How to throw approach shots/upshots: 11 disc golf approach shot tips
- Field work…and lots of it. There’s almost nothing that’s going to improve your disc golf approach game like field...
- Approach/Upshot Drills. Disc Golf Strong’s quick hip mobility drill will allow you to become more flexible in your...
- Find your routine. Finding a good routine is super important...
How can I become a better disc golfer?
Develop mental focus. Like any sport, disc golf is a physical activity, but success starts with mental focus and concentration—on and off the course. Not only do you need to be motivated in your training programs, you need to approach round of disc golf with a clear, focused mind.
How do you throw a disc in disc golf?
The thrown disc is always left on the lie, (where it came to rest,) until the marker disc is placed on the ground directly in front of and in line with the basket, touching the disc. The thrown disc is then picked up. Proper foot placement when throwing will require some practice.
What is disc golf and how to play?
From a beginner’s standpoint, you can think of disc golf as a game created by combining traditional ball golf and the throwing of specialized frisbees. Just remove the golf clubs and golf balls, and replace them with a bag full of plastic discs. What you’re left with is the game of disc golf!
How do you use your following arm in disc golf?
Your following arm will come all the way around and across your body as you rotate and stop. The forehand throw is the second most used type of throw in disc golf and is mostly used when you need to make the disc curve in the opposite direction of your backhand throw.
What is an approach shot in disc golf?
What is an approach shot/upshot in disc golf? An approach shot/upshot is a shot that a player will take, after an initial drive, in an attempt to get a player close enough to the basket to putt and complete the current hole.
How do you use an approach putter?
0:096:49Disc Golf Approach Grips and Tips! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you know how do I throw putters how how do I go about throwing them when I'm approaching. GoingMoreAnd you know how do I throw putters how how do I go about throwing them when I'm approaching. Going right into it I throw two different grips with my putters and that depends on the distance.
How far should a beginner disc golfer throw?
According to the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), you can expect beginners to throw disc golf discs at an average distance of around 175 to 250 feet. This is typically approximately 80% of their ultimate throwing distance, becoming farther as they gain more experience in the sport.
What is approach disc?
Approach discs are wedges and putters are well, putters. The Innova Pig, Innova AviarX3, and the Discraft Zone are all great overstable approach discs, but using them for putting at the basket would be a mistake. These approach discs are designed to be overstable and fight their way to the ground.
Where do you focus when putting?
Where the face is pointing at impact is virtually all that matters in terms of direction. So when you practice your putting mechanics, focus on striking the ball with a square face.
Should you break your wrists when putting?
0:483:15Should You Break Your Wrists When Putting? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith your wrist locked into position. It's very important to do that the reason is that as soon asMoreWith your wrist locked into position. It's very important to do that the reason is that as soon as you break the wrist you introduce another source of error. And we try to reduce.
How far does Paul McBeth throw?
600+ feetPaul McBeth has thrown a Discraft Zeus to a distance of 600+ feet (182+ meters), this incredible throw was recorded in a video where McBeth was throwing “Simon lines”, he crushed a near perfect 360-backhand throw.
What is the average disc golf drive?
According to the PDGA the average drive distance in disc golf for a recreational player is between 200 and 300 feet. That's for someone who has been playing for 1 to 2 years. The average drive distance for a novice player who is just getting into the sport is 175 to 250 feet.
How many calories do you burn playing disc golf?
One single round of disc golf burns approximately 400 to 500 calories and consists of walking around 6000 to 7000 steps or about 3 total miles. With that being said, disc golf is a phenomenal physical activity and one that is awesome for your health and fitness.
What are the three types of discs in disc golf?
There are four main types of disc golf discs - distance drivers, fairway drivers, midranges, and putters. Choosing the right type of disc for the right situation can make all the difference in your score!
How do you tell the difference between disc golf discs?
0:030:50What's the Difference Between a Disc Golf Disc and a Frisbee? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTheir prints and a disc golf disc compared to regular frisbee is the rim. It's a lot wider for aMoreTheir prints and a disc golf disc compared to regular frisbee is the rim. It's a lot wider for a driver and thinner.
What is a fairway driver for in disc golf?
