Disc golf roller shot | All you need to know

Disc golf roller shot is the concerning point of disc golf players who want to attain a higher distance with greater speed in the disc golf game.

Usually, the serious player who wants to improve their throwing skills for covering a long distance. Some golfers learn roller shots for good passing skills by difficult hurdles. Moreover, some older age disc golf players use this skill because they have low energy, so they compensate to cover large distances in the field. Let’s get into the details about what is a disc golf roller shot?

A roller golf shot

A roller golf shot is a shot that throws at high speed at a certain angle, the roller will turn at high speed, and hit the ground at high speed. However, the question arises here: why there is a need for roller shot in disc golf. A roller shot is thrown to attain a higher distance and for blocking all obstacles. The disc will spin at high speed and will cover more distance than a normal disc golf shot. According to an experiment, a disc with a roller shot covers 10-15% more distance than a normal disc that flies in the air.

Now, the importance of a disc golf roller shot is clear. Now it’s time to learn about, How to throw a roller shot in disc golf?

How to throw a roller shot in disc golf?

Throwing a roller shot in disc golf needs practice. Furthermore, for throwing successful roller shots, there are several factors that matter. So if you are learning how to throw a roller shot in disc golf, you need to learn all these factors.

Selection of right disc

As a golf player, I think the first and foremost thing that will lead you to a successful shot is selecting the right disc. The reason is different types of discs have a different design, weight, and grip. So the result with a different disc will be different.

For instance, for attaining, longer drive and distance a disc with stability and glide will be the best choice. Furthermore, a disc with a wide rim also tends to fly a greater distance and has a good chance of rolling when it hits the ground.

But if you are a beginner then here you must know about different types of roller shots. Roller shots play the main role in a better understanding of the selection of a disc.

Type of roller shots:

The first and basic thing that we have to consider is choosing the best to release the perfect roller disc golf. Here I will explain some best roller release ones and give you the best disc recommendation for a certain type.

Flat release roller:

The main purpose of the flat release roller is to stay close to the ground. While remaining close, the disc will hit the ground quickly once it turns over. You need to move back and release the roller at your chest height while keeping the nose down position for such a shot. Moreover, always follow through the ground to keep the disc fairly low to the ground.

Cut Roller

There is no significant difference between a max distance roller and a cut roller. Like a max distance roller, you will adjust the angle of the release of the shot. But the difference here is that the angle of release will be lower compared to the max distance roller.  

Max Distance Roller

Max distance roller throws with a moderate altitude and at an anhyzer release angle. The roller’s moderate altitude means that the roller will remain in the air for a greater time before hitting the ground. The advantage of the max distance roller is that it will travel a fair distance as there is less air resistance in comparison to the ground.

Now for a perfect shot with a max distance roller, you need to throw the disc hard for maximum spin. Moreover, the disc should hit the ground at a 45-degree angle at the ground.

Now for the selection of max distance roller, you need to choose a disc that is either stable or neutral. The reason is an understable disc golf will not travel for a longer distance. On the other hand, a neutral or stable disc will make the disc stay on edge longer.

Aiming

After the selection of a disc, the next step is aiming for a roller shot. As we know, there are not any specific rules about how to throw a disc golf shot. All grounds and courses can have different types of resistance like debris, terrain, terrain, etc. All these factors affect the overall result of a disc golf roller shot.

So whenever you throw a roller disc golf shot, always consider all factors for the perfect aiming of the roller shot. For instance, a max distance roller should aim at the little left side because the disc will move right after hitting the ground.

Furthermore, flat release rollers aim at a lower altitude and the left side. Or cut rollers, aim on the right side as it is expected that your disc may move slightly left while hitting the ground.

Footwork

Another thing that matters for a disc golf roller shot is the footwork. The best-recommended style is an X step style for aiming for a roller shot. The reason behind this recommendation is you will achieve maximum distance in this style. Effective footwork plays a great role in a disc golf roller shot, and it needs a lot of practice from players.

Reachback & Release

Every type of roller shot requires a different type of reach back & release. For instance, max distance rollers and cut rollers are almost the same types. So for both of them, create a higher follow-through and a lower reach back and release the disc with a lot of anahyzer.

Moreover, for flat rollers, while doing follow-through while reaching back and releasing the shot. This style will prevent your disc from going up in the air.

Different types of shots:

Here are some different types of shots in disc golf.

Backhand roller disc golf

Backhand roller shots are shots that throw with the use of backhand. The main advantage of throw with a backhand is you will get great control at the angle of the disc’s release. For backhand rollers, the recommended types of discs are understandable.

The reason is understandable discs flip and turn easily when thrown at a flat or on anhyzer curve.

Thumb roller disc golf

In this type of shot, you will put your thumb inside and hold the disc like a fist, and release. The trajectory will be the same as in a two-finger flick roller. Thumper roller is a small shot that is made with quick movement while spinning your wrist.

Disc Golf Rival Roller Shot

Sidewinder roller disc

Sidewinder roller discs are for more accuracy and distance in shots. Moreover, sidewinder roller discs are also a great option for a beginner player. Furthermore, the sidewinder roller discs are also perfect for layers with small arms and who have undeveloped power.

For sidewinders, the perfect choice of discs is understable discs. The reason is understandable discs are perfect for proper turnover.

Forehand roller

You need to use a V grip with your middle and index finger at the disc bottom for a forehand roller. On the top, you need to press firmly with your thumb. Furthermore, you will keep the disc position in an upright direction for a forehand roller. Now while at the upright position and vertical angle release the disc.

For a forehand roller, an overstable disc will work perfectly.

FAQ

Q. What makes a good roller disc?

For a good roller disc, a disc that has high glide and high speed is recommended. If you are a newbie player, you can choose a disc with a speed range between 7-11. However, if you are a skilled or professional player, you can go up to 14. For the glide, the perfect measurement rating is between 5-7.

Q. What is a hyzer flip?

A hyzer flip is a straight liner flip. Moreover, a hyzer flip is also similar to an S-Shot. For hyzer flip, an understable disc release at fast speed with hyzer angle. The disc comebacks to the nose-down position after turning over and flipping.

Q. What is stability in disc golf?

Disc golf has disc categorized into three main categories, overstable, understable, and stable. Stability can be defined as a disc’s tendency to fly straight, turn over to the light and fade to the left for high throws.

Q. How heavy should my disc golf driver be?

For distance throw, the most common weight range is 165-169gm. Moreover, the player who can throw up to 100meters, try to use heavyweight drivers. For such players, the range of the weight is between 170-175 grams. The advantage of heavier drivers is they are more stable in windy conditions.

Q. How does disc weight affect flight?

The weight of the disc has a direct effect on the flight of the disc. Most commonly lighter discs are easy to throw compared to heavier discs that are not easy to throw. Secondly, the heavier disc flies farther than lightweight discs because the heavyweight disc throws with more effort.

Conclusion

If you are learning about what is a disc golf roller shot, let me clear one thing to you. You can learn everything from the web; however, you have to practice, practice, and practice for attaining a perfect roller shot. The reason is, there are no written rules for throwing a disc golf roller short. Every disc requires a different angle and technique for perfect turning over and flying. And all these things you can learn while practicing it with different types of roller discs. So, while keeping all the information in your rock your game.