Achieving distance in disc golf is a blend of choosing the right equipment, mastering the right techniques, and understanding disc dynamics. This guide is tailored for beginners eager to learn ‘how to throw far’ in disc golf. We’ll explore essential aspects of disc selection and review popular models like the Destroyer. The choice between overstable and understable distance drivers plays a significant role, especially for amateurs. Alongside selecting the right disc, mastering form and technique is crucial. We’ll cover key concepts like the power pocket, footwork, and the importance of a proper follow-through. Additionally, we’ll link to helpful video resources and clinics. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your understanding of disc golf distance, this guide will provide valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your game.

Choosing the Right Distance Driver

To improve your disc golf distance, selecting an appropriate distance driver is crucial. Overstable distance drivers like the Destroyer have the most distance potential for advanced players, as they offer superior glide and predictability, especially in windy conditions, but these discs can be more difficult to throw for beginners/amateurs and might not go very far at all. On the other hand understable and slower distance drivers, like the Innova Valkyrie, are more beginner-friendly, facilitating greater distances with less power. Just because a disc is slower doesn’t mean you won’t throw it farther!

Distance Driver Weight

If you’re trying to throw as far as you possibly can, consider trying lightweight discs! During distance competitions, professional disc golfers who would normally only throw max-weight 175 gram discs will shift to discs as low as 150 grams to achieve greater feats of distance! Consistency will lessen with lighter discs (which is why pros don’t typically use them during competition) but finding the weight sweet spot for you will help maximize your distance potential. Most companies have their own line of discs in a lightweight plastic blend, like Innova’s Blizzard, or Prodigy’s Air blend, and Marshall Street even has a section for their 200 lightest discs!

Form and Technique: Keys to Throwing Far

Mastering throwing form and technique is essential when learning how to throw far. These technique factors are good to know, but take time to learn. Consider these crucial elements of throwing form:

Power Pocket

This is the moment in your throwing motion where your arm creates two 90 degree angles in your shoulder and elbow, with the disc close to your body. The power pocket is critical for generating maximum torque and speed. It’s like a slingshot effect; the tighter and more controlled this angle, the more power you can unleash as you snap the disc out. Think of it as compressing energy before releasing it explosively. Thomas Gilbert expertly explains the power pocket in this video by Pulsea Disc Golf Academy:

Footwork – The X Step

The X step is a footwork pattern that helps in building momentum and aligning your body for a powerful throw. It involves a rhythm of steps that transitions your body weight from the back foot through to the front foot, culminating in a dynamic hip rotation. This movement not only adds power but also helps in timing your throw correctly. It’s essential to practice this step to get the flow and timing right. Here’s a great video by Dynamic Discs where Danny Lindahl goes over everything you need to know about a proper X step:

Reach Back and Follow-Through

Reach back refers to extending your throwing arm back in line with your target. This extension is crucial for aligning the disc’s path and setting up for a powerful pull-through. The follow-through, conversely, is about continuing the motion after releasing the disc. This ensures that you transfer all the built-up energy into the throw, reducing the risk of injury and improving accuracy. Proper follow-through involves rotating your hips and shoulders through the throw and allowing your arm to naturally decelerate. As a result, your throwing arm will end up swung behind you. Overthrow Disc Golf has a great video on a proper Follow-Through:

How to Throw Far – Visual Resources

YouTube is one of the best resources for learning how to play disc golf. There’s a myriad of free online clinics, form tutorials, and tons of other valuable information for any level of player. If you’d like to ease the learning curve, take advantage of the bountiful resources available!

Practical Tips to Increase Disc Golf Distance

To enhance your disc golf distance, consider these tips:

1. Consistent Practice: This builds timing and muscle memory.
2. Disc Exploration: Try different discs from marshallstreetdiscgolf.com to find your ideal match, but once you’ve found something you like, stick with it!
3. Timing Focus: Coordinate your body movements for synchronized releases.
4. Recording and Reviewing: Record videos of yourself throwing and analyze your throws to identify potential areas of improvement.

Advanced Techniques for Throwing Far

As your skills progress, you can experiment with different pivot styles (ball-of-foot vs. heel). The ball-of-foot pivot point is most popular. That being said, there are many successful professional golfers who prefer using their heel as the pivot point instead.

You may also find that upgrades in equipment may be necessary. As the spin and speed rates of your throw increase, your distance drivers may begin to fly differently than you’re used to. Sticking with discs and getting to know them well can give you an edge in consistency, but it’s important to be aware and notice when a disc isn’t serving your needs anymore, namely, when it’s starting to flip over too much.

Conclusion

Improving your disc golf distance requires dedication to learning and practice, therefore, by selecting the right discs, focusing on form, and using resources like marshallstreetdiscgolf.com and instructional videos, you’ll be well on your way to mastering how to throw far. Embrace the journey, and watch as your game reaches impressive new distances.

Welcome to Marshall Street’s comprehensive Disc Golf Scorekeeping Guide! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, understanding the nuances of scoring in disc golf is crucial. In this extensive guide, we’ll delve into the fundamentals of keeping score, the impact of par, terminology used by disc golfers, and explore various scorekeeping methods. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-versed in the terminology and knowledge needed to keep score with confidence!

