Hey there Ezra - any chance you could let me know what you think of how I establish the power grip on a throw: th-cam.com/video/u0qAOQGtpiw/w-d-xo.html - This is something I put out for followers of the college team I help to coach. (apologies for my lack of a microphone)
You're definitely leaving out when Drew and Simon both say they use a modified fan grip for CONTROL, not max distance, in which they actually use power grip. Most pros still use power grip for distance shots, James Conrad even power grips his putters!
Simon said in one of his own videos that he throws fan grip on 90% of his golf throws for better control. He only resorts to a full-on power grip for wide open all out distance shots, or especially 360 backhands. I think the real secret behind the pinch grip giving potentially more power/spin/release speed is giving the thrower a looser arm. Some people really tense their arm up when trying to clamp the disc down as hard as possible during a power grip. A looser arm is a faster arm.
I agree with the looser arm. That's the main reason I don't throw power grip. I can't get my arm to just flow and be relaxed and still hold on to the disc with a power grip. Between a pinch and a fan, I feel like the disc is actually more secure with less effort, meaning my arm swings better for the throw.
Personally I think it is the fact that you have more control with a pinch/fan grip. I noticed that it became easier to hit my lines and keep the disc flat.
the important parts of the grip are: 1 the pinch point; 2 plate/rim feel/control; and 3 you need some way to keep the disc in contact with your palm through the throw. For me the fan grip does not keep the disc in contact with my palm (during power throws), so as i come through my 'hit point' the disc claps back into my palm, it hurts, a lot. The main issue with the 'power' grip is its harder to define the pinch point and feel isnt great. The main benefit is that you can keep the disc against your palm easily, without having to tense your arm too much. Just focus on the pinch point and the mechanics of your curled fingers should take care of the rest. I would say the reason you are losing distance with a power grip is because your power grip does not have a defined pivot point, so the disc is kinda sliding out of your hand, not rotating. Also if you dont get the disc to palm chop that i get, then you dont need the power grip for your current power, or you have really strong hands and may never need the power grip. Note: Notice what the pinky is doing for the power throwers, its the same thing the power grip does for me, guess i should do some pinky curls :P
@@JoshJackson13 I'm still rocking the 2. It's comfortable and have a 450 golf shot. After 17 years I'm scared to switch lol. When the original commentor was talking about palm I was a little turned away. Thumb pad is plenty.
Reason why it's coming out faster is because there is a fulcrum that the disc spins around (your pinched fingers being that) making the disc have more rotation.
I’ve pinch gripped for 20 years now. I’ve tried to switch for more distance but ultimately I NEVER felt comfortable with the “power grip”. After about a month of trying to change, I simply went back to what’s comfortable in my hand. I pinch with my thumb and for finger and my middle finger guides the angle of release out of my hand.
Went to a Stokely clinic and he said grip doesn’t matter use what’s most comfortable for you and the power grip doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get more power That’s just what the 1st person to use the grip called it and it just took off from there
its about what gives you the most contact to the disc. drew and simon will throe 4 fingers when they are going for max distance. they use modified power grips in tournaments for 2 reasons. 1. more control 2. they dont need their max distance of 600-700 feet 99 % of the time, as most shots at most courses dont call for it. 90% of players cant throw over 450 therefore they will often need their max drive to have birdie looks. I think you are just over thinking the grip.
Exactly, the elite throwers don’t need the power grip for most shots, they throw further than most people even with the fan grip. I lose a lot of distance with fan grip but use it when I need more control.
Agreed, Drew Gibson pretty much says this in the video that author used of his fan grip. Not sure why he misrepresented the info Drew gave in the video
Interesting, I think the main reason people will throw easier and further with a pinch grip is because it's easier to get nose down. Extend your arm and look at the disc with both grips, the majority will probably see that it's much easier to get nose down without powergrip.
Also thinking about it. People always talk about how Drew gets so much snap when he throws the disc, like it is loud. Maybe it has to do with the grip that he uses...
Another reason why maybe some of us can't get snap. Because if you look at the pinch grip fingers, they're already in position to snap without a disc in the way. So I will be trying this I hear the audible snap from some players and never from others.
No matter the grip, there are body mechanics and timing issues. It depends on how far down the rabbit hole you want to go. My advice, if it feels good, do it. And just enjoy that fact you are with friends doing what you love in the moment. If you make it too complicated, you start missing shots due to not using your natural body athletics. Sure try some things but be careful not to get too hung up and forget how to laugh at yourself. 52 years of disc golf for me.
I'm wondering if another benefit of not using a powergrip is that it forces you to be a bit smoother in your throw, like a less abrupt acceleration due to holding the disc with a bit less force? As a powergrip main, I'm actually excited again to give new grips a whirl. Good video!
In the video he says "if the full power grip makes you throw further, then the power throwers would be doing it" which is just inherently wrong. The whole reason power throwers can use a looser grip is BECAUSE they can throw further. They choose to use a less powerful grip in order to sacrifice distance but improve accuracy because they have more than enough distance to compensate for the sacrifice. If they were all in a distance competition, they would all power grip. It's literally the same principle as discing down. If you can get there with a slower disc, then there is no reason to throw a faster, less controllable disc.
I do believe most of the big throwers have larger hands and a traditional power grip isn't comfortable. They can get all the grip power they need with a fan grip. I've also heard most of them say to experiment with different grips. Whatever works best for you is the one they recommend. With smaller hands and wide rim drivers, using a fan grip might not work. If you have great grip strength, then no matter your hand size, fan might work best. Everything boils down to "what works for you".
@@Handsx maybe not stats, but that would be interesting. I think people forget guys like Marwede and Buhr might be fun but they’re incredibly tall which creates their power combined with technique. The guys in my gym that lift heavy have mad grip strength and great technique.
I found this out by accident last night. Loose arm and a pinch for main contact. More spin, more nose down, more speed. Gotta rethink all the release and timing tho'.
I've tried the pinch before and never got much out of it, but this time even the pinch was loose during the throw. At the point where I wanted to release, I actually "pinched", and found the snap. For me anyway, keeping every thing loose, including the grip, changed the tempo, and I didn't grab on till the end. Dead straight throws. Counter intuitive, but the first time I've seen my drives fly, no stalling and dumping at the end. It's the spin. Once you feel it, you know it's right. Even the screw ups flew.
I enjoyed the video and appreciate your perspective, but I have to say, I disagree. As I understand it, these power players use the fan grip for comfort and accuracy reasons BECAUSE they throw so far already that they cann afford to sacrifice a little bit of their full distance potential. When they go out into distance contests they almost always use the power grip.
I just understood something. Pinching the disc with thumb and index finger uses muscles in the palm. Powergrip, where all fingers hold the discs, uses also muscles in forearm to grip the disc. Those same muscles also move the wrist and are somehow connected to muscles in upper arm. Flexing those forearm muscles increases resistance in elbow and wrist and makes them more stiff, which reduces the whip effect (which is way more noticeable with no disc in hand, I often practise throwing inside with nothing in hand and increased blood pressure from the whip hurts my hand when I get it good).
