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why don't disc golf discs fly straight

by Sherman Wunsch Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Reason #1 – You’re Using the Wrong Type of Golf Disc The most likely reason you’re disc isn’t flying straight is because you’re using a disc that isn’t designed to fly straight. Disc selection is crucial in disc golf.

The most likely reason you're disc isn't flying straight is because you're using a disc that isn't designed to fly straight. Disc selection is crucial in disc golf. If you try to use the same disc for every throw, you're not going to find much success. There are three general types of discs you can choose from.

Full Answer

How to throw a disc golf disc harder?

The rule of thumb should be that you throw the disc not harder, but faster. When you are about to pull the disc through your chest, this is where your technique affects your distance and your aim all together. Grip is also a must when working toward accuracy. Of course, your grip should be tight, but not so much that your knuckles turn white.

What happens if you don’t relax when you throw a disc golf driver?

If you can’t relax yourself, there really could be some hurtful repercussions like injuries, strains, and pulls. Additionally, you will throw your disc golf driver at a short distance because your shot will come out of your hands slower when you tense up.

How fast do you throw a disc golf driver?

You do not run straight forward when throwing a disc golf driver. The x-step technique makes each thrower reach only up to 7 or 8 miles per hour. You have to plant your leg to throw, pivot, and turn your body when releasing the disc anyway.

What are the best disc golf drivers for beginners?

Look for discs with a speed between 6-7, and a stability between -1 to -3. Maxing out at a speed of 10 for your disc will not make you friends, but rather mortal enemies. Brands that you should delve into include Discraft and Innova. One of the worst things you can do when trying to throw a disc golf driver is to tense up.

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How do you make a CD fly straight?

0:316:00How to THROW a Disc STRAIGHT & LONG! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen during the beginning of its flight the disc starts to flatten out or flip up to flat bringingMoreThen during the beginning of its flight the disc starts to flatten out or flip up to flat bringing the nose down a bit allowing for the disc to fly straight for long distances.

How do I stop my golf disc from rounding?

0:266:37Stop rounding by thinking differently about your throw! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIdea or mentality around the throw is going to be beneficial for a lot more people. Because when iMoreIdea or mentality around the throw is going to be beneficial for a lot more people. Because when i was when i made that video i was struggling with pulling the disc across of muscling too much.

What disc golf disc goes straight?

When it comes to a straight-flying disc golf disc, our #1 pick is definitely the Innova XT Nova. It is, by far, the most popular straight flying disc on the market.

How do disc golf discs fly differently?

Faster discs cut into the wind with less effort and are best when throwing up wind. Slower discs take more power to throw upwind, but they're easier to throw more accurately and may actually go farther downwind. High speed discs are not recommended for beginners as they require more power to fly properly.

How do I stop Griplock?

0:272:04How do I reduce griplock? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWork on pulling the disc straight. And focus on moving the disc in that straight line and then yourMoreWork on pulling the disc straight. And focus on moving the disc in that straight line and then your grip is not going to be strong enough to pull it off of the line.

What does rounding look like in disc golf?

Rounding is how we describe what happens when your body gets in the way of your throw. It creates a curved shape to the path of the disc from reach back to the release point, which bleeds power and accuracy. The proper path of the disc is in a straight line from reach back to release, even as your torso rotates.

What is the farthest flying disc golf driver?

The Innova Boss is a truly a world record breaking disc. In 2016, David Wiggins Jr. threw a 156 gram RPro Boss 1,109.8 feet to break the “Longest Backhand Flight Distance (Men's)” record. Now granted this was thrown with tailwind and for maximum distance, but still, the disc went 1,108 feet!

How far can you throw a Mako3?

For the Mako3, I've found that to be between 150 – 250 feet when thrown flat.

What makes a disc fly far?

