Help Me With My Putts

[runnaman]

I just don't understand. I was just doing a little bit of practice putting today and I made 10/10 from 10 feet, 10/10 from 15 feet, but then made 1/10 from 20 feet. Granted that 4-5 of those were bounce out but still.

I know what the problem is. The problem is that I low putt. So my question is, how do I work on getting the disc up the further away I am? No matter what I try, it always seems to dive or just fly to the left or right.

Anyway, thanks for your help.

[rikardob]

Have you watched youtube videos?

[runnaman]

yeah, I watched the discraft one as well as some others

[TalbotTrojan]

I am not sure what putting style you use, but you will need to figure out what to adjust for distance. It might be that you need to throw your disc on a higher line, you might need to snap more the further away you get, you might just need to give it a little more power the further out you get. Whatever the solution is based on your style, that is what you should do. You might have to play around to figure it out. Putting is not an exact science but an art.

[runnaman]

yeah, I just spent like an hour and a half watching videos on youtube. I think I just need to practice more. If anyone else needs good videos here are some that I found.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYeN9YqAioM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw0cKXKkC5E

This ones just good for looking at form.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-AwBEf12-k

[zensuit]

Do you pitch putt? Pitch putting really makes a difference at around 20 feet. The other things to note is that you will make a lot more of those putts if you allow for the natural flight of a relatively stable disc. A lot of people throw "harder" and that messes up their rhythm. You'll need to adjust for a slight bit of hyzer at 20 but you want your rhythm and release to stay the same. Climo says Pros should be hitting 80% of those 20 footers and I've found that it is realistic to hit 70-80% even for an Am.

One other trick is to try starting at 30 and move in during practice. You'll be surprised at how smooth your shorter putts are if you've gotten a groove going from farther out.

Z

[runnaman]

I do pitch put that's probably why I had so many bounce outs, because I would throw it harder and hit the side of the basket instead of letting the natural hyzer let it fall in.

Thanks for your help.

[ZombayFrolfer]

All my friends say I putt the weirdest. It took me months upon months to start learning to drive, but from day one I could putt. I have a really weird hand position and my form is kind of silly, so the best advice I could offer you is just do what feels more comfortable and try out different putters. I was using a Star Aviar for awhile but got rid of that hulking beast for the dart. That thing goes two directions. straight....and straight. I throw from the bottom of the chest and kind of roll the disc off my fingers and it works well up to a good 25-30ft.

[solomon.trenton]

try squatting down and throwing from inbetween your legs, this will give you the lift you need. a lot of people use it putting uphill. dan beato shows it in his putting vid.

[mmyersdisc]

muscle memory...stand about 10 ft from basket and shoot 5 shots right after another, do this about 3 times, step back 5 more feet and do it again if you get more then 50% stay there for 3 more times...if you miss alot go back to 10ft instead of 15ft, increase your distance away from the basket each time you make all of them, go back down if you miss more then half, it helped me today anyways, im gonna do that for about a half hour each day and see what I get...I got pretty consistant from 20ft out and on

[runnaman]

yeah, that's kind of what I did today. I started at about 15 feet and made 10 of 10, then moved to 21.5 feet (that's just where my mini disc landed) and made 7 of 10 from there. So I'm going to do that when I practice now, it helped me a lot.

[Midnightbiker]

Switch to a Soft Magnet and your putting will get better. I let my friend try some of my Magnets to day at the practice field. He has always had trouble putting, and he did wonders with the Magnets. He really liked this 168 Soft Magnet that I had. Every shot either hit metal, or hit chains. He has never done that before. I traded it to him for a Avenger SS that he had that I liked, so we both walked away happy. We are going to hit the course tomorrow, and we will see how it goes.

My brother also switched from a Champ Aviar to the SM and his putting has greatly improved also. I use a 170-172 to putt with and a 167 to approach with. Thanks again Eric for that disc. It is the best approach disc I have ever used. Since I started useing it, I have made several 60-100ft shots.

[_.-Dut-._]

I just don't understand. I was just doing a little bit of practice putting today and I made 10/10 from 10 feet, 10/10 from 15 feet, but then made 1/10 from 20 feet. Granted that 4-5 of those were bounce out but still.

I know what the problem is. The problem is that I low putt. So my question is, how do I work on getting the disc up the further away I am? No matter what I try, it always seems to dive or just fly to the left or right.

Anyway, thanks for your help.

