Driving tips and techniques

[harr0140]

I am new to the sport and I keep seeing all these people saying they easily throw 350 feet on their drives.

I am a well above average golfer and I know being 5'7" inhibits my ability to hit the ball as far as say a 6'0" person, but what I lack in height and range of motion I make up for in clubhead speed. I am still able to keep up with the best golfers at my course who can hit it 250-270 yards off the tee.

Now how do I translate my short stature and shorter arms into better distance at disc golf? I have only been playing for a few weeks, but the addiction just like in golf is there to always improve. I am still working on getting a more complete selection of discs, right now I have (all DX plastic)Valkyrie 175 as my main driver (for distance) but I know when I get a good throw and a bad throw as the tail to the left comes in so quickly. I also carry a 180 stingray which I love because I can throw that thing so straight and the added weight seems to be good in wind. I also carry 175 Shark and Viper. Thats all I have here right now, but have about half a dozen used discs coming my way to try out the different models.

I dont have a description of my throwing technique at present, but I am just looking for some tips and techniques that might help me. I will decide if what is offered works for me or not as I am sure everyone is different.

Does anyone have some recommendations on weight of disc too? Should I be throwing the heavier discs now or should I work my way up the weight chart?

I found a 150 Wraith but I really didn't like how light it was, so I gave that to my wife to carry.

Oh and too date I think the longest I have thrown is about 200 feet on level ground. My normal throws seem to be 150-175 if my form seems to be correct. Bad throws with the valkyrie might not even go 150 because of the harsh tail on the throw.

[garublador]

For technique, I'd start with these articles:

http://www.discgolfreview.com/resources/articles/drivingform.shtml

and

http://www.discgolfreview.com/resources/articles/gripittoripit.shtml

and this video (actually link to a forum post about the video):

http://www.discgolfreview.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9959

As for disc selection, I'll refer to this article:

http://www.discgolfreview.com/resources/articles/choosingadisc.shtml

Welcome to the sport and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

[brennan]

Disc Golf Review is definitely the most resourceful website I've found when it comes to learning about proper technique. You will learn more things in an hour searching those forums than you would in weeks of practicing and tweeking by yourself.

[mzuleger]

Disc Golf Review is definitely the most resourceful website I've found when it comes to learning about proper technique. You will learn more things in an hour searching those forums than you would in weeks of practicing and tweeking by yourself.

Yup, DGR is the best place to learn about proper form.

[splash_4]

Agreed. When I first started out 3 months ago, I was in your distance range. Using DGR has me up to between 270-300 on most throws now... I expect by spring it will be in the 350-400 range after some more field practice.

[RustyP]

As soon as I saw the thread title, I thought "well, time to post some links to DGR", but you guys beat me to the punch :D

DiscGolfReview.com = truly great resource for disc golfers, no matter what you're trying to find out.

[buzzinb]

"I am new to the sport and I keep seeing all these people saying they easily throw 350 feet on their drives. "

The internet does wonderful things for a lotta folks' "game". Whether it be throwing a disc 450', routinely catching 8# smallmouth bass or shooting all ten in the bullseye at 300 yards with gramps' WW2 rifle--there is no limit to the Herculean feats that many fantasize about and post as reality. The keyboard is mightier than the truth. I'm not saying that these things never happen, its just that they are more rare than it would seem from reading all the trumped up posts.

I'm sure that throwing 350' with consistency is not that uncommon but I would venture a guess that there are far less who can actually do it routinely than claim to.

Either that or I delude myself so I can tolerate my mediocrity!

[harr0140]

"The internet does wonderful things for a lotta folks' "game".

Would that be like saying I am 23, a ripped athlete with 6 pack abs, no 8 pack abs, and I can benchpress 350' and I'm also a nice guy?

[ERicJ]

"I am new to the sport and I keep seeing all these people saying they easily throw 350 feet on their drives. "

The internet does wonderful things for a lotta folks' "game".[...]

I'm sure that throwing 350' with consistency is not that uncommon but I would venture a guess that there are far less who can actually do it routinely than claim to.
Your point is well made but consider the probability that the players who can throw 350' with accuracy are more likely to brag about that fact vs. the players who can't publicly admitting they max out at 200'.

I liken this to reading online reviews for tech stuff. If someone buys a product and it gives them nothing but trouble they're likely to hit message boards and retailers feedback forums blasting that product and anyone who worked on it, and bemoaning all the misfortune that befell them after purchasing it. Contrast that with the consumer who buys a product, it works well, and they're perfectly satisfied with it. How likely is it that the second consumer is going to spend the time to post his feedback online? So you tend to get a significant amount more negative feedback on this stuff and have to read the reviews with that understanding.