Obviously form and timing are the most important factor. I can fan grip a 9 speed and throw it 380ft but I've been working on it for about 11 years dedicated. I still use the power grip for everything including putters and after years just realized it works best for me. It's definitely not fake and i cannot fan grip a huge hyzer
I stumbled upon this video last night. I tried this grip today and I went from throwing 330' to 390-400' immediately. I was shocked, so I had to throw a couple dozen more shots to make sure it wasn't a fluke. Thank you for sharing this.
The flaw in this video is saying that Gibson, Lizotte, and other max-distance players don't use the power grip because it doesn't get more distance is a false statement. These guys have so much distance that they use a modified fan grip for more control. Eagle McMahon is the fastest thrower in the world and uses a power grip for open drives. I get that the point of this video is to say that there isn't a "one size fits all" grip but the power grip is definitely the grip for max distance (when done correctly).
you had it right but then contradicted yourself. the best grip for max distance is whichever grip allows you personally to get max distance, because everyone is different.
Been working on rounding for like 2.5 years now, and only yesterday started playing with the thumb on the rim. I realised, now what i need is more spin in the disc, coz my technique is totally okay. The way to get more spin is probably going to be to go away from power grip, into more of a pinch grip
Scott Stokely does mention that he doesn't use the full Power Grip because his hand wont fit that way comfortably. He also suggests to try what works best for you, because it IS all about comfort. The basic Power Grip is just a place to start, like you said.
Last month during a Cleveland area clinic, Scott Stokely actually said it's called the Power Grip, because when it was invented, it needed a name. That was it. He admitted himself that it's not the most effective for everyone.
I had issues trying the "power grip" early on I couldn't hit angles at all and had zero confidence in where the disc would go when it left my hand. I decided I would fan grip everything and then come back to it. My accuracy was on point I got more distance I felt like I had that "feel" with my throwing that gacmve me so much confidence. Eventually I "maxed out" my distance where the ran grip couldn't hold up when trying to throw max ish distance, so I wanted to revisit the "power grip" mind you this is over a year later. I hate the power grip they teach so all I did was take my fan grip I was so comfortable with tucked my finger into the rim and BAM added at 50 feet immediately and after practicing with it for a while maybe 70 feet altogether. With confidence and accuracy. Best thing I ever did
I had a fan grip phase as well when i was playing a round with a much better player and he said he fan grips mids/putters (we also played ultimate together and he said he fan grips that 100% of the time). I was surprised so i went into the field the next day to try it out and it SUCKED. I mean i was out there for a good 3 hours and got nothing even resembling a good throw. With an ultimate disc it was doable but with every type of disc I felt like i was sacrificing a ton of power and it felt very awkward. In the end I decided I would much rather practice my aim and form with the power grip than try to regain 50 feet of lost distance with a fan/pinch (and i dont have 50 feet to lose in my game lol). The bottom line is that I think power throwers can throw with these grips because they have 50-100 feet of distance that they have no problem sacrificing for the control it brings. On most courses, it will be a lot better to throw 450 controlled as opposed to 600+ with less control. Therefore, they will rarely throw with the power grip. Finally, your personal results are certainly interesting. I think it's definitely a good idea to experiment with other grips, but to say that the power grip is blatantly bad and shouldn't be used is not the conclusion I would draw from this evidence. Different things work for different people, but until I see conclusive evidence otherwise I will be very skeptical of any claim that the power grip is not the longest throwing grip on average for most people.
I've noticed this too. Even when tournament commentators talk about throwing far, they'll say things like, "he's crushing it" and "look at how much power is in that throw." Now, I'm a beast of a guy, but it doesn't help me throw far. Any of the FPO field can put me to shame. Strength plays a part, I'll argue that until there's no longer a gender separation in DG tourneys, but it is not the most critical thing.
Fan grip has always felt way more comfortable to me but people give you the idea that power grip will give you more distance. That is part of why I don't like throwing midranges because mid-range is feel funny in my hand. When I power grip them I'm going to mess around more with the fan group when throwing higher speed discs.
The title of this drew me in faster than a hungry piglet to the trough ! Well done. Very nice post, never have enjoyed the power grip. Time to experiment.
It’s all about rotation. I switched from four fingers to three last season and instantly added more than 50’. I’m trying your ideas tomorrow. Great video thank you!!!
I use a one finger power grip. Sounds funny, right? But I found that with my index finger slightly curled on the bottom of the rim, my middle finger on the inside of the rim in the tightest part of the power grip, and my ring plus pinky finger curled up on the bottom of the rim as well, that I get the best snap and it feels soooo secure in my hand. It improved my accuracy so much as well. For mids and putters, I will only throw those discs with a full pinch or fan, even when trying to rip on them hard. My point is: find what works the best for you!
I dropped off my pinkie a couple years back. It let me throw a bit further AND it lets me control the angle a bit easier. Something about my wrist. So I guess I was almost doing a pinch grip, anyway when I switched to that. Pinkie off, three on the plate, pretty tight together, thumb almost exactly opposite my index finger.
It's happening because regardless of your grip, the last digits that are holding the disc as it leaves your grip are the pointer and thumb pinch point. If you're doing that of course. No different than flicking off your two fingers in a forehand, eventually it's rips out of your grip. That's what is creating the rotation, on top of the momentum added from form.
Yea I started throwing without my pinky after I dislocated my middle finger. I grip hard and when my release timing is late my fingers get yoinked. Without the pinky helps me stay loose.
@@Jason-Moon I agree, at first it seemed awkward because it would actually come off during the middle of my toss, but I've gotten used to it and feel the distance is better..
I think your on to something, I’m gonna give it a go. I forget where I picked it up from but i tried 3 fingers leaving off the pinkie and I got a extra 50 feet based on this I’m guessing my ring finger is acting as the pinkie. I’m curious now what leaving of the middle 2 fingers will do cause the disc will def rotate a little more just coming of the pointer
You are just back loading your grip. Basically you are releasing with the back fingers instead of your index finger so you are getting way less spin on the disc. With a power grip you can control spin with what finger is the release finger. I agree that it isn't the best grip to learn first but I do think it is the most versatile grip.
What I do, I consider the true power grip I pinch the edge of the lip with all four of my actual finger tips, right on the corner of the inner rim, not inside, and my thumb presses flat on top, ahead of my fore finger on the pinch line of my fingers, almost pointing out, the palm of my thumb is my control more than my thumb. then with both arms straight out, I swing back and immediately slam my left arm down into the fulcrum of my hips, creating so much centrifugal force, I barely use my right arm to throw. I open my whole hand as fast as I can just before my desired direction focusing on the release of my pinky being most important. Really good method for anyone with shoulder pain when backhanding. There is SO MUCH lost power in people's inactive rear hand! And I think this is even for pros...
fan grip is harder for broader rims (distance drivers) simply if your fingers are not long enough. i use fan grip/modified one, and the rotation point is crucial (index + thumb) dunipace speaks of thumb pressure and how crcuial it is in every throw. seppo paju recommends other grips than power too, and throws with fan grip, if o remember right
Many good comments. In addition, the wrist flexes a bit more open hand than a fist. Try it. And, keep the power grip in mind when your soaking wet or your grip is compromised from freezing cold.
I saw a video teaching to pinch the thumb and index finger about two years ago and gained some distance instantly. Also started to get more spin and snap with the pinch
It makes sense that the second and third finger let go as soon as the pinky releases and creates a natural rotation of the disc around the first finger/thumb before full release. Been throwing mod fan grip for 6 months and can actually feel a snap now!