A disc is like a gyroscope in that it uses gyroscopic inertia, the tendency of a gyroscope to keep spinning in the same plane without twisting and turning. With no spin, a disc is inherently unstable, and with no speed, no lift is generated, so a combination of these factors is needed for a disc to fly.

Why does the disc Turn right at high speed?

A fast moving disc turns because lift is high which creates a negative angle of attack, a nose down pitching moment, and high speed turn. The opposite is true for slow moving discs which causes them to fade.

What makes a disc Overstable?

The degree to which a disc resists high speed turn determines the disc's stability. Discs that have a lot of high speed turn are understable. Discs that have a moderate amount of high speed turn are stable, and discs that resist turning right even at high speeds are overstable.

How hard is it to throw a disc golf disc?

Throwing a disc golf disc at a particular target is extremely difficult, and it takes years of practice to master it. There are several things that you have to keep in mind while throwing the disc, and they are as follows.

What is disc golf?

Disc golf is a sport where players try to hit a target by throwing disc golf distance driver at them. The rules of the game are similar to golf, you use a disc instead of a small ball.

Why is it important to know the speed of a disc?

Knowing the appropriate speed of your disc is important before it determines how fast it reaches the desired destination. It also affects the stability of the disc, making sure the disc does not deviate some other way.

Why is stability important in golf?

The stability of the discs is of utmost importance because it lays how good your throw will be. A disc can be under stable, where the disc will lend to the right, or overstable, where the disc will lend to the left.

How much can a disc spin again?

How much a disc can spin again depends on the stability of the disc, but usually, the more it can spin, the better it is for the player.

What is a putter disc?

They are discs of a much simpler design, like a frisbee, and they are mainly used for short-range throwing. Beginners are advised to experiment with putters when they just start off to understand the basics of the game.

How many countries play disc golf?

Disc golf is played around in about 40 countries worldwide, and until 2010, there are about 60,000 active players in this sport.

Understanding disc numbers

The first problem disc golf beginners’ encounter when trying to keep throws straight is throwing the wrong disc in the wrong situation.

Disc Golf Nerd

What do the Numbers on a Disc Golf Disc Mean? - Flight Numbers - Disc Golf Nerd

What causes a disc golf disc not to fly straight?

Before we provide you with tips on how to throw a disc straight in disc golf that you can physically control, let’s discuss things that cause the disc not to fly straight.

Why won't my disc fly straight?

Lastly, your run-up could be causing your disc not to fly straight. When attempting a straight path, you want to start with your run-up. For a backhand throw, keep your shoulder pointed at your target and move in a straight line toward it.

What happens if you miss your disc golf release?

If your throw is off or you miss your release, you could find yourself hitting a tree and having to search from your disc in the woods. No one wants that.

What does fade mean on a disc?

Fade is the tendency on a disc to hyzer out at the end of flight. So if you are right-handed and throwing the disc backhand, a disc with a lot of fade will tend to turn left as the disc starts to slow down. The fade rating is the last number in the flight rating system. Discs with a 0 rating have no fade.

What to do if disc flips flat?

If your disc continues to turn after flipping to flat, you may want to release the disc with more hyzer to counteract it. You might also try a less flippy disc. Releasing the disc low and with the noise slightly down are also important to the success of the hyzer flip.

Why does my disc hyzer?

If you are releasing the disc flat but aren’t performing your pull throwing in a straight line, this could cause your disc to hyzer or anhyzer instead of flying straight.

How to flip a hyzer?

The trick with the hyzer flip is you will need to release the disc with a lot of force to get it to flip to flat. So focus on pulling your arm through quickly and generating a lot of snap. This can take a lot of practice so don’t be disappointed if you don’t get it right away.

What is the perfect throw for disc golf?

The perfect throw for this situation would be a straight shot down the middle. But how do you throw a disc golf driver straight?

Why throw disc golf driver at a short distance?

Additionally, you will throw your disc golf driver at a short distance because your shot will come out of your hands slower when you tense up. The rule of thumb should be that you throw the disc not harder, but faster.

