The Best Forehand Disc Golf Discs for 2021

A funny aspect of disc golf is that while all discs technically work for each of the different throwing style, some discs just work better than others for forehand throws.

There are two primary throwing styles in disc golf; they are the backhand and the forehand. The forehand throwing motion is similar to a forehand stroke in tennis where the palm of the hand faces forward towards the target. This disc golf throwing motion is also known as a sidearm throw and a flick.  It is referred to as a sidearm because of its similarity to a sidearm throw in baseball. The flick name describes the flicking motion one uses as they flick their wrist to eject the disc.

While the backhand throwing style is more natural for most players, having the ability to throw forehand will save you many strokes on the course. Because of the way golf discs curve or fade in the direction that they spin, being able to throw both backhand and forehand will allow you to curve your disc in the desired direction.

What is the best forehand disc you’ve used so far? If there isn’t one and you are looking for the best discs for throwing forehand, you have come to the right spot!

Because of the different form required and torque generated from the different throwing styles, different discs work better for forehand throws than others. This guide will help you gear up with the best sidearm or forehand discs of each type.

With the worldwide disc shortages, we have only included discs that are readily in stock in this years best of edition.

Best Forehand Disc Comparison Table

Best Sidearm Disc Reviews

 Forehand Putter Disc 

1. Prodiscus Jokeri Putt and Approach Disc

Check Price on Amazon Shop at Infinite DiscsNobody I know has ever used a forehand throw for putts, but it’s very important to have a good forehand approach disc in your bag. The Prodiscus Jokeri is as good as it gets when it comes to forehand approach shots. This disc became very popular for this purpose when it was used by professional disc golfer Kevin Jones.

The Jokeri forehand approach disc  is more than just a nice-looking disc. It renders great performance out in the field.  Compared with more well known brands, the Jokeri is very similar to the Discraft Zone. This is a fairly deep putter with a relatively wide diameter and a nice flat top that feels comfortable and provides consistent releases.

The flight ratings listed for the Jokeri are 4/3/0/2. When thrown with enough power, the Jokeri has a straight flight, does not turn out of your hand and always finishes with a slight fade. With its stability, I am confident that the Jokeri won’t turn over on high power throws. It is not super glidey which is exactly what you want in an approach disc. You want to land next to the basket and not overshoot it.

When thrown on an anhyzer release angle on my forehand throws, the Jokeri tends to move left but because it is overstable flexes back and tries to fight out of the release angle.

On the other hand, when used on a Hyzer release, I’d say pretty much the opposite because it is less of a glider. It will hold the release angle and will gradually drift in the direction of the release.

The Jokeri is among the discs that many players throw more often forehand than backhand as it is so turn resistant while still providing a straight flight. Nevertheless, this is a disc that also works well for backhand approach shot throws as well.

Overall, the Prodiscus Jokeri can be ideal for players who are looking for a consistent forehand approach shot.

 Forehand Mid Range Discs 

2. Dynamic Discs Justice Midrange

Check Price on Amazon Shop at Infinite DiscsWhile it’s technically a midrange disc, the Dynamic Discs Justice is not a disc that is going to go the distance. The Justice is the original “super overstable” mid, and while there are now lots of imitators, in my opinion is still the best. This is the most consistent disc golf disc for forehand approach shots where you have space for the disc to fade from left to right.

The Justice is a lot like a dump truck. It is so overstable that it will begin fading from the moment it leaves your hand and will always spike to the ground. It is a small diameter midrange with a low profile and completely flat top — perfect for consistent forehand releases. This disc is a must have for rounds in high winds as it is incredibly wind resistant.

The DD Justice features a large bead at the bottom of the rim that is not very noticeable but allows for a very comfortable release. One of the best things about it is that because the disc is so overstable it spikes to the ground rather than a slow diminishing fade.