What Is a Fairway Driver in Disc Golf? A fairway driver is a disc that is faster and more aerodynamic than a midrange but can be controlled more easily than a distance driver. Most amateurs use them at distances near or just above 300 feet/91 meters. Pro players can throw them much farther.
What is disc golf?
Disc golf is similar to traditional golf, however, instead of using golf clubs and balls aiming for a hole, disc golf players use disc golf discs and aim for a disc golf basket which is a pole extending up from the ground with chains and a basket where the disc lands. The object of the game is to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws, ...
How did disc golf start?
The game started with people using Frisbees and aiming at targets made up of trees, trash cans, light poles, pipes, and whatever else was handy.
What does the mandatory mean on a golf tee sign?
A “mandatory” is sometimes used to keep players out of alternate-use areas or to make a particular hole more difficult. It is normally designated as such on the tee sign. The arrow indicates the side and direction the disc must pass. If your disc passes to the wrong side of the mandatory, you would either re-throw from the previous lie or throw from a designated drop zone area if marked and apply a one throw penalty.
What is the pack in pack out mentality in disc golf?
Always leave the course better than you found it. Disc golfers tend to follow the “pack in, pack out” mentality to ensure no trash is left on the course.
How many holes are there in disc golf?
Generally, a course is made up of 9 or 18 holes. Players start at hole one and complete the course in order, playing through to the last hole. The player with the lowest total cumulative throws wins. Disc golf differs from traditional golf in important ways. Disc golf courses can use a wide variety of terrain.
How to determine tee off order?
Tee off order on the first tee will be by mutual arrangement or by flipping discs. The printed side is heads and the odd man should be first. Tee off order on all subsequent holes is determined by the score on the previous hole. The player with the lowest score tees off first.
How far behind the line should the foot be when throwing?
The foot that you put your weight on when you throw, i.e., the “plant” foot, must be as close as is reasonable to the front line of the tee or to the marker disc: in no case ahead of the line or disc, or more than 1 foot behind the line, or disc.
How many holes are there in disc golf?
Count your score and move onto the next hole. You’ll keep going like this until you’ve played all the holes on the course, which is typically 18 holes, just like traditional ball golf.
How much weight is a disc golf disc?
Disc golf discs come in different weights, usually ranging between 140 and 180 grams. Lighter weight discs will fly further than their heavier counterparts, but are also more easily affected by the wind. Heavier discs may fly a little slower and for slightly less distance, but tend to be more stable, especially in a head wind.
What is a Disc Golf Disc Made Of?
One of the most common questions beginner’s have is: What are disc golf discs made of?
What Are Disc Flight Ratings?
One of the first things beginners to disc golf notice is that there are numbers on the front of most discs and it’s common to ask what the numbers mean. These are the flight ratings of the disc. Each disc manufacturer does things a little bit differently, but in most cases there are four numbers and they go in order like this:
What Is Disc Stability?
In general terms, all discs fall into 3 stability categories: understable, Stable, and overstable.
Why is disc stability important?
Knowing a discs stability is great for us because it allows us to know in general terms how a disc will fly without having to really read and understand the discs flight ratings. Most understable discs fly in a similar way. The same is true for stable and overstable discs. For example, when I grab an overstable disc, no matter which one it is, I know that it’s going to fly like most other overstable discs.
What are the numbers on disc golf?
These are the flight ratings of the disc . Each disc manufacturer does things a little bit differently, but in most cases there are four numbers and they go in order like this:
How to throw a golf disc?
How do you execute the X-step when throwing a golf disc? The X-step is performed in four steps (from the perspective of a right handed player): 1 Step with your left foot forward 2 Step with your right foot forward and across the front of the left foot 3 Step with your left foot behind the right foot creating an X with your legs 4 Reach with your right foot out in front as far as you can
What is the X step in disc golf?
The X-step is footwork used by players in disc golf to engage the largest muscle groups in the body. This footwork transfers the optimal force into the disc propelling it forward great distances.
What are the most common mistakes players make during the X-step?
One of the most common mistakes players will make during the X-step is opening up their shoulders and hips to the target during the reach back. If your shoulders and hips are pointed toward the target when you being to pull the disc through across your body, you’ll be losing most of what the X-step has to offer.
