The Rules of the Game - THE LIE

Continuing on with the Rules of Play...

803.01 OBSTACLES AND RELIEF

Last updated: Thursday, July 18, 2013 - 18:19.

A. Obstacles to a Stance or Throwing Motion: With the exception of casual obstacles to a stance as described below, a player is not allowed to move any obstacle on the course. No relief is granted from park equipment (such as signs, trash cans, or picnic tables), which is considered to be part of the course. A player is allowed to request that other people remove themselves and/or their belongings from the player's stance or line of play.

B. Casual Obstacles to a Stance: A player may obtain relief only from the following obstacles that are on or behind the lie: casual water, loose leaves or debris, broken branches no longer connected to a tree, motor vehicles, harmful insects or animals, players' equipment, people, or any item or area specifically designated by the Director before the round. To obtain relief, the player must remove the obstacle if it is practical to do so. If it is impractical to move the obstacle, the player's lie may be relocated to the nearest lie which is no closer to the target, is on the line of play, and is not more than five meters from the original lie (unless greater casual relief is announced by the Director).

C. Course equipment may always be restored to its proper working order, including the clearing of obstacles.

D. A player shall receive one penalty throw, without a warning, for violation of an obstacle or relief rule.

E. A player who purposely damages any part of the course shall receive two penalty throws, without a warning. The player may also be disqualified from the tournament, in accordance with Section 3.3 of the Competition Manual.

803.02 OPTIONAL RELIEF AND OPTIONAL RE-THROW

A. Optional Relief. A player may elect at any time to take optional relief. The lie may then be relocated to a new lie which is no closer to the target, and is on the line of play. One penalty throw shall be added to the player's score.

B. Optional Re-throw. A player may elect at any time to re-throw from the previous lie. The original throw plus one penalty throw shall be counted in the player's score.

803.03 MISPLAY

Last updated: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 - 12:03.

A. It is the responsibility of the player to play the course correctly. Before play begins, players shall attend the players' meeting and learn about any special conditions that may exist on the course, including extra holes, alternate teeing areas, alternate hole placements, out-of-bounds areas, mandatories, and drop zones.

B. A misplay has occurred if the player has failed to complete every hole on the course correctly and in the proper order, or has played from an incorrect lie for any throw.

C. In instances where the misplay rules affect players within a group differently, the group shall remain together while a hole is being completed by some of the group in order to verify scoring and rules compliance.

D. In instances where a misplay is discovered after the player has turned in the scorecard, the misplay shall not be replayed and the player shall receive a two-throw penalty for the misplay.

E. A misplay is not a stance violation, nor is it a practice throw.

F. A player who deliberately misplays the course to gain competitive advantage shall be penalized in accordance with Section 3.3 of the Competition Manual.

G. Types of misplay:

1. Incorrect Lie. The player has:
A. Teed off from a teeing area that is not the correct teeing area for the current hole; or,
B. Thrown from a lie established by a disc other than the thrown disc; or,
C. Played an out-of-bounds disc as if it were in-bounds; or,
D. Thrown from a lie established by a previous throw which passed a mandatory on the wrong side.
If no subsequent throws have been made after the misplayed throw, the player shall continue play from the correct lie and be assessed a one-throw penalty for the misplay. If an additional throw or throws have been made after the misplayed throw, the player shall complete the hole being played and be assessed a two-throw penalty for the misplay.
2. Wrong Target. The player has holed out on a target that is not the target for the hole being played. If no subsequent throw has been made, play continues from the resulting lie. If the target is a basket target, the disc is above the playing surface, and play proceeds according to 802.02.C. If the player has teed off on the next hole, a two-throw penalty shall be added to the score for the misplayed hole.
3. Failure To Hole Out. The player has teed off on a hole without having holed out on the previous hole. The score for the misplayed hole shall be the number of throws made, plus one for holing out, plus two penalty throws for the misplay. The player must not actually hole out on the previous hole. Intentionally failing to hole out constitutes withdrawal from competition.
4. Non-Sequential Play. The player has completed play on a hole in the wrong order. The player shall proceed to play the course in its proper order. Regardless of the number of holes skipped or played in the wrong order during the round, a total of two penalty throws shall be added to the player's total score for the misplay. The score earned from any completed hole shall stand, and any completed hole shall not be replayed.
5. Missed Hole Due To Late Arrival. The player has failed to play a hole due to late arrival. The player receives a score of par plus four for the hole. See Section 1.5 B of the Competition Manual.
6. Omitted Hole. The round has been completed, and the player has neglected to play a hole. The hole is scored the same as a hole missed due to late arrival. 7. Incorrect Hole. The player has completed play on a hole that is not part of the course for that round, in place of a hole that is part of the course for the round. The hole shall stand as played, and two penalty throws shall be added to the player's total score.
8. Extra Hole. The player has completed play on a hole that is not part of the course for that round. Two penalty throws shall be added to the player's total score. Throws made on the extra hole are not counted.

The Rules of the Game - BASIC RULES OF PLAY

This and several posts from here on out are going to cover the Rules of Play as found at the Professional Disc Golf Association's website. I consider this an exercise for myself in acquiring a better understanding of the rules. Skipping the first few sections, I'll just go to the Basic Rules of Play. To folks who have played the game awhile, parts of these posts can be glossed over as you're probably well aware of the rules just through sheer play. But, and I'm likely to fall into this category, there will be rules I've not been following or following incorrectly.

802.01 TEEING OFF

Last updated: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 - 11:24.

A. Play begins on each hole with the player throwing from within the teeing area. When the disc is released, the player must have at least one supporting point in contact with the surface of the teeing area, and all supporting points must be in contact only with the surface of the teeing area. Supporting point contact outside the teeing area is allowed if it comes before or after, and not at, the moment the disc is released.

B. Any supporting point contact outside the teeing area at the time of release constitutes a stance violation and shall be handled in accordance with sections 802.04 E and F.

802.02 ESTABLISHING POSITION

Last updated: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 - 11:13.

A. The thrown disc establishes a position where it first comes to rest.

B. A disc is considered to be at rest once it is no longer moving as a result of the momentum imparted by the throw. A disc in water or foliage is considered to be at rest once it is moving only as a result of movement of the water, the foliage, or the wind.

C. If the disc first comes to rest above or below the playing surface, its position is on the playing surface directly below or above the disc.

D. If the thrown disc breaks into pieces, the largest piece is deemed to be the thrown disc.

E. If the thrown disc has moved after it first came to rest on the in-bounds playing surface, it shall be replaced to its approximate position. If it first came to rest elsewhere, the disc need not be replaced, and any determinations are made relative to where it first came to rest.

802.03 MARKING THE LIE

Last updated: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 - 11:19.

A. The position of a thrown disc on the in-bounds playing surface marks its lie.

B. Alternatively, a mini marker disc may be used to mark the lie by placing it on the playing surface, touching the front of the thrown disc on the line of play.

