Getting started:

---

 

These are a few tools that you will need to start playing the great game of disc golf:

 

• At least 3 discs (a driver, a mid-range and a putter)
• A mini (marker disc)
• Patience

 

Throwing Mechanics:

---

 

The disc:

A golf disc has a smaller diameter and a thinner profile than a normal Frisbee disc.  This is so it will fly farther and straighter with more tolerance to wind conditions.  Weights can vary anywhere from 120 grams up to 175 grams.  

           

            [Pics of:  golf disc vs regular Frisbee, side profile of a golf disc]

 

Even though a disc is round, it does have parts based on where you place your hand. 

 

The rim that is opposite of your hand is called “the wing” and the part facing the direction you are throwing is called “the nose”. 

 

[pic illustrating the wing and nose]

 

You typically want to throw a disc at a wing-up-nose-down angle.

 

The grip: 

Gripping a disc is pretty natural.  Simply pinch the rim of the disc between your thumb and forefingers.  Your grip should remain fairly loose until you begin the forward motion of your throw.  Your wrist should curl around the disc like you’re cradling a babies’ head.  This will enhance the spin/rotation of the disc when it leaves your hand.  The flick of your wrist at the end of your throw is often referred to as the “snap”.

 

Where to position your fingers on the bottom of the disc is a matter of preference.  Usually the best option is to hold the disc however it feels most comfortable.  However, there are several tutorials from experienced professionals on this subject.  

 

The throw:

Just like in ball golf, disc golfers tee off from a tee pad.  Tee pads can be grass, cement, rubber or gravel.  The main thing to know is that you may not cross the forward most end of the tee pad until after the disc has left your hand.  For more rules on teeing off, click here.

 

The steps you take before your throw are called the “run-up”.  A run-up usually involves 3 steps but can be more or less based on your preference.  Every player in disc golf has their own run-up so find one that works for you.  Some do the “X-step”, some simply walk sideways, and some even do a cute little skip (Craig).  The point is to use your lower body to transmit as much power to your upper body during a throw.  

 

Shown here is a typical right-hand backhand throw.  The most common throw in disc golf.

 

1.  Step out with your lead (right) foot.

[pic]

 

2.  For full power, turn your body away and reach back as far as you can.

[pic]

 

3.  Pull HARD like you're starting a lawn mower, torque your hips, lead with your elbow, keep your wrist curled around the disc and blast that sucker! 

[pic]

Don't forget to follow through.  Let your body flow through the shot. 

 

The key to throwing level is to bring the disc across your body in a flat motion.  A method often used is to imagine you’re sliding your disc across a flat tabletop.

[pic illustrating flat plane in front of golfer in mid throw]

 

The end result should look something like this:

[video of a throw]

 

These are the basic mechanics to a throw.  The way to get better is to keep throwing and throwing and throwing and throwing….  The key to a consistent throw is all about “muscle memory”.  The more you throw, the more your body will get used to the motion and it will become automatic.  So take your discs out to an open field, pick a target and just unload at it.  Or, play catch with a friend.  But be careful, golf discs are sharp and will hurt if you try to catch them!

 

Flight pattern:

Each disc is defined by its flight pattern.  The three phases of a flight are the glide, turn and fade, illustrated here:

[pic of a typical flight pattern]

 

The amount of glide, turn and fade are determined by the shape of the disc.  The one constant for EVERY disc is that it will ALWAYS fade (or turn) as it slows down.  So don’t get discouraged because all your throws keep turning left… its normal!  You can counter these effects by putting more speed, snap or angle on the disc.  The amount that a disc wants to fade is called the disc’s stability (yes disc’s have feelings too).  Stability is a heavily used term to describe discs.  A disc can be described as “under-stable”, “neutral-stable” or “over-stable”.  So by definition, an under-stable disc will take a long time to fade while an over-stable disc will fade very quickly.

[pic showing flight patter of an under-stable and over-stable flight pattern]

 

Hyzer vs. Anhyzer

Two more terms you will hear a lot are hyzer and anhyzer.  These terms are analogous to a hook and a draw in ball golf.  A hyzer shot is a shot that hooks in the direction that your body is facing.  Inversly, an anhyzer shot will hook towards your back.

[pic:  rear view of a golfer looking at his throw, arrows pointing hyzer and anhyzer]

 

So far, we’ve demonstrated a right-hand-back-hand throw.  While this is the most common throw in disc golf, there are several other types:

• Forhand throw or "Flick"
• Roller [forehand/backhand]
• Overhand [flick/thumber]
• Putting

These types of throws are beyond the scope of this tutorial.  They will be covered in advanced tutorials later on.

 

 

Disc Selection:

---

 

Choosing your first set of discs can be daunting because there are so many choices.  Beginners tend to have slower arm speeds and low snap so it’s recommended that you select under-stable discs to begin with.  Do not take this as an insult, it doesn’t mean you are weak!  It simply means that you haven’t perfected the proper form to make a disc fly straight. 

 

Good starter drivers are:  Leapord, Cheetah, Sidewinder or a Road Runner.

Starter mid-range:  Aero, Shark

Putters:  Aviar, Sonic

 

 

Where to buy discs:

---

 

The best way to buy discs is in person.  That way you can hold the disc, feel the grippyness and gauge the weight.  You can also talk with the dealer and get their expert advise on the different makes and models. 

 

Great local retailers:

• Discover Outdoor Fitness (Rockburn Pro Shop or www.dofitness.com)
• Park offices at Seneca Creek and Patapsco State Park

 

If you can’t make it out to one of these places, you can find lots of online stores with a simple google search.

 

The rules of disc golf (simple version):

---

1. HAVE FUN!  Yes, the number 1 rule in disc golf is to have fun.  Otherwise, what's the point?
2. Tee off behind the line.
3. Mark your disc before your next throw.
4. If you go out-of-bounds, add +1 penalty stroke and take your next shot from where your disc went out.  DO NOT SHOOT FROM PARKING LOTS!
5. Your disc must come to rest at the bottom of the basket to count.
6. Count how many strokes it took to make the basket.  Lowest score wins. 

 

Marking your disc:

Place your mini in front of your lie (front being the direction of the fairway or basket).  Then place a part of your body directly behind your mini for your next throw.  Hint:  It doesn’t necessarily have to be your foot.

[pic showing a mini in front of a disc]

 

       Disc golf etiquette:

• Respect the course.  Do not litter!  Obey park rules!
• Respect your fellow players.  Be quiet while they throw.
• Do not use loud profanity.  We know golf can really work your nerves but please remember that the parks are public domain and children may be near.  We’ve worked hard to keep a good reputation with the local parks and we would appreciate if you helped.

 

For the entire PDGA disc golf rulebook, click here.

 

Graduation:

---

 YOU’RE READY!

 

You’ve got the tools and the knowledge to get you started.  Practice, practice, practice!  The absolute best way to learn the sport is to watch experienced players.  There are weekly player meets at many of the area courses.  They are very casual rounds and the people are friendly and will be glad to feed you handy tips.  See the courses section to find out where to play.