Three Ways to Improve Your Sidearm in Disc Golf

Three common sidearm form mistakes I have identified with Stokely Method students that create the most significant improvement when we correct the technique.
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[@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

[@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

[@mrjiveturkey5572]

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

[@Beeray11]

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

[@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.

[@FrigginCatsBruh]

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

[@Patch3s26]

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

[@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

[@rrawlins786]

I fell asleep at 5:37 on my PC. did he throw the thing? I guess not.

[@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.

[@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❤

[@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.

[@greatzamboner]

Body angle! Thank you! I always found it frustrating to come from a baseball background and have such a weak sidearm... I just needed to see someone explain it like you did for tip #2.

[@EDECO79]

Same here. Been playing 4 years and my sidearm is weak and hurts my elbow. Excited to try this way!

[@michaelmeteviet9702]

@@EDECO79 how'd it go man?

[@EDECO79]

@@michaelmeteviet9702 had a daughter born in May 2021. Barely been playing. Someday.... Lol

[@gregjohnson5870]

GREAT Instruction from a GREAT Instructor!! Thank you Scott

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@amrakarmaMisophoniac]

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

[@ts4gv]

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

[@n8adams]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@karitoivonen93]

The best disc golf teacher on the planet.

[@bryansans2564]

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

[@ScottZimmerman2021]

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

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@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 🙌

[@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.

[@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!!!!!!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!!

[@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

[@johnborden6545]

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

[@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!

[@PWheat23]

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

[@justinh.9592]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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🔥🔥🔥

[@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!

[@oliverhejny789]

Best sidearm instructional on KZbin. Thank you.

[@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!

[@Todis51]

Insanely helpful tips right here

[@soundmind02]

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

[@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 👍🏼😁👌🏽

[@Snappi865]

These tips are awesome!

[@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!

[@R3calCulation]

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

[@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!

[@PassengerInMortality]

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

[@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!

[@senseriedigitalmarketingin9083]

Wonderful logical explanation!

[@markwilson4710]

One of the best breakdowns to throwing forehand. Thanks

[@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!

[@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??

[@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.

[@travisbaxter8578]

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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@bobbyevans4527]

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

[@jayp3570]

adjusting body angle. brilliant.

[@d-money7042]

Thank you! Really helps with my game!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ikigaiWellnessLLC]

This was AWESOME! I was having so much trouble with my forehand but after trying these tips in my backyard, I saw a huge improvement

[@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.

[@Zoomscoping]

Wow this was a fantastic explanation

[@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

[@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.

[@theLizardof0z]

....and now I know why all the other videos I've watched havent helped one bit. Thanks for the info Scott.

[@markide6226]

That was great! Thank you so much. I’m an old ultimate and DG player. I’ve had the wrong mechanics for years, and all my ultimate turned DG friends. Your instructions are so radical for me. I love it. Oh, and I fell for Trex throw advice for awhile, too. Thank you clarifying so much. Blessings.

[@jdhaas4231]

Excellent Scott thanks

[@romanvigil6912]

Great tutorial thank you Tear it up this year

[@iangarnerlerose]

Great advise. Thank you.

[@budheiser6139]

Great Video, cant wait to try this today

[@samuelehrhardt3732]

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

[@fredrikberlin1612]

My sidearm is my strongest throw for distance and I've been feeling quite good about it, then I see this and man do I throw like I throw a disc and not a ball. That second tip really blew my mind, so interested in trying it out next time I play. Thank you for the great guide!

[@VeryNiceDogs59]

This is the best forehand video on KZbin

[@dustinmorton942]

this was SO helpful! It completes the big long vid you did a few years ago about the sidearm. the part about the arm angle and body position were the part I feel was missing from the older video. thank you!

[@chazsmith4351]

I really like how you explain this. I have only done for the most part back in and have never trusted forehand, I think because of a fear of injury and the inconsistent wrist snap releases I have had when I tried it. Your explanation using baseball made a lot of sense to me. Can't wait to get out and try to put into practice what you have taught. Thank you so much.

[@N1c2k3]

Best video yet, Scott. I learn something every time I listen. Thanks a lot.

[@KirkWooldridge]

I'm a good forehand player and i was "rolling" some of my drives. But now i know why. I get lazy and stand up too straight. Lean 30 degrees to throw it flat! Thanks Scott!

[@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.

[@danielquebedeaux1835]

Best forehand video I've seen yet!

[@bradprice1735]

Thank you, Scott. This is the best forehand instructional video I’ve seen yet. Can’t wait to get out and do some field work this afternoon.

[@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!

[@ruxp12]

Dammit this video is so good. No wonder my elbow is on fire every few rounds. You’re the freaking man Scott!!!

[@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