Front Vs Mid vs Back loaded grip. The further forward your pressure point is, the more distance but less accuracy get. Same for back loaded grip but in reverse, more accuracy less distance.
I do sort of a modified fangrip for slow discs and some kind of modified power grip for wide rims. Actually now that I think about it, they are prettt much the same grip. Slow disc = finger pads (don't know what they are actually called, the opposite side from fingernails) of middle finger to pinky on the bottom of the disc, fast disc = pads against the inside of the rim. Pointer finger is always curled around the edge, pinky is somewhere between the plate and rim. When the rim gets too wide to keep fingers against the flight plate, I move them against the rim. I think I'll try new grips tomorrow!
It's really cool to catch a sport this young where form is still up for debate. We don't even have the best way to hold the disc worked out yet! That's so interesting to me
It's so interesting that you bring that up now. I have played DG for 3 years, always using the power grip. Few months ago I tried a 3 finger power grip that gave a me a cleaner release without adding much distance, bur better control. The 3 fingers allowed for more wrist flexibility. Well last week, out of frustration for not getting good distance I tried to come back to 4 finger grip, and ended up using something that seems to be the pinch grip without knowing it was a thing. It did work almost instantaneously, got easily 40-50ft more with good control... I thought it was luck, but then it did repeat and repeat... It still does feel awkward as I haven't played much with this new grip, but will definitely continue with it this weekend. The key of this pinch grip to me seems to be that the wrist gains range of motion to provide more spin and cleaner release.
Spin of your disc is what gives you more distance hence more glide. Using 4 fingers is better then 1 or 2 fingers in this scenario .There is no question that a fan grip or so called power grip dives more distance. If you throw it correctly on a full release you will hear a snap when released. I changed my own grip about 2 years ago and once I got used to the power grip witch took about a full season I went from 280ft to 330ft consistently and now a few years later making 360-400ft. using the right disc for me. I would hardly consider the power grip fake when once you are comfortable learning this method I am sure it would help your distance get better one way or another. Fantastic video. Keep up the good work
the reason they use a modified fan grip is because it slows the spin rate down. Those guys generate so much spin and speed that the disc become far too understable and the modified fan brings the stability back. I've always used a modified fan for my mid shots.
Great video! I've been battling with getting a good grip on my drivers and about a month ago I got frustrated in the field throwing with a power grip on my drives. Huge ripping sound when the disc left my hand, but the disc just never got around to gliding and flying well. At that point I just started playing around with grip and noticed that with a modified fan grip the disc was leaving my hand much faster. The difference was like night and day. I'm thinking that with my long fingers using a power grip means that the disc is ripping from my hooked middle finger, which is stronger than my index finger and that's also causing some kind of resistance, that slows the disc down right before it leaves the hand. With a modified fan grip I am able to pinch the flightplate as hard and comfortably as I want with my thumb, middle and ring finger without it slowing down the release of my disc, since the disc ultimately just "slides" off the middle and the ring finger with less resistance and pivots around the index finger. I have never had a good long throw with a loud snapping sound that came from my middle finger hitting my palm. When I have a really good rip it sounds more like an "oomph". I can't even try to rip max distance drive with a power grip any more since I can't pinch the flightplate comfortably at all really, I just squeeze the rim into my palm and that results in my middle finger resisting the disc leaving my hand to a point where it leaves noticeably slower with less spin.
I was literally telling my buddies that my fan grip goes farther and that’s how it unlocked 550 to 475 and then not two days later they sent me this video confirming my suspicions
The more fingers pressing down on the disc causes increased friction and that limits the transfer of energy into the disc leaving much of it in the hand upon release. In theory you could throw the farthest with only two fingers but that would take a strength the fingers couldn't reach without eventual damage or injury. 3 would be next, then 4, and the power grip is actually last. The reason it seems to work for some is it puts the wrist in a more proper position for a clean release. It would limit how far you can grow if it becomes the only way you learn to power your drives. Remember, the power travels down the arm into each point of the joint and releases into the object throw, and because all things have variable shapes and mass, there is a backlash of energy that returns into the hand of the point of release. Limiting these contact points forces more energy transfer into the disc. Also over gripping or tightening the grip works only well if the point of contact is released in concession along the path. The lightest grip you can get away with and still make the disc receive the point of energy transfer is the most efficient. It takes a tremendous amount of practice to achieve your own individual feel for this. It's the same principle for most sports. My advice is to practice and not think so much about mechanics, and instead learn to power while relaxing throughout the entire shot in a controlled way. I see too many over thinking their shots which limit their natural motion and lessen the point of release energy transfer.
More than likely, the reason the pinch grip goes further is because of the same reason why you don't put all 4 fingers onto a bow string. You only put 1 on top and one on bottom they slow, the progress of the disk being released. They are actually getting in the way. And with the unnecessary friction ...causing a not clean release to occur.
I think you are right. I throw my fan grip with a Roc as far as my drivers sometimes. It feels better and is more accurate. I’m going to try this out in my next field work session.
One of the potential setbacks of a pinch grip is that the outside fleshy part of your pointer finger (first knuckle) end up taking a ton of the friction as it becomes the release point, for someone like myself with smaller hands I find a pinch grip only works if I exaggerate the placement of my hand on the outside of the disc to prevent that contact patch. After awhile if you have the arm speed you'll start to rip off the skin in the area, then you cant throw like that anymore :(
I switched to the modified fan grip after I couldn't get any angle control with the power, which is still different than what Drew was depicted with in this video. I still have the index and pinky tight to the rim and middle 2 fingers flatter on the flight plate, but I put my ring finger more on top of my pinky and closer to the rim. Also my index is pinched to the joint of my thumb. When i first started doing this I was getting much better angle control, but I wasn't throwing very hard as i was working on releasing at the intended angle. When i began adding power to the throw I was getting a significant amount of "palm slap" and a significant amount of added distance. It hurt, however, i was loving the results and figured "no pain, no gain", so i kept at it. After I slipped and injured myself off a particularly slippery tee pad I slowed down my form a lot and quit launching myself like James Conrad off the tee pad. Took me a while to build the distance back up with the slower form but I now don't get any palm slap unless I am going for a max distance shot, and even then is not as bad as it was in the beginning. I still don't think I would have ever increased my distance from 300' average to nearly 400' without the switch to the pinched/fan grip. Angle control is way more important than raw power and a death grip on the disc.
I can't throw with a power grip, my middle finger got torqued at an old job years ago and when I power grip I can only throw like maybe 5 times before it hurts like hell, I use a modified fan grip and I am WAY more consistent and I don't mess up my already jacked up finger. I definitely throw farther using a modified fan grip, it just feels odd for some people who are on that power grip train so they don't want to try it, but it works great.
Your right about the pinch grip. The pinky and index finger hold the disc back. Letting those drop threw the pull will allow more rotation on the disc=more spin= more distance. No one else on TH-cam talks about this. Thanks for the video.
I actually use a modified power grip where my index finger isn't even on the disc and most of the force is in my ring and pinky fingers. I believe i like this is because i have large hands and a typical power grip is too cramped under the disc and is uncomfortable. This does also put most of the pressure under the palm where my thumb starts. This also feels more controllable and even my dad says the same thing since he's started to use it too.