ERic

[mzuleger]

"I am new to the sport and I keep seeing all these people saying they easily throw 350 feet on their drives. "

The internet does wonderful things for a lotta folks' "game". Whether it be throwing a disc 450', routinely catching 8# smallmouth bass or shooting all ten in the bullseye at 300 yards with gramps' WW2 rifle--there is no limit to the Herculean feats that many fantasize about and post as reality. The keyboard is mightier than the truth. I'm not saying that these things never happen, its just that they are more rare than it would seem from reading all the trumped up posts.

I'm sure that throwing 350' with consistency is not that uncommon but I would venture a guess that there are far less who can actually do it routinely than claim to.

Either that or I delude myself so I can tolerate my mediocrity!


350' is not that great for disc golf, a lot of players can get there with below average form.

I'm telling you, instead of criticizing try going to the discgolfreview.com forum or at the least watch the Dan Beato youtube video both will help your form (and get to, then past 350'). After that you can come back on here and apologize to us guys who are just trying to help you break the 380' barrier.

[harr0140]

350' is not that great for disc golf, a lot of players can get there with below average form.




Ouch, my 180'-200' or so must mean I have serious flaws!

[swarren1977]

Are you accurate and precise when you throw the 200' drives? If so, I wouldn't sweat it read the DGR articles and keep practicing. And by all means practice in an open field whenever and for however long you can. Practice makes perfect and will certainly add distance to a short game.

The person that said a 350' drive is not that great for DG is feeding you a load of crap. Yeah it would be nice to be able to toss 400' plus, but in most situations a 350' drive would set you up for a nice birdie if not over shooting the basket completely.

The keys to DG are Accuracy, Precision, and Putting

[mzuleger]

The person that said a 350' drive is not that great for DG is feeding you a load of crap.

No, I'm not feeding him a load of crap. I'm not saying you can't be a really good player with a drive under 350'. I am saying that having a 350' drive does not make you a great player... in fact if you think 350' is great then you have not been around enough good players.

And yes, I'm sorry to say if you are throwing 180-200 then you have some issues with form and or timing. It doesn't mean you can't or won't improve it just means something isn't clicking yet.

[harr0140]

I'm not offended I only started the sport 3 weeks ago. I am trying to get as much info as possible, watching videos listening to tips, and everything I can. I hope to be able to throw 350' and I am sure I will as the good players look like 350' takes almost no effort and I know they aren't that much stronger than me, it all comes down to form. You are throwing a 175g piece of plastic, this isn't a discuss.

I know I don't have the form as I am still throwing with my arms, because I don't have the timing down, but given time I am sure I will be able to time the hips and the shoulders and then the arm, pivoting off the plant foot. I figured it out in golf by myself with no lessons, so I am sure I can figure this out too.

[mzuleger]

I'm not offended I only started the sport 3 weeks ago. I am trying to get as much info as possible, watching videos listening to tips, and everything I can. I hope to be able to throw 350' and I am sure I will as the good players look like 350' takes almost no effort and I know they aren't that much stronger than me, it all comes down to form. You are throwing a 175g piece of plastic, this isn't a discuss.

I know I don't have the form as I am still throwing with my arms, because I don't have the timing down, but given time I am sure I will be able to time the hips and the shoulders and then the arm, pivoting off the plant foot. I figured it out in golf by myself with no lessons, so I am sure I can figure this out too.

Yeah you'll get it, it just takes a little time. I had said that you can get to 350' with "below average form" but what I meant is you can get to 350' with less than perfect form. Keep practicing and you'll get to 350' in no time. I think 400' should be possible for almost anyone who is willing to put in the effort.

Think of it this way: 3:43 is the world record time for running a mile but most people should be able to do half that (7:30) with practice... so if the world record toss for DG is 820' then most people should be able to make their way up to 410'... at least that's my theory.

[dangitboy]

Yeah you'll get it, it just takes a little time. I had said that you can get to 350' with "below average form" but what I meant is you can get to 350' with less than perfect form. Keep practicing and you'll get to 350' in no time. I think 400' should be possible for almost anyone who is willing to put in the effort.

Think of it this way: 3:43 is the world record time for running a mile but most people should be able to do half that (7:30) with practice... so if the world record toss for DG is 820' then most people should be able to make their way up to 410'... at least that's my theory.

