Disc Golf 101 – A Beginner’s Guide to the Game
You will want to practice your throw a lot until it feels fluid. This is one of the most important elements to playing disc golf well.
Keeping track of your own disc is also an important aspect of etiquette. It can be frustrating when you accidentally step over a putt and lose your disc in the grass or a bush.
Discs
Disc golf is basically golf without the clubs and balls, replacing them with specialized frisbees. This sport offers players of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to enjoy a game that promotes upper and lower body conditioning, aerobic exercise and mental stimulation. It is also an inexpensive recreational activity that can be played virtually anywhere.
Unlike traditional golf, in disc golf the player throws a disc using a full range of motion, including an extended backward swing and a quick forward acceleration through the target. This throwing technique produces positive results in the form of distance, control and accuracy. During the throwing process, the disc is held high by the hand with the palm facing upward for maximum grip strength and stability. It is important to practice this technique in order to be able to release the disc as quickly and accurately as possible.
The first type of disc that a beginner will need is a putter. This is a special disc that allows the player to make putts with the least amount of power. Putter discs come in a wide variety of designs, from basic to extremely fancy, so finding the best one for a beginner will depend on personal preference.
Once a beginner has acquired some experience and arm speed they can move on to a mid or fairway disc. These are typically a little more difficult to throw than putters and require more precision. These discs are typically designed to be used for a number of different shots, from straight drives to fades or hyzers. Depending on the design, mids and fairways will also have a variety of stabilities to choose from.
Stability is a term that is used to describe how much the disc will turn during flight. Generally speaking, a disc with a higher number of stable will have more turning ability, while a disc with a low number of stable is more likely to remain straight. When a new player is choosing a disc they should try to go for a disc that is understable as this will be easier to throw straight than a stable disc.
Rules
Disc Golf has a full and very thorough set of formal rules that are followed during tournament play. These rules are more about ensuring the safety of participants and to keep the game fair for all players. The PDGA has published these official rules on their website, but they can be boiled down to some basic principles for recreational playing.
Always be aware of other people and their surroundings while playing Disc Golf, especially when on a public course. Never throw when other people are in close proximity, even if they are not playing, and always give them the right of way. Stay on the designated pathways and do not trample or damage plants, trees or other natural obstacles. This is called good course etiquette.
One of the most important things to remember is that a player is responsible for their own equipment at all times. This includes the disc they are throwing as well as any other accessories used in the playing of the game, such as bags and baskets. Always make sure that your gear is in good working order before starting a round of Disc Golf, and replace any items that are damaged or lost during a course session.
Another essential rule is that a player may not move past their lie until they have completed the stroke that they are on. This ensures that the next player can play safely and avoids tripping or kicking other players who are preparing to throw. It is also a good idea to try to avoid unnecessary movements that might affect the extension, speed and power of your disc throw.
If a shot is going to be difficult, it’s a good idea to mark the lie ahead of time with a mini marker or a piece of paper. This will help you know where to stand and when to throw.
Some areas of a course are not permitted to be thrown into, and these are called out-of-bounds (OB). If your disc goes OB, you must move your lie to a point three feet in front of the spot where your disc came to rest, while also adding one stroke to your score.
Equipment
Disc golf is a sport similar to traditional ball golf but with flying discs instead of balls and clubs. It is a fun, healthy, and social activity for people of all ages to enjoy. It provides a means of exercise and improved physical health, the opportunity to interact with other people socially, a competitive outlet for those with the drive, and a great way to relieve stress. It also gives participants a chance to spend time outdoors, enjoying nature and the local environment.
Even if you don’t have Paul McBeth’s sponsors, having the right equipment for playing disc golf will make your game just as much easier and enjoyable. A good starter set includes a few beginner-friendly discs that are designed to work in multiple situations. Typically, beginner sets are lightweight and made from durable plastics. When buying a disc for the first time, look for one that feels comfortable in your hand and matches your throwing style. It is recommended that new players start with a light, mid-range disc that can be used for driving, approach shots, and putting.
The most important aspect of a good throw is the grip. There are many different ways that a disc can be held but the most common is a stacked grip. This grip is a combination of a neutral grip and an underhand grip. With this style, the thumb is positioned on top of the flight plate and the index and middle fingers are stacked atop each other with the outer edges of the hands on the bottom edge of the disc. The ring finger is resting on the inside lip of the disc for support.
While it is not uncommon to lose a disc during play, there are ways to limit the number of lost discs. One way is to choose discs that are not only inexpensive but easily distinguishable from each other by color. Discs that are brightly colored in unnatural hues like red, pink, yellow, purple, and white will stand out among the surrounding greenery, making them easier to find after a throw. Another way to prevent losing discs is by using a disc bag with designated pockets for each of your discs.
Practice
Unlike regular golf, which can be intimidating to beginners, disc golf is more welcoming. The rules are simple, the game is affordable and you don’t need any prior experience with Frisbees or similar toys to play. Disc golf is also accessible for people with limited mobility. The sport is a good cardiovascular exercise, and it improves balance, coordination and focus.
Practicing the basics of the game helps new players develop the right throwing form for a long-range drive or a precise putt. The most important thing is to be relaxed and keep the arm moving forward without stopping. This can help prevent a “hitch,” which causes the disc to veer off course.
For a basic backhand throw, you want the side of the disc furthest from your body to be pointing at the target when you finish your follow through. You’ll also need to have the correct grip, with your thumb and index finger touching. The rest of the fingers can be loosely positioned to add spin or change the angle of the grip, but you shouldn’t overstuff your hand.
Another key point is to use the most stable disc for your skill level and playing conditions. A beginner should aim for a disc with a stability rating of about (-3) or below, so it will bend — or fade — toward your natural throwing direction when you throw it straight at average power.
The last point to remember is that some parts of the course are out-of-bounds, and it’s important to observe those boundaries to stay safe and courteous to other players. In general, it’s best to avoid throwing into any tree or bush.
If a disc goes into a tree or shrub, you may need to mark the spot with a marker disc or move it to a different lie. Then you can carefully remove the disc without damaging the tree or bushes. This is called a penalty throw and will add one additional turn to your score. You should also make sure you don’t damage the tee or basket, as this is considered poor sportsmanship.