What is the stage 10 of disc throwing?
Stage 10. Allow your body to turn toward the target with your shoulders and hips. As this occurs, pivot on your right heel with the toes pointed up. As you come to the apex of your throw, the power you’ve generated up to this point will allow the disc to rip from your grip to be flung toward your target.
What do you want for X step footwork?
As you execute your X-step footwork, you want a shoe that isn’t going to slip. When that final reaching step is performed, I’ve seen plenty of people slip and get injured because their shoe didn’t have good traction. Myself included. You want the bottom of your shoe to have proper grip.
How to do the X step?
The X-step is performed in four steps (from the perspective of a right handed player): Step with your left foot forward. Step with your right foot forward and across the front of the left foot. Step with your left foot behind the right foot creating an X with your legs. Reach with your right foot out in front as far as you can.
How to get momentum in soccer?
Take one step forward with your left foot. Your left foot should be planted with the toes still pointing forward toward your target. This should be a small step forward just to get your momentum going.
How far is the basket off the tee in disc golf?
Today you are playing one of the better courses in your area. This hole is a great example of why. The basket is not reachable off the tee. It’s 650 feet away. Good thing you watched that YouTube video last night on disc golf driving tips!
How to play golf backwards?
A great way to do this is to walk or play the course backward. Look at each hole starting at the basket. Take a hard look at the lines in to the basket. Then walk out to those spots and look to the tee.
What happens when you get closer to your disc?
When you get up to your disc, you see that you’ve landed in some tall grass that will make a run up impossible on your second shot. The basket is guarded on both sides .
What is the most important shot on harder and longer courses?
Often the most important shot on harder and longer courses is your second shot. Make it work for you, not against you! Don’t believe this works? Take a minute and watch Paul McBeth or any other top pro play. There isn’t a drive they are throwing where they aren’t thinking about what their second shot is going to look like.
What is the only spot that has a decent line to the basket?
It’s going to take a miracle shot to get anywhere near the basket. Looking around, you see that the only spot that has a decent line to the basket is the one your opponent is standing on. She smiles at you and waves.
Can you throw far in golf?
Anyone can try and throw far. There’s a million tips out there on how to do that. Not everyone can score well. For that it requires a different set of tips. I really believe that if you go out and execute the 9 points above, you will get lower scores.
Do you have to know the course to play golf?
I’m not just talking about having played it before. I mean really knowing the course. Without this type of intimate knowledge, you’ll never be making the best possible decision.
How to improve disc golf?
Tips for Improving Your Disc Golf Game. Develop mental focus. Like any sport, disc golf is a physical activity, but success starts with mental focus and concentration—on and off the course. Not only do you need to be motivated in your training programs, you need to approach round of disc golf with a clear, focused mind.
What is the importance of not focus on golf holes?
Each hole will be different and have different obstacles, like trees or parks for instance, but the important thing is to not focus solely on them; the more you can concentrate on your throw, technique, and release, the better your shots will be —and your score, too!
How to get a straight arm?
Get in a straight arm plank position (like a push-up) and put your feet at least shoulder-width apart. Maintaining the plank position, try to touch your right elbow to your left knee underneath your core muscles and return to plank position. Alternate sides.
How many seconds to do a high plank?
If not able to do the full crunch or your body gives out before the allotted rep count, simply hold a 30-60 second high-plank instead.
Why do we need to warm up before a game?
There’s a reason that all sports allow a warm up period before the competition starts; to not only prepare your body for the work ahead, but to help prevent injuries, reduce muscle and tendon pain or soreness, and loosen up joints. Here’s a few basic stretches to get you started:
What are the best exercises to make a putt?
While strength and power are good for distance drives, skills like accuracy and touch are what will help you make each putt.
Where to hold dumbbells in the shoulder?
Hold a dumbbell in your left hand at your left shoulder.
How to use a power grip on a golf disc?
To use the power grip, hold the disc firmly in the middle of your palm with your thumb on the rim of the top flight plate and your fingers curled around the edge with the tips set inside the rim of the bottom of the disc.
Where should the disc be tucked in forehand grips?