Throw the Justice at a hyzer angle and it doesn’t deviate much from the line of direction as it is a quick up down. This disc will not flip over no matter how bad your form is or how far you throw. Because this disc is so overstable, it is not recommended for beginners.

The Justice is really fun to throw on low power forehand flex shots. Release this disc at an anhyzer angle and you can get it to turn to the left around one tree and then back to the right to avoid the another obstacle allowing for multi angle navigation.

In my opinion the Justice, or a super overstable mid like it, is a must have for forehand approach shots.

3. Discraft Buzzz

Check Price on Amazon Shop at Infinite DiscsThe Discraft Buzzz is another great forehand midrange. This is another disc with a great feel and a perfectly flat top. Unlike the Justice, the Buzzz is the forehand disc you will want to use for dead straight shots. I can’t power the Buzzz at full power, but for smooth control sidearm shots, this disc goes dead straight.

Even when I have tried a vast array of golf discs that can keep up with my game, I still venture into different types of golf discs that can work for beginners. The Discraft Z Line Buzzz is among the midrange discs that can take on a beginner’s level, particularly when fade becomes quite challenging to deal with. It highlights the Elite Z Plastic which is one of the most durable plastics of Discraft. It is also translucent and typically available in flashy and vibrant colors.

For forehand throws the stability of the Buzzz is stable and renders a slight fade toward the end of the flight, which makes it pretty nice for new players. It can fly straight and performs with a decent distance. Upon using it, I noticed it is ideal to use if you are aiming somewhere between 100 to 200 feet. And if you are just starting out with this sport, you probably haven’t worked on your arm power yet.

The good news is you won’t need to throw this Buzzz disc hard or with high arm speed. You’ll do just fine with your own pace. I can say it is a great beginner disc that is fairly controllable whether you’re throwing it with forehand or backhand. So, if you are in search of the best forehand disc for beginners, this Buzzz golf disc will do.

Intermediate players can also give this disc a shot. I suggest you try it with anhyzer shots and you will notice how it can drift slowly and render good touch shots. Although it is an understable type of disc, it can fly straight and flatten out nicely. There are certain shots where you would need a performance and flight path as this Buzzz disc does, like in wooded areas or courses. Overall, it may depend on how you can throw it but then again, don’t be too pressured to throw it at high speed.

 Forehand Fairway Driver Disc 

4. MVP Volt Driver

Check Price on Amazon Shop at Infinite DiscsIf you’d ask me about the best sidearm disc golf driver, there’s definitely a lot to consider but I would jot down MVP Volt in my favorite selection of discs for straight drives. First of all, it lends a comfortable grip whether you throw it forehand or backhand.

The Volt has a nice flat top which works well for me for forehand throws. I’m not sure if the MVP Gyro technology actually does anything, but this disc does a good job at staying stable at high speeds while having minimal fade at the end of the flight.

Crafted with Proton Plastic, it is engineered to withstand the roughest conditions like windy days and wooded courses while looking cool in transparent candy colors. It is highly durable and can last long. Just like the other golf discs on our list, this one’s PDGA Approved as well.

The beadless design is also an advantage if you are aiming for low ceiling shots. I like how the bottom is smooth, making it reliable in tight fairways and wooded courses without easily getting caught up in any objects or obstructions throughout its flight path. Moreover, the GYRO technology does a great job to exhibit penetrating fade that can work on extensive and narrow fairways. This makes it suitable for long and precise placement shots.

This stable disc can maintain the line very well. I’ve tried using it in a wooded course and it performs well and can even fly past 350 feet. This MVP disc can take good flight around narrow fairways and trees with a bit of hyzer.

Surprisingly, it is consistent and can fly back to where I want it to be, making it a reliable workhorse disc even when I use it in windy conditions. It does not easily turn over and rather holds a very straight flight right before it goes on a slightly downward angle.

Overall, I find it a nice finesse disc that everyone can give a shot and include in their bags. And if you are working on stepping up your game and switching from midranges to drivers or fairway drivers, I also recommend trying this disc out on your next game.