C. A player is required to mark the lie with a mini marker disc in the following situations:

1. Marking an approximate lie;
2. Marking a disc above or below the playing surface (see 802.02.C);
3. Relocating the lie within one meter of an out-of-bounds area (see 802.03.D);
4. Taking relief (see 803.01).

D. If the position of the thrown disc is in-bounds but within one meter of an out-of-bounds line, the lie may be marked by placing a mini marker disc on the playing surface at any point on a one-meter line that extends perpendicularly from the nearest point on the out-of-bounds line and passes through the center of the thrown disc, even if the direction takes the lie closer to the target. For the purpose of marking the lie, the out-of-bounds line represents a vertical plane.

E. If a large solid obstacle prevents the player from taking a legal stance behind the marker disc, the player may instead mark the lie by placing a mini marker disc on the playing surface immediately behind that obstacle on the line of play.

F. A marker disc that is moved prior to the ensuing throw shall be replaced to its original position to mark the approximate lie.

G. A player shall receive a warning for the first violation of a marking rule. One penalty throw shall be assessed for each subsequent violation of any marking rule during the round.

802.04 THROWING FROM A STANCE

Last updated: Saturday, December 29, 2012 - 07:24.

A. A player must choose the stance that will result in the least movement of any part of any obstacle that is a permanent or integral part of the course. Once a legal stance is taken, the player may not move an obstacle in any way in order to make room for a throwing motion. It is legal for a player's throwing motion to cause incidental movement of an obstacle.

B. When the disc is released, a player must:

1. Have at least one supporting point that is in contact with the lie; and,
2. Have no supporting point in contact with the marker disc or any object (including the playing surface) closer to the target than the rear edge of the marker disc; and,
3.Have all supporting points in-bounds.

C. Supporting point contact with or beyond the marker disc is permitted after the disc is released, except when putting.

D. Putting: Any throw from within 10 meters of the target, as measured from the rear of the marker disc to the base of the target, is a putt. Supporting point contact closer to the target than the rear edge of the marker disc after the disc has been released is a stance violation. The player must demonstrate full control of balance before advancing toward the target.

E. A player shall receive a warning for the first stance violation in the round. Subsequent stance violations in the same round shall incur a one-throw penalty. Stance violations may not be called or seconded by the thrower.

F. Any throw made from an illegal stance is disregarded. A re-throw must be taken from the original lie, prior to subsequent play by others in the group.

802.05 HOLING OUT

Last updated: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 - 11:26.

A. Basket Targets: In order to hole out, the thrower must release the disc and it must come to rest supported by the chains and/or the inner cylinder (bottom and inside wall) of the tray. It may be additionally supported by the pole. A disc that enters the target below the top of the tray or above the bottom of the chain support is not holed out.

B. Object Targets: In order to hole out, the thrower must release the disc and it must strike the marked target area on the object as specified by the Director.

Everything I've posted, I've viewed, attempted to incorporate into my game as much as possible. What I come away with is that this game is much like a pursuit of art. It's lifelong in the attempt to get better. As a musician, graphic designer, and artist, I fidn myself constantly pursuing the next level. The same is true of my journey in disc golf.

I've read one book on golf that was an easy read and a lot of what is talked about in the book is understandable and easily applied. That book is "Golf is Not a Game of Perfect" by Dr. Bob Rotella.

Another book, which intrigues me but I haven't got to yet - life keeps getting in the way and it's just one more on a growing list of books to read; fiddle, mandolin, and fingerstyle guitar tunes to learn; gardening chores to do now that it's spring - is "Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game" by Joseph Parent.

My Zen approach is to, as hard as it is at times, forget the last throw and throw the next all the way through the course. And, though you might find me frustrated and upset with my game, I still enjoy the sport, bein' outdoors, gettin' some exercise, hukkin' plastic with some friends, and tryin' to live by Steady Ed Headrick's motto; "Most Fun Wins!"

Here's a video of Steady Ed Headrick on Johnny Carson from back when Black and White television was still in vogue. A great interview as only Johnny can do!

More...with some interesting little bits of Frisbee lore!

Here's a 1993 interview with Steady Ed Headrick.

and here is the Ripley's Believe It Or Not episode after Steady Ed's passing.

For those of you who would like to read more about Steady Ed Headrick go to this link which is on the Disc Golf Association's (DGA) page.

Going the Distance with David Wiggins

The video by McFlySoHigh Video in this post features David Wiggins the current long distance record holder. David recently gave a clinic at The Rumble. Though the volume on this clip is a bit low, there's a lot of worthwhile information imparted to the viewer. So, enjoy!

Be sure to check out McFlySoHigh Video on YouTube for more of their disc golf video offerings.

5.5 Different Reasons To Practice Putting In Disc Golf

The post: 5.5 different reasons to practice putting in disc golf on Jack Trageser's Rattlin' Chains blog is good reading as are many of his posts. Jack describes this post as not "about what kind of routine yields the best results, or which routine makes it the most fun or interesting. This is all about helping you to understand the many reasons it’s worth the while." That it is.

The five 5.5 different reasons Trageser states in the post are

1. Getting better & scoring better

2. Confidence

2.5 Stress reduction/emotional energy conservation

3. The inverted pyramid effect on shot selection

4. Psychological warfare (but the pacifist kind

5. Muscle memory

The post contains a lot of good thoughts. One that resonated with me is the famous Bobby Jones quote: "Disc golf is a played largely within your own mind as it’s just you against the course and the elements." I strongly believe that and have believed it from the first time I played disc golf.

I believe you'll find some good stuff, too, if you read this Rattlin' Chains post.

Val Jenkins and Nate Doss Practicing for the 2012 Worlds Tourney

This video is another look at two pros, Valerie Jenkins and Nate Doss, as they practice for their upcoming rounds in the 2012 Worlds tournament. A good look at the control and finesse that pros develop and have to have in order to play at the level they play at. Good stuff!

Flight or Number Ratings for Disc Golf Discs

Here's a video Break down of the numbers and their meaning in the "Innova flight ratings" system.

Paige Bjerkaas Interview

Here's a Disc Golf Planet video interview of Women's Pro Paige Bjerkaas the 2010 Junior Women's Champion. An interesting look into a young person's life as a young woman pro disc golfer.

2011 Brent Hambrick Memorial Open Pro Clinic & Paul McBeth's in Town for the Rumble

In this Disc Golf Monthly TV clinic Dave Feldberg, Garret Gurthie, Paul McBeth and Brad Schick demonstrate putting, approaching and driving techniques to help you improve your game in this 30 minute video.

Approximate timecodes for the Pro's demos: Brad Schick - Approach and Roller Shots 4:30; Garrett Gurthie - Distance Driving 9:41; One-on-Ones 23:10.

Enjoy!

