this all clicked. I will definitely practice tomorrow, but that highlight reel showcases this particularly well. There's an FH from Dickerson about 5 shots in, and it's just a perfect representation of this. The rest as well, the camera angle on CD's shot makes it very visible. It's funny how the right combination of words makes things click.

[@Trex100]

I must say I watched this, then went to my local field and yes, this video content extended my sidearm distance considerably as well as my accuracy 😊. It's also felt more comfortable and natural. 👍 I just watched the vid again -so psyched to get out there and "throw to 2nd base". Thanks for your video.

[@JAK-n-DAX]

This man knows what hes talking about. I watched this video and went out and played a round and came up on a hole I always throw forehand on. I went through the motions a couple times and ended up throwing an absolute bomb! I out drove what was my previous personal best with a wraith using my sidewinder! Thank you so much for the video Scott.

[@dineshanblazahan9843]

Wow wow wow ..I don’t know how many times I watched this … back hand grip locked as nothing to do with ur hand it’s with your feet , forehand roll over has nothing to do with wrist it’s the direction of ur alignment.. thanks Scott 🙏

[@jourdan4722]

I used to always throw sidearm as a kid since I couldn't control my backhand, but when I was able to get a good backhand throw I pretty much abandoned forehand off the tee. Then recently I saw you on OTB skins (congratulations on winning) and figured I'd try your form with the arm circle you do. The next throw I crushed my destroyer about 438 feet and I've been doing the same form and been consistently throwing over 350 feet with my sidearm. Great tool to have and I wouldn't have known how to do it if I hadn't payed attention to your form

[@ChildishDfollowsGod]

No matter what forehand video I watch, I throw the damn disc into the ground. This video actually helped.

[@TacitcalThrower]

I ALWAYS come back to this whenever i get my forehand form in a slump! THANK YOU!!! Scott you breaking it down baseball style is what was a huge drive for me in disc golf. I played baseball my entire life and my forehand has been a bomber since day 1 of playing. Your video unlocked so much whenever I started and I always come back to remind myself of all this! Merry Christmas to anyone who see this and keep with it! These videos are gold!

[@_Joy_Unleashed]

This is my sidearm eureka/epiphany moment. Best breakdown ever and I'm not at all surprised it's by you, Scott. *THANK YOU*

[@jannejaakkola5836]

Very good advice for many and I fully agree. The one crucial thing to point out though is that if you are used to the "pizza grip" where your palm points upwards under the disc, but throw as a ball you will indeed roll your wrist and turn the disc over. Throwing the ball only works if you also have a grip where your fingers are pointing forward under the disc.

[@thiccmicc2670]

Scott, I just vent to a field nearby and my distance doubled... You're such a legend

[@SpacedMancy]

Best dg technique breakdowns on youtube. Man is a legend. My sidearm is probably the best part of my game (which is barely saying anything lol), but I haven't really thought about it this way. I'll keep this in mind next time I make it out to the course.

[@blainehock754]

That last tip about lining up sideways is likely my problem. Thank you for pointing it out

[@mrtony1985]

This video changed my forehand forever. Thank you

[@tomronsun2630]

Now that i am officially a weekend warrior (sadly) I had forgotten how to throw a proper power side arm… Until i saw this! The instant you made the third base side arm throw reference it clicked, i need not watch any further! Thank you Scott. Keep it up!

[@douayang4life]

Scott is a Genius. He really understands the physics of disc golf. I went to try out this techniques and just came back from the course. My forehand flicks just improve so much.

[@richparks1966]

Your greatest range of wrist motion works the same for casting a bait casting fishing outfit, you cast with the reel handle up. Great tip

[@nicklong7442]

This is incredible to hear. I had a feeling “rolling the wrist” and “serve the pizza” may have been miss understood.

[@kysonhensley4712]

Practiced this for a few throes and my disc keep gaining height and no real distance. So I resorted to practicing backhand thinking forehand wasn’t for me and I tried forearm again and It started going super far and my cousins (we are all beginners) we’re amazed so I showed him this video! Thank you.