 Forehand Control Driver Discs 

5. MVP Tesla

Check Price on Amazon Shop at Infinite DiscsThe MVP Tesla accomplishes the same purposes as the Volt, but with a little more overstability. Like the Volt, the Tesla has a very flat Top.

The Tesla is available in several different plastic blends. I prefer throwing the Tesla for my forehand throws in the Neutron and Proton plastics. The Plasma plastic also works, but it has a little bit more grip on it. The Fission plastic makes the disc lighter weight, and Tesla’s in this blend tend to have a little bit of dome to them.

6. Infinite Discs Scepter

Check Price on Amazon Shop at Infinite DiscsThe Infinite Discs Scepter is another great disc for forehand control shots. Infinite brand discs are manufactured by Innova Champion discs. Innova’s #1 forehand disc is the Firebird, and the Scepter is essentially just an Innova Firebird (uses the same mold) that goes through a flat topping process to insure that it is flat all the time. If you’ve read my other forehand disc reviews, you know that a flat top is a must have for me and my forehand throwing style.

Moreover, this PDGA Approved disc renders outstanding performance that many professional players truly adore. It lends a comfortable grip and just feels really nice in the hand.

For a disc golf forehand distance driver, this Innova Sexton is an overstable golf disc that delivers reliable fade but with good distance. As the Firebird Distance Driver, it delivers performance with superior speed and stability, thereby allowing you to throw dives into the wind.

This disc renders a controlled and reliable drive. However, this type of disc demands intermediate arm speed and therefore, may not really be friendly for beginners. Take note that it is not for those players with low arm speed. This disc needs a bit of power but if you’ve been working on your speed and arm power, you can give this a shot.

Among the interesting features of this Innova disc is how it complies with different throws such as forehand or sidearm throws. I can say it is a great forehand driver that can be used for skip shots, forehand approach shots, and headwinds. Even when you use it for hyzer lines, it delivers efficiently and is quite dependable.

I have also tried throwing it in a wooded course and you’d probably agree that the trees could be a terrible headache and it would be incredible to find a disc that can cut through them. Surprisingly, this glow-in-the-dark disc is a winner. It does not disappoint and it just cuts through the trees seamlessly. So, if you’re looking for a disc that can save you from trouble or you need a hook or skip, you probably need to bag this Innova disc like ASAP!

 Forehand Distance Driver Disc 

7. Infinite Discs Pharaoh

Check Price on Amazon Shop at Infinite DiscsIf you’re looking for a forehand driver that will give you more distance, consider the Infinite Discs Pharaoh.

The Pharaoh is available in multiple different plastics. For my forehand drives, I prefer it at max weight in the Swirly S-Blend variety. This plastic blend is a little harder than the other plastic varieties and seems to give it a little bit more stability and a smoother release.

While all of my other recommended sidearm discs have completely flat tops, the Pharaoh actually has a slight dome to it. When it comes to getting distance, domey allows for more air flow, glide, and distance. I don’t throw the Pharaoh with as much control as I do a disc like the Tesla or the Scepter, but if I have a wide open field and need an additional 50 feet of distance this is the disc I reach for. I can get about 350 feet of distance with the Pharaoh on my good forehand throws.

When thrown flat at full power the Pharaoh will flip to the left for about 250 feet and then start fading back to the right for a max distance S-Curve flight. Because this disc is slightly understable with high power, this disc is not ideal for throwing into headwinds.

Professional disc golfers like Jessica Weese also rely on the Pharaoh for their forehand distance shots. Advanced players and those with big arms might find that Pharaoh a little bit too touchy for a full power throw, but if you have good form and less than about 400 feet of distance this disc absolutely bombs.

If you’re looking for more distance for your forehand, sidearm, or flick shot, try an Infinite Discs Pharaoh.