Paul McBeth's in town checkin' out the courses for The Rumble tournament this weekend. You might see his car cruisin' or parked near Camden, West Lake or Middle Park. You might want to make it to one of the rounds to watch Paul and the other pros play. It should be a real treat!

Feldberg, Locastro, Hokum, Gurthie Disc Golf Clinic from 2011

The video below, created by Disc Golf Monthly TV, features a Disc Golf Clinic in the Pittsburgh, PA area with Pro players David Feldberg, Nikko Locastro, Sarah Hokum and Garretr Gurthie. It's about a 50 minute video with lots of good advice and videography.

Here are approximate timecodes for the start of each Pro's demo: Nikko Locastro - Putting 4:50; Sarah Hokum - Sidearm 16:25; David Feldberg - Driving 47:40; Barrett Gurthie - Distance Driving 35:05; one-on-one segments - 38:15.

Demonstrations by Nikko Locastro on putting, Sarah Hokom on throwing sidearm, David Feldberg on putting and distance driving, and Garrett Gurthie on Distance Driving along with some select one-on-one bits with the clinic attendees. I found several points for each of the areas presented that I plan on working on to improve my game. I'm sure you'll find something in this video that will help improve your game. Enjoy!

Ask a Pro: 2013 Memorial Championship

I promised a schedule of next week's Quad Cities premier "Matt Schlabach Presents The Rumble" A Tier PDGA Tournament (April 26 & 27, 2014) so y'all would know where and when the pros are playing. All that info is in the image below.

Here's a video featuring questions gathered from women disc golfers to ask the various pro women players competing in the 2013 Memorial Championship tournament. Lot of good questions with with equally good answers!

Paul McBeth and Upshots PLUS Info on The Rumble

Paul McBeth is one of the top rated pros at present and in the video below he presents a practice technique he uses to get to know the discs in his bag with fieldwork throwing Upshots. An upshot to me means any shot taken with a mid-range disc (such as an Innova Roc, Discraft Buzz, or Dynamic Discs Suspect to name a few) from the fairway that gets me into a comfortable putting position around the basket. For me a mid-range shot is about 100 to 200 feet out from the basket. I know many players throw a mid-range and putters 300 feet. That's not me. Yet. Hopefully, some day. Bottom line is everyone's different and to know what you're capable of is important to playing your best.

Before we get to Paul's video you should know Paul will be in town playing The Rumble put on by Iron Lion Disc Golf Supply and presented by Matt Schlabach (a Federal employee and fine disc golfer). The Rumble is an A-Tier PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) tournament occurring on April 26 and 27, 2014. It is possible and free to go out and watch Paul and other top rated pros play this tournament at Camden 2 in Milan, IL, and Middle Park in Bettendorf, IA on Saturday, and West Lake at West Lake Park near Davenport, IA on Sunday. (Exact tee off times are not posted as of this writing but will be soon.) There are other pros signed up to play this year's Rumble and they include; Will Shusterick, Paul Ulibarri, David Wiggins, Jr., Catrina Allen, and Holly Finley.

Here's the video of Paul McBeth and his upshots practice.

Here's another Upshots video by Eric McCabe brought to you by Cool Daddy Slick Breeze.

2010 PDGA Worlds Tourney

This video is of the 2010 PDGA Worlds showing Carla Correa, Melissa Martin and Val Jenkins competing in the first round of this tournament. Little verbal description just a band providing background music and great throws by the ladies in this 5 minute 50 second video! Enjoy!

Valerie Jenkins in Slow Motion

This is a very short video of Valerie Jenkins driving. The video is slowed down and provides some good insight, imho, into her drive technique which is not all that different from a male's technique.

Now For You Ladies...

Here's a video featuring Val Jenkins, a top rated women's pro player and sister of Avery Jenkins a top rated men's player, with her "In The Bag" video produced by Spin TV. Enjoy, ladies!

Ken Climo and "The iron Leaf" Climo Impression

Two short videos below are still about Ken Climo and take a bit of a light hearted look at "The Champ."

The first video is titled Ken Climo Innova. As stated before, Ken is a Team who is sponsored by and plays for Team Innova at tournaments around the world. This video shows even a champ can miss a putt once in a while.

This video features pro player, Gregg Barsby, giving his impression of Ken Climo's "Iron Leaf" hole at a tournament. It's light hearted and, though some may get a little lost if you're a real newbie to the sport, I think you'll be able to see the humor in Gregg's impression. Enjoy!

In The Mind of Ken Climo

The video in this post contains an interview of Ken Climo where the interviewers, MurderMike, pick Ken's brain about aspects of his disc golf play, and "what goes through the mind of a pro regarding pressure, routines, superstitions, etc." It's a twist on the "In The Bag" videos that are available. Enjoy!

Ken Climo - In the Bag

The video in this post has Ken Climo showing what discs he carries in his disc golf bag and what he uses them for. Ken is an Innova team player and, as you'll realize as all his golf discs are Innova golf discs. There are a variety of these "In The Bag" videos available on the internet and you'll see no two players carry exactly the same discs. That's true even if they are sponsored by a certain disc manufacturer. That just shows that different people find different discs that work for them in different situations. It'd be nice if these discs worked the same for you and me as they work for the players in the videos but then life would be perfect and, probably, pretty boring. Enjoy the journey inside "The Champ's" bag!

Ken Climo Slow Motion Videos

A lot of players watch and learn from the videos that are available through the internet. If you've followed the previous three posts you've heard and read what Ken "The Champ" Climo has to say about various aspects of the game. The two videos below are of Ken Climo driving. The first video is totally slowed down while the second video is at normal speed followed by slowed speed.

Climo in Slow Motion at Barnett Park.

Climo Two Step Slow Mo

Ken Climo's Thoughts on the Game of Disc Golf

This post provides links to two websites that are Ken Climo's philosophy, thoughts, instructions, viewpoints, etc. about Disc Golf.

This Ken Climo link has four pages to it chock full of Climo's words. There's a lot of material to be gleaned here.

This Climo link is a more recent, condensed version of the previous link. These should be helpful in one's pursuit of bettering their game.

Ken Climo's Mando Minute

The video in this post is one of Ken Climo's Mando Minute videos. A very short video discussing one item of disc golf. This video has Ken discussing "keeping" the disc "On The Line." A lot of beginning players round the arm or keep the arm away from the body as they drive the disc where they should keep the arm close to body. Hope viewers find it helpful.

Ken "The Champ" Climo and the Power Grip

Ken Climo is the guy a lot of players look up to and to because of his excellence as a player. Good reason for this as he's a 13 time World Champ! More than anyone else in the game. The next few posts will feature articles and/or videos about "The Champ."

The video below comes from a workshop on the Power Grip videotaped by and for TheUltimateDiscGolfShow.com. There's good video capture of the hand and finger placement coupled with Climo's clear explanation of how to place the disc in the hand, how to place the fingers, the muscles and tendons used, etc.