A quick pro tip for all forehand grips is to keep the disc tucked back into the cup of your hand as far back as possible. This is the meaty part of your hand where your forefinger and thumb connect. The disc should be securely fit into this area leaving no gap.
What grips are used for forehand?
Forehand Grips: There are three main forehand grips which include power grip, stacked grip, and split grip. These grips will allow you to throw every type of forehand shot including driving off the tee, fairway driving, and midrange shots.
What grip to use on a disc drive?
The power grip for backhand is one of the most common grips for driving off the tee. This grip provides a very firm hold on the disc which allows you to put the maximum amount of torque on the disc without having to worry about it slipping out of your grip too early.
How many grips are there in disc golf?
In disc golf, there are 7 main grips which include the power grip, for both backhand and forehand, modified power grip, fan grip, modified fan grip, stacked grip, and split Grip. These grips cover every aspect of the game including driving off the tee, fairway drives, midrange shots and putting. While these grips are all great ...
What are the different types of backhand grips?
There are four main backhand grips which include power grip, modified power grip, fan grip, and modified fan grip. You can use these grips with every type of backhand shot including driving off the tee, fairway driving, midrange shots and putting. Let’s talk about each one and what they’re best for.
How to perform fan grip?
To perform the fan grip, hold the disc in your dominant hand with your fingers splayed out and resting on the bottom of the flight plate. The forefinger should be resting along the outside edge of the disc for added support, which gives you even more control.
How to throw a straight disc?
It’s extending the arm back in a straight line to arm position A at the peak of reach back, then pulling through while bending the elbow to ensure that you are keeping the disc close to your body until the release of the disc in arm position B. In the end, it’s a simple pull from point A-to-B on a straight line while your arm travels from back to front.
How to avoid taking disc off straight line?
You absolutely want to avoid taking the disc off that straight line by over rotating your upper body on the pull back or letting the disc drift away from your body.
How to keep your arm on the straight line?
One of my favorite ways to really ingrain the proper throwing technique and keeping your arm on that straight line is the use of resistance bands. I highly recommend getting a medium gauge resistance band that you can fix to the proper height of the intended throwing motion and start with multiple repetitions in order to reenforce your muscle memory. The resistance band will not allow you to take your arm of the line and this added resistance will definitely add increased power/speed to your overall throw.
Can you hit your line when you take a disc off line?
It’s very difficult to hit your line when you take the disc off line before you release it.
The Lie
Every shot in disc golf is thrown from a lie (802.05). Put simply, the lie is the designated area of the playing surface on which a player must establish their stance in order to throw.
Marking the Lie
When a throw lands in-bounds on the playing surface, the thrower has the option to use the thrown disc at rest as their marker disc or to use a mini marker, placed on the playing surface touching the front of the thrown disc on the line of play.
Extra Credit: When Not to Use a Mini Marker
Even when you have a mini marker disc at the ready (and you should!), there are scenarios where it may be advantageous to leave it in your pocket and use the thrown disc at rest as your marker disc.
How to Throw Approach Shots/Upshots: 11 Disc Golf Approach Shot Tips
- There’s almost nothing that’s going to improve your disc golf approach game like field work…and a lot of it! Pick a time and place to go out for a couple of hours to work strictly on your approach shots. Just that repetition of approach shots alone will ultimately help you improve. First, make …
A Few More Resources For Improving Your Approach Game!
- Paul Ulibarri’s Approach Clinic ⬇️ link to video on YouTube. The 5 Best Upshot/Approach Tips from Paul McBeth⬇️ link to video on YouTube. How to Park Every Upshot/Approach Shot by Dynamic Discs⬇️ link to video on YouTube. Avery Jenkins’ Approach Tips on TheSpinTV⬇️ link to video on YouTube.
Summary
- So as you can see, approach shots are super important in disc golf. If you’re a good player looking to seriously up your game, you need to start practicing your approach game. Because your ability to play the approach shots perfectly can take you from good to great player. So do everything you can to not take your approach game for granted and practice it as much as possible. If you do, y…
Don’T Forget About The Book!
- Before you go, don’t forget to check out the best beginner disc golf book on the planet, “The Disc Golf Player’s Manual.”This ebook is packed with over 200+ pages of the best tips, tricks, and advice for new players. Grab one today!