How to Choose the Best Forehand Disc

Any type of disc can technically be a forehand disc. Each kind serves a purpose and can be thrown backhand or forehand. Basically, there is no such thing as a specific type of disc for forehand, backhand, forehand, or any kind of throw. It does not fall under a particular selection but certain discs are better for forehand shots than others.

Type of Disc

Choosing a forehand disc is not the same as choosing a general disc golf disc for backhand throws.  In terms of generalities, my personal preference for forehand discs is discs that they are:

• Flat on the top
• Plastic is not too grippy
• More overstable

Having a flat disc helps me to maintain a more consistent release and more control. When a disc has a dome, my forehand release is not consistent and the disc regularly comes out at an undesired anhyzer angle.

While I prefer grippy plastic for backhand throws, I struggle to throw grippy discs forehand (sorry Kastaplast). Like the issue with domes, “sticky” discs end up staying on my fingers longer than desired and come out too late causing them to drift farther left than desired. I prefer a Champion like plastic or any of the premium MVP blends. Not only are these disc golf plastics more durable, but they are just right for forehand reasons.

Because forehand throws generate more torque and snap it is important to throw more overstable discs. The extra spin generated with the flick release causes discs to “turn over” more easily. A highly understable disc with a high turn rating is likely to turn into an accidental roller on you if you throw it forehand with too much power.

Disc Comfort in the Hand

Since you will be using the golf disc for a forehand throw, you might want to consider the rim of the disc. The forehand throw slides along your index finger. It is very important that the inside rim edge is blunt enough that the disc comes out smoothly and without discomfort.

While most disc golf discs feel moderately comfortable for forehand shots, some are actually painful for me to try and throw forehand. I also find that drivers with less thickness are more comfortable for my hands. The maximum rim width I like to use is about 2.3cm, or up to a 13 speed disc.

Forehand Discs for Beginners

Do know that there are different types of discs that are beginner-friendly while some discs are crafted with custom edges that may only be ideal for intermediate and advanced players. You may also consider the purpose of your throw or how you would want to use the disc in certain situations like if you are aiming for maximum distance, skip shots, off-the-tee shots, and more. You may choose an approach putter, a midrange disc, or a distance disc.

There are a plethora of disc types and choosing the ideal pick for you lies on certain significant factors. This includes your skills or level or arm power. If you are a beginner and you’ve just been working on your speed, skip those discs that require high speed. Because of the nature of the forehand motion, the listed speed of the disc is not as important for sidearm shots as it is for backhand, but I’d recommend you only look at drivers with a speed of 11 or less.

Know Your Preferences

Another important factor to consider is your preferences. As you work on your techniques and skills over time, you may have developed your preferences in terms of the width, dome, plastic type, flatness, or whether the golf disc is beaded or beadless.

There are many other factors to consider but your concrete options may significantly depend on the size of your hands and your form. To keep up with your stance and throws, it is imperative to choose a disc that also feels nice in your hand.

As for me, I opt for flat stable discs for forehand throws because they are harder to roll over. Moreover, overstable discs are often recommended to players who are learning to forehand and mask flaws in form. You can also use it to evaluate your form and hence, learn how to throw hyzer flips.

On the other hand, if you are looking for something that can handle some good torque, there are definitely some good options to consider. In regards to this, I would recommend Champion or any equivalent plastic so it won’t get too understable on you.

Difference Between Forehand and Backhand Discs

The difference we are referring to isn’t about the disc itself but the technique or style or how you throw the disc. Do know that there is no specific kind of discs crafted as Forehand or Backhand discs. As mentioned, any type of disc can be used for forehand and backhand throws.

If your technique is executed properly, every type of disc should work both backhand and forehand as they are supposed to. The physics is a significant factor that makes the discs spin a bit different between throws.

Therefore, we do recommend the same disc both for forehand and backhand players, particularly for those who perform at a lower speed. In these cases, the discs can perform equally well for both player types.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should You Throw a Disc Golf Forehand?