More Driving Distance - Hip Shift

A brief little clip by David Feldberg on Fly Feldberg website addresses a problem I've noticed in my driving a disc golf disc. That problem is I've been off balance at the completion of my drive. If my diagnosis is correct then what Dave Feldberg describes in the short video below should help correct the problem. What I need to do is to shift my front hip skyward so my upper body and throwing arm are not out in front of my front leg and foot. This should result in a longer drive. Now to get some time in the field working on that hipshift.

Watch the video as Feldberg explains it much better.

Buidling The Bag with Avery Jenkins: Drivers

The 6 minute 20 second video below features Avery Jenkins providing insights into selecting good drivers for your disc golf bag. He knows discs, what the numbers mean, and what the discs do. Good advice for beginners and intermediates.

Building The Bag with Avery Jenkins: Putters and Mid-Range Discs

Avery Jenkins provides insights into what discs make up a well built group of putter and mid-range discs for one's bag. This approximately 8 minute video promotes Innova discs as Avery is an Innvoa sponsored player. There are a variety of different companies making disc golf discs these days. New ones appear as well. The one thing about Innova is it's been making discs for the longest time. So, you probably not going to go wrong with any Innova product.

Enjoy!

Fieldwork

If you follow disc golfers, play with some of the pros, read disc golf blogs, etc., you're likely to hear the word "Fieldwork." All fieldwork consists of is throwing your discs on a large piece of ground such as a football or soccer field at a local middle school so one can get to know how their discs fly as well as to practice throwing the discs and improving accuracy.

The video below is of Paul McBeth, the 2014 Memorial Champion and a fine young player, doing field work with midranges. As I understand it, and every player is different to some degree, the goal of field work is to become more familiar with a specific type of disc such as mid-ranges or drivers. Another observation is that the more experienced players have certain discs which are consistently their go-to discs in the mid-range and driver category. Watching McBeth's video you'll see he has a number of Innova Rocs, a couple of gators and a Mako or two. This is a good video that provides an approach to fieldwork that's not difficult to incorporate into one's own practice. Enjoy!

Lost and / or Found Discs

Read an insteresting blog post from the South Palm Beach, FL area I thought I'd pass on to our community casual league players.

The subject matter is lost discs. Folks can lose a disc in several places and several ways. They throw too many and forget how many they've thrown and where they all landed. Or, they can get lost in the weeds, woods or water.

At some point down the road, such discs do become found by other disc golfers or disc golf harvesters, aka: squids, who don a wet suit and face mask and hunt for discs in lakes and such.

The post I read mentioned the fact that these 'squids' after 'harvesting' the discs out of the local water hazards on the course(s) then sell the discs. The harvesting of discs was witnessed by a member of the Palm Beach Disc Golf Club. The club approached the harvesters and "politely asked that the disc harvesting stop immediately."

After several attempts to resolve the situation with no positive result, club members took the issue to the police. The police informed the club that disc golf discs with names and id on them are still considered personal property and are “not abandoned.” The post makes no mention of further action taken by the local police. However, the post's author does note that several of his "own discs with the word “TooNA” " were seen for sale on online auction sites. You can read the whole blog post here.

Since I began disc golf about three or four years ago, I was told to mark my discs with my name, phone number, and PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) member number so if one is lost and later found I would get it back. For the most part that has held true as I have had a few discs lost and returned. Though I did have one disc I lost in one spot, found by someone who called me up but it had already travelled to another local course. After leaving it where I could find it, and before I arrived, someone else made off with it.

Another league player was out on a course where he and his playing partner threw two discs across the creek. They noted the exact location of their discs and sfter completing their round they went to retrieve the discs and they were gone. Both discs were clearly marked. They've never been contacted about them.

I haven't contacted the local police to see if their take on marked discs is the same as the South Florida police or not. That'd be worth a phone call, I'm sure. But for a later time.

One day while helping a fellow player find a favorite disc lost in 5 foot tall grass, the player told us a story of a disc he lost. It was some time later when he received a phone call from an individual who had found his disc. The finder asked how he could get it back to him to which the player told him where he lived and asked where could they meet up. Turns out the caller was from Texas and he found the disc on a Texas course. The player of the lost disc told the caller to just keep the disc as it wasn't really worth the effort to send it back. So, though some might provide a finders fee, or gladly meet up with the finder to get a disc back, sometimes geographical distances prevent easy return. Or, one could say that letting the finder keep the disc was a finder's fee.

It is the right thing to make an attempt to return a found disc if there are owner's info on a found disc. Or, one could take it to a local Disc Golf Supply shop such as we have in Iron Lion here in the Illinois-Iowa Quad Cities. Often times they'll know how to contact the owner. Many players play with their favorite discs because they work especially well for them, so if one should find a disc that is marked, make every effort to return it to its owner. And, if you value your disc, mark with your contact info if you want the best chance at getting it back.

A Disc Buying Guide

It's that time of the year. Winter's almost gone. Spring's soon to come. If you're like me, you can't wait to get out and throw some plastic. Maybe it's time to get some new discs, too.

Lots to consider in making purchases as there is any purchase. There's cost. There's ability level. There's color. There's plastic types. Are you a beginner, intermediate or pro player? Gotta be honest here! I tend to under rate myself but I still feel like a beginner as my drives and scores are still in the beginner range.

Infinite Discs has an excellent beginner's Infinite Discs Buying Guide. It's well worth the time taken to read it as there is a wealth of information that will greatly increase one's understanding of disc golf.

Quad City residents can also visit Iron Lion Disc Golf Supply in Moline as Chase is an experienced pro disc golfer and very knowledgeable on the subject and the products they sell.

I'm not expert enough at the game to be able to advise a person as to what to purchase. There's discs for beginners such as the Innova Leopard which received the most votes in an Infinite Discs poll taken asking what was the best disc for a beginner. The second highest voted disc was Innova Valkyrie with the third highest voted being the Latitude 64 River. You can read more about this poll and other comments on Infinite Discs June 25, 2013 Blog.

Heavy Disc and the Distance Check List

Heavy Disc is a disc golf blog by disc golfer from Colorado.

His Distance Check List post contained a four point checklist to consider when driving the disc from the teepad to the basket. It's a great check list to review and keep in mind until there comes a time when a disc golf drive is as second nature as tying one's shoes!

The four points are:

1) Slow Down - distance isn't accomplished the same with a disc golf disc as it would be with a football throw, "...we're accelerating it and spinning it out of a lever. When you accelerate and spin it - the disc will travel." It's important to slow down on the steps up to the point of release. I've seen Felix, a league player, do this consistently with every drive be it from the fairway or teepad.

2) Tight and Low - "...keeping the disc pulled tight and low to your chest. Coming away from your chest is going to take the snap out of the whip that you're creating with your arm. Bringing the disc up above your upper abdominal muscles almost always leads to trying to strong arm it." The back hand drive in disc golf is pretty unnatural but essential to master. I've got a long ways to go with it.