For a long time the 4:00 mile was thought to be impossible. Once broken, there were any others that same year to break that barrier! Once the limits were off the mind, and the impossible was attainable, it was so much easier for people to reach. Thought it could translate here too! :D

[petecarp]

I believe the saying goes "drive for show, putt for dough".

[ShaZaun]

Agreed. When I first started out 3 months ago, I was in your distance range. Using DGR has me up to between 270-300 on most throws now... I expect by spring it will be in the 350-400 range after some more field practice.

Same here.... was around 220'-250' now after reading and practicing.... 270' sometimes 300'ish depends.... if I don't hit a tree.... and the wind is right......

[ShaZaun]

...... of course I don't carry a tape measure......

[ShaZaun]

..... so my numbers might not be 100%....

[ShaZaun]

.... but should be close.....

[garublador]

With the right practice and information, most people are capable of throwing fairway drivers 350'. You can have minor to moderate issues in several areas and still throw that far. However, most people, while physically able, will not break that last plateau. You have to have really good timing, mechanics and footwork to jump up to the >400' mark with fairway drivers.

Really, the biggest advantage to throwing far is that you can use more predictable discs (putters, mids, very overstable driver) for more shots. Actually having to throw 400' doesn't come up that much. Having to throw an accurate 320' drive does come up a lot. If you can do that with a putter or mid you have an advantage over someone who needs a distance driver.

[bazkitcase5]

exactly!

the idea of learning to throw 400' is not so that you can throw 400' but so that you can throw <350' with ease, which makes accuracy much easier

[_.-Dut-._]

Really, the biggest advantage to throwing far is that you can use more predictable discs (putters, mids, very overstable driver) for more shots. .

QFT


^^ Throwing Mids when others are throwing Wraiths is by far the biggest advantage.

[buzzinb]

350' is not that great for disc golf, a lot of players can get there with below average form.

I'm telling you, instead of criticizing try going to the discgolfreview.com forum or at the least watch the Dan Beato youtube video both will help your form (and get to, then past 350'). After that you can come back on here and apologize to us guys who are just trying to help you break the 380' barrier.

You missed my point entirely. I am not criticizing anyone. I'm only trying to make the point that the internet is a relatively safe environment for people to make grandiose claims regarding themselves. I'm sure there is an APA term out there somewhere for this. I play with a number of guys that I have personally seen throw over 400' with accuracy. Like I posted, its not that far fetched. I was simply responding to the original poster--advising not to let all this internet based bravado discourage them from being patient with their progression.

FYI, I am familiar with the Dan Beato video and think that it does an excellent job of explaining the concept of working backwards from the hit. I am trying to apply this theory to SA tech.

I owe no one any appologies and am getting closer and closer to developing a SA that consistently hits the 350' mark with accuracy. I have found the Discraft Mark Ellis vid very helpful. Once I acheive that, 375' will be my next goal no matter how lofty it may seem. I can't currently drive BH due to knee issues (not that you should give a rats @$$).

Still not sure why the defensive posture regarding my post:confused: I never discounted those who can--I merely contend that there a fewer who actually can.

For the record, I am the only known being to scale Mt. Everest wearing only a loin cloth while chain smoking cheap cigars...:D

[mzuleger]

Still not sure why the defensive posture regarding my post:confused: I never discounted those who can--I merely contend that there a fewer who actually can.


I take a defensive posture because, whether you come out and say it or not, your comment insinuates that I'm full of crap. But I never made a claim to how far I can throw I'm only offering advice... so I'm far from bragging or whatever. There are a ton of people on this board telling newbs that they will never do this or that... It makes me glad Climo, Doss, Feldberg or whoever never had this website as a resource when they were starting or they would have just given up.

[mzuleger]

With the right practice and information, most people are capable of throwing fairway drivers 350'. You can have minor to moderate issues in several areas and still throw that far. However, most people, while physically able, will not break that last plateau. You have to have really good timing, mechanics and footwork to jump up to the >400' mark with fairway drivers.

Really, the biggest advantage to throwing far is that you can use more predictable discs (putters, mids, very overstable driver) for more shots. Actually having to throw 400' doesn't come up that much. Having to throw an accurate 320' drive does come up a lot. If you can do that with a putter or mid you have an advantage over someone who needs a distance driver.

I know what you're saying but I think the reason most people max out at 350' is because they don't know what they're doing wrong. With the help of sites like this (and a lot of practice) there's no reason that you can't clean up your form a little and add another 50' or so.

