Biomechanical Analysis of the Backhand Disc Golf Drive for Distance

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to gather video of disc golf drives for distance and analyze the data to extract and name phases of the drive, establishing a common language that researchers, sport performance professionals, and the disc golf community can use to communicate. The drives of 15 male disc golfers in the advanced division were analyzed using video analysis software. Video analysis of the fifteen males has shown that there are eight distinct phases of the disc golf drive for distance. Groups of actions make up each phase, which was given a name according to the movements performed. The phases in order of occurrence in the throw are Approach, Preload, Transition, Load, Cross Over, Pull, Plant, and Release. There will now be a viable new language with which to discuss the pattern of movements known as the backhand disc golf drive for distance with more detail and accuracy.