Q: I just started playing disc golf about six months ago. I'm able to throw my drivers a long way but my mid-range game is terrible. The accuracy and consistency of my approach shots is sorely lacking and I was wondering if there are any exercises or tips you might have to improve upon them. Thanks a lot.
A: You bring up an excellent question. I believe the secret lies in making your approach shots mirror your drives, just with slower arm speed. The strongest part of my game is mid- range, and now that I think about it, I use the same long, smooth arm motion on approach shots that I use when driving.
I notice many new players driving one way and using a completely different throw for 100 to 200-foot shots. Often this “other” throw resembles snapping a towel, what we call “short-arming” the shot. Often their mid-range grip is completely different, too. So what you want to do is bring your mid-range game technically closer to your driving game. And – always - try to be smooth.
Practice is of course the key. In this case, take a small pile of mid-range drivers out to a field and, using the pitcher’s mound or the base of the goalpost as your target, try to land your discs close to the target from varying distances. Try 100, 150 and 200 feet, and also practice all the angles – hyzer, straight and anheizer shots. Once you develop some ease and confidence with the middle portion of your game you’ll see your scores sinking and, before you know it, your playing partners will be asking for YOUR advice.
Sincerely,
Torque Novitski, Marshall Street