Decoding Disc Golf Scoring

Disc golf doesn’t follow a conventional points system when it comes to scoring. Instead of trying to accumulate points, players count their throws, commonly known as “strokes.” Each throw, regardless of distance, is considered a single stroke.

A disc golf scorecard has several rows, one for each player. Each row contains 18 boxes, one for each hole, as well as a Front 9 total box, and an overall total box. Typically, one person will keep the scores of everyone they’re playing with. After finishing each hole, you’ll write down the number of strokes it took for you to land in the basket, and then you’ll ask your card-mates for their scores. If, for example, someone threw a good drive, completed their upshot, then properly buried their putt in the basket, you’d write a 3 on the scorecard.

Disc golf mirrors ball golf in that a higher score is actually a worse score. Remember that the goal of disc golf is to try and complete the course in as few throws as possible. Your score is simply a count of your throws, so try to get it as low as you can!

At the end of the round, you add together all 18 of your scores into one number. That’s your score! Tally together your card-mates’ scores as well, and you’ll be able to see who had the winning low score.

The Significance of Par

Understanding par is essential in grasping disc golf scorekeeping. Each hole in disc golf has a par, and it represents the expected number of strokes an advanced player would typically take on a hole. This can give you insight into the difficulty of a hole, or offer clues on how a hole is intended to be played.

The vast majority of disc golf holes have a par of 3, which means the hole demands a good drive, an upshot, and a made putt. Par 4 holes are also fairly common, which means that the hole calls for two well placed shots, an upshot, and a made putt.  You’ll never see a par below 3, or a par over 5.

Course Par

Par for the course, or course par, is determined by adding together the pars of all the holes on the course. If every hole on the course is a par 3, then the course par would be 54. Since holes with a par of 2 don’t really exist, 54 is the lowest course par you’ll see. The more par 4 or par 5 holes that a course has, the higher the course par will be. This makes the course par a general indicator of what an advanced player should shoot overall.

Navigating Over Vs. Under Par

As you’ll quickly learn for yourself in your disc golf scorekeeping experience, scoring over or under par is a common occurrence in disc golf. Achieving a score under par is a notable feat, while scores over par are typical due to the inherent challenges of the sport, such as tree kicks and missed putts. Players often express their final score as it relates to the course par. Sharing scores in relation to par creates a universal language among disc golfers. If a player shoots a 52 on a course that has a course par of 55, they’ll usually say they shot a -3 (minus three).

Mastering Hole Scoring Terms

Disc golfers utilize specific terms to describe their scores in relation to par. If you’re scorekeeping, you’ll want to know some of these:

Birdie: Achieving a score one less than the hole’s par.

Bogey: Scoring one more stroke than the hole’s par.

Ace: A hole-in-one, the pinnacle of success in disc golf.

Eagle: Attaining a score two strokes less than the hole’s par, symbolizing exceptional skill. The Eagle is also a super popular fairway driver!

Avoiding Penalty Strokes

Unfortunately, there are a couple other things that can add strokes to your score other than your throws. In competition, most rule violations come with a penalty stroke, meaning that breaking a rule may inflate your score.

Most commonly though, penalty strokes incur when players throw out-of-bounds. If a player throws into an out-of-bounds area, whether it be a pond, road, or even just marked off area, the player is expected to add an extra stroke to their score at the end of the hole.

*Tip* Circling Scores: If you’ve taken a penalty stroke on a hole, you’re supposed to circle the score. All the circle indicates is that you took a penalty on that hole. If, for example, you ask your buddy what they scored and they reply “circle 4”, that just means that completed the hole in 3 throws but took a penalty stroke (probably from going out of bounds).

The Importance of Scorekeeping in Disc Golf

While scorekeeping is crucial during tournaments, it holds significance in solo or casual rounds as well. Your score serves as a comprehensive record of your performance over time, allowing you to track improvements, identify weaknesses, and celebrate achievements.

Diverse Methods of Disc Golf Scorekeeping:

Traditionally, paper scorecards have been the go-to method for scorekeeping. Most players have a scorecard clipboard and a pencil handy. However, in the digital age, apps like UDisc have gained popularity. UDisc not only offers digital scorecards for various course layouts but also provides course information, locations, reviews, and additional features like tracking average performance on specific holes.

*Extra Tip* – Unlocking the Potential of Score Handicaps

Let’s create some fictional disc golfers – Phil and Vanessa.

Phil and Vanessa play disc golf together at the same course once a week. Phil is very consistent, and averages a score of 3 under par, or -3. Vanessa is a little newer to the sport, and averages a score of 2 over par or, +2.

Score handicaps can help level the playing field between players of varying skill level. Basically, a handicap is an adjustment of score based on average performance. In Phil and Vanessa’s case, Vanessa would be given a 5-stroke handicap, since her average is 5 strokes worse than Phil’s. In other words, she’d get -5 off of her score at the end of the round to even out their averages.