3) Driving with Your Elbow - This goes hand-in-hand with 2) as you shouldn't be acting like a batter trying to hit the ball out of the park as it puts one's body in a poor position for follow through. And follow through is very important in achieving a good drive! So, if you learn to drive "forward with your elbow" you'll "also keeping your upper body forward during your follow through."

4) Squeezing - In most martial arts, the concept of being totally relaxed until the point of striking with an explosion of force is the goal to shoot for. "Squeezing your grip hard at the end of the release will help to create the spin you want on the disc. Also important to note that you want to keep the nose down."

All these points are explained in greater detail along with a video on improving distance and a video from an overhead angle of disc golfer back hand driving at the Distance Check List post on Heavy Disc blog.

Disc Golf Grips Sum Up

Over the past few weeks I've covered disc golf grips at the request of a reader, co-worker, and player in the Clock Tower Disc Golf League. I hav a PDF of the various grips I screen captured and cropped from various videos. The document is set up so one could print it as a two sided page and the grips should line up behind each other. A person could then trim it, get the individual grips laminated and keep in one's disc bag as a reference. If you're interested in this PDF, send me an email at joe.nobiling@gmail.com and I'll return a copy to you.

There are many variations within the world of grips. Players develop variations on their own or other players share their grips. A player in our area shared his variation on a power grip where instead of four fingers he only has two as he feels it gives him the same distance but better control and accuracy. I've used this grip with a good degree of success.

While doing research for the previous grip posts I came across a list of alternative grips by Dave Dunipace of Innova. This link is found at Dave's Grip Tips.

Disc Golf Roller Shots

The Roller Shot in disc golf is another effective tool for a players toolbox. As the name implies, a Roller Shot causes the disc to roll on the ground as opposed to flying through the air. This can be a good technique for very tight spaces with little or no room because of too many low hanging branches, get-out-of-trouble-shot, etc.

Below is a video from a Louisville Disc Golf Club where they discuss thumb, cut, backhand, sidearm rollers, the angles necessary, and their preferred discs for rollers.

Dave Dunnipace and Wrist Action for Effective Putting

Dave Dunnipace of Innova provides a very good tip on Wrist Action in disc golf putting. It's a very short video lasting only about a minute and a half.

The next video shows Dave Dunipace demonstrating the Snake Strike Putt. He also talks about narrowing the window down for missing. Just another technique for your Disc Golf arsenal. In all the putting videos one thing that is universal is that the player aims for the pole and on the finish or ejection of the disc, the hand should be in a position like it's shaking hands with the pole.

Disc Golf Hyzer and Anhyzer Shots

The Hyzer shot is another shot used to get around objects. A Hyzer happens when the angle of release is where the outside edge or left edge of the disc is tilted downward for a RHBH thrower (the right edge is the outside edge for a left hand back hand thrower - LHBH). This will result in the disc flying from right to left for a RHBH thrower. The grip is the same as a RHBH drive grip. What is important is a player's stance which should be adjusted to the line of flight.

The Anhyzer shot is yet another shot used to get around objects. The Anhyzer happens the angle of release where the outside edge or left edge of the disc is tilted upward for a RHBH thrower (the right edge is the outside edge for a left hand back hand thrower - LHBH). This will result in the disc flying from left to right for a RHBH thrower. Like the Hyzer throw the grip is the same as a RHBH drive grip. As with the Hyzer shot, a player's stance should be adjusted to the line of flight.

This video from the Disc Golf Association shows both the Hyzer and the Anhyzer shots.

The following video features Nikko Locastro, one of the fine younger pro players, addressing both Hyzer and Anhyzer shots with a lot of emphasis on the reachback and walking through not speeding up until the end of your throw when you bring your lower body into play.

Below is the Discraft Anhyzer shot tutorial video.

Dave Feldberg Putting Clinic

The video embedded below is a Putting Clinic by David Feldberg, one of the top disc golf pros. Many thanks to Matt Schlabach for posting the link to this video on Facebook.

Feldberg is very thorough. He understands all the mechanics involved very well. It's about an hour long video. David discusses the Push Putt, the Spin Putt, Straddle Putt, Putt Jump, Jump Putt, what is meant by 'your hit's too slow,' or the Hit, Painting the Pole, in the circle, outside the circle, and more. It's a very worthwhile piece chock full of info on Putting that studied and applied will improve one's game, I'm sure.

Disc Golf Putting Clinic By David Feldberg from Chestnut Plumeria on Vimeo.

Disc Golf Turbo Putt

The Turbo Putt is a get-out-of-trouble-putt. It's an unconventional putt that's a little bit like shooting a basketball up and over an obstacle that's in the way of putting in a conventional manner.

Here's a look at the Turbo Putt grip from an upside down viewpoint.

Here's a look at the Turbo Putt grip from an rightside up viewpoint.

Here's a look at the Turbo Putt grip from an frontside viewpoint.

Following is a Discraft tutorial video on the Turbo Putt with Scott Papa providing very good information on the subject.

No sooner do I say this is a "get-out-of-trouble-putt" then there's a video of a disc golfer performing a dead straight turbo putt for his final hole in a round. Enjoy!!!

Disc Golf Straddle Putt

The Straddle Putt is a different stance than the Putt described in the previous post. It's a good putt that can help to putt when your disc is behind a tree. Scott Papa provides another good overview of the Straddle Putt in the following video

Some Words of Wisdom from David Feldberg

The weather is getting to be more and more like spring around here everyday. Hopefully by the time you're reading this post, a lot of the snow from this winter has melted away and it won't be long before the grass is green and ready to be cut. March can be a muddy month but a good month to start getting revved up for warmer weather and afternoons, evenings, and weekends of disc golf!

This year's winter has been hard for me to get motivated. Probably because the past three winters have been fairer winter than this winter. Nonetheless, my mind is turned towards disc golf as I appear to be hopelessly addicted. One of the things that crossed my mind a lot has been how to train for disc golf.

In a post on Latitude Discs, David Feldberg addresses this issue in his post titled, "Amping up for a new season." He addresses three areas; Technique, Physical Training, and Self Improvement. His post addresses these topics in a sensible manner. For instance in the Technique paragraphs the first thing he says is, "First thing you need to realize with technique is that you can’t fix everything." How often do I try to do just that? Too much, it seems. Part of that "I want all and I want it NOW!" attitude.

In his discussion of Physical Training he again has a common sense approach along with his preferred training program. He doesn't list his training program in detail but mentions the name of it and that it works for him. A goal we should embrace is "becoming a better athlete," Dave says, with "physical training and self discipline." He recommends "any routine that does a full body workout." I've been a member of a couple of local gyms over the past decade or so, and have recently contacted a personal trainer. I've not moved forward on the personal trainer route. Yet. But it's burnin' a hole in my brain. Last time I had a personal trainer they kept referrin' to their computer program and I thought they were referring to their knowledge base. They certainly had a bevy of certificates to back them up as being what they said they were. I guess I just don't trust computerized programs. Though I haven't been very disciplined in the physical training area, I know it's a direction I have to move towards.