You know what is crazy about the timing of this video is that I discovered yesterday during my round that a grip utilizing my thumb, pointer and index works better for drives, but also putts. You're backing it up with great video evidence here and I'm stoked we're in the same wavelength. Power grip is a lie because if everyone could just throw it 600 on the pro tour they would, but they also rely on accuracy and this 3 finger grip is essential for it
This is definitely true for me as well. Recently I started throwing into a net to practice better drives. I was confused because the four finger grip came out weak and wobbly. I started experimenting to get a tight spin right on release. To have immediate spin, the pinch grip was way better. Like you said, if the arm mechanics are right it literally rips itself away from the index finger with very tight spin
So a few days ago i tried the pinch version, (i saw some other youtuber talking about mechanics of a throw and just spotted him using it). I could not controll the disc at all, they all flew out early at a solid 20+degrees of my aim. My spontanous thought is that the power grip might be abit more forgiving if you still have some arch in your throw, while the pinch just flies straight out. tho should be said i'm still very new to the sport. But anyways my guess is most beginners will have an easier time to get results with a power grip therefore it seems that it's a better grip, more people teach it and you have a positive feedback loop.
This would maybe explain why I can throw a mid basically as far as a driver. I do modified fan/power with mid ranges.... guess I gotta try it with a driver this weekend.
The reason may be the power grip does not allow you to get more distance, is, It stops you from relax your muscles enough and put extra pressure on the disc where it is not needed. Causing you to generate less whip or spin on your disc, so they come out slower. I am thinking that may be it, after seeing this video. I saw a video where an Olympic archer talked about dropping the bow when they firing the arrow. The video said it, makes the arrow more accurate, because if you keep holding on the bow you introduce tension and small movements you may not even realize into the bow which will change the course of the arrow by very small distances on the target. Which matters in that kind of setting. I think it could be something similar going on with the power grip vs the others.
Thanks for starting this conversation! After watching your video + overthrow, I'm hitting 400' more consistently by "front-loading" my grip. More a modified power grip than pinch, but this was a light bulb moment. Thanks D! Love the channel.
I played around with these grips a while back. I used to emulate pros and curl all my fingers in super power grip. But my accuracy was terrible. Mod fan grip would be ideal as you demonstrate but full fan gives me bad distance but fairway hits almost every time. Actually helped my game cutting back on distance. I even sometimes cheat my palm a little further on the top of the disc. Your not going to bomb throwing over the disc like that but in certain situations it really forces nose down angle. Making neutral discs drift right slightly the whole way. Not a power shot but gives me another shot shape
Went out today and threw pinch and automatically got more distance. I think the term pinch should be used more than grip. I can rip with a pinch because the disc actually acts like the tip of a whip when it comes out of the pocket.. Wish I knew this sooner. I enjoyed my game more having the added distance to my throws.
Grabbed my entropy and gave it a couple tries after watching, it seems like I did get it to push a bit farther before fading out, also seemed like my release point was good and I hit the intended line, I’ll have to try this some more
I don’t think the power grip is fake. I believe that it allows people to get more power on there throws which can lead to further distance. The reason pros don’t use it that often is because they don’t need extra power or distance, so they would rather have more control. I do think it is better for beginners to learn not to rely on it, for me I use control grip on anything under 9 speeds, and for 9-12 speeds use a power grip (with some exceptions )
I would disagree. I think the pinch grip allows elite distance throwers to release the disc from one finger point. Releasing just index for distance. Power grip requires 4 finger to release cleanly else grip lock. Think about how clean forehands are released. You put the pinch force into the smallest point of space on the rim. Just an opinion :)
@@nickbaker5296 Power grip still has your pointer finger and thumb providing the pivot point, it's just in a better position closer to the rim. Your forehand analogy is backwards, you don't pinch the flight plate on a forehand right? Also grip lock has nothing to do with grip, it's trying to muscle a disc improperly.
Where do you put the pivot point on a speed 12 or 13 disc? On the rim itself or on the inside of the disc? My main drivers are 12 and 13 and the inside area off the rim is too far in to comfortably pivot on for me and Im 6'5 and have very long fingers. Would you kind of pinch the rim for the pivot point? That seems most comfortable but it's already giving me a mean new blister.
The pros do a fan grip sometimes to control their power. Eagle throws just distance drivers and fd3s on power grip. They have more power than us. I will also say that if you don't have a thick pad on your hand below your pointer finger then power grip isn't comfortable for new people.
Everyone has different fingers. If you try to power grip and the flight plate blocks closing a finger or two, forcing them into position past the flight plate creates an unstable grip. I can't make a decent power grip on a 7-speed or below. Stokely, very big fingers, pinch grips everything.
I've heard in a video before an in the bag for eagle , eagle said "most discs can't even handle when I power grip them" is it possible that this is part of it? loved the video
Can't wait to change my grip and hopefully become one of those elite distance throwers. I know I've got a long ways to go 💪
Hey there Ezra - any chance you could let me know what you think of how I establish the power grip on a throw: th-cam.com/video/u0qAOQGtpiw/w-d-xo.html - This is something I put out for followers of the college team I help to coach. (apologies for my lack of a microphone)
You obviously already bomb but id love to see what happens if you try a pinch grip
@@IceBergTV lol. I'll have to try it out
" power grip babyyy "
SAVAGE.
You're definitely leaving out when Drew and Simon both say they use a modified fan grip for CONTROL, not max distance, in which they actually use power grip. Most pros still use power grip for distance shots, James Conrad even power grips his putters!
Simon said in one of his own videos that he throws fan grip on 90% of his golf throws for better control. He only resorts to a full-on power grip for wide open all out distance shots, or especially 360 backhands.
I think the real secret behind the pinch grip giving potentially more power/spin/release speed is giving the thrower a looser arm. Some people really tense their arm up when trying to clamp the disc down as hard as possible during a power grip. A looser arm is a faster arm.
I agree with the looser arm. That's the main reason I don't throw power grip. I can't get my arm to just flow and be relaxed and still hold on to the disc with a power grip. Between a pinch and a fan, I feel like the disc is actually more secure with less effort, meaning my arm swings better for the throw.
True, the more relaxed your hand is, the more spin and speed you can get! It is true in most sports.
Personally I think it is the fact that you have more control with a pinch/fan grip. I noticed that it became easier to hit my lines and keep the disc flat.
Turn off the mind, loosen the muscles, and you will enjoy the game more.
You wind to unwind in smooth quick motion
the important parts of the grip are: 1 the pinch point; 2 plate/rim feel/control; and 3 you need some way to keep the disc in contact with your palm through the throw. For me the fan grip does not keep the disc in contact with my palm (during power throws), so as i come through my 'hit point' the disc claps back into my palm, it hurts, a lot.
The main issue with the 'power' grip is its harder to define the pinch point and feel isnt great. The main benefit is that you can keep the disc against your palm easily, without having to tense your arm too much. Just focus on the pinch point and the mechanics of your curled fingers should take care of the rest.
I would say the reason you are losing distance with a power grip is because your power grip does not have a defined pivot point, so the disc is kinda sliding out of your hand, not rotating.