[harr0140]

Guys the guy who asked the question wasnt offended so you shouldnt be either. Please dont make attacks on each other here, are disc golfers supposed to be at peace and harmony with the world????

I do understand why you may have gotten defensive and I agree, the help on this site is amazing and the noob that come here should have the ability to ask for help without being ripped on, or told they will never achieve that. We all want the sport to be expanded don't we?????

I say we let this thread end so people dont get discouraged about our use of this site.

[Lewis]

No need to kill the thread; it's still a useful conversation, and I trust we won't turn it into a flame war.

What I want to add is agreement with mzuleger that most people don't know what they're doing wrong. Yet I'm not sure there's enough wrong with 350-foot form that reading an instructional document or watching the Beato video will get you to 400'. Maybe the light will go on for some of us, but Beato and DGR don't tell me much I haven't heard before. The trick is feeling what I'm doing as I'm doing it. Sometimes it takes a good teacher to show people the finer points. DGR agrees, even within its own articles. This makes me wonder if there's a point of diminishing returns with online instruction.

[flash86]

I agree with you that there is a limit to what people can achieve through online and even video instruction. Both media are great for showing you the basic mechanics of a new technique or helping you to understand the process a little better, but there is only so much that can do. It definitely does take a good teacher or coach to give you immediate feedback on how to adjust your form and technique in order to take your game to the next level. All of the best athletes in any sport have great coaches and instructors analyzing what they are doing and giving them feedback on the spot to help them improve. To that end, more disc golf courses and clubs should set up instructional programs to help beginning and advanced players alike. Out here in So Cal at the Sylmar disc golf course, the guys that run the pro shop offer free lessons every Monday evening. This hands-on approach to teaching has improved my game so much more than anything I saw online or in a video. In order to truly develop this sport, the people with most knowledge need to assume a coaching or mentor role to develop the current and future generations of players until we get to the point where we can have paid disc golf pros and throw coaches. Maybe a bit overly optimistic, but if you never aim high then you will never get anywhere. Cheers!

[sidewinder22]

If you can dodge a wrench...you can dodge a ball!

[buzzinb]

I take a defensive posture because, whether you come out and say it or not, your comment insinuates that I'm full of crap. But I never made a claim to how far I can throw I'm only offering advice... so I'm far from bragging or whatever. There are a ton of people on this board telling newbs that they will never do this or that... It makes me glad Climo, Doss, Feldberg or whoever never had this website as a resource when they were starting or they would have just given up.


No need for censure here. I think I understand the situation now and can clear up the misunderstanding. Seriously, I never insinuated anything towards mzuleger or anyone else in particular. I made a very general comment that it seems to me that interenet posting forums tend to bring out the "Fisherman's story-teller" in many people. Let's completely factor DG out of the equation. You could go to any number of special interest sites and read post after post where people make some pretty outlandish claims. I find it quite entertaining at times. Whether its "joe schmo" who thinks he can get a fastball past ARod or "bob bitchin" who pummeled the current UFC champ after he accidentally spilled a drink on his girlfriend, there are a lot of tall-tales circulating out there. I would think that someone new to any sport/hobby would be wise not to be discouraged by comparing their results to what appears to be "the norm" on many special-interest message boards. That's all I'm saying...

Here's the irony, I could not agree more with what'ssaid about DGR. It is a tremendous resource just like this site. I still consider myself to be relatively new as I have been playing less than a year. I glean much more than I can contribute at this point. I could hardly throw 200' when I started last year. The good info that I have gotten from this site, DGR and DGRSRUS has really helped me to improve. I still have a very long way to go but am enjoying the ride. Each person who picks up DG has the potential to improve their game as far as their commitment will take them.

I really respect the opinions/advice of many of the posters on this site and consider their information a valuable service to those of us who are looking to improve. Overall there is a sense of community among most DG sites--one that is mostly supportive. I never intended my post to detract from this.

Admittedly, if I ever break the 400' barrier, its gonna get posted!

Keep 'em outta the sticks,
B

[garublador]

I made a very general comment that it seems to me that interenet posting forums tend to bring out the "Fisherman's story-teller" in many people. I agree that more people report being able to throw 350' than can actually throw 350'. While some of it is pure "fish story," much of it comes from distances on tee signs being anywhere from midly to wildy innaccurate. If I went by tee signs I'd think my average drive was 20'-30' higher than I know it is.