It's a worthwhile read that shouldn't take more than ten minutes. Check it out! Here's hopin' your self-discipline is strong, your drives are far and your putts are for birdies or par!

Disc Golf Putting

As in ball golf, putting is where the dough is. As they say, "Drive for the show. Putt for the dough." This and the next two or three posts will focus on putting.

Here's a pic of the forefinger position on the disc edge.

Here's a pic of the fan grip on the underside of the disc.

A putting stance is different than a driving stance in that a player should squarely face the basket and putt from the centerline of the body. This involves Weight Transfer of the body from front leg to rear leg and back to front leg. The three photos below illustrate Weight Transfer.

1) Start of the Putt on the front leg.

2) Transfer of weight to the rear leg.

3) Transfer of the weight back to the front and release of the disc.

When putting be confident. Don't think about missing the basket. Even if you miss the basket. Most likely you'll be right next to the basket for an easy hole out.

Scott Papa puts it all together in the following video.

Disc Golf Overhand Tomahawk Throw

Another overhand shot, known as the Tomahawk, has a little different grip than the thumber and flies differently as well. Like the Thumber, the Tomahawk can be a get out of trouble shot as well as a good shot to get around obstacles. As a Tomahawk throw is released, for a right handed player, the disc will come around to the right and finish left. The opposite will happen for a left handed player.

The grip involves placing the disc between your thumb and index finger with the flight plate facing towards you. Next, place your middle and index fingers along the inside rim of the disc and pinch the disc with your thumb. Your ring and pinky fingers are curled against your palm and do not contact the disc.

Here's a look at the thumb placement on the top of the disc.

Here's a look at the placement of the fingers on the underside of the disc.

The following video shows a modified grip for the Tomahawk. If there's one thing to take away from any video it's this - just as everyone is different making modifications and variations to any grip or throwing technique.

Here's a very short video showing the throw in slow motion. (Wish they'd captured more than one throw.)

You've seen this video in the post about the Thumber. As you might recall, it contains good information about both the Thumber and Tomahawk throws.

Disc Golf Overhand Thumber Throw

A Thumber throw is similar to an overhand baseball throw where "...the thumb pad is hooked on the inside of the rim and the rim is squeezed between the thumb pad and the crook of the index finger. The index knuckle is on the top of the outside rim. Hand position resembles using a disposable lighter." (source http://www.innovadiscs.com/home/disc-golf-faq/glossary-of-terms.html) This throw will typically turn out to left and come back in to the right for a right handed thrower. Left handed throwers would see the opposite - turn out to the right and come back to the left. This and the tomahawk throw (which is covered in the next post) are good for getting out of trouble shots or shots where a player needs to get around obstacles.

Here's a look at the thumb position on the underside of a disc.

Here's a look at the finger position on the top of the disc.

GoHam's Thumber video. A very humble player telling like it is for him throwing a thumber with some good looks at his throws as well as the landings of the disc.

The following Discraft video shows three pros explaining their overhead shot selection plus the science and/or physics behind the throw and what happens with different release angles.

Next post - the Tomahawk throw.

Some Disc Golf Definitions

While researching material for the various posts to this blog, I remembered some of the Clock Tower Disc Golf League's members would ask various questions during the course of play over the last two years. For the benefit of those who still wonder or have questions about various aspects of Disc Golf this post contains some definitions gathered from Innova Discs FAQ Glossary of Terms page found at http://www.innovadiscs.com/home/disc-golf-faq/glossary-of-terms.html.

A couple of terms that show up in some of the previous posts as defined on the Innova Glossary of Terms page include shots such as Hyzer which is defined as "...an angle of release where the outside edge or left edge of the disc is tilted downward for a RHBH thrower."

RHBH is "Right Hand Backhand Throw - All INNOVA flight descriptions are based on players throwing right-handed with a back hand style."

Anhyzer is defined as "...an angle of release where the outside edge or left edge of the disc is tilted upward for a RHBH thrower."

Disc types include: Stable - "The tendency of a disc to remain straight through most of the flight."

Understable or Turnover - "The tendency of a disc to turn to the right during the high speed portion of the flight for a RHBH thrower."

Overstable - "The tendency of a disc to turn to the left at high or low speeds for a RHBH thrower."

A question about the numbers printed on Innova discs come up, too. These numbers refer to a disc flight characteristics or ratings and "...are broken into four main categories: Speed, Glide, Turn, & Fade. These characteristics can be used to rate various aspects of each disc's flight. Each disc has a distinct "personality"; the flight path that makes that disc unique. Flight Ratings can be used to compare our discs. Flight Ratings are based on a backhand throw. ... To learn more about what each of these characteristics mean, refer to" http://www.innovadiscs.com/home/disc-golf-faq/flight-ratings-system.html.

The Innova FAQ page also contains overview information on Disc and Plastic types.

Next Post back to grips...

Disc Golf Live Episode 43: Part 2 - Throwing Tips

This video is Part 2 of Episode 43 on Throwing Tips. It has some insight on the forehand throw provided by Mark Ellis starting off the video. At approximately the 14:05 timecode, David Feldberg discusses the importance and difference of the power grip versus the fan grip.

Here are some stills from the video of the modified Fan Grip and the Driver Grip.

Fan Grip

More fingers on the plate to provide control.

Pinkie is stacked.

Driver Grip

Two fingers in the middle with fingertips tucked against the inside of the rim and the other two with the fingerpads tucked flat on the rim.

Disc Golf Live Episode 3: Part 1 - Throwing Tips

This Disc Golf Live episode on throwing tips provides insights by several pro players. One is Chris Sprague of the Quad Cities.

Chris' segment starts at approximately the 17 minute timecode on the video. He provides some tips on beginner tips on keeping the swing plane and what flight angles/planes provide. Chris lives in the Quad Cities. Besides being an active pro disc golfer he also provides instruction in the sport. Chris' contact information can be acquired from Iron Lion Disc Golf Supply in Moline, IL

Phone (309) 757-7685

Email: store@ironliondgs.com

Website: http://www.ironliondgs.com

Here is a series of comparative stills showing three angles (hyzer, turnover and roller) from the video.

Here's the video

Back Hand Disc Golf Drive Grips - Avery Jenkins

My apologies for this post being a day late. Sometimes life gets in the way.

Back Hand Drive Disc Golf grips are an important technique to develop as a disc golfer. Below are a look at Avery Jenkins' recommendation for the backhand grip. First up is a look at the thumb position on the top of the disc.

Next is a look at the fingers on the underside of the disc and what is sometimes referred to as the Berkley Power Grip for teepad and fairway distance driving.

The next pic is of the Fan grip which is used for midrange, approach or putting shots.