What to do when trying to throw a disc golf driver?

Don’t Sweat the Technique. One of the worst things you can do when trying to throw a disc golf driver is to tense up. Being as relaxed as possible will allow you to throw further and with better direction. If you can’t relax yourself, there really could be some hurtful repercussions like injuries, strains, and pulls.

How fast can a disc golf driver run?

Think of it scientifically. It is said that an average human can run between 10 to 15 miles per hour.

How fast can you throw disc golf?

You do not run straight forward when throwing a disc golf driver. The x-step technique makes each thrower reach only up to 7 or 8 miles per hour. You have to plant your leg to throw, pivot, and turn your body when releasing the disc anyway. In the end, only 2 to 3 miles per hour is gained from your running throw anyways. That is not a big enough gain to say it will help your distance and accuracy together. It will honestly only cause more trouble in the end.

What speed discs make you enemies?

Look for discs with a speed between 6-7, and a stability between -1 to -3. Maxing out at a speed of 10 for your disc will not make you friends, but rather mortal enemies.

How to get a disc to come loose?

Finding the right grip, not too hard or soft, can be touchy; however, it is doable. Use a friend for assistance, and ask them to pull at your disc, while you are gripping it. If your friend really pulls at it, the disc should come loose, but it should not be easy to take away either.

How to get better shots on a disc?

This may all seem counter-intuitive, but you will reap the benefits in no time at all. You will set off better shots that are straight as an arrow.

Stability 101

Whether you’re a professional with years of experience in the disc game or you are just starting out, knowing how you can improve the stability of your disc will drastically improve your disc golf game.

MOLD

The three types of disc molds are overstable, neutral, and understable. But which one is ultimately best? Well, that really depends on what you’re looking for.

TYPE OF PLASTIC

Growing up, you’ve probably had a disc made from the worse plastic imaginable. When you threw it, it may have flipped over in the wind, flown completely off course, or simply made a good outdoor plate. When it comes to disc golf, the goal is to research the types of plastic, as each one will fly differently

WEIGHT OF DISC

Heavier discs may provide more stability, while lighter plastic will allow your disc to fly further. Some plastics, though lightweight, greater durability than heavier versions, so always do your research before settling on one disc.

NOSE ANGLE AND FORM

Nose up, nose down, or somewhere in between, each way that you hold your disc has a significant impact on how your disc will fly. There are three types of hyzer and nose angles: hyzer, flat, and anhyzer, and nose up, flat, and nose down.

ARM SPEED

You may have noticed that the pros, even with an unstable disc, tend to have a lot of stability, which has almost everything to do with speed. The faster you can rip your arm through a decent throw, the more stable it will be.

DISC CONDITION

You may think that the best type of disc is a new one, but there are pros with years-old discs that would disagree with you. The way your disc is dinged from years of use will ultimately help it fly better. So, enjoy the dings. You may find that your favourite disc becomes the one with the most damage.

What arm do you use to throw discs in disc golf?

New disc golfers usually throw a disc using their shoulder almost exclusively. But it is the rapid (!) extension of the elbow which provides the majority of distance in a backhand throw. Today, Vortica examines the elbow and the arm, how best to use them, and expands on a new concept in the Disc Golf lexicon; the Plane Of Play.

How to apply power to a disc?

If a player pulls the disc through with their elbow low, then the only way they can possibly apply power to the disc is obliquely through the shoulder joint, because extending the elbow further will result in the disc smashing into the ground, just in front on the thrower. (Stand up and try it yourself.)

How to put disc on pop?

In order for the hand and wrist to put the disc on the POP, the hand must be deflected to the normal limit of both supination *and* ulnar deviation. This is a strange feeling for most people, as no normal daily activity requires shaking someone’s hand while twisting it strongly clockwise so your palm is face up. It is even more alien to do this when your elbow is high.

