Whether you're brand new to disc golf or looking to understand what that player on the next fairway just yelled, this glossary covers every term you'll encounter on the course.
AceA hole-in-one. Completing a hole with a single throw from the tee pad. One of the most celebrated achievements in disc golf.
AnhyzerA release angle where the outer edge of the disc is tilted upward (for a right-handed backhand throw). This causes the disc to initially fly to the right.
BackhandThe most common throwing technique. The disc is pulled across the body and released with the back of the throwing hand facing the target.
BasketThe metal target that serves as the 'hole' in disc golf. Also called a 'pin' or 'target.' It consists of chains hanging from a top band that catch the disc and guide it into a tray below.
BirdieCompleting a hole in one throw fewer than par. On a par 3, finishing in 2 throws.
BogeyCompleting a hole in one throw more than par. On a par 3, finishing in 4 throws.
CTPClosest to the Pin. A side competition where players compete to land closest to the basket on a designated hole, usually measured from the tee shot.
CeilingThe height of the canopy or overhead obstacles on a wooded hole. Low ceilings require discs thrown on flat or hyzer angles.
Chain OutWhen a disc hits the chains of the basket but bounces or passes through without being caught. One of the most frustrating experiences in disc golf.
Disc DownChoosing a slower, more controllable disc instead of a faster driver. Often good advice for beginners and for tight fairways.
Distance DriverA high-speed disc (speed 10-14) designed for maximum distance. Requires significant arm speed and technique to fly correctly.
DoglegA hole that curves or bends partway through the fairway. Doglegs require shaped shots that curve left or right to navigate the fairway.
Double BogeyCompleting a hole in two throws more than par.
DriveThe first throw on a hole, taken from the tee pad. Also called a 'tee shot.'
EagleCompleting a hole in two throws fewer than par. On a par 4, finishing in 2 throws.
FadeThe natural left-curving flight (for right-handed backhand throws) that occurs at the end of a disc's flight as it slows down. Measured on a scale of 0-5.
FairwayThe intended playing area of a hole, from tee to basket. Typically a cleared path through trees, grass, or other terrain.
Fairway DriverA mid-speed disc (speed 6-9) offering a balance of distance and control. Ideal for intermediate players and controlled tee shots.
Flex ShotAn advanced throw where an overstable disc is released on an anhyzer angle. The disc initially turns right before its natural fade brings it back left, creating an S-shaped flight path.
Foot FaultA rules violation where a player's supporting foot is not behind the lie marker when releasing the disc. Results in a one-stroke penalty.
ForehandA throwing technique where the disc is released with the palm facing the target, similar to throwing a sidearm in baseball. Also called a 'sidearm' or 'flick.'
GlideA disc's ability to maintain loft during flight. Measured on a scale of 1-7, with higher numbers meaning more float and distance with less power.
GuardianA tree or obstacle positioned to block the direct line to the basket. Often strategically placed by course designers to force creative shot shapes.
HyzerA release angle where the outer edge of the disc is tilted downward. For a right-handed backhand throw, this produces a left-curving flight.
LieThe spot where a thrown disc comes to rest, from which the next throw must be made. Marked with a mini disc placed in front of the resting disc.
MandatoryyAn obstacle or marker that a disc must pass on a specified side. Missing a mandatory results in a penalty stroke and a re-throw or drop.
Mid-RangeA moderately fast disc (speed 4-5) designed for approach shots and shorter drives. The most versatile disc type in the bag.
MiniA small marker disc placed on the ground to mark a player's lie before picking up the thrown disc.
OB (Out of Bounds)An area of the course where the disc is not allowed to land. Landing OB results in a one-stroke penalty and the disc is played from the point where it last crossed the OB line.
OverstableA disc that resists turning right and fades hard left at the end of its flight (for RHBH). Overstable discs perform well in headwinds.
ParThe expected number of throws for a skilled player to complete a hole. Most disc golf holes are par 3, with some par 4s and occasional par 5s.
PutterThe slowest disc type (speed 1-3) designed for short, accurate throws near the basket. Also used for short approach shots.
RollerA throw where the disc is released at a steep angle so it lands on its edge and rolls along the ground. Used for navigating under low ceilings or around obstacles.
Run ItTo attempt an aggressive putt or approach shot that risks going past the basket, rather than playing safe for a shorter follow-up putt.
ScrambleA recovery shot played from a difficult position, typically after an errant throw into rough, woods, or obstacles.
SkipWhen a disc hits the ground at a steep angle and bounces forward or sideways. Can be used intentionally or happen unintentionally.
SpeedA measure of how fast a disc must be thrown to achieve its intended flight path. Rated 1-14, with higher numbers requiring more arm speed.
Tee PadThe designated throwing area at the start of each hole. Usually a concrete, rubber, or turf rectangle approximately 5 feet wide and 10-20 feet long.
TombstoneWhen a thrown disc sticks into the ground vertically, standing upright on its edge. The lie is played from the base of the disc.
Tunnel ShotA hole that requires throwing through a narrow corridor of trees or obstacles with minimal margin for error on either side.
TurnThe high-speed portion of a disc's flight where it curves to the right (for RHBH). Measured on a scale of +1 to -5, with more negative numbers indicating more turn.
TurnoverA throw where the disc turns to the right (for RHBH) throughout its entire flight, finishing right of center. Achieved with understable discs or anhyzer release angles.
UnderstableA disc that turns easily to the right during high-speed flight (for RHBH). Understable discs are easier for beginners to throw and produce more distance with less power.
X-StepA footwork technique used during the run-up on a backhand throw. The thrower crosses their back foot behind their front foot to build momentum and rotational power before the throw.