Disc golf is all about creativity and shot-making. Sure, you can crush a drive, but if you really want to step up your distance game, it’s time to learn the roller. This tricky technique can help you add serious distance—especially when the air route doesn’t have a lot of oprionts or when you’re not as young and athletic as you once were.
If you’re new to the game, learning how to throw a roller is a big step forward. But what exactly is a disc golf roller shot? What makes a disc good for rollers? And how do you throw one effectively? Let’s break it all down so you can master the roller and add a powerful new tool to your disc golf game.
What Is a Roller Shot?
A roller shot is a throw where the disc flips onto its edge and rolls along the ground at high speed. When executed properly, a roller can travel farther than a full-flight throw—sometimes up to 15% more distance. It’s perfect for wide-open holes or navigating low ceilings and obstacles.
Rollers are especially helpful for players dealing with limited arm speed or aging arms. But they’re also deadly in the hands of experienced throwers looking to shape shots or sneak around tight gaps.
Just remember: rollers work best on firm, clean ground. Avoid rollers on wet grass, uneven terrain, or windy days—they’ll be tough to control.
Types of Roller Shots
If you’re just starting out, it’ll take some practice to find the right angle and feel. But there are a few main types of roller shots every player should know:
Flat Release Roller
This is your intro to rollers. Throw the disc with a slight anhyzer at a low angle so it flips and hits the ground quickly. You won’t get huge distance, but it’s a great way to get comfortable with the motion.
Max Distance Roller
Once you’ve nailed the basics, you can step up to max distance rollers. This throw uses more height and a steeper anhyzer angle so the disc carries longer before hitting the ground—perfect for squeezing out big distance.
Cut Roller
The cut roller is the trickiest of the bunch. Thrown with power and a sharp anhyzer angle, the disc hits the ground at 20–30 degrees and cuts hard in one direction. Use it to bend around trees or when you can’t get a clean air shot.
How to Throw a Roller
Throwing a good roller takes the right disc, angle, and technique. Here’s a quick step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Pick the Right Disc
Disc choice is huge. For distance rollers, you’ll want something understable—think high turn rating, minimal glide. Good roller discs include the Infinite Discs Maya and Doomsday Discs Blackout. They turn over fast and hold the ground for max distance.
For cut rollers or forehand rollers, grab something more overstable. These discs resist turning and help you control your angle and direction better. Midranges can also be great for controlled rollers.
Use this link to narrow down the options of great roller discs.
Step 2: Aim with Intention
Terrain, grass, and debris all impact how your disc rolls. Understable discs tend to finish right (for RHBH throws), so aim a little left. Overstable discs finish left—aim a bit right. Cut rollers? Aim right—they hook hard left. Choose the right disc for the right shot.
Step 3: Footwork
Stick with the classic X-step. It’s tried-and-true for getting the power you need. No need to reinvent your run-up here—just keep it smooth and controlled and possibly change the angle of your release.
Step 4: Reachback and Release
Flat rollers need a flat release and a clean follow-through to keep the disc from popping up. For max distance and cut rollers, go lower on your reachback, use a steep anhyzer angle, and follow through high to keep the disc rolling.
Final Thoughts
Rollers aren’t easy—but they’re worth it. With the right discs, good technique, and a little patience, you’ll add one of the most fun and effective shots to your bag. Check out our collection of good roller discs and start dialing in your ground game today.
The success of throwing a successful roller all depends on several factors and conditions. But, just like when you are still learning how to throw a disc golf disc, the most important thing is to have the basic fundamentals in throwing a roller shot.
