Three Ways to Improve Your Sidearm in Disc Golf

[@zachbouwkamp1479]

As someone who is an only-backhand player, and has been wanting to learn a correct sidearm, this has been a MAJOR help! Thanks Scott

[@Patch3s26]

This video still resonates three years later. You’re the man Scott!

[@buzzkilljoy]

Genuinely the most helpful disc golf tutorial I've seen on KZbin, and I basically learned how to play from KZbin.

[@trevorokrafka8686]

For someone struggling with a sidearm, you just changed my whole outlook on the throw. Instead of dreading going to practice sidearms, I'm looking forward to getting out and trying your tips

[@missedmandodg]

2 years later and this is still one of the best forehand videos, thank you for this!!

[@glennwishner]

Love the way Scott teaches the techniques behind throwing! Breaks it down so the mechanics of it make sense.

[@ts4gv]

People are recommending this video everywhere. This is a gem, thanks.

[@FrigginCatsBruh]

It's extremely impressive that you do these in one take. A testament to what a great teacher you are Scott!

[@n8adams]

Thank you for the great content and thank you for keeping the commercials minimal. It makes watching your videos more playable

[@closer2theheart684]

Stokely is the most genuine guy in disc golf. I've always loved watching him play and his advice is spot on. I took every bit of his sidearm advice and applied it to my forehand. Now, it's so much better. Thanks Stokes!!!

[@mrjiveturkey5572]

I have been throwing a sidearm for decades and these tips are getting me excited to improve!

[@prestondier7046]

Dude NEVER threw the disc, gave a ton of information. #legendary

[@Judge_Jon]

Watched him demonstrate this info with a throw after and he bombed it into a headwind about 450'. Very impressive watching it in person.

[@prestondier7046]

@@Judge_Jon I’ve been looking for good forehand information, and this is it. Makes me want to sign up for lessons from him.

[@GoWithTh3Flow]

@@prestondier7046 I do too, but his waitlist for the 6 person seminars he does is a long one. Maybe I'll get in one 5 years from now lol

[@sbburris]

I have been playing disc golf for twenty years and never knew some of these things. Sidearm has always been a weakness in my game. Thanks, Scott.

[@Beeray11]

As someone who can't throw sidearm for anything but approaches, I NEEDED #2 so bad.

[@CheriTheBery]

I've played for 2 years (only during summer because I'm from Finland), I can't throw a side arm at all and if I try to put power to it, I'll hurt my shoulder. The first tip really clicked with me, I've clearly thrown my sidearms facing sideways like throwing a backhand shot. You're my favourite disc golfer on KZbin, you seem like such a nice guy!

[@karitoivonen93]

The best disc golf teacher on the planet.

[@ERICWAGNERSLUCID]

I have friends who told me how well you play, but I'd never had the good fortune of meeting you myself. The stories of your distance are legendary. Now I begin to see why. Thank you for help.

[@danlewis1885]

Great tips! Saw Ulibarri do a video to develop the wrist snap by throwing the disc 20 ft. and getting it to spin on the ground.

[@VeryNiceDogs59]

This is the best forehand video on KZbin

[@fourstringfingerstyle6328]

the first video I ever watched about disc golf was you Scott, many years ago, your sense of humor and goofiness was infectious along with your mechanical instructions, which were and are presented in a solid common sense and clear way born from a gifted athlete and teacher. Putting, backhand and now this is the best forearm explanation I could hope for. Don't let the non-creative haters bum you out, keep up the goofiness, silliness and pranks. If I wanted decorum and conservatism, I'd go back to stifling, lockstepping, 100% right wing conservative, white bread ball golf. Your self deprecating absurd spirit is inspirational to me, I started making disc golf music videos, never had so much fun. Keep walking your path and keep annoying the "I'm so cool" Paul McStiffass crowd.

[@FrigginCatsBruh]

I saw Paul at GMC and he looked through me. He confirmed what we both assumed lol

[@therealjwil5]

Just started throwing discs and been out about 5 times now. Was a sidearm pitcher in HS so using forearm is easier for me. Right now I'm getting it around 325 at 45 years old. Look out youngins! This tutorial is great and glad I've been applying these techs so there isn't much of a change.

[@amrakarmaMisophoniac]

Dude, you are the authority on disc golf lessons. Nobody explains things as clearly as you. \m/

[@dkmiller8420]

Been playing for 20 years. Been throwing sidearm fo 14 of them. After watching this video I now know why I top out at 320ft and hurt after every 18. Can't wait to hit an open field and break some bad habits! Thanks.