Score handicaps are a great way to allow players of multiple skill levels to compete head-to-head. If you play frequently with someone who always beats you or always loses to you, try using a score handicap to tip the scales!

Conclusion: Elevate Your Disc Golf Experience

Equipped this knowledge of disc golf scorekeeping, you’re now ready to give it a try! Remember, scorekeeping can help track your greatest throwing achievements. It’ll also help you track any changes in your performance over time. In this extensive guide, you’ve embarked on a journey to master the art of disc golf scoring. So, step onto the course, keep score with confidence, and enjoy the exhilarating world of disc golf!

Welcome to Marshall Street! If you’re new to disc golf or have only played a few rounds, you’ve landed in the right place. Our disc golf beginner’s guide is custom-tailored for beginners, offering a thorough introduction to the sport. Whether you’ve never set foot on a disc golf course or are seeking a quick refresher on the rules and terminology, this guide will provide you with the knowledge required to fully enjoy the world of disc golf.

Disc golf is a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of traditional golf with the fun and accessibility of throwing frisbees. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started.

As you embark on your disc golf journey, you’ll discover that it’s a sport that welcomes players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a young enthusiast looking for an exciting outdoor activity or a seasoned golfer exploring a new avenue of the game, disc golf offers a rewarding experience that fosters camaraderie, competition, and a deep connection with the great outdoors. Let’s dive in and explore the world of disc golf together!

The Basics of Disc Golf

Disc golf is a thrilling outdoor sport played globally, offering recreational accessibility to individuals of all ages and skill levels. Similar to traditional golf, the objective is to complete a course in as few throws as possible. However, instead of using a ball and clubs, players utilize specially designed discs, similar to frisbees.

Who Can Play Disc Golf?

One of the unique aspects of disc golf is its universal appeal. Virtually anyone can play, from kids to grandparents. The sport is family-friendly, allowing you to bring along your entire family, including the dog (as long as it won’t chase the discs).

How to Play Disc Golf

The game begins with all players throwing from the designated tee box on hole 1. Whoever is farthest from the basket takes the next turn, even if it’s the same person multiple times over. The hole is complete when all players successfully land a disc in the basket. After marking the scores, you move on to the next hole. After hole 1, the order of throwers is decided by performance. If you had the lowest score on the previous hole, then you go first for the next one! After all 18 holes are complete, the players will tally all the scores to determine who had the lowest score.

*Remember, in disc golf, a lower score is better, as the goal is to complete the course in as few throws as possible. *

Disc Golf Terminology for Beginners

Most disc golf terminology migrated from ball golf, so you may be familiar with some of these terms already. Since this is a disc golf beginner’s guide, we want to make especially sure that you have the basic terminology down. Understanding these terms is crucial for enjoying disc golf fully:

Hole: A disc golf course typically consists of 18 holes, each with a starting point (tee box) and an end target (basket).

Tee Box/Tee Pad: The starting point of each hole, providing a flat area with good traction for throwing.

Basket: The target that players aim to reach on each hole. It is usually visible from the tee box (but not always).

Tee Sign: A sign found at the tee box that provides information about the hole, including basket location, distance, and par for the hole.

Out-Of-Bounds (OB): A place you can’t play from. Landing your disc in an OB area incurs a penalty stroke.

Scorecard: Used for keeping score in disc golf. After each hole, players record the number of throws it took to complete the hole.

Disc: Specially designed frisbees solely intended for disc golf, these discs vary in size, shape, plastic type, weight, and color — all are aspects that can make one disc fly differently from another. The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) determines what discs are legal for use in the sport.

Par: The expected number of throws an advanced player should take to complete a hole. Par is usually marked on the tee sign and reflects the norm/average score for the hole.

Birdie: A score one stroke under the par of a hole.

Bogey: A score one stroke over par. Double-bogey and triple-bogey refer to two and three strokes over par, respectively.

Ace: Completing a hole in one throw, also known as a hole-in-one.

What You Need to Start Playing

Contrary to the perception of needing a backpack full of discs and accessories, all you need as a beginner is one disc per person and a towel. While more experienced players may choose to carry many discs to handle different shot requirements, beginners can start with just one disc each. We usually recommend discs like the Innova DX Shark, the Discraft Comet, or the Latitude 64 Fuse.

Where to Play Disc Golf

Finding disc golf courses is easy with resources like the UDisc website/app. It provides a free course locator map, showing all the courses around you along with their player ratings, conditions, difficulty, and other valuable information. UDisc also acts as a virtual scorecard so you can keep score from your phone! For a more enjoyable experience, beginners are advised to start with courses tailored to their skill level.

When to Start Playing

Unlike most outdoor sports, the beauty of disc golf lies in its year-round accessibility. The sport is played through various weather conditions, making it suitable for any season. Dress appropriately, grab your disc, and head to the course – there’s no better time to start than now!

Conclusion

In summary, this disc golf beginner’s guide has provided the fundamentals, setting you on the path to mastering the exciting world of disc golf. Enjoy the game, revel in the outdoor experience, and may your discs find their way into the basket with ease!