Here's the video where the pictures from above originated with Avery Jenkins explaining the grips.

Next video is Avery Jenkins again but this is a more recent video from the Discmania Deep In The Game Series. This video is very thorough as it goes into much more detail about the back hand drive.

Three Key Tips for the Backhand Drive

1) Control the angle of the disc

2) Body Alignment

3) Timing

The Importance of Grip

The video in this post has Dave Dunipace (of Innova) expounding upon The Importance of Grip irregardless of whether the throw is backhand or forehand. Thought it was worthwhile and should be included before getting into the Backhand, Putting, and Overhand grips which will follow in future posts.

Key Points to remember:

1) Thumb pressure controls power.

2) Thumb pad is the center of the pivot.

3) Thumb pressure controls timing.

4) The thumb pad is the virtual center of the disc's mass.

5) The thumb provides an aiming mechanism.

Sidearm or Forehand Drives #2

Below are two other instructional videos to follow the previous post on Sidearm (Forehand) Grips that are pertinent to the Sidearm/Forehand drive.

The first is from Discraft and Mark Ellis and shows four different players throwing sidearm. This is valuable as a person needs to realize, just as in all of our lives, there are variations and adaptation is necessary to make something work for an individual. So, to start it off, immediately below is Mark Ellis' 11 minute video...

The second is from Dave Dunipace, Innova CEO (I believe), with valuable information with respect to the Forehand or Sidearm throw.

Sidearm Grips and Throws

Cory Haberman contacted me about providing more specifics on grips. What he'd like to see is a set of grip pics in a PDF that can be printed out and laminated for one to carry in a disc golf bag to help keep the grips straight while out on the course. At the completion of a series of posts on grips, I will attempt to make his request a reality.

Today's post will be the first in a series about grips with this post featuring screen shots and key points from the Avery Jenkins Deep in the Game Episode 3 instructional video on Sidearm Throws.

“Split Grip is great for Putter and Midrange shots. Real technical little approaches to the green.”

“Split Grip is great for Putter and Midrange shots. Real technical little approaches to the green.”

“The Stack Grip on the other hand is a grip that’s widely used by Sidearm throwers. Good power. Good control.”

“…the power grip…With good control and much more power it actually increases your spin and generates a lot more power as you’re trying to drive the disc.”

“Thumb on top. I try to place it where the flight plate meets the rim. Nice dense spot. Good thumb pressure. Two fingers on the front edge actually keep the disc in your hand and keep a nice firm grip. These drop out of the way when you’re ready to release the shot.”

“The sidearm is a very touchy shot and you need extremely good timing as you’re coming through. The backhand you can get away with a lot of timing. The sidearm, super touchy, really concentrate on the hit point. Really concentrate on the middle finger…Most critical part of the sidearm throw is the follow through.”

“…commit to that line, commit to that angle, and commit to keeping your palm to the sky as you follow through and extend.”

“The Sidearm is a complex shot.

Common mistakes include:

1) Rolling the wrist

2) “Nose up”

3) Not tucking the elbow”

“Learn to throw shorter shots when trying to learn the sidearm…little short approach shots with your putter or midrange…until you get the mechanics down…”

Below is the entire Episode 3 video.

Lamar Maughan's Putting Tutorial

Yeah, buddy!

Lamar Maughan's Signature Series Disc Golf Bag

Ya gotta love this guy!

Disc Golf Comedian Lamar Maughan

Just for fun. Video by Lamar Maughan instructs (tongue in cheek) how to throw a roller.

Speaking of Rollers...

...here's an instructional video on all types of rollers! Never realized there could be so many different types of rollers!!!

A 500 foot Roller Drive by Paul McBeth

Well, here's a great roller shot by Paul McBeth in the 36 second video below I saw on Heavy Disc's blog! Enjoy!!!

Paul McBeth's Off Season Approach

Paul McBeth is one of the current (2013) champions of disc golf. This video is a b-roll interview where Paul responds to questions about how he trains in the off season, what he hopes to see in disc golf's future, signature discs, and more.

Disc Golf Guy's Video Blog - What to Expect During a Tournament

Today's post features a video by Disc Golf Guy out of Wisconsin. The subject is What to Expect During a Tournament. Good intro to tournaments are about.

Disc Golf Guy Video - The PDGA

This post is video by Disc Golf Guy talks about rules and non-rules of the Professional Disc Golf Asssociation (PDGA) while playing in a tournament. Some good advice is shared that is important not just to PDGA sanctioned tournament play but also in casual rounds to develop good habits in preparation for tournament play and learning the game no matter your level of play.

Winter Discing with Ribbons

Okay. It's cold and snow is on the ground. Ya still gotta get out and throw! Here's a blog by Killer B Disc Golf with tips on tying ribbons on your discs so you can find them easier if your drivers and mid-ranges dive into the snow!

Now bundle up and go throw in the SNOW!!!

Dynamic Discs' Suspect Review

Here's a review of Dynamic Discs' Suspect disc that might be of special interest to those members of the Clock Tower Disc Golf League who purchased a CFC Fundraiser custom stamped Suspect in November of 2013. This is a flat top overstable mid-range disc. You can read the All Things Disc Golf review of the Suspect at this website.

Here's a pic of the full color CFC Fundraiser disc image we had Dynamic Discs print using their DyeMax full color process on 24 white Suspects. It turned out very sweetly and we sold all 24 discs raising approximately $336 for the Illowa CFC General Campaign Fund. Thanks to all who purchased a disc and may it be a good flyer for you!!!

Disc Golf Monkeys Disc Dyeing Videos

This post contains three videos produced by DiscGolfMonkeys on dyeing disc golf discs.

A lot of useful, well presented information and instruction using various pieces of low cost software in these videos.

In the next video, an extended version of video #3, DiscGolfMonkeys claim Rit Dye doesn't work anymore. They're using powdered Rit Dye and I've been told that the liquid Rit Dyes work well. I trust my source on this matter. So, view on if you'd like to see the more detailed, extended video #3.

Cheap DIY Golf Disc Design Video

This video shows a cheap DIY golf disc dyeing process using electrical tape.

Spin Dyeing a Disc Golf Disc

There isn't much instruction in this but it is easy enough to figure out. This spin dyeing technique is accomplished by attaching a disc to a variable speed fan to slow it down or speed it up as desired. This will cause the dye to spread slower or faster as you decrease or increase the fan speed.

Disc Dyeing - Shaving Cream Marbling

Another way to create a one-of-a-kind disc golf disc using shaving cream to create a marbling effect and chase away the winter no-disc-golf-blues!

Disc Dyeing Tutorial #1

Got the winter time blahs cuz it's too cold or too much snow to get out and throw?

Here's a good tutorial on easy stencil dyeing a disc.

A good way to spend times indoors preparing a special one-of-a-kind disc to throw when the season starts! Premium plastics - Star, ESP - work the best for dyeing.