Also if you dont get the disc to palm chop that i get, then you dont need the power grip for your current power, or you have really strong hands and may never need the power grip.
Note: Notice what the pinky is doing for the power throwers, its the same thing the power grip does for me, guess i should do some pinky curls :P
Nicely said and worthy of a PIN.
One thing. What is Palm Chop? Is it good or bad?
I don’t use my pinky and it comes out so much cleaner and goes farther for me when I use 3 fingers
I started with a 2 finger power grip I switched to 3 for more control
@@JoshJackson13 I'm still rocking the 2. It's comfortable and have a 450 golf shot. After 17 years I'm scared to switch lol. When the original commentor was talking about palm I was a little turned away. Thumb pad is plenty.
@@elderberrysnackshack6655 yea thumb placement makes a lot difference and how hard you squeeze it
Drew literally also says that when he wants MAX distance, not controlled distance, MAX, that he used the full power grip
Reason why it's coming out faster is because there is a fulcrum that the disc spins around (your pinched fingers being that) making the disc have more rotation.
I’ve pinch gripped for 20 years now. I’ve tried to switch for more distance but ultimately I NEVER felt comfortable with the “power grip”.
After about a month of trying to change, I simply went back to what’s comfortable in my hand.
I pinch with my thumb and for finger and my middle finger guides the angle of release out of my hand.
If you have a fast arm, but are struggling with distance, spin is the problem, and the pinch grip will help increase spin.
Went to a Stokely clinic and he said grip doesn’t matter use what’s most comfortable for you and the power grip doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get more power That’s just what the 1st person to use the grip called it and it just took off from there
Finding what works best for you is definitely key. Not everyone can use the same style.
its about what gives you the most contact to the disc. drew and simon will throe 4 fingers when they are going for max distance. they use modified power grips in tournaments for 2 reasons.
1. more control
2. they dont need their max distance of 600-700 feet 99 % of the time, as most shots at most courses dont call for it.
90% of players cant throw over 450 therefore they will often need their max drive to have birdie looks. I think you are just over thinking the grip.
Exactly, the elite throwers don’t need the power grip for most shots, they throw further than most people even with the fan grip. I lose a lot of distance with fan grip but use it when I need more control.
Agreed, Drew Gibson pretty much says this in the video that author used of his fan grip. Not sure why he misrepresented the info Drew gave in the video
5:34, the power grip is still used by pros for max power... as you have already stated earlier in the video
That doesn't support his hypothesis so it is irrelevant. /s
Interesting, I think the main reason people will throw easier and further with a pinch grip is because it's easier to get nose down. Extend your arm and look at the disc with both grips, the majority will probably see that it's much easier to get nose down without powergrip.
Also thinking about it. People always talk about how Drew gets so much snap when he throws the disc, like it is loud. Maybe it has to do with the grip that he uses...
Another reason why maybe some of us can't get snap. Because if you look at the pinch grip fingers, they're already in position to snap without a disc in the way. So I will be trying this
I hear the audible snap from some players and never from others.
No matter the grip, there are body mechanics and timing issues. It depends on how far down the rabbit hole you want to go. My advice, if it feels good, do it. And just enjoy that fact you are with friends doing what you love in the moment. If you make it too complicated, you start missing shots due to not using your natural body athletics. Sure try some things but be careful not to get too hung up and forget how to laugh at yourself. 52 years of disc golf for me.
Overthinking one aspect of it… the grip is only so important
I'm wondering if another benefit of not using a powergrip is that it forces you to be a bit smoother in your throw, like a less abrupt acceleration due to holding the disc with a bit less force?
As a powergrip main, I'm actually excited again to give new grips a whirl. Good video!
In the video he says "if the full power grip makes you throw further, then the power throwers would be doing it" which is just inherently wrong. The whole reason power throwers can use a looser grip is BECAUSE they can throw further. They choose to use a less powerful grip in order to sacrifice distance but improve accuracy because they have more than enough distance to compensate for the sacrifice. If they were all in a distance competition, they would all power grip. It's literally the same principle as discing down. If you can get there with a slower disc, then there is no reason to throw a faster, less controllable disc.
This is exactly it. You go watch the videos he took the examples from and they even say they grip that way if they aren't throwing max.
Check out Overthrows new video! He touches on these topics
“This Discmania FD3 is sick!” - Ezra Aderhold
I do believe most of the big throwers have larger hands and a traditional power grip isn't comfortable. They can get all the grip power they need with a fan grip. I've also heard most of them say to experiment with different grips. Whatever works best for you is the one they recommend. With smaller hands and wide rim drivers, using a fan grip might not work. If you have great grip strength, then no matter your hand size, fan might work best. Everything boils down to "what works for you".
Wonder if there are any stats on hand size and grip strength relative to distance thrown…
@@Handsx maybe not stats, but that would be interesting. I think people forget guys like Marwede and Buhr might be fun but they’re incredibly tall which creates their power combined with technique. The guys in my gym that lift heavy have mad grip strength and great technique.
I found this out by accident last night. Loose arm and a pinch for main contact. More spin, more nose down, more speed. Gotta rethink all the release and timing tho'.
I've tried the pinch before and never got much out of it, but this time even the pinch was loose during the throw. At the point where I wanted to release, I actually "pinched", and found the snap. For me anyway, keeping every thing loose, including the grip, changed the tempo, and I didn't grab on till the end. Dead straight throws. Counter intuitive, but the first time I've seen my drives fly, no stalling and dumping at the end. It's the spin. Once you feel it, you know it's right. Even the screw ups flew.
I've never thrown with a 4 finger grip in my life. I always use a grip just like Drew's and it also seems to give me better angle control.
I enjoyed the video and appreciate your perspective, but I have to say, I disagree. As I understand it, these power players use the fan grip for comfort and accuracy reasons BECAUSE they throw so far already that they cann afford to sacrifice a little bit of their full distance potential. When they go out into distance contests they almost always use the power grip.
I just understood something. Pinching the disc with thumb and index finger uses muscles in the palm. Powergrip, where all fingers hold the discs, uses also muscles in forearm to grip the disc. Those same muscles also move the wrist and are somehow connected to muscles in upper arm. Flexing those forearm muscles increases resistance in elbow and wrist and makes them more stiff, which reduces the whip effect (which is way more noticeable with no disc in hand, I often practise throwing inside with nothing in hand and increased blood pressure from the whip hurts my hand when I get it good).
google flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum superficialis, you're not far off
There is a giant dent in my wall from practicing power grip into a net, 90 degree miss grip lock lol
Hahahaha oops
I'm gonna give this a shot but I was under the impression that they used fan grips because their hands were too big for a comfortable power grip.
Obviously form and timing are the most important factor. I can fan grip a 9 speed and throw it 380ft but I've been working on it for about 11 years dedicated. I still use the power grip for everything including putters and after years just realized it works best for me. It's definitely not fake and i cannot fan grip a huge hyzer
I stumbled upon this video last night. I tried this grip today and I went from throwing 330' to 390-400' immediately. I was shocked, so I had to throw a couple dozen more shots to make sure it wasn't a fluke. Thank you for sharing this.