Every player has their own way of throwing forehand. But as for me, I throw a disc golf forehand or sidearm in 3 ways: the forehand grip, 3-step walkup, and follow through. Your middle finger and index finger will do the trick, with the middle finger placed on top of your index finger when you hold the disc. This is commonly known as the Stacked Grip.

Before throwing, it is important to build momentum. Step on your left first so you can get the momentum forward as you step with your right. As you do this, that’s when you turn the step to get the hips rotated back. As you head to the last and final position, the hips rotate back into your stance. Then, the arm follows the last-placed foot.

Another thing you should always take note of is how you hold the disc properly. One of the biggest mistakes I see with the beginners when throwing forehand is they don’t grip the disc tightly enough. Because of this, the disc comes out of their hand fluttering. Therefore, it is vital to grip the disc tightly when you throw whichever disc you buy.

What is the difference between a Forehand, Flick, and Sidearm Throw?

The answer is nothing. Forehand, flick, and sidearm are all different names for the same general throwing motion. The terminology used is often a result of the disc golfers previous sports played.

Forehand

Forehand is the term used for a similar motion in Tennis, Racquetball, and Pickleball. Players coming from a racquet sports background will typically call this disc golf throwing motion forehand.

Flick

The term flick refers to the “flick of the wrist” motion that is used on a frisbee. This is the dominant term used in Ultimate Frisbee and so players coming from an Ultimate Background typically refer to this disc golf motion as a flick.

Sidearm

The term sidearm is used in baseball, and so this similar disc golf motion is often referred to as sidearm among those with a baseball background.

In general, disc golfers are able to generate more distance with less motion out of the simple flick of the wrist generated with a sidearm throw. For this reason, forehand throws are especially useful when stuck in an awkward lie behind trees, shrubbery, and other obstacles.

Why is it important to be able to throw forehand shots?

There are several reasons why being able to throw golf discs forehand is so essential. The primary reason is because throwing a disc forehand allows the disc to curve in the opposite direction as a backward throw. A disc golf disc always curves (fades) in the direction of the spin at the end of the flight. As you play disc golf more you will begin to learn that some holes are better positioned with aerial space that flows from right to left while other holes are easiest to execute with a shot that goes left to right. For a right handed player, a forehand shot will curve to the right while the backhand throw naturally fades to the left.

The second reason that forehand throws are essential is because they allow for more power from standstill throws and more ability to get out of tricky situations. When you play thickly wooded courses, there is often not adequate room for the full motion of an x-step run up required with a backhand throw. Being able to throw sidearm gives you lots more flexibility when the fairways are narrow.

Where to Buy Forehand Discs?

You can check your local sports stores and outlets for the availability of golf discs. When it comes to the type of golf disc, you may find the ones from the popular brands on the market. If you are going to visit physical stores, you can seek assistance to determine which type and weight of golf disc are compatible with your skills and techniques. And if you are looking for a disc that you can use for forehand throws, they can help you find the best disc for you.

Purchasing disc golf discs has also been made easy and accessible through e-commerce websites. Those well-known brands have also provided comprehensive assistance in their websites, allowing you to choose which disc is suitable for your skill or level and techniques. These websites typically unravel details about the design, flight ratings, stability, and more. Read this article for our recommendations of the best online disc golf retailers.

Pro Tips to Improve your Forehand Throws

One of the best ways to improve your forehand throw is by learning from the pros. This clinic by professional disc golfer Nate Sexton is one of my favorites.  Utilizing these tips will help you generate more confidence, control, and accuracy.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, finding the best disc golf disc for sidearm or forehand throws need not be hard. Do know that there isn’t any specific type of disc for forehand or sidearm throws, but some disc characteristics do work better than others.

To narrow down your options and help you find the ultimate pick, mentioned above is a comprehensive list of some of our favorite forehand discs and their detailed reviews. Also, take note of the important factors above and if you’re having a hard time, learn from the professionals!