Rounding is a throwing error in which the arm takes a curved or rounded path rather than a straight and direct line. This problem can substantially impact your throws, resulting in decreased distance, accuracy, and control.
In this blog post, we’ll look at rounding in disc golf, including its causes, its influence on your game, and, most importantly, how to fix it. Understanding and tackling rounding will help you improve your throwing technique and performance on the disc golf course.
What is Rounding?
Rounding is characterized by a lack of proper extension and reach-back, resulting in a suboptimal release and reduced throwing efficiency. It is widely regarded as one of the most serious technical errors that can impair a player’s performance on the disc golf course.
During the reach-back phase, a player’s arm tends to swing out and away from the body, making an arc-like motion. This variation from a straight-line path can have a negative impact on the throw’s accuracy, power, and control. Rounding usually results in a reduction in potential distance and a decrease in consistency in hitting the desired target.
Causes of Rounding in Disc Golf
Several factors contribute to the occurrence of rounding in disc golf:
1. Improper Reach-Back:
Failure to properly extend and return the arm in a straight line is a common cause of rounding. This could be because of restricted shoulder mobility, a lack of awareness, or poor technique.
2. Lack of Disc Control:
Inadequate grip strength or improper hand placement on the disc can cause it to wobble or slip out of hand during the throw, resulting in rounding as a compensatory motion.
3. Body Mechanics and Balance Issues:
Rounding can be caused by insufficient weight transfer, improper footwork, or imbalance during the throwing process. The arm takes the wrong course when the body is not aligned correctly.
Recognizing Rounding in Your Throwing Motion:

Recognizing rounding in your own throwing motion is crucial for making improvements. Here are some indicators that can help you identify rounding:
1. Curved Arm Path:
If your arm follows a curved trajectory rather than a straight line during the reach-back and forward throw, it indicates rounding.
2. Limited Extension:
Rounding is indicated by a lack of full extension in your arm during the reach-back, leading it to bend or not extend far enough.
3. Irregular Release:
Rounding frequently results in irregular releases, resulting in inaccurate throws, diminished accuracy, and a loss of control over the disc’s path.
Consider recording your throws and watching them in slow motion to find rounding. Examine your arm’s route and body placement during the throwing process. Compare your form to that of more experienced players, or seek input from skilled disc golfers who can assist you in identifying any rounding tendencies.
The Impact of Rounding on Your Throws

Decreased Accuracy:
Rounding has a big impact on the accuracy of your disc golf throws. Following a curved or rounded arm route makes it difficult to release the disc on the targeted line reliably. The variation from a straight line increases the margin of error, making hitting your target accurately harder.
The rounded arm path frequently causes discrepancies in the release point, leading the disc to deviate from its intended path. This can lead to missed fairways, trees, or other hazards that you were attempting to avoid. Rounding can make it difficult to perform specific shot shapes, such as hyzer or anhyzer angles, with the appropriate control and accuracy.
Reduced Distance:
Rounding can greatly impact your disc golf throws’ power and potential distance. A rounded arm path reduces the efficient transmission of energy from your body to the disc, resulting in power and overall distance loss.
By diverting from a straight line course, you fail to properly activate your core muscles and maximize the rotational force of your body. This impedes the creation of maximal torque and rotational power, both of which are required for long and forceful throws. Rounding can cause a substantial loss of power when attempting longer drives or strokes that require significant distance.
Lack of Control:
Rounding has a negative impact on the stability and control of the disc during flight. The rounded arm route might cause the disc to wobble or flutter, resulting in diminished flight stability and predictability.
A clean and direct release is required for a constant flight pattern. Rounding can cause the disc to come out of the hand at an incorrect angle, resulting in more turn or fade than desired. Because of this lack of control over the disc’s flight, it might be difficult to correctly execute specific shot shapes, navigate tight fairways, or make precise approaches to the basket.
Furthermore, rounding might make it difficult to control the release angle and manipulate the disc’s flight in different wind conditions. Rounding can exacerbate the impact of crosswinds or headwinds, making it more difficult to accurately negotiate severe weather conditions on the course.
Correcting Rounding: Techniques and Drills

Focus on the reach-back:
One of the most important aspects of disc golf rounding correction is concentrating on the reach-back phase of your throwing action. The reach-back lays the groundwork for a smooth and accurate release. Here are some pointers to help you enhance your reach-back:
1. Full Extension:
Aim for a full extension of your throwing arm during the reach-back. Straighten your arm and stretch as far back as you can comfortably. This ensures optimum power potential and a constant release point.
2. Straight Line Path:
Keep your arm straight back and parallel to the line of play. Allowing your arm to swing out or away from your body, which can contribute to rounding, should be avoided. Imagine a straight line extending from the target through your torso and arm during the reach-back.
3. Consistency and Timing:
Use a consistent reach-back technique, ensuring your arm is in the same place for each throw. To maintain perfect timing and rhythm throughout the throw, develop a smooth and controlled motion.
Incorporating the “straight line” concept:
It is critical to incorporate the concept of throwing along a straight line from the reach-back to the follow-through to correct rounding. This mental strategy assists you in maintaining a direct and efficient path of release. Here’s how you can use the straight-line concept:
1. Visualisation:
Before each throw, imagine a laser or string extending from the target through your body. Consider keeping your arm in a straight line throughout the throwing motion.
2. Focus on Disc Control:
Place emphasis on controlling the disc along the imaginary straight-line path. Maintain disc alignment with the line during the reach-back and forward throw.
3. Follow-Through:
After you’ve released the disc, pay attention to the follow-through. Maintain a straight line path with your arm, reaching the objective. Crisp follow-through aid in the maintenance of the intended line and can increase accuracy.
Engaging the hips and core:

In disc golf, proper body mechanics are critical for avoiding rounding and producing power. Engaging your hips and core muscles improves the efficiency and coordination of your throwing motion. Here are some suggestions for engaging your hips and core:
1. Hip Rotation:
Begin your throw with a rotation of the hips. Pivot on your back foot and swivel your hips towards the target as you pull your arm back during the reach-back. This movement provides rotational power and aids in body alignment for a straight-line release.
2. Core Stability:
Maintain stability and control by engaging your core muscles throughout the throwing motion. A strong core provides more efficient weight transfer and helps avoid needless rounding-related motions.
3. Balance and Weight Shift:
During the forward throw, maintain a balanced stance and shift your weight from the back foot to the front foot. This weight transfer adds to a smoother, more controlled release and helps produce power.
The importance of footwork:
Footwork is important in disc golf throws for preventing rounding and producing force. Proper footwork offers a firm foundation for weight transfer. To enhance your footwork, consider the following suggestions:
1. Balanced Stance:
Start with a balanced stance, distributing your weight evenly between your feet. This establishes a strong base for your throw and aids in maintaining stability throughout the motion.
2. X-Step or Modified Walk-Up:
Incorporate a controlled and synchronized X-step or modified walk-up method to produce power and aid in weight transfer. To avoid rounding, practice these footwork patterns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s critical to be aware of frequent mistakes that might stymie your progress when focusing on correcting rounding in your disc golf throw. Avoiding these blunders will assist you in staying on track and making the essential adjustments. Here are some frequent blunders to avoid:
Overcompensating and introducing new errors while trying to correct rounding:
When addressing rounding, it’s common to overcompensate by drastically altering your throwing method. While it is critical to concentrate on decreasing rounding, take care not to add new errors. Pay attention to other throw factors, such as grip, release point, and timing, to maintain a well-rounded and balanced throwing action.
Make modest adjustments and seek feedback from experienced players or coaches to avoid overcompensation. Rather than striving to rectify everything at once, constantly examine your form and make incremental adjustments.
Rushing the Process:
Correcting rounding is a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. Recognizing that retraining your muscle memory and developing new habits may take some time is critical. Avoid the temptation to speed through the rectification process or get disappointed if progress is gradual. Keep in mind that consistency and quality practice are essential.
Take the time to break down your throw, focusing on particular elements and rounding drills. You’ll gradually develop the muscle memory and technique required for a more efficient throw by devoting frequent practice sessions to rounding correction.
Mental Approaches To Improve Your Game
Correcting rounding in disc golf involves physical adjustments and requires a strong mental approach. Here are some key aspects to consider:
1. Positive Mindset:
Develop a positive mindset by confirming your ability to rectify rounding. Use motivating statements like “I can throw in a straight line” or “My reach-back positions me for success.” Positive self-talk boosts confidence and strengthens your resolve to improve your skill.
2. Patience and Persistence:
Recognize that fixing rounding takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and persistent, even if progress appears to be slow. You may be confident that with constant effort, you will eventually reduce rounding and enhance your throws.
3. Concentrate on Improvement:
Rather than being frustrated by mistakes, concentrate on the opportunity to learn and develop. Consider each throws an opportunity to improve your technique and make incremental progress. Embrace the journey of growth and enjoy the process of developing a more consistent and powerful throw.
Seeking Professional Guidance

Working with a disc golf coach:
When it comes to correcting rounding in disc golf, working with a professional coach can be incredibly valuable. Here are some benefits of seeking expert guidance:
1. Experience and Knowledge:
Disc golf trainers understand the game thoroughly, including the technical components of throwing techniques. They can supply you with insights and tactics the common player may not know.
2. Personalised training:
A coach may evaluate your exact throwing style, identify areas for improvement, and provide personalized training based on your strengths and weaknesses. They can tailor drills and workouts to your individual rounding concerns and assist you in making the necessary modifications.
3. Accountability and Motivation:
Having a coach helps you stay on track with your practice by providing accountability and incentive. They can assist you in setting goals, tracking progress, and providing support throughout the rounding correction process.
Individualized feedback and analysis:
A coach can provide individualized feedback and analysis of your throwing technique, specifically targeting rounding. Here’s how they can help:
1. Video Analysis:
A coach can analyze your throwing motion through video footage, allowing for a detailed assessment of your form. They can detect specific instances of rounding and provide visual feedback, showing potential areas for improvement.
2. Real-time Corrections:
A coach can examine your throws in real-time with their expert eye, providing rapid feedback and instruction. They can rectify any rounding habits they discover and assist you in making the appropriate adjustments on the spot.
3. Progression Planning:
A coach can create a progression plan for rounding that includes specific drills and workouts tailored to your needs. They can walk you through each step of the process, ensuring that you move forward systematically and efficiently.
Conclusion
Rounding is a typical throwing blunder that can stymie your disc golf progress and performance. However, with a thorough grasp of the problem and a determination to resolve it, you can significantly enhance your throwing technique. You can reduce rounding and obtain more accurate, powerful, and controlled throws by focusing on important factors such as the reach-back, arm route, body mechanics, footwork, and mental approach. Remember that rounding correction takes time and practice, so be patient with yourself and keep an open mind. Whether you choose to work with a coach or go it alone, the benefits of overcoming rounding will surely increase your enjoyment and success in the game of disc golf.
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