[@drdefi54321]

Dang, this makes so much sense. I'm a backhand dominate player and I've always wanted a sidearm, but I've never been able to figure it out. I tried dissecting how the sidearm works and have heard the 'serve the pizza' thing a million times and it always felt so awkward and I never understood how that was suppose to work, it sounds like it doesn't work, can't wait to try this today after work.

[@drdefi54321]

I've never had a video or tip have an immediate effect on my throw until now and I've watched them all. I tried this after work and my terrible forehand was immediately less terrible, seriously, I went from 150 to 225 on the third try, my sidearm still sucks, but it was much better right away. People that say they added 75' to a throw are usually full of crap, this is real, i have a range finder and use it often. Thanks a million Scott, if your ever in Minnesota i owe you. I wish I heard this years ago. Anyone reading this, do it, then tell your friends.

[@lnternetperson]

I started playing last fall and after following your FH advice I'm often getting compliments on how solid my FH is. Consistently reaching 300-375 with that slow walkup and such little effort feels so nice for a rookie. Thanks for all the time and effort you spend on these videos ✌

[@SuperiorRecords]

great tutorial scott thanks for that ive been wondering why my sidearm stopped gaining power this is definitely why

[@benharrison5816]

I had an absolute trash forehand for these last couple of years where I've been playing more often, and I've watched probably most of the forehand videos on KZbin. My problems were mainly with a super inconsistent release angle, unclean release, and just trying to throw too hard. I'd try the palm-up, and my overstable drivers would spike hyzer out, but understable discs would fly ok sometimes, sometimes they'd snap over into a crap roller immediately. I think these tips here will help me get a cleaner release. I also found that really leaning over the shot and pushing my wrist toward a low target in front of me helped a lot. In the end, watching YT videos is all good and helpful, but you just gotta get out there and throw a lot, throw various discs, record yourself, throw nice and smooth, and you'll just get better as you make mistakes and learn.

[@CoachLoganD]

Can’t wait to try this on the course tomorrow

[@finnishforce5094]

Hey maestro! It all came through after watching these videos! Probably this one! "Throwing a ball" made so much sense! Now my forehands go almost as long as my backhands!! And there is snap!!! WOW! Thank you so much for all you do for the community!

[@MilleyB]

I always thought that my wrist was rolling over top of the disc. Never would have thought I was standing to the side. Thanks for this video!

[@EricJenkinsDiscGolf]

Awesome advice, thank you Scott. I'm getting ready to start working on my forhand.

[@mikeoz5821]

Hey Scott! I'll be honest, I haven't watched many of your videos, but since my smartphone can read my mind, it knew I was thinking about really trying to take the next step for my forehand game.. I have a decent forehand as far as spin and accuracy.. but always lacked distance. I just tried this today out in the field, and WOW! instantly an extra 50-100 ft and it felt so good before trying this, any time I would try and push for distance, you are right, turn it right over! But today they were coming out smooth and with some force! Never heard it broken down like this. Thanks man!

[@dyingfromthelying]

Thanks Scott. Hands down the best forehand video...EVER 👍😀

[@DondoDiscGolf]

Instant Classic & Amazing content yet again from Mr. Scott Stokely. After watching this video I realized 2 malformaties with my sidearm. After applying "Stokely's" tips in this video. I added 50 feet consistently on my power forehand shots. You Gotta watch this video & apply Scott's tips. People pay for this content & we are so lucky too have Scott's videos. This is not a paid endorsement. "Dondo Disc Golf".

[@jamespowell9160]

This is great advice. This probably the biggest problem with my sidearm. The reason that teaching it like throwing a ball hasn't worked for me is because I throw balls left handed and discs right handed. If you told me to throw a ball right handed it would probably go 50 feet and I would look terrible. Trying to emulate a left handed throw with my right arm looks like I just got use of my arms after years of being paralyzed in them. Thanks for the great tip.

