Throwing a Roller is a great way to keep your opponents guessing and add a new dimension to the game. But how to throw a disc golf roller? It’s not as easy as it looks! But with practice, anyone can learn how to throw a roller with precision and power.
The release angle is lower than normal, usually between 30 and 45 degrees. But, it’s not as simple as just calculating the angle.
What Is A Roller?
When playing disc golf, a roller is a type of shot in which the disc is released at an angle that causes it to roll along the ground for a distance before coming to a stop. Rollers can be executed with any disc, but putters and mid-range are the best discs for this purpose. The right disc selection will depend on the terrain you’re playing on and the amount of power you can generate.
Why Would I Throw A Roller Shot?
A perfect roller can be an effective tool for players of all skill levels.
For beginners, rollers can be used to keep the disc on the fairway and avoid obstacles.
For more experienced players, rollers can add distance and accuracy to their shots.
They can also be used to create new angles and lines that would not be possible with a traditional throw.
You might also consider using an understable disc if you’re having trouble getting the roller to go the distance.
With a little practice, you’ll be throwing rollers like a pro in no time!
Adding Spin To Your Rollers
Here are some techniques on how to throw a roller in disc golf.
Forehand Rollers
The forehand roller is thrown with your dominant hand and is used for shorter distances.
Some people like to add a little spin to their shot by curling their middle finger over the top of the disc. This will make the disc spin as it rolls and can help you control your shot better.
Backhand Roller
The backhand roller is a great shot for beginners because it is relatively easy to learn and execute.
There are two main ways to throw a backhand roller: an overhand grip or an underhand grip. For both grips, you will want to use a disc with many glides, such as a driver or a midrange disc. Understable discs are the best choice for these shots.
How To Throw A Roller Shot In Disc Golf
Max Distance Roller
The max distance roller is designed for maximum distance and is often used on open fairways or when you need to get around obstacles.
Start by gripping the disc in your hand with your index finger extended along the edge of the disc. You can also use a fan grip or power grip for this shot.
Next, cock your wrist back and take a few steps towards your target. When ready to throw, release the disc at a low angle with plenty of spin. The key to this shot is to keep your arm motion smooth and consistent.
Control Roller
A control roller is a shot designed for accuracy and precision. It’s often used on tight fairways or when you need to avoid obstacles. To throw a control roller, you’ll use the roll of overstable discs. This will ensure that the disc doesn’t turn over during your shot.
In general, you want to choose a disc-less likely to turnover. An overstable disc will fly straight, even when thrown with much power.
The key to throwing a control roller is to keep your arm movement smooth and steady. You don’t want to release the disc too early or too late. Instead, focus on releasing the disc at the right moment.
Flat Release Roller
Consider throwing a flat release if you want to add a little extra oomph to your roller game. To do this, tilt the disc forward, resting on your middle and index fingers at a 30-60 degree angle, then snap your wrist to release.
This will cause the disc to spin rapidly and flatten out as it sails through the air, resulting in a longer, straighter flight. Just be careful not to release too early or too late, as this can cause the disc to wobble or fly off course.
The disc will always follow the flight plate no matter how extreme the angle of your pull is.
General Rules For Roller Disc Golf Throwing Technique
It’s All About The Roll!
The roller disc golf shot uniquely focuses on the roll by adding a unique twist.
Factors like your distance from the basket, disc selection, and line of the throw are important when you are rolling the disc.
Unlike normal disc golf shots, where you throw the disc up and it comes down, you’re throwing it down and creating a roll.
Throwing Techniques For Roller Shots
Get Low
Since you don’t have to throw over trees and tall plants like in a standard disc golf shot, you can get low and throw more like you would in baseball or tennis. Getting low will help you feel your release and improve your form.
Use Your Wrist
Similar to tennis and baseball, your wrist will be an important part of your throw. You’ll need to release your roller disc with a flick of your wrist and not as much with your arm.
Strategies For Throwing A Roller
There are a few things to keep in mind when throwing a roller.
- First, make sure you are using the right type of disc. Roller discs are designed to be thrown on the ground, so they will not fly as well as regular discs. When the disc hits the ground, it should have enough speed to roll, but not too much speed that it will bounce or skip.
- Second, be aware of your surroundings and make sure there are no obstacles in the way of your disc.
- Aim for a flat surface. The disc will roll further on a flat surface than on rough or uneven ground.
- Finally, practice throwing rollers from different angles and distances to get a feel for the shot.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing to remember when throwing a roller is to keep your disc level. If the nose of your disc is pointing up or down, it will not fly straight.
Also, follow through with your throw and snap your wrist at the end to ensure maximum distance.
Following these tips can improve your chances of success, and you will have more fun on the course.
