SCOPE:
This argument is premised within the scope of several parameters.
First, this mostly just applies to elite throwers and teams. Midrange players are probably more dangerous being forced backhand because their forehands are so underdeveloped and unreliable. It's hard to say what the definition of "midrange" is. But, let's say above your local league juggernauts and below the lowest 25% of elite players.
Secondly, this mostly refers to throwers who are stationary. By that I mean, from stall 2-10. A team or player moving the disc before they have stopped running is a horse of a different color. A thrower can throw backhand on the run much faster, and more accurately, than throwing forehand on the run.
Thirdly, wind. Almost everyone has a better backhand than forehand in strong (read Sarasota) wind. Additionally, forehands are much more accurate downwind because they allow for more touch and finesse.
Let’s break it down…
ACCURACY:
Years ago my friend Stockett bet me $5 that my forehand was more accurate than my backhand. I accepted with several reasons in mind. First, every human being in the world can throw a decent backhand by the time they are six years old. It’s the first thing you do with a disc and so natural (it's an everyday grip -- picture the way you grab a bar or door handle). Conventional wisdom says it’s more accurate. Secondly, like most new players, the backhand had developed much faster and easier than my flick. Thirdly, Stockett is a real jabroni (this is a thesis I’ve been testing over the years). So, we threw alternating forehands and backhands taking one step backwards after each throw. As long as the receiver didn't have to move more than one pivot length to catch the throw counted as being accurate. At about 35 yards we each had our first screwup. To my surprise it was our backhands that betrayed us. Looks like Stockett had some knowledge I didn’t.
I have done this exercise several times since then (although not recently) and have had pretty similar results. It would be useful to get a whole team to do it as a warm-up before practice (to enlarge the sample size).
Of course, game throws are different than tossing- around-in-the-park throws, blah, blah. But, the accuracy ratios are probably the same.
STANCE:
The backhand stance limits periphery. To get separation from the mark, the thrower must turn his hips and shoulders in the wrong direction! This is especially true for I/O breakmarks. A lot of throws are put blindly. We've all seen an instance of someone ripping a monster backhand huck just as their cutter has put on the brakes to come under. The disc sails to nobody and the sideline says, "Good rip. Unlucky."
Here’s another simple exercise: Stand facing a wall and get in a backhand throwing stance. How far down the wall can your see (on the breakmark side)? Try it again but extend out to your release point. Farther. Now do it forehand style.
TIME:
Takes longer to throw a backhand.
The offensive implications of this are that you might miss a throwing window. That is to say, in the short time a cutter is actually open, a thrower might not be able to wind up and throw. This problem is amplified for long breakmark throws (+30 yards), because
a. Significant windup is necessary
b. A thrower typically has to use one or two fakes to either move or paralyze the marker.
Yes, a thrower must use fakes to make forehand breaks. But, not as many because they can get throw off faster. A move to set up an I/O backhand break usually requires a big pivot and forehand fake. But, an I/O flick usually requires no more than a shoulder shimmy.
The implications for the Defense can be subdivided into Marking and Downfield.
On the mark, a team can enjoy an extra split second. Defensive markers are able to anticipate a backhand throw much earlier than a forehand. Seth showed me this the first year I played with him. Some very good throwers can put a flick 70 yards with a quick whip of their elbow and wrist. Even midrange elite players can do this. How many can put a backhand 70 yards without a windup?
Downfield a backhand force means that a defender can bite a little harder on fakes and not get burned as much, assuming there are more times, and positions, in a backhand throwing motion where the thrower loses visual contact with downfield areas. In a vertical stack defenders can poach (especially to the break side).
RANGE:
An I/O backhand breakmark has a shorter range than an I/O flick. A lot of readers out there are thinking, “this guy is full of shit. I can throw my I/O backhand much farther than my I/O forehand.” Well, “maybe” is all I can reply.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. The “Lugsdin” player. There are some players who, for whatever reason, have deadly backhands and relatively limited flicks.
2. Stiff wind. Against a strong wind (like Sarasota) backhands are more stable and accurate. So, force flick upwind and backhand downwind.
3. Give-and-go offenses. (again, see the “SCOPE” section)
THEREFORE:
Why would anyone force an elite team forehand rather than backhand?
PS.
I am sure that Jim P, in his quest to count everything, has statistics for turnovers in the following categories:
Forehand turnovers to the open side
Forehand turnovers to the break side
Backhand turnovers to the open side
Backhand turnovers to the break side
I would love to see them. If anyone is keeping stats this weekend (at Regionals) give it a whirl.
Compare the hips and field of vision in these photos