Also, do you lean forward when you putt? If your leaning forward and getting low it might help to straighten up a little.

Other then that try a lighter putter, about 3 grams lighter, will help with low putts.

[garublador]

I agree with the lighter putter. Also, if you're pitch putting try aiming to hit the apex of your putt rather than the basket. If you hit the apex the disc will go in and the apex is about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way to the basket so it's closer and easier to hit.

[DannyM]

Depending upon your putting style, and how you aim, it sounds like you need to change your aim spot. For me I aim at a chain link in the middle, when I am further back, I aim up in chain links, and that just comes with time and practice as to how far back I am when I do this. If you are making putts at 15 and missing at 20, try going in between and putting at say 17. get comfortable with that distance, then move back. Or, just the opposite, move to say 23', try at that distance several times, then move back down to 20.
Good luck, and just keep at it!

[80playedin10states]

for me, concentrating on one link of one chain(where i want to hit the basket) and NEVER diverting my eyes until after follow through works best...lighter putters do help but not when its windy

[giles]

Midnight Biker, the Magnet, though a good disc, is not a miracle. I'm guessing it was the non pressure environment that allowed him to make putts. Or sometimes changing putters will also take away some mental block or stigma associated with too many missed putts.

I'd say 80play's advice is the best recommended so far. Aiming for a small link makes the basket a much larger target, you can miss the link and still make the putt. Aiming at the basket, if you miss...

For the problem of hitting low, I've heard the advice "pick your chin up". It is well accepted in most sports that your body will follow what your head dose. I don't know if it will help but give it a try.

[Midnightbiker]

Midnight Biker, the Magnet, though a good disc, is not a miracle. I'm guessing it was the non pressure environment that allowed him to make putts. Or sometimes changing putters will also take away some mental block or stigma associated with too many missed putts.

I'd say 80play's advice is the best recommended so far. Aiming for a small link makes the basket a much larger target, you can miss the link and still make the putt. Aiming at the basket, if you miss...

For the problem of hitting low, I've heard the advice "pick your chin up". It is well accepted in most sports that your body will follow what your head dose. I don't know if it will help but give it a try.

I was just passing along what has worked for me and my friends.

[A.Mutt]

For the problem of hitting low, I've heard the advice "pick your chin up". It is well accepted in most sports that your body will follow what your head dose. I don't know if it will help but give it a try.

Coincedentally I had this discussion with a buddy of mine while playing yesterday. Its a technique I learned when learning how to ride motorcycles a few years ago ... although the phrase used was simply "Eyes up!" The theory is sound, your body will naturally follow your eyes lead.

My friend was upset cause he managed to hit the only tree between him and the basket and was proclaiming "the only thing I try not to hit is right where the disc goes". I suggested next time he focuses on the gap he has to hit not the tree that he has to avoid. Next hole, like magic he threads a tiny gap and tells me he just ignored the trees. To avoid low putting I ignore the basket and focuse on the meaty part of the chains.

[giles]

I was just passing along what has worked for me and my friends.

What I wrote wasn't intended to be a slam or to discount your opinion. I was trying to be neutral and give an explanation to why that worked. I don't know if it is even needed but, I apologies.

My disclaimer. I am not a good putter and any advise on putting I give is just common knowledge that some of the newer players may not have heard yet.

[biscoe]

for me, concentrating on one link of one chain(where i want to hit the basket) and NEVER diverting my eyes until after follow through works best...lighter putters do help but not when its windy


when did you learn how to putt?:p

to take the one link thing a bit further- choose one on the other side of the basket- this will help eliminate the coming up short problem. trying to trick yourself with different weight putters is just as likely to screw up your short putting as it is to help your longer putts.

[80playedin10states]

i don't know how to putt john!! i placed third this weekend and lost by 3 strokes...missed at least 3 from 15' and in!!

[garublador]

when did you learn how to putt?:p

to take the one link thing a bit further- choose one on the other side of the basket- this will help eliminate the coming up short problem. trying to trick yourself with different weight putters is just as likely to screw up your short putting as it is to help your longer putts.FWIW, I'm actually recommending using a lighter putter all the time. If you use a stable mold there won't really be that big of a difference in the wind and you'll get some extra carry that you wouldn't get with a heavier putter. I like them in the 165-168g range.

[pokamitch]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq_bh_GtjtQ

This works....