[@Snappi865]

These tips are awesome!

[@lennykogginsofficial]

I watched this video last night and it made something click for me. I put these tips into practice today on the course and saw INSTANT improvement on my first forehand, I switched my stance from sideways to head on, I kept thinking about doing the outfielder style baseball throw instead of the silly elbow tuck frisbee throw and staying relaxed until the snap at the end. Started throwing more powerful flat to hyzer shots when before I had to throw a pretty hard flex to get any kind of distance. Excited for how far I'll be able to throw sidearm flex and hyzerflip shots now, I was just throwing tight specific lights in the woods today but your tips made every sidearm so much easier. It's ridiculous how much this video helped me, it makes so much sense. I'm watching the pros flick on Jomez right now and I see exactly what you're talking about here and it seems so obvious now. You don't know what you don't know.

[@oliverhejny789]

Best sidearm instructional on KZbin. Thank you.

[@gregjohnson5870]

GREAT Instruction from a GREAT Instructor!! Thank you Scott

[@justinh.9592]

Sweet! The baseball analogy makes sense. Can't wait to try it tomorrow.

[@peds8345]

That elbow point at the END was a mind blowing comment, lol. From someone who has heard everywhere that your elbow needs to be tight, I am so glad to hear that it actually does not. Can't wait to try it out! Thanks Stokes!!!!!!

[@Carpet_F-Bomber]

I did one of your clinics years ago and had never thrown sidearm before then. Now it feels more natural thanbackhanding. Funny coincidence is that I found the DD Felon is the best disc for me for forearms and now I noticed this video and it's what you are throwing. Thanks, Scott!

[@PassengerInMortality]

Master teacher. First clear instruction on the forehand. THANKS!

[@soundmind02]

The best explanation I have recieved yet. Appreciate the knowledge, Scott

[@brianvanderkolk1072]

Ran into Scott on a course one evening last year- truly one of the nicest guys you'll meet. We had a disc in a tree and he offered us one of his to play with, 30 seconds after meeting us. We happen to have an old X-Clone with us, and he said he had set a world distance record with an X-Clone. Went home and looked it up- sure enough, it was him. Class act, and yeah, the guy knows his way around a disc. Or frisbee, as our generation called it before it was cool...

[@Aquilasven]

As someone who plays primarily sidearm, with no coaching or advice from anyone in learning how to play, I am really glad to see this video because it confirms the approach that I have been using and why certain things are working well, and how to keep improving by refining my technique even more. Thanks!

[@sharonschimdtke2215]

😢 I've been sidearm throwing wrong for 20 yrs. Definitely was side throwing. This makes so much more sense. And I've never been able to get distance or accuracy throwing the " normal way" like my fingers don't want to let go in time. Thanks for your tips going now to try it out❤

[@alecbdavis]

Started disc golf 10 months ago throwing forehand and learned a lot from this video. Holy cow

[@DonDickles]

As a new player who loves to throw forehand, this video was immensely helpful. I played baseball for 10+ years growing up and the 2nd tip explanation just made all the throw motions click. Thank you!!

[@TRUSTintheSAVIOR]

Great video. I'm getting so much better at my side arm after your videos. I'm maxing out at 270 or so. Could you make a video on coiling your body for more power??

[@jdoubleu7905]

Dude you’re flat out amazing! Thanks Dr. Stokely! The ol forehand is getting better day by day. Almost done quarantining my sidearms on the course!

[@kimmomatikainen1843]

It was interesting to watch this and Eagle's forehand breakdown. Very different "run-up" and arm position/angle. Shows that you can do things in many ways with a great result. Eagle has so flexible joints that his style doesn't suit everyone. I think this is more "universal" and tips that works for everyone. Scott is a legend and one of the all time best forehand throwers and knows this stuff. Just interesting to see that other approaches and forms as well with impressive results. Scott's advises suits my body better.

[@caseysmith544]

Yep, Eagle also does a bunch of Yoga to keep being able to throw this way. My dad does nearly what Scott does but has the arm in such an angle that the elbow can be forward on the throw. He is powerful enough to use his 172 Star T-Rex/Xcalibur as modern equivalent from Innova for his forehand or could, yet can use a 148 DX Archangel he has on it forehand too.