The flaw in this video is saying that Gibson, Lizotte, and other max-distance players don't use the power grip because it doesn't get more distance is a false statement. These guys have so much distance that they use a modified fan grip for more control. Eagle McMahon is the fastest thrower in the world and uses a power grip for open drives. I get that the point of this video is to say that there isn't a "one size fits all" grip but the power grip is definitely the grip for max distance (when done correctly).
Check out Overthrows new video. You will be relieved to see Josh talk about this very thing
you had it right but then contradicted yourself. the best grip for max distance is whichever grip allows you personally to get max distance, because everyone is different.
Been working on rounding for like 2.5 years now, and only yesterday started playing with the thumb on the rim. I realised, now what i need is more spin in the disc, coz my technique is totally okay. The way to get more spin is probably going to be to go away from power grip, into more of a pinch grip
Scott Stokely does mention that he doesn't use the full Power Grip because his hand wont fit that way comfortably. He also suggests to try what works best for you, because it IS all about comfort. The basic Power Grip is just a place to start, like you said.
Last month during a Cleveland area clinic, Scott Stokely actually said it's called the Power Grip, because when it was invented, it needed a name. That was it. He admitted himself that it's not the most effective for everyone.
Heyyyy I was there
I had issues trying the "power grip" early on I couldn't hit angles at all and had zero confidence in where the disc would go when it left my hand. I decided I would fan grip everything and then come back to it. My accuracy was on point I got more distance I felt like I had that "feel" with my throwing that gacmve me so much confidence. Eventually I "maxed out" my distance where the ran grip couldn't hold up when trying to throw max ish distance, so I wanted to revisit the "power grip" mind you this is over a year later. I hate the power grip they teach so all I did was take my fan grip I was so comfortable with tucked my finger into the rim and BAM added at 50 feet immediately and after practicing with it for a while maybe 70 feet altogether. With confidence and accuracy. Best thing I ever did
I had a fan grip phase as well when i was playing a round with a much better player and he said he fan grips mids/putters (we also played ultimate together and he said he fan grips that 100% of the time). I was surprised so i went into the field the next day to try it out and it SUCKED. I mean i was out there for a good 3 hours and got nothing even resembling a good throw. With an ultimate disc it was doable but with every type of disc I felt like i was sacrificing a ton of power and it felt very awkward. In the end I decided I would much rather practice my aim and form with the power grip than try to regain 50 feet of lost distance with a fan/pinch (and i dont have 50 feet to lose in my game lol).
The bottom line is that I think power throwers can throw with these grips because they have 50-100 feet of distance that they have no problem sacrificing for the control it brings. On most courses, it will be a lot better to throw 450 controlled as opposed to 600+ with less control. Therefore, they will rarely throw with the power grip.
Finally, your personal results are certainly interesting. I think it's definitely a good idea to experiment with other grips, but to say that the power grip is blatantly bad and shouldn't be used is not the conclusion I would draw from this evidence. Different things work for different people, but until I see conclusive evidence otherwise I will be very skeptical of any claim that the power grip is not the longest throwing grip on average for most people.
I've noticed this too. Even when tournament commentators talk about throwing far, they'll say things like, "he's crushing it" and "look at how much power is in that throw." Now, I'm a beast of a guy, but it doesn't help me throw far. Any of the FPO field can put me to shame. Strength plays a part, I'll argue that until there's no longer a gender separation in DG tourneys, but it is not the most critical thing.
Fan grip has always felt way more comfortable to me but people give you the idea that power grip will give you more distance. That is part of why I don't like throwing midranges because mid-range is feel funny in my hand. When I power grip them I'm going to mess around more with the fan group when throwing higher speed discs.
I saw Philo on slow-mo. His hand was still balled up after the disc left his hand. That's really only possible with a heavy pinch.
The title of this drew me in faster than a hungry piglet to the trough ! Well done. Very nice post, never have enjoyed the power grip. Time to experiment.
It’s all about rotation. I switched from four fingers to three last season and instantly added more than 50’. I’m trying your ideas tomorrow. Great video thank you!!!
To me it feels like the disc pivots around the pinch and there’s a harder/faster snap around that point. I get a lazier spin with a power grip.
I use a one finger power grip. Sounds funny, right? But I found that with my index finger slightly curled on the bottom of the rim, my middle finger on the inside of the rim in the tightest part of the power grip, and my ring plus pinky finger curled up on the bottom of the rim as well, that I get the best snap and it feels soooo secure in my hand. It improved my accuracy so much as well. For mids and putters, I will only throw those discs with a full pinch or fan, even when trying to rip on them hard. My point is: find what works the best for you!
That's me as well
I dropped off my pinkie a couple years back. It let me throw a bit further AND it lets me control the angle a bit easier. Something about my wrist. So I guess I was almost doing a pinch grip, anyway when I switched to that. Pinkie off, three on the plate, pretty tight together, thumb almost exactly opposite my index finger.
Overthrow changed my whole game. I think he threw with two fingers and the airtime was like 15 seconds.
It's happening because regardless of your grip, the last digits that are holding the disc as it leaves your grip are the pointer and thumb pinch point. If you're doing that of course. No different than flicking off your two fingers in a forehand, eventually it's rips out of your grip. That's what is creating the rotation, on top of the momentum added from form.
I took a workshop with Philo and this is is exactly what he said about Backhands grips! Thanks for reminding me!
I've personally gotten to the point where my pinky finger actually comes off..so more three fingered..
Yea I started throwing without my pinky after I dislocated my middle finger. I grip hard and when my release timing is late my fingers get yoinked. Without the pinky helps me stay loose.
@@Jason-Moon I agree, at first it seemed awkward because it would actually come off during the middle of my toss, but I've gotten used to it and feel the distance is better..
I used to throw this grip and switched because it wasn't "right" . I'll be revisiting this as I did prefer this grip for my hand size.
I think your on to something, I’m gonna give it a go. I forget where I picked it up from but i tried 3 fingers leaving off the pinkie and I got a extra 50 feet based on this I’m guessing my ring finger is acting as the pinkie. I’m curious now what leaving of the middle 2 fingers will do cause the disc will def rotate a little more just coming of the pointer
You are just back loading your grip. Basically you are releasing with the back fingers instead of your index finger so you are getting way less spin on the disc. With a power grip you can control spin with what finger is the release finger. I agree that it isn't the best grip to learn first but I do think it is the most versatile grip.
Coincidently, I just switched from a pinch grip to a power grip with my thumb farther away from the rim and immediately am throwing much farther.
Thank you!
This really makes sense to me, and when I tried it I also saw 50-10 meter increase in distance.
What I do, I consider the true power grip
I pinch the edge of the lip with all four of my actual finger tips, right on the corner of the inner rim, not inside, and my thumb presses flat on top, ahead of my fore finger on the pinch line of my fingers, almost pointing out, the palm of my thumb is my control more than my thumb. then with both arms straight out, I swing back and immediately slam my left arm down into the fulcrum of my hips, creating so much centrifugal force, I barely use my right arm to throw. I open my whole hand as fast as I can just before my desired direction focusing on the release of my pinky being most important. Really good method for anyone with shoulder pain when backhanding. There is SO MUCH lost power in people's inactive rear hand! And I think this is even for pros...