Scoreband

Just saw this and thought I'd pass it on. It may be one of those "just in time Christmas presents" for yourself.

Scoreband is a wrist worn scorekeeper for Golf, All Sports, and Tennis. It's available at Wal-Mart for $20 as well as several other locations indicated on their website.

Below is a youtube promo video.

A Beginner's Guide to Disc Golf

Perhaps it would have been best to start this blog with this video. However, I figured at the very least the players in the Clock Tower Disc Golf League already have a basic understanding and, may have a more than basic understanding of the game. Nonetheless, there's always something to be learned even when one steps back to earlier stages. And this video clearly illustrates the nature of disc golf disc's flight tendencies both in the narration and the video footage. So, here's a video on How Discs Fly - A Begineers Guide.

Avery Jenkins on the Backhand Throw

Thought I'd stick with one more video by Avery Jenkins. This one is on the Backhand Throw.

One More Sidearm Post

Here's one more video on sidearm throwing by Avery Jenkins. His windup reminds me a bit of a softball pitcher's windup. Just goes to show everyone has a bit different approach but with similar results.

Mark Ellis of Discraft - Sidearm Throwing

Here's Mark Ellis' of Discraft Sidearm Throwing techniques video.

Dave Dunipace of Innova - Tips On Driving Sidearm

Dave Dunipace lays out his take on Driving Sidearm.

Dave Feldberg DG Tip on Hip Position During the Throw

In this video tip Dave Feldberg seems to be describing the problem I've been experiencing as of late. Feels like I'm falling over or losing my balance at the end of my throw off the teepad. Been watching the Will Shusterick video on driving but he doesn't explain the hip facet like Feldberg does. A different perspective that I hope will be very beneficial for me.

Dave Feldberg 2013 Video Tip #1 from Fenton Creative Video on Vimeo.

Mark Ellis' Putting Confidence Program

Mark Ellis, of Discraft, created a "Confidence in Putting" program where he states you should use whatever putt feels right and works for you. As with a lot of things in life, it will take a person time to find out what is best. Take a look at the video below for a complete insight into Mark's program. Practice does help to make perfect. This program has at its root building confidence by practicing 30 minutes a day for 30 days. But there is more in Mark's words.

Here's a recent account of HeavyDisc's experience with and validation of Mark's 30 day program. Enjoy!

Dave Dunipace's Putting Approach

Dave Dunipace, of Innova, presents his approach to putting with an emphasis on wrist action. He's been around for a number of years in disc golf. Probably in the PDGA Legend status age wise (my guess). Watching this video is definitely worthwhile as he does walk the walk and talk the talk! With EASE!!!

Putting Demo by Will Shusterick

Drive for the show and putt for the dough is what they say.

Here's a putting demo by Will Shusterick where he demos his putting and talks about his approach to putting

Two Disc Golf Driving Videos - Beato & Shusterick

I've always enjoyed viewing this video by Dan Beato on Disc Golf driving. Not sure it's the best on the subject but it did resonate with me when I found it about two years ago.

This past summer this Driving Instruction video by touring pro Will Schusterick was released. Well, maybe it was last year, I'm not really sure but I found it this past summer. Will's video shows his whole system understanding of driving. Definitely a video to spend time studying.

Accuracy Drill

I'm skipping around a lot in these posts and if anyone following this blog finds that a bit crazy, welcome to my world!!! It's really not that I'm crazy but more that I have a lot of areas I'm trying to improve in this game I've recently taken up only a bit over two years ago.

The video below is an accuracy drill that needs to be viewed several times as there's not much talking but mostly just throwing a midrange or putter both backhand and forehand to improve one's accuracy on upshots to the basket.

Towel Snap Drills

Towel Snap Drills are used to improve the "snap" of the wrist for disc golfers on their drive. Below are several videos on the subject.

Here's Dave Feldberg, another disc golf instructor and touring pro, with a Towel Snap Drill.

Beginner Disc Golf Disc Selection

The video from thediscgolfvids below is titled "Beginner Disc Selection Advice" which contains some worthwhile advice for the beginner. There's also a lot of discussion of how various discs such as high speed drivers, fairway drivers, midranges, and putters fly. There's a lot of info shared in this 13 minute video. Well worth soaking up as much of it as possible.

This video comes from the Disc Golf Association and features Merle Witvoet. Merle has been playing for a number of years, is a disc golf instructor at the University of California, Monterey Bay, and has some good advice on driving as well as some basic beginner disc advice.

Smartphone Disc Golf Scorecard Apps

I don't own a smart phone. Just not ready to pay for the data fees. But, being a disc golfer, I've seen other or heard about different smartphone apps that provide digital scorecards for a round. There are quite a few of them. Below are links I gathered for a customer who was unaware of their existence.

iPhone has an app that's approved by the PDGA https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disc-golf-pdga/id449511724.

This article reviews five apps, one of which is DG Caddy that lets a player record a history of their shots http://www.discgolfstation.com/5-Disc-Golf-App-Reviews_b_72.html.

Here's a link for Disc Golf ScoreCard which indicates it's free and is for both iPhone and Android 4.1 http://www.discgolfsc.com/.

Here's appszoom's reviewed list of about 50 Disc Golf Android Apps http://www.appszoom.com/android_applications/disc+golf.

Driving like the Pros

Here's a video from the 2013 European Open showing four of the top pros driving. It came from http://heavydisc.blogspot.com/2013/11/improving-back-hand-distance.html, a blog I read from http://talkdiscgolf.com/

The video shows four players - Shusterick, McBeth, Feldberg and Kolig - in four separate frames driving from the same tee. And myself, like the blog writer for HeavyDisc, don't plan on becoming a pro, the consistency shown in this video is great to see as well as these guys are smooth! Enjoy!!!

2013 Quad Cities Discraft Ace Race

The 2013 Quad Cities Discraft Ace Race took place on Saturday September 14 at Middle Park in Bettendorf, IA. Approximately 65 participants attended and threw the latest Discraft Ace Race disc. The winner was Nick Mazzarollo who had 4 aces. Other contests at the event included a putting contest and longest drive contest. A good time was had by all in attendance.

Discing In the Wind

Last week we had some hellacious winds cruisin' through our area and, as is the case when I have time, I was out hukkin' plastic! It's a challenge as well as fun to see the discs get pushed around by that invisible force of Mother Nature!

Here's a link titled "Mastering The Wind," that holds some worthwhile advice on the subject... http://www.discraft.com/res_wind06_p1.html

1970s World Frisbee Disc Golf Championship Video

This clip from the 70s is a great clip that shows a newbie like me what it was like to play the game back then. Enjoy!

Dave Feldberg Clinic - "Technique is only half the battle"

I always enjoy watching videos of Dave Feldberg's clinics. Here's one from this past October in Alabama taped and posted by BHS Disc Golf titled "Technique is only half the battle."