[@aarnehalen1686]

In case anyone is reading a year later, it is worth pointing out that Eagle’s forehand form might be a big part of his injuries right now, and his forehand video should be watched with that in mind.

[@robertshea441]

It's funny when I first started playing. Sidearm was the easiest one to learn. But I love your videos. Thanks for making them. They are very helpful

[@RowdyRascal420]

My lesson with you solved sidearm related injury woes I had for years. This info is critical to throwing forehand cleanly without hurting yourself. Your the best Scott!

[@bryansans2564]

No one describes the game like you. I cannot wait for another video and I will be buying that book soon.

[@td50dr]

You sir are a champion of a human. Best sidearm video ever.

[@acrelake]

Practiced these tips, and some others of yours in the field today for about an hour. I saw improvement in my consistency, control, and distance. I then went and played a forehand only round and did well. Great explanations, and video!!!

[@melmel075]

Q: What did the Zen master say to the hotdog vendor? A: Make me One with Everything! thank you Zen Master Scott for this superb video! you blew my mind; can't wait to try it out tomorrow

[@robbyclark6915]

I knew it!! I have never been able to get a good forehand with my elbow close! And the guys who say to do it, don’t actually do it when they hit a good throw! Thank you sir! Worth the price of admission alone!

[@Dredaymusik]

great video, the leaning part helped me tons, thanks!

[@mehameha4453]

This is absolutely correct. I’m 60 and with standstill wrist only I can generate 300’ using Scott’s advice. Always a fan of this man and so good to see him out there still doing a tournament.

[@DGV_Tips]

Great video! Disc golf needs more coaches like yourself, because being a good player does not necessarily mean you’re a good coach, a good coach breaks everything down like you do. Good job!

[@cnking27]

For me, coming from a baseball background it was all about the wrist snap and release. I got on a knee in front of my couch one day and just practiced snapping discs into the couch over and over until it felt right. A couple of weeks later and my sidearm goes farther than my backhand and is a *whole* lot easier to control than a backhand. I appreciate these videos because they'll keep me from doing the wrong things when I do inevitably make a bad throw and other players try to "help" with bad form tips.

[@tripph417]

I'm having to go back and relearn sidearm after improving my backhand and this was incredibly helpful! I've been turning all of my forehand shots over if they aren't max power (and even when they are, those just have more space to not crash and burn). I realized that I have been transferring a lot of tips to improve my backhand over to forehand when I shouldn't have been, especially about facing forward, and this helped make that very clear.

[@billbaker9802]

Excellent video. I was doing it soooo wrong and I have a soar shoulder to prove it!! Your explanation is easy to follow, makes sense, and, oh yea, works!!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@alexxela754]

Now that I have played discgolf for a while your videos makes som much sense🔥 This is not beginner tips. It’s high level tips for perfection explained in a simple way. As you say. It’s not easy but simple🔥🔥🔥

[@peoplething7124]

TY TY TY Sir! I'm a returning player after twenty years and a natural backhand. The straight walk up got me 50 feet out of the gate, I could feel the power come from me chest and core rather than my hips and kinda hurty arm. A few times after release I was as low as a bowling stance, but the disc was laser straight and accurate. Thank you again for the post!

[@bryanmannoia8410]

I mostly have this technique down now, I am just fine tuning at this point. after seeing the video of you throwing 50 discs in under 2 minutes and having most of them at the 300 foot mark, you have become the go to guy for side arm instruction. that was simply unreal. I went directly to your website and bought one of the stal discs. can't wait for it to come in. thanks for your time!

[@GOBIAS.INDUSTRIES.]

You, sir, are a savior! I've been wanting to get good at sidearm for 20 years and never got anywhere without arm (elbow) pain. The body lean and no-elbow-to-the-side tips were more valuable than my 401k 👍🏼😁👌🏽

[@zdayzllc]

i watched Scott throw some very precise and accurate side arms on Simon's Vlog. I was a predominant side arm thrower until i hurt my rotator cuff. I still use it for touch approach shots and certain shaped shots. going to the practice range today with this technique

[@michaelyahner6695]

that video with lizotte is what sold me too, my dude was effortlessly smashing those forehands and it didn’t look like anything I had seen. piqued the curiosity and than this video explained. awesome

[@Morty04]

Recently saw a video with the tucked in elbow tip, for me it helped me with accuracy on upshots, but on distance shots i was struggling. Looking forward to testing these steps.

