Tag: Disc Golf Terms

Introduction to Disc Golf Terminology

Whether you’re new to disc golf or a seasoned player, understanding the sport’s unique terminology can make a big difference in your game. Disc golf is filled with unique terms used to describe score, disc flight, throwing technique, etc. Knowing these terms helps you communicate on the course, better understand game strategy, and even select the right equipment. In this guide, we’ll cover 50 essential disc golf terms, breaking them down into categories to help you build a strong foundation in disc golf lingo. Let’s dive in and boost your disc golf vocabulary!

50 Disc Golf Terms Every Player Should Know

Types of Throws and Throwing Technique

1. Anhyzer – An angled release where the gripped edge is closer to the ground than the ungripped edge.
2. Approach – The shot(s) taken to get close to the basket after the initial drive(s).
3. Backhand – A common throw where the player pulls the disc across their body before release. Picture a backhand slap.
4. Cut Roller – A very steeply angled roller throw, used for tight curling rollers.
5. Drive – The initial throw from the tee, typically a power shot.
6. Flick – Another term for a forehand throw.
7. Forehand – A throw where the player leads with their thumb on top of the disc. Think of a forehand slap.

8. Grip Lock – When a player holds on to a disc longer than intended during a throw.
9. Hyzer-Flip – A throw starting on a hyzer angle that flips up to fly flat.
10. Hyzer – An angled release where the gripped edge is higher than the ungripped edge.
11. Lay-Up – A conservative shot played to land close to the basket.
12. Putt – A throw from within close range, aimed at making it into the basket.
13. Roller – A throw where the disc is intentionally angled to roll on the ground.
14. Sidearm – Another term for a forehand throw.
15. Skip – When a disc hits the ground and bounces up again.
16. Snap – The level of rotation on a disc upon release, affecting its speed and distance. A lot of snap is usually accompanied by a loud snapping like sound, hence the name.
17. Spike Hyzer – A throw with a very steep hyzer angle, causing the disc to dive downward.
18. Up-Shot – A throw aimed at positioning the disc close to the basket for an easy putt. The same as an Approach, but typically a further distance.
19. Wind Read – The skill of interpreting wind conditions based on feel, tree movement, and other players’ throws.
20. X-Step – A common footwork pattern used in a backhand throw to build momentum.

Scoring and Penalty Disc Golf Terms

21. Ace – A hole-in-one; when the disc lands in the basket on the first throw.
22. Albatross – Completing a hole in three strokes under par, a very rare achievement. For example, a 2 scored on a Par 5 would be an Albatross. A 1 on a Par 4 is also technically considered an Albatross!
23. Birdie – Completing a hole in one stroke under par. For example, scoring a 2 on a par 3 is a birdie.
24. Bogey – Completing a hole in one stroke over par. For example, scoring a 4 on a par 3 is a bogey.
25. Chain Out – When a disc hits the chains of the basket but doesn’t stay in.
26. Eagle – Completing a hole in two strokes under. Although a 1 on a Par 3 is usually called an Ace, it is also technically an Eagle!
27. Drop Zone – A designated area where players take penalty shots from. Typically you’ll see a drop zone accompanied with an out of bounds area.
28. Mandatory (Mando) – Usually marked by an arrow on a tall object or tree, indicating that your disc must travel in the direction of the arrow or you will incur a penalty.
29. OB (Out of Bounds) – A marked area that incurs a penalty if landed in, whether it be natural or artificial.
30. Par – The expected number of strokes for a player to complete a hole.
31. Penalty Stroke – An extra stroke added to a player’s score, for either a violation of the rules or throwing OB.

Disc Golf Terms That Describe Flight

32. Fade – The natural, predictable finish to the left at the end of flight (for a right-handed backhand thrower).
33. Flight Numbers – The four numbers on a disc indicating speed, glide, turn, and fade. For example, the Destroyer’s flight numbers are 12(speed) 5(glide) -1(turn) 3(fade). For a more detailed explanation of flight numbers, see our blog post here.
34. Overstable – A disc with a tendency to fade strongly, or fly to the left (for a right-handed backhand thrower).
35. Stable – A disc that flies straight with minimal turn or fade.
36. Turn – The tendency of a disc to curve in the opposite direction of the fade. Typically a disc will end up turning more if thrown faster.
37. Understable – A disc that naturally curves in the opposite direction of its fade.

Course Related Disc Golf Terms

38. Basket – The metal target with chains and a cage used as the target on a disc golf hole.
39. Card – The group of players who play a round together and record each other’s scores.
40. Circle 1 – The area within 10 meters (32.8 feet) of the basket, which is considered the putting circle.
41. Circle 2 – The area between 10 and 20 meters (32.8 – 65.6 feet) from the basket.
42. Course – The complete set of holes, typically 9 or 18, at a disc golf facility or property.
43. Fairway – The main path or route from the tee to the basket.
44. Hole – Everything from tee to basket, including the fairway and rough. A course typically has 18 holes.
45. Island – An in bounds area that’s completely surrounded on all sides by OB (Out of Bounds).

Disc and Equipment Terms

46. Bag – The discs a player typically carries, or the physical bag used to hold discs. In effect, a disc golfer might say “I bag an Envy“.
47. Bead – A small ridge-like protrusion around the bottom edge of a disc found mostly on putters and midranges, affecting grip and stability. Thus, most putters are classified as either beaded, or unbeaded.
48. Fairway Driver – A slower and more controllable kind of driver, for medium distance drives.
49. Mini – A small disc used to mark the spot of a disc in play.
50. Putter – A disc type designed for close-range shots and putting. Contrarily, putters can also be thrown from the tee.

Conclusion

Now you’re ready to communicate on the course! After reading though our 50 disc golf terms, it’ll be easy to join in on the conversation whether its regarding score, disc specifications, or flight. There are a lot of disc golf terms out beyond the scope of our list. But now you’re on your way to mastering the lingo.