[@paulsaucier3175]

Such a great video! Super helpful. You’ve got to be one of the best disc golf educators out there

[@octabird_dg5375]

That’s so funny you have this out now. I totally realized on my own that I was doing better standing straight rather than sideways, and you just verbalized what my mind was trying to sort out! My side arm distance has been increasing too!

[@doktarr]

This is good advice in ultimate too. Almost all of the best throwers in ultimate face their palm toward the target.

[@alexvaltakis522]

Whenever I start regressing form wise I come back to these videos. Thank you scott! This video alone fixed my sidearm and I couldn’t figure out what was wrong!

[@weirdman22]

This makes sense. I used to have a great forehand when I started but I was throwing way too high. Once I started throwing lower I was throwing it well. But I made a bad habit of trying to throw low and messed it up. I have a pretty good outfield arm though and thats how I used to throw. I need to get back to that mechanic.

[@marlcoore]

This has been going through my mind a lot lately, but couldn't put it into words! Thanks Mr. Stokely!!

[@mikkolindstrom1797]

Awesome stuff. I have never seen anyone explain this so clearly.

[@yank33yey]

You definitely help me stay motivated to train my forehand throws. Since one of your previous forehand tutorials I have improved it a lot, consistency above all. Before you explained about throwing a ball and throwing higher up, I was totally "serving the pizza" and throwing the frisbee throw from below. And with consistency, having the body facing forward is really the key ingredient I believe. Thanks for the tutorials.

[@AndersHemmelman]

nailed it. I’ve been introducing my friends to disc golf and when i tell them about the side arm throw, i’ve told them it’s kind of like throwing a baseball. very validating to hear the same advice from a legend!

[@dsb1829]

Good breakdown on it. I recently changed my FH grip and in doing so stumbled into exactly what you are advising to do. Wish I would have known this stuff years ago.

[@JIMWESTDG]

You've done it again Scott lol. It took me getting really frustrated during a round today and just hucking my disc sidearm to really see/feel it, but following this advice it has really improved my sidearm release, speed, power, and overall throw. I had to stop overthinking it, and just throw the ball lol. Thank you for helping me fix my backhand nose angle, and now my sidearm 😃. Keep it up Scott, you're the best 🤘💯

[@Peilla]

I now have that shirt. Hoping to now upgrade my forehand from "Servicable" to halfway decent. Haha thanks Scott!

[@lancelubin727]

GREAT video. Most helpful I've seen for sidearm

[@smithereens5210]

Only been playing for a few months. I love it, sad it took me until I was 43 to finally play. I’m a competitive person and want to see improvement, and this was simple enough and related to something else I understand. Thanks Scott!

[@nathanielbecker627]

I honestly have only been playing for a few months. But I feel like this video completely changes my view on the forehand. I can’t wait to get on the course and practice this.

[@NickCarroll]

I think you just fixed my sidearm, Scott! I've been throwing the incorrect way because that's how I started learning while throwing putters for approaches within 100 feet. The problem has been I haven't been able to get a lot of power behind it, most recently maxing out at about 150 feet. I'll try this tomorrow, but it's clear to me I've been throwing it wrong from your description in the video, and how I've just emulated my throw, and the throw you suggest. Thank you!

[@paytenholcombe272]

Your backhand video changed my life. Throwing longer and more accurately than ever. Can't wait to try this out with the forehand. Thank you for making and sharing these videos - you are a wonderful teacher!!

[@hbwblacksmithing]

Sweet trying it tomorrow

[@SoloBattles]

Scott, I feel like you've been secretly watching me! All the things you said people are doing wrong, were things I do. I have a brain injury, and the body rotation required for backhand drives pretty much limits me to forehand. That's fine, but I always and only ever get real distance when throwing an upshot around an obstruction. I now see that by holding my arm at a 45 degree angle to get around the obstacle, I am actually throwing correctly, as opposed to serving pizza when I drive. This gives me something concrete to work on.

[@4242brvrdbd]

I’m excited to try… was also excited to see you throw it!

[@SylvainJVerrier]

Unreal coach. Thanks Scott, definitely trying this out today.