[@zmanwithfire]

Thank you for this. I actually just tweaked my back last week throwing forehands wrong. I'm going to work on your form suggestions.

[@ScrewyDyeJobs]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Went from 100ft inaccurate to 250ft accurate with tip #2... that was it for me after throwing for 3.5 years!!! WOW!!! Ohhhh & Thanks again!!!

[@derek2555]

"Dont keep your elbow close to your body" THANK YOU for clearing that up.

[@richardgoodrich1687]

I think this is funny. This is one of the thing a lot of the disc makers push. I've gone through a lot of their sidearm tutorials and it just never felt natural. This does.

[@pepperonistromboli8034]

You know how long I’ve been being told to keep my elbow close to my body?? All this time wondering why the disc won’t go far, and why my side arms wobble until the end of flight fade. Thank god I found this channel. The saying is true, “don’t underestimate the old guy on the course.” Thank you so much man❤️

[@J52d-g]

@@pepperonistromboli8034 that’s what they told me too. Ready to try Stokely method tomorrow

[@pepperonistromboli8034]

@@J52d-g highly recommend, I went from throwing way too high and stalling, to throwing 10 foot high lasers. His method is definitely the way to go. Helped a bunch, let me know how it goes for you tomorrow bud, have a nice night👌🏻

[@Naegimaggu]

It’s good to notice though that if you execute sidearm correctly (even Scott’s technique), your elbow will end up going quite close to your body in the middle of the swing, but it’s just a consequence of throwing with the correct technique, leading with the elbow as Scott Stokely explains in one of his other videos. So, you shouldn’t avoid your elbow getting close to your body in the middle of the swing, it just shouldn’t be the focus.

[@derekrawlings3565]

Thanks!

[@RonPaul4MMXII]

My brother and I have been arguing ad nauseam forever about if a forehand sidearm equates to throwing a baseball. I've been saying yes, and I used to play baseball and it's a more natural throw for me. He says no, it's not relatable because ones a ball and ones a disc. Oh this is gonna be good when we do some field work! Awesome vid!

[@derekexplosion]

You are such a great teacher. Thanks for the video and tips!

[@modestaf6618]

Thank you so much Scott! This video also helped so much even with my backhand, the spring example 3:37 was perfect! Thank you so much.

[@johnborden6545]

Scott... I can't wait to to take this to the field!!!!

[@kriztofer3334]

Really like the way you broke everything down in to each piece. I wish I could take one of your classes. Thanks for the info

[@romanvigil6912]

Great tutorial thank you Tear it up this year

[@jjdttn]

thanks scott! It's refreshing to hear that about tucking the elbow. Many talented FH players have told me that I don't get my elbow in tight enough when the disc passes the body. I've never felt comfortable throwing like that. I've worked hard on my forehand and feel good about what it can do. thanks again!

[@Baked_intell]

Scott thanks didn't pick up much new and just thinking about it i could raise my entire swing by 6 to 10 inches. I will be trying this. And maybe checking my forwardness. Appreciate the knowledge from a legend 🙌

[@travisbaxter8578]

This video may have just changed my life, incredible advice and demonstration!

[@prestondier7046]

Throw a ball and load the wrist were huge tips for me to feel good throwing forehand today. Effortless and smooth and i was throwing accurate with decent distance. Thank you Scott Stokley for teaching solid fundamentals

[@DISKGOLFN]

I watched this video on 1-9-23, and then after I completed my daily putting practice time 1-10-23. I threw 50 sidearm shots using Scott's advice here ... LISTEN TO HIM! I threw 5 discs per set until I hit 50 throws. I used a soft snap and did not apply a hard snap for distance tip 3 yet. I used tips 1 and 2 with a soft snap to get used to the form he is describing. I saw a consistent improvement after my 12th throw. The last 2 sets landed within 6 feet of the basket I was aiming for. 3 disc struck the basket that was 186 feet away, and the throws took very little effort.

[@bobbysweeney5377]

I love this info. I'm total newbie with only a few months exp and I remember watching a pro round where the guy threw a ton of side arm, and when he does, he lays wayyy over so that his torso is almost parallel to the ground. Bad news, I have to now completely change my method after watching this. Good news, I suck so its okay.

[@senseriedigitalmarketingin9083]

Wonderful logical explanation!

[@samuelehrhardt3732]

This is incredibly helpful and so well-explained. i can see why your lessons are in such high demand!

[@ScottZimmerman2021]

Really GREAT video Scott! This should help thousands of players throw longer forehands.

