Disc Golf Glossary — A–Z of Key Terms and Lingo

Disc golf has its own language — a mix of slang, technique, and PDGA terminology. This glossary explains the most common terms you'll hear on the course or see in videos.

Use the A–Z filters or search box below to jump to any letter.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

A hole-in-one — when your drive lands directly in the basket.

See also: Bonus Ace

Release angle where the outer edge of the disc is higher than the inner, causing a rightward turn (RHBH). Use for turnovers, long glide, shaping around obstacles.

See also: Release Angles

Short throw meant to land close to the basket.

B

Your collection of discs used during a round.

The small ridge around the rim bottom of some putters.

Completing a hole one stroke under par (e.g., par 3 in 2 throws).

See also: Scoring Basics

Ace scored during a warmup or casual round — still counts for bragging rights.

See also: Ace

C

10-meter (33 ft) radius around the basket — putting zone.

See also: Circle 2, Basics

10–20 meter range (33–66 ft) — outside putting zone.

See also: Circle 1

Small footwork step used in forehand drives.

See also: X-Step & Footwork

D

The curvature of the top of the disc — affects glide.

See also: Flight Ratings

Designated spot to rethrow from after OB or hazard.

See also: OB (Out of Bounds), Basics

E

Etiquette

The unwritten rules of courtesy in disc golf: let faster groups play through, keep noise down, pack out trash.

See also: Course Etiquette

F

Fade

The disc's finishing move left (RHBH). Opposite of turn.

See also: Flight Ratings
Fairway

The area between tee and basket where discs are intended to fly.

G

Glide

Natural lift that keeps a disc aloft. Higher numbers = more lift.

See also: Flight Ratings
Grip

How you hold the disc. Different grips for different shot types.

See also: Grip Types

H

Outer edge down (RHBH) for a left-finishing flight. Great for wind, reliable finishes.

See also: Release Angles

L

Lie

Your throwing position. Mark the disc's front edge; throw with a supporting point behind it.

See also: Your Lie & Stance

M

Mando

Mandatory route marked on the course. Miss it = penalty throw.

See also: Mandatory

O

Penalty area. Add one throw; throw from last in-bounds or drop zone.

See also: Drop Zone, Out of Bounds

P

Par

The expected number of throws for a hole. Compare your score to par.

See also: Scoring

When your disc lands very close to the basket, making it an easy putt. Typically within 10–15 feet.

See also: Putting, Putting Form
Putting

Short throws at the basket, typically under 30 feet.

See also: Putting Form

R

RHBH (Right-Handed Backhand)

The most common throwing style. All flight terms reference this orientation.

S

Speed

Rim width; how fast a disc wants to fly. Higher = more speed needed.

See also: Flight Ratings
Stability

How much a disc resists turning. Overstable, stable, or understable.

See also: Stability & Shot-Shaping

T

Turn

Early-flight right movement (RHBH) under speed. Opposite of fade.

See also: Flight Ratings

X

X-Step

Cross-behind footwork to build momentum and arrive balanced on the plant.

See also: X-Step & Footwork