[zensuit]

FWIW, I'm actually recommending using a lighter putter all the time. If you use a stable mold there won't really be that big of a difference in the wind and you'll get some extra carry that you wouldn't get with a heavier putter. I like them in the 165-168g range.

What models seems to work well for you?

[garublador]

What models seems to work well for you?I haven't tried lots of putters, but the Wizard, BB Aviar and Challenger are the top three I recommend. I've heard others have good luck with the Banger and Warlock, too. I personally don't see a reason not to just use the Wizard, but I find that if I were to just list one mold even fewer people would listen.

[zensuit]

I haven't tried lots of putters, but the Wizard, BB Aviar and Challenger are the top three I recommend. I've heard others have good luck with the Banger and Warlock, too. I personally don't see a reason not to just use the Wizard, but I find that if I were to just list one mold even fewer people would listen.

Thanks. I just switched to soft Challenger from a Banger. I might try a lighter weight as well.

[garublador]

Thanks. I just switched to soft Challenger from a Banger. I might try a lighter weight as well.Try a firmer one, too. I like softer putters for approaches, but I need all the consistancy I can get when putting and if the putter has any give it can be difficult to get a consistant release, epsecally with a pitch putt.

My switch to a lighter putter has been fairly recent too, and I was surprised at how big of a difference it made. Close putts are minimally affected and longer putts are easier to hit.

[zensuit]

Try a firmer one, too. I like softer putters for approaches, but I need all the consistancy I can get when putting and if the putter has any give it can be difficult to get a consistant release, epsecally with a pitch putt.

My switch to a lighter putter has been fairly recent too, and I was surprised at how big of a difference it made. Close putts are minimally affected and longer putts are easier to hit.

Will do. I'm sure you've noticed that playing to par is relatively easy but low scores only come on the days when you are around the chains from the longer distances.

[justin]

How do I say this without sounding like a complete ass? ....I think I am a very good putter within my range. I'm a lob putter so once I get outside of 30-35' I have no chance of hitting the chains if I "putt". I played a tournament last weekend and only missed one putt within my range. I also call a round good/bad based on my number of missed putts. 2 or less = I'm happy. 3 = I'm not too upset. 4 = a bad round.

I putt with DX Aviars b/c that's what I started with. If I'm a fan of any MFG it's Discraft but I do well with Aviars so I'm not looking to change. I will probably try the r-pro Aviar since I do really like Pro/Millenium plastic. Just pick a mold and stick with it.

If you are interested in putting in such a way that you will never miss more than one putt (ie your comeback putt is always a drop-in/gimmie) then try lobbing.

I putt with an up/down flight path and a lot of spin. It's mainly a wrist flick as I toss up so it's not arm speed that generates the spin. If I were to putt and try to miss the basket completely you would not see my disc fade at all. Lob putting uses a good amount of spin so if you miss completely or bounce off the basket you are probably hitting the ground flat and have far less chance of rolling away. The best part is you never have to worry about sailing past the basket and making your comback putt which is now further than your attempt.

The shortfalls of this style for me are my ~30' range (I just need to get my up/down variance tighter), inaccuracy in a +20mph headwind, and very low ceiling putts (so I usualy putt from the knees).

[Midnightbiker]

All I will say again is my friend and my brother only play twice a month if that, and they both use 167-169 Soft Magnets, and they both putt well with them. My brother makes 40-70 putts all the time. It is something to see.

[80playedin10states]

i gotta disagree with master guru king disc golfer garublador once more...but these are all opinions and everyone is different. after playing and observing for 15 years, softer plastic putters seem to stick more when there is doubt...the harder putters bounce out more often, or hit the pole and slide thru the back and out

[A.Mutt]

Try a firmer one, too. I like softer putters for approaches, but I need all the consistancy I can get when putting and if the putter has any give it can be difficult to get a consistant release, epsecally with a pitch putt.

My switch to a lighter putter has been fairly recent too, and I was surprised at how big of a difference it made. Close putts are minimally affected and longer putts are easier to hit.

this seems to be very true for me as well. I recently gave up on my soft, floppy putters to try out a 150 organic wizard. The organic ones are made of recycled and organic materials and is about as stiff as a medium wizard, except slightly more textured. The last two rounds I've used it to sink shots from well beyond my normal range.