[@jerseylife8701]

Holy shit dude. You just blew my mind. The baseball analogy is perfect, that just changed my life. I can’t wait to go out and try this tomorrow. Sincerely a forehand only player playing for 3 years that can only throw 250’ I have the most fun though

[@d-money7042]

Thank you! Really helps with my game!

[@SoCal2420]

Great much needed info. This looks like it was filmed at Caliber. Arguably the best course in the Northwest. I have a tee time there this Saturday, can't wait!

[@MW66VB]

I have been throwing for 5 years and working on my flick a lot in the last year. you sir, have just improved my game incjust the first 7 minutes of this video Thank you.

[@budheiser6139]

Great Video, cant wait to try this today

[@blkspiderstryker]

This was very helpful! A well-guided wrist snap, correctly angled body control motion will definitely help aid me in being more on point of release and having improved control of my power and body mechanics with forehand/sidearm. Thanks Scott!

[@jayp3570]

adjusting body angle. brilliant.

[@bobbyevans4527]

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the tips for side arm throwing the disc. Can’t wait to get outside to practice. Thanks Scott

[@coltenhinton1337]

I could sidearm 400 plus but sometimes I’d short arm it and be short and fade out early I also use to tell people to keep the elbow in I now see my problem and this video made it make sense I was a baseball player who couldn’t throw straight overhand so naturally I threw bout 3/4 like he mentioned I am now more consistent with angles and not short arming it

[@RatnoonTV]

Why have I not seen this video until now. I’ve been throwing sidearms wrong the whole time, stepping up sideways, keeping my elbow close to my body, and strong arming it. I’ve injured myself throwing like this and had to take a break for 4 months at the longest. I’m playing again tomorrow, can’t wait to put these tips to use. Thank you! I will report back how it felt and if my sidearm game improved.

[@RatnoonTV]

It's been 4 days, I've played two rounds of 9 and one round of 18 today. Absolutely no pain. And my distance has improved even!

[@PWheat23]

This is the video I was looking for! Thanks Scott!

[@sfranklin9073]

I have been slowly learning this technique on my own and seeing decent results. Not realizing I'm heading in the right direction. Watching this lesson only reinforced what I've been doing and yes all these tips work. Thank you.

[@thehomiezachd]

thanks man, my sidearm was my strong suit before this video, and after applying a few of these tips ive been able to add 50-100 ft to some of my drives. Aswell alot more control. I used to "over throw " alot of my fore hand shots, expecting flex or thinking i was on a deeper hyzer angle. The "hip dip" is a game changer.

[@ViRaLAssassin]

As a new player to disc golf. I've realized that I'm going to primarily be throwing side arms/forehand throws instead of back hands. Using every tool I can to learn how to get better at them. So this video helps a lot.

[@mortenknudsen9155]

I played icehockey all my life, and had to find a new sport after a terrible knee injury. For some reason, i cant throw backhands, its just very unnatural for me, but this video is insanely well made,, this has improved my side-arm drives by atleast 20-30 meters. Thanks Scott

[@mpbenja]

That’s the first I’ve heard about tip 2 and I’ve been sidearming for about 10 years. Can’t wait to try this!

[@mrchewbacahimself7807]

Thank you so so much for saying something about tucking the elbow on the forehand. I played with an experienced local open player. He threw a lot of sidearm and I was awestruck by how far from his body his arm was. He was built similar to me so I thought maybe it was just something that clicked because I saw someone my height and build do it. My forehand still has a lot of work, but getting that "elbow tucked" message out of my head was crucial to making the improvement I have managed to make.

[@jspade3]

@3:33 In my best Dave Carrell as 'Gru' voice. LIGHTBULB! Mind blown, makes so much sense I feel like my IQ went up a couple of points. Thank you good sir!

[@JakeWood94]

Wow this was amazing. I struggle with my forehand and I’m very certain its because I’m sideways instead of more out in front. Amazing content and teaching.

[@discinthemitten4928]

Dude, I am throwing sidearm all day tomorrow trying these out. Thanks!!!

[@florian7485]

I come from baseball and what you show there feels the most natural to me. My biggest mistake was probably number 1 - I was not facing forwards and thereby falling off balance which affected my timing, my angle control and the amount of snap I created (I also tended to releasing the disc nose up) - thx for your help!

[@markwilson4710]

One of the best breakdowns to throwing forehand. Thanks