You got our attention, you made us question things, you got a good debate going. Well played sir
fan grip is harder for broader rims (distance drivers) simply if your fingers are not long enough. i use fan grip/modified one, and the rotation point is crucial (index + thumb) dunipace speaks of thumb pressure and how crcuial it is in every throw. seppo paju recommends other grips than power too, and throws with fan grip, if o remember right
Many good comments. In addition, the wrist flexes a bit more open hand than a fist. Try it.
And, keep the power grip in mind when your soaking wet or your grip is compromised from freezing cold.
I saw a video teaching to pinch the thumb and index finger about two years ago and gained some distance instantly. Also started to get more spin and snap with the pinch
It makes sense that the second and third finger let go as soon as the pinky releases and creates a natural rotation of the disc around the first finger/thumb before full release. Been throwing mod fan grip for 6 months and can actually feel a snap now!
Front Vs Mid vs Back loaded grip. The further forward your pressure point is, the more distance but less accuracy get. Same for back loaded grip but in reverse, more accuracy less distance.
I do sort of a modified fangrip for slow discs and some kind of modified power grip for wide rims. Actually now that I think about it, they are prettt much the same grip. Slow disc = finger pads (don't know what they are actually called, the opposite side from fingernails) of middle finger to pinky on the bottom of the disc, fast disc = pads against the inside of the rim. Pointer finger is always curled around the edge, pinky is somewhere between the plate and rim. When the rim gets too wide to keep fingers against the flight plate, I move them against the rim. I think I'll try new grips tomorrow!
People who throw far have really strong hands and have developed calluses
It's really cool to catch a sport this young where form is still up for debate. We don't even have the best way to hold the disc worked out yet! That's so interesting to me
The sport is not that young. There will never be an established standard grip. They will vary by preference. This was a lame excuse for a post.
@@duwaynebrandt8810 k
The thumb and index finger create a nice pivot point for the disc when it leaves your hand.
It's so interesting that you bring that up now. I have played DG for 3 years, always using the power grip. Few months ago I tried a 3 finger power grip that gave a me a cleaner release without adding much distance, bur better control. The 3 fingers allowed for more wrist flexibility.
Well last week, out of frustration for not getting good distance I tried to come back to 4 finger grip, and ended up using something that seems to be the pinch grip without knowing it was a thing. It did work almost instantaneously, got easily 40-50ft more with good control... I thought it was luck, but then it did repeat and repeat... It still does feel awkward as I haven't played much with this new grip, but will definitely continue with it this weekend.
The key of this pinch grip to me seems to be that the wrist gains range of motion to provide more spin and cleaner release.
Spin of your disc is what gives you more distance hence more glide. Using 4 fingers is better then 1 or 2 fingers in this scenario .There is no question that a fan grip or so called power grip dives more distance. If you throw it correctly on a full release you will hear a snap when released. I changed my own grip about 2 years ago and once I got used to the power grip witch took about a full season I went from 280ft to 330ft consistently and now a few years later making 360-400ft. using the right disc for me. I would hardly consider the power grip fake when once you are comfortable learning this method I am sure it would help your distance get better one way or another. Fantastic video. Keep up the good work
the reason they use a modified fan grip is because it slows the spin rate down. Those guys generate so much spin and speed that the disc become far too understable and the modified fan brings the stability back. I've always used a modified fan for my mid shots.
Great video! I've been battling with getting a good grip on my drivers and about a month ago I got frustrated in the field throwing with a power grip on my drives. Huge ripping sound when the disc left my hand, but the disc just never got around to gliding and flying well. At that point I just started playing around with grip and noticed that with a modified fan grip the disc was leaving my hand much faster. The difference was like night and day.
I'm thinking that with my long fingers using a power grip means that the disc is ripping from my hooked middle finger, which is stronger than my index finger and that's also causing some kind of resistance, that slows the disc down right before it leaves the hand. With a modified fan grip I am able to pinch the flightplate as hard and comfortably as I want with my thumb, middle and ring finger without it slowing down the release of my disc, since the disc ultimately just "slides" off the middle and the ring finger with less resistance and pivots around the index finger.
I have never had a good long throw with a loud snapping sound that came from my middle finger hitting my palm. When I have a really good rip it sounds more like an "oomph". I can't even try to rip max distance drive with a power grip any more since I can't pinch the flightplate comfortably at all really, I just squeeze the rim into my palm and that results in my middle finger resisting the disc leaving my hand to a point where it leaves noticeably slower with less spin.
Climo said he holds a disc the same way he holds a fork. I do the same and throw about 600ft 😆
I was literally telling my buddies that my fan grip goes farther and that’s how it unlocked 550 to 475 and then not two days later they sent me this video confirming my suspicions
OT's pinch grip video did wonders for me. From what Josh says, the pinch point allows the disc to spin forward and rip out of the hand.
The more fingers pressing down on the disc causes increased friction and that limits the transfer of energy into the disc leaving much of it in the hand upon release. In theory you could throw the farthest with only two fingers but that would take a strength the fingers couldn't reach without eventual damage or injury. 3 would be next, then 4, and the power grip is actually last. The reason it seems to work for some is it puts the wrist in a more proper position for a clean release. It would limit how far you can grow if it becomes the only way you learn to power your drives. Remember, the power travels down the arm into each point of the joint and releases into the object throw, and because all things have variable shapes and mass, there is a backlash of energy that returns into the hand of the point of release. Limiting these contact points forces more energy transfer into the disc. Also over gripping or tightening the grip works only well if the point of contact is released in concession along the path. The lightest grip you can get away with and still make the disc receive the point of energy transfer is the most efficient. It takes a tremendous amount of practice to achieve your own individual feel for this. It's the same principle for most sports. My advice is to practice and not think so much about mechanics, and instead learn to power while relaxing throughout the entire shot in a controlled way. I see too many over thinking their shots which limit their natural motion and lessen the point of release energy transfer.
More than likely, the reason the pinch grip goes further is because of the same reason why you don't put all 4 fingers onto a bow string. You only put 1 on top and one on bottom they slow, the progress of the disk being released. They are actually getting in the way. And with the unnecessary friction ...causing a not clean release to occur.
I think you are right. I throw my fan grip with a Roc as far as my drivers sometimes. It feels better and is more accurate. I’m going to try this out in my next field work session.
Iceberg in the “Creators Cup” next year!
One of the potential setbacks of a pinch grip is that the outside fleshy part of your pointer finger (first knuckle) end up taking a ton of the friction as it becomes the release point, for someone like myself with smaller hands I find a pinch grip only works if I exaggerate the placement of my hand on the outside of the disc to prevent that contact patch. After awhile if you have the arm speed you'll start to rip off the skin in the area, then you cant throw like that anymore :(
Gotta build up those callouses
I switched to the modified fan grip after I couldn't get any angle control with the power, which is still different than what Drew was depicted with in this video. I still have the index and pinky tight to the rim and middle 2 fingers flatter on the flight plate, but I put my ring finger more on top of my pinky and closer to the rim. Also my index is pinched to the joint of my thumb. When i first started doing this I was getting much better angle control, but I wasn't throwing very hard as i was working on releasing at the intended angle. When i began adding power to the throw I was getting a significant amount of "palm slap" and a significant amount of added distance. It hurt, however, i was loving the results and figured "no pain, no gain", so i kept at it. After I slipped and injured myself off a particularly slippery tee pad I slowed down my form a lot and quit launching myself like James Conrad off the tee pad. Took me a while to build the distance back up with the slower form but I now don't get any palm slap unless I am going for a max distance shot, and even then is not as bad as it was in the beginning. I still don't think I would have ever increased my distance from 300' average to nearly 400' without the switch to the pinched/fan grip. Angle control is way more important than raw power and a death grip on the disc.
