10 Disc Golf Terms Every Player Should Know in 2025

Disc golf has its own language — a mix of traditional golf terminology, unique slang, and technical lingo. Whether you're new to the sport or want to tighten up your vocabulary, understanding the most common disc golf terms will help you communicate better, improve faster, and feel more connected to the game.

Here are 10 essential disc golf terms every player should know in 2025:

1. Hyzer
   A throw where the outside edge of the disc is angled downward during release, typically causing it to curve left for a right-handed backhand throw. This is one of the foundational release angles in disc golf.

2. Anhyzer
   The opposite of a hyzer — this throw angles the outside edge of the disc upward, resulting in a right curve for right-handed backhand players. Often used to shape around obstacles or navigate tight doglegs.

3. Fade
   Fade is the disc’s natural tendency to hook left (for RHBH) at the end of its flight. Overstable discs fade more dramatically, while understable discs may have very little fade at all.

4. Turn
   Turn describes how much a disc moves right during the high-speed portion of its flight (for a RHBH throw). A disc with more turn is more understable and will "flip up" or drift right under power.

5. Overstable / Understable
   These terms refer to a disc’s flight characteristics. Overstable discs fade hard and resist turning over. Understable discs flip up more easily and are better suited for beginners or shaping long, turning shots.

6. Circle 1 / Circle 2
   Circle 1 is the area within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of the basket, where jump putts are not allowed. Circle 2 ranges from 10 to 20 meters and allows jump putts or step putts. These zones matter in scoring stats and tournament strategy.

7. OB (Out of Bounds)
   A disc that lands in an out-of-bounds area is considered OB. Common OB zones include water, roads, tall fences, and marked lines. Players take a penalty stroke and rethrow from a designated relief area.

8. Par
   The expected number of strokes to complete a hole. A par 3 means most players should reach the basket in three throws. Scoring under par is a birdie; over par is a bogey.

9. Ace
   A hole-in-one — when a player makes the disc into the basket in one throw. It’s one of the most celebrated achievements in disc golf, often followed by cheering, high-fives, and sometimes even traditions like buying a round.

10. Grip Lock
    When a player accidentally holds onto the disc too long, causing the release to veer hard to the right (for RHBH). It's one of the most common throwing mistakes and usually ends with your disc in the woods or OB.

Learning these terms will not only help you communicate with other players more effectively but also help you understand course design, disc selection, and how to improve your strategy. Mastering the language is part of mastering the game.