How does the elbow work on a disc?

Only once the disc hits the Power Pocket, does the shoulder begin to open with tremendous force. This drives the elbow back behind the LOP and keeps the disc on the LOP by use of superb timing of the elbow extension and shoulder smash.

What happens when you close your shoulder on an MLP?

On an MLP, any time you drop your elbow or fail to keep your hand on the far side of the disc, or if you close your shoulder below 90 degrees to your chest or position your torso or feet incorrectly, the disc binds up on the rail, yanks it one way or another, and starts trying to deviate from the nose and hyzer angle you set at the beginning of the pull.

What happens when elbow is dropped during pull?

If the elbow is dropped during the pull, then something has to give biomechanically, and what gives is either the Line OR the nose angle and hyzer angle . They change as the disc moves away from the intended line.

Why is it not so easy to create a plane of play?

It is not so easy to create a true Plane Of Play because the joints in our arms are not pure hinges. Thus, it is up to us to align them correctly.

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Reason #2 – You’Re Using The Wrong Type of Plastic

  • When I purchased my first Dart I was having great results. Exactly what I needed in my bag on tight tunnel holes. However, after a few months of heavy use I noticed the disc wasn’t flying like it once did. What had changed? I began to question my technique, disc selection, and everything el…
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Reason #3 – You’Re Using The Wrong Disc Grip

  • There are so many different ways you can grip a golf disc. I don’t believe there is just one type of grip that everyone should use. It is a personal preference. Your hand is unique from mine and mine from yours. However, if we were to both pick up two separate Innova Mako3’s, the discs would have relatively the same dimensions. That’s why I can’t tell you which grip is going to wor…
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Reason #4 – You’Re Using The Wrong Release Angle

  • If you’re using any of the three discs I recommend above, then you’re going to want to release the disc flat out of your hand. This is easier said than done. It takes an incredible amount of muscle memory to release a golf disc consistently. When starting out, it was very common for me to think I was releasing my discs at the correct angle. However, I was usually wrong. My natural tendenc…
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Reason #5 – You’Re Rounding

  • Rounding refers to when you swing your arm out away from your body to throw, making a rounded motion with the disc. A golf disc should be thrown by reaching back with the disc and pulling it through close to your body. Essentially, the disc should travel in a straight line. This action is commonly likened to starting a lawn mower or generator. When you go to pull the cord to start …
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Reason #6 – You’Re Throwing The Disc Too Soft/Hard

  • All discs are given a speed rating, which is the first number displayed in the ratings box on a disc. This number will be anything from 1 to 14. 1 being the slowest and 14 being the fastest. The speed rating is simply an indicator for how hard a disc is intended to be thrown to achieve the desired flight path. Take the Mako3 disc we’ve discussed above. It has a speed rating of 5 and i…
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Reason #7 – You’Re Not Accounting For The Wind

  • Throwing a golf disc straight down a narrow tunnel is difficult enough. Adding wind to the equation certainly doesn’t help. Even the most calm wind can send your disc down the wrong path. Instead of viewing it as unfavorable, you can harness the wind to your advantage if you play it just right. Let’s establish the basics and then discuss how each affect the flight of your disc. I’l…
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Reason #8 – You Never Practice It

  • Due to the difficulty associated with straight tunnel shots in disc golf, courses do not commonly add too many of them. There are some courses that do. Its just not that common to see more than a few on any given course. Most of the holes you’ll play will likely be designed for a hyzer throw (right to left curve). Personally, I’ve found this to be detrimental to my game because I don…
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Reason #9 – You Have The Wrong Mindset

  • If you have a line to the basket that is narrow, you have to commit. Fully. There should be no doubt in your mind that you will hit the gap toward the target. You’ve gone through everything on this list and perfected your game. You’ve practiced and practiced. Now is the time to perform. Pick up your disc and just do it with unwavering commitment to the shot. If you execute your throw with …
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