I use a pinch grip for everything under a 7 speed
I only throw my max distance driver 100' further than my putters, might be some truth to this.
I can't throw with a power grip, my middle finger got torqued at an old job years ago and when I power grip I can only throw like maybe 5 times before it hurts like hell, I use a modified fan grip and I am WAY more consistent and I don't mess up my already jacked up finger. I definitely throw farther using a modified fan grip, it just feels odd for some people who are on that power grip train so they don't want to try it, but it works great.
Your right about the pinch grip. The pinky and index finger hold the disc back. Letting those drop threw the pull will allow more rotation on the disc=more spin= more distance. No one else on TH-cam talks about this. Thanks for the video.
didn't realize I've been doing the same grip as Gibson for the last 20 years
I actually use a modified power grip where my index finger isn't even on the disc and most of the force is in my ring and pinky fingers. I believe i like this is because i have large hands and a typical power grip is too cramped under the disc and is uncomfortable. This does also put most of the pressure under the palm where my thumb starts. This also feels more controllable and even my dad says the same thing since he's started to use it too.
You know what is crazy about the timing of this video is that I discovered yesterday during my round that a grip utilizing my thumb, pointer and index works better for drives, but also putts. You're backing it up with great video evidence here and I'm stoked we're in the same wavelength. Power grip is a lie because if everyone could just throw it 600 on the pro tour they would, but they also rely on accuracy and this 3 finger grip is essential for it
When I started doing a 3 finger grip with the pivot point between the index and thumb i added like 70ft
This is definitely true for me as well. Recently I started throwing into a net to practice better drives. I was confused because the four finger grip came out weak and wobbly. I started experimenting to get a tight spin right on release. To have immediate spin, the pinch grip was way better. Like you said, if the arm mechanics are right it literally rips itself away from the index finger with very tight spin
So a few days ago i tried the pinch version, (i saw some other youtuber talking about mechanics of a throw and just spotted him using it). I could not controll the disc at all, they all flew out early at a solid 20+degrees of my aim. My spontanous thought is that the power grip might be abit more forgiving if you still have some arch in your throw, while the pinch just flies straight out. tho should be said i'm still very new to the sport. But anyways my guess is most beginners will have an easier time to get results with a power grip therefore it seems that it's a better grip, more people teach it and you have a positive feedback loop.
This would maybe explain why I can throw a mid basically as far as a driver. I do modified fan/power with mid ranges.... guess I gotta try it with a driver this weekend.
The reason may be the power grip does not allow you to get more distance, is, It stops you from relax your muscles enough and put extra pressure on the disc where it is not needed. Causing you to generate less whip or spin on your disc, so they come out slower. I am thinking that may be it, after seeing this video. I saw a video where an Olympic archer talked about dropping the bow when they firing the arrow. The video said it, makes the arrow more accurate, because if you keep holding on the bow you introduce tension and small movements you may not even realize into the bow which will change the course of the arrow by very small distances on the target. Which matters in that kind of setting. I think it could be something similar going on with the power grip vs the others.
Thanks for starting this conversation! After watching your video + overthrow, I'm hitting 400' more consistently by "front-loading" my grip. More a modified power grip than pinch, but this was a light bulb moment. Thanks D! Love the channel.
I played around with these grips a while back. I used to emulate pros and curl all my fingers in super power grip. But my accuracy was terrible. Mod fan grip would be ideal as you demonstrate but full fan gives me bad distance but fairway hits almost every time. Actually helped my game cutting back on distance.
I even sometimes cheat my palm a little further on the top of the disc. Your not going to bomb throwing over the disc like that but in certain situations it really forces nose down angle. Making neutral discs drift right slightly the whole way. Not a power shot but gives me another shot shape
Went out today and threw pinch and automatically got more distance. I think the term pinch should be used more than grip. I can rip with a pinch because the disc actually acts like the tip of a whip when it comes out of the pocket.. Wish I knew this sooner. I enjoyed my game more having the added distance to my throws.
Happy it went well for you🫡
Grabbed my entropy and gave it a couple tries after watching, it seems like I did get it to push a bit farther before fading out, also seemed like my release point was good and I hit the intended line, I’ll have to try this some more
I switched to the drew Gibson grip. Feels great and I finally got snap with the same foot and hip work. It is great!
I always pinch with the middle and ring. My pointer and pinky just lays there. Effortless 300 footers
I don’t think the power grip is fake. I believe that it allows people to get more power on there throws which can lead to further distance. The reason pros don’t use it that often is because they don’t need extra power or distance, so they would rather have more control. I do think it is better for beginners to learn not to rely on it, for me I use control grip on anything under 9 speeds, and for 9-12 speeds use a power grip (with some exceptions )
I would disagree. I think the pinch grip allows elite distance throwers to release the disc from one finger point. Releasing just index for distance. Power grip requires 4 finger to release cleanly else grip lock. Think about how clean forehands are released. You put the pinch force into the smallest point of space on the rim. Just an opinion :)
@@nickbaker5296 Power grip still has your pointer finger and thumb providing the pivot point, it's just in a better position closer to the rim. Your forehand analogy is backwards, you don't pinch the flight plate on a forehand right? Also grip lock has nothing to do with grip, it's trying to muscle a disc improperly.
2:35, it's not a pinch grip... Index curled under and we see at least an inch of the thumb and all kunckles, that's a power grip
Meanwhile Paul Mcbeth power grips all of his throws. Putters to 12 speeds.
I use the modified fan grip up until 7 speeds. Now I'm gonna try it on the faster discs aswell.
Where do you put the pivot point on a speed 12 or 13 disc? On the rim itself or on the inside of the disc? My main drivers are 12 and 13 and the inside area off the rim is too far in to comfortably pivot on for me and Im 6'5 and have very long fingers. Would you kind of pinch the rim for the pivot point? That seems most comfortable but it's already giving me a mean new blister.
The pros do a fan grip sometimes to control their power. Eagle throws just distance drivers and fd3s on power grip. They have more power than us.
I will also say that if you don't have a thick pad on your hand below your pointer finger then power grip isn't comfortable for new people.
super insightful man. I was thinking about something like this the other day. Great video thanks for what you do man
Everyone has different fingers. If you try to power grip and the flight plate blocks closing a finger or two, forcing them into position past the flight plate creates an unstable grip. I can't make a decent power grip on a 7-speed or below. Stokely, very big fingers, pinch grips everything.
I've been doing this for a couple months now, and it's really helped with my griplock issues. Now to fix the nose-up issues.....
Sliding my thumb to the very edge of the disc has helped my nose angle tremendously.
Pour that coffee during your throw
I've heard in a video before an in the bag for eagle , eagle said "most discs can't even handle when I power grip them" is it possible that this is part of it? loved the video