[Midnightbiker]

i gotta disagree with master guru king disc golfer garublador once more...but these are all opinions and everyone is different. after playing and observing for 15 years, softer plastic putters seem to stick more when there is doubt...the harder putters bounce out more often, or hit the pole and slide thru the back and out


I agree. That is why I use Soft Magnets and not Pro Ds. The Pro Ds just don't grab the chains like the soft ones do.

[EclipticOne]

i like my jk pro aviar-x. it has a nice feel and like mentioned, it grabs chains pretty nicely(when i hit em)

[giles]

i gotta disagree with master guru king disc golfer garublador once more...but these are all opinions and everyone is different. after playing and observing for 15 years, softer plastic putters seem to stick more when there is doubt...the harder putters bounce out more often, or hit the pole and slide thru the back and out

All hail 80played and thank the gods of disc golf for sending his guidance to us.

[80playedin10states]

all hail giles for being king smartass...my guidance you pompous *******?...it's called an opinion but based on 15 years of steady golf, i call it good observation

[Jungle Tim]

the Banger gt is an excellent option if your concerned about grip. I carry a 168 soft banger gt and it does fly well. It is also an excellent driver, and apporach disc. I also have a ESP banger but i wouldnt reccomend it above the soft version. 80's right in saying that the softer putters stick better and Garbs right about the lighter weights in overstable putters. IMO
Blake T over at discgolfreview says that all putters should fly the same within the circle inf your executing your putt right.

[giles]

all hail giles for being king smartass...my guidance you pompous *******?...it's called an opinion but based on 15 years of steady golf, i call it good observation

For the most part, you know what you are talking about. The "I don't throw midranges" goes against the fact you have been observing others use them for 15 year IMO. The reason I am an ass to you, it isn't your information, it is the constant attacks or jabs at people. You don't like it when I do it to you, yet you feel the need to pop off on others.

[80playedin10states]

i "pop off on others" when they claim their opinion is fact...just squash it..what's the point you are trying to make, i don't get it...i don't throw midranges goes against what fact?...that doesn't make any sense to me..

[giles]

i "pop off on others" when they claim their opinion is fact...just squash it..what's the point you are trying to make, i don't get it...i don't throw midranges goes against what fact?...that doesn't make any sense to me..

i'll clarify and squash... clarify,

You vast knowledge of disc golf has been formed from 15 years of solid play and observation of other players in that time. This is fact. You say you don't use mids. This is fact. In the last 15 years how many good players have you observed that do not use mids. This is my point.

My other point. Rec players are people too. Take it easy, so what if someone doesn't know what they are talking about. You don't have to be a jerk and call people names.

[Neophyte]

Back to putting. Speaking of the hard vs. soft putter debate... Does anyone have an "opinion" about the new R-Pro Aviar coming out?

[mmyersdisc]

I have one and its great! Its nice a soft like a wizard (so I have felt from others) and its basically a straight shooter! Sticks to the chains quite well

[Buckie]

I punch the basket from 10ft to 30ft any more then that I shoot from the hip,and go for it.

[Neophyte]

I started with a 150 oz. Aviar that was part of my starter set. I currently am using 165 oz. Aviars but 170-175 oz. drivers. Should your putters be the same weight as your drivers or a little lighter/heavier? Just wondering what the thoughts are on this one.

[garublador]

I started with a 150 oz. Aviar that was part of my starter set. I currently am using 165 oz. Aviars but 170-175 oz. drivers. Should your putters be the same weight as your drivers or a little lighter/heavier? Just wondering what the thoughts are on this one.Those are some heavy discs! ;)

For putters, I like a stable, beaded putter (Wizard, Challenger, BB Aviar) at 165-168g for putting, 170-172g for approaches and 175g for driving. The lighter weights give you more carry for slower shots but if you go too light then the carry can get difficult to control. That's why the approach is heavier, but not max weight. IMO, there isn't much of a reason to not have a max weight putter for driving. They seem to perform better and it isn't difficult to get a putter up to speed.

As for driver weight, it really depends on how far you're throwing and what mold you're using.

[justin]

There's no weight relation between putters and other class discs. I prefer max weight putters because I want them to drop rather than glide. Being heavier makes them more overstable than their lighter counterparts. That's not a bad thing. Just something to keep in mind.

[justin]

:DThose are some heavy discs! ;)That was so well said without playing jerk card.
Nice job!

[Midnightbiker]

I actually use a 168 for Approaches and a 170-172 for putting. Both Soft Magnets of course.

[Neophyte]

"Yeah, he must work out" ;) - Lloyd Christmas