Every term explained in plain language — no jargon, no assumptions.
A hole-in-one. Throwing the disc directly into the basket from the tee pad in a single throw. The disc golf equivalent of a hole-in-one in ball golf.
A release angle where the throwing edge of the disc is tilted upward (away from you). Causes the disc to curve right for a right-hand backhand throw. Opposite of hyzer.
A throw intended to land close to the basket — typically from 30–80 metres away. Usually thrown with a putter or midrange for maximum accuracy.
The standard throw in disc golf. The disc is held with your thumb on top, thrown across your body with your arm extending toward the target. Most players' primary throw.
The metal target in disc golf. A vertical pole with chains hanging from a top ring into a lower basket. A disc that hits the chains and falls into the basket counts as holed out.
Completing a hole in one more throw than par. In disc golf, par is usually 3 (par 3) so a bogey would be 4 throws.
Completing a hole in one fewer throw than par. On a par 3, that means holing out in 2 throws.
The metal chains that hang inside the basket. A disc must hit the chains and drop into the lower basket to count as holed out. Chain contact without dropping in doesn't count.
A sport played with flying discs (similar to frisbees) on a course of 9 or 18 holes. Players throw from a tee pad toward a metal basket target, completing each hole in as few throws as possible.
A disc designed for maximum distance, with a speed rating of 10–14. Requires high arm speed to fly correctly — beginners should avoid these until throwing 80+ metres consistently.
The fourth flight number. Describes how hard the disc breaks left at the end of its flight (for right-hand backhand). Fade 0 = barely fades, Fade 5 = hard snap left.
A disc with a speed of 7–10, bridging putters/midranges and distance drivers. More accurate than distance drivers but longer than midranges. Good for intermediate players.
The four numbers on every disc: Speed, Glide, Turn, and Fade. They describe how a disc flies when thrown correctly at its design speed. See each number for individual explanations.
Also called sidearm. A throw where the disc is released from the side of the body with a flicking wrist motion, similar to a sidearm throw in baseball. Creates a natural anhyzer release.
The second flight number (1–7). How long the disc stays airborne. Higher glide means more distance for the same power. Beginners should prioritise high-glide discs.
A release angle where the throwing edge of the disc is tilted downward (toward you). Causes the disc to curve left for a right-hand backhand throw. Opposite of anhyzer.
Throwing an understable disc on a pronounced hyzer angle with enough power that the disc flips up to flat mid-flight, then flies straight. Produces maximum distance and a straight flight path.
A disc with a speed of 4–6. Slower and more accurate than fairway drivers, with enough distance for most approach shots. The Discraft Buzzz is the most famous midrange.
An area on the course where a disc cannot be played from. If your disc lands OB, you take a one-throw penalty and play from a designated drop zone or where the disc crossed the OB line.
A disc that resists turning right and fades hard left. Described by a Turn of 0 or +1 and a high Fade number. Good in headwinds and for forehand throws. Not recommended for beginners.
The expected number of throws to complete a hole. Most disc golf holes are par 3. Some longer holes are par 4 or 5. Your score relative to par tells you how well you played.
Professional Disc Golf Association. The governing body of disc golf worldwide. Sets rules, approves discs for tournament play, and maintains player handicap ratings.
A short throw intended to go directly into the basket, typically from inside 10 metres. Putting technique is different from driving — most players use a push putt or spin putt style.
A disc with a speed of 1–3 designed for short, accurate throws into the basket. Also used for approach shots. Putters have the most grip and are the most forgiving discs for beginners.
A PDGA player handicap number that reflects your skill level. 1000 is professional tour average. Most casual players are below 900. Useful for comparing players across different courses and rounds.
A throw where the disc is released on a steep anhyzer angle so it lands and rolls along the ground. Used for low-ceiling shots or to cover unusual distances. Requires an understable disc.
The first flight number (1–14). How fast the disc needs to be thrown to reach its intended flight. Higher speed requires more arm speed. Beginners should use Speed 7 and under.
A throw on a steep hyzer angle so the disc drives into the ground steeply at the end of its flight. Used for elevated baskets or targets tucked behind obstacles. Requires an overstable disc.
The starting area for each hole, usually a concrete or rubber mat. Players must start each hole with at least one foot on the tee pad.
The third flight number (+1 to -5). Whether the disc turns right (negative numbers, understable) or resists turning (positive, overstable) during the high-speed phase of flight.
A disc that turns right during the high-speed phase of flight. Described by a negative Turn number. Forgiving for beginners with less arm speed. Great for hyzer flips and rollers.
Still confused about flight numbers?
Read the full guide: How to Read Disc Golf Flight Numbers →