Tips for Improving Your All Around Game.

[Donovan]

Here is one I really like.

When putting, I like to pick a particular link in the chains and aim at hitting the middle of the disc on that link...no matter how far away the putt is. You should pick the tiniest object you can pinpoint on with all your disc golf shots. This works wonders for all your shots.

When I used to teach ball golf, I would tell them this. Don't aim at the middle of the fairway. That target is too big and general. If you miss left or right of it you could be way out in the rough on either side.

Instead pick a very specific object. Don't choose that tree way out there or even say the branch of the tree, but pick a particular leaf or knot on the tree to aim at. Now when you miss left or right of that, you will still be close to where you really want to be.

One more note, if you can't imagine yourself hitting that object or landing directly in the path of that object, then you are not ready to throw it yet. ;)

[JogginJohn]

In addition to picking the object to hit, you should also be visualizing the line you are going to take. Before you throw, just push everything else out of your mind except the path and the object. The entire flight of the disc should already have taken place in your mind before you even release the disc.

[Donovan]

In addition to picking the object to hit, you should also be visualizing the line you are going to take. Before you throw, just push everything else out of your mind except the path and the object. The entire flight of the disc should already have taken place in your mind before you even release the disc.

Excellant bro, I like the way you worded that.

[aweiker06]

don't do that at all I can honestly say I can walk up to a fifty foot put without thinking twice shoot and make 8 out of 10 just look where the basket is and shoot to much thinking can mess with your head

[blang]

You are 80% at 50 feet? Have you though about touring?

[JR Stengele]

I jsut picked up some black socks and it deffinately made a world of difference. However, my white legs look even more white due to the contrast. = ) Scary thanks to the NW weather up here in Seattle.

[ehillis]

Be smooth. Whenever I throw a disc away it's because I tried to throw it too hard or rush the delivery. Being very deliberate and using your whole body to deliver the disc rather than just your arm makes for much better disc golf shots.

One way I practice this is going through the motion of throwing the shot I have selected for the hole without releasing the disc (usually at about 70% speed). If it felt good I know I am ready. If not, I think about the shot a little more and see why the practice throw felt wrong. Once I have it right, it makes it much easier to use smooth, deliberate body motions to make a shot.

I also like to putt at a particular chain link. I think that's really important.

[radsnowsurfer]

don't do that at all I can honestly say I can walk up to a fifty foot put without thinking twice shoot and make 8 out of 10 just look where the basket is and shoot to much thinking can mess with your head

If you can make so many 50 footers you should have the experience to know that everyone approaches putting differently and there is no "right" way to play the mental game, I've watched great putters who say they visualize a window part way through the throw that they aim for, some go for the single chain view, personally, I'm with you, I try not to think about much, I'm just saying it might not be the best way for everyone.

[capedcodder]

I like to take my time and approach putting like Tiger Woods does, patiently. He will be about to hit the putt and then step back for another 10 seconds just to concentrate more. Taking my time has improved my putting to no end. Of course, I can't hit 80% of 50 footers. Not even in my backyard.

[petecarp]

i feel consistent routines help a lot. when i played basketball my foul shot routine was very precise and it helped tremendously. even now when im not shooting the ball well i got to the foul line, go through my routine a few times because it brings me back to my mechanics. i have recently taken the same approach to putting. i have started using a little routine. step up, plant my left foot behind the disc, pick a link, go through the motion of putting with no release, deep breath, recenter on my link and putt. it sounds tedious but it helps.

[trifocal]

In addition to picking the object to hit, you should also be visualizing the line you are going to take. Before you throw, just push everything else out of your mind except the path and the object. The entire flight of the disc should already have taken place in your mind before you even release the disc.

I'm down with visualizing the object and flight path. I also imagine 1 or 2 invisible hoops suspended in the air at intermediate distances from my object/target. I intend the disc to fly thru the first hoop, gain elevation, scoot thru the second hoop, start a long glide, then slow...fade and drop. I throw a pretty flat anhyzer that comes out of my hand with a lot of spin...I just have to be mindful to not overpower the disc...cuz it will just fly right thru the fade point and keep going and going.

[PhattD]

I watch my disc all the way from reach back to follow through. I position my body so that once I take my first step the direction of my throw is set. I keep my eye on the disc to make sure I am releasing it at the angle I wanted to. I started doing it to try and correct a problem I was having and I started throwing more accurately so I never stopped.

[sidewinding]

The best way to improve your all around game is to practice all three parts of the game seperately.

For distance driving, I go to a big open area and just throw for distance. I step off 300' and put a bag on each end and just throw all my drivers back and forth over and over. Every time I do this my distance and accuracy improves.

For approaching I go to a park with some approach discs and just walk around and aim at random targets at varying distances.

For putting I go to a basket and put a marker at 20' I throw over and over until I can make 10 for 10 at 20'. I don't practice any closer because if you can make 100% from 20', anything closer is easy. I don't practice any outside 20' because I have very few approaches land outside 20' anyway.

[Joshua1972]

Play with someone who competes with you... It brings up your game as well as theirs!!!

Josh

[Donovan]

Play different styles of courses. Don't just play in the woods, or just open field styles of courses, hit the long and short courses too. Sometimes those little pitch and putt courses can expose weak spots in your game you wouldn't really know you had. So go out there and try various courses with various conditions and various weather.

[taxman]

Quite often when I’m out playing a recreational round of golf I’ll take a second practice throw just after missing a putt. There is usually not much thought or effort put into the second throw. I’ll just be upset that I missed the first and throw a second because I know I should be able to make it. It’s insane how accurate that second shot is for me.

[alteredpov]

I have the same problem and get aggrivated at how often the one i didn't think about goes in.

[DannyM]

Picking the chain length for me also works, but I even go a step beyond that, if I'm about 20-25' out I focus on a chain at right about the middle, if I'm beyond that I focus on the link just above that, and the further back you go, the higher the link. Just depends on your range.
I also pick out specific objects when I tee off. On my home course, each and every hole when I step up, I have a specific smaller target I focus on. I don't always make my line, but when I do, it's parked on the shorter holes, and in a great postion for my upshot on the longer ones

[Donovan]

I am just thinking out loud here.

I wonder if anyone ever focuses on a link on the back side of the basket? So when you are putting you actually see through the front row of chains and pole to the back side. (like when breaking a board in karate) I have no idea why this would help or not, but just curious if anyone has done this or still does?

I would think if you are someone who hits the basket often, this might help you aim a little bit further in and get yout to throw just that little bit harder.

[trifocal]

[QUOTE=Donovan;9171

I wonder if anyone ever focuses on a link on the back side of the basket? So when you are putting you actually see through the front row of chains and pole to the back side.

[/QUOTE]

Yes, I do that sometimes or even focus on the shadow of a link on the pole. I also kneel when faced with steep downhill putts, especially if it's into the wind...

[edge3281]

I am just thinking out loud here.

I wonder if anyone ever focuses on a link on the back side of the basket? So when you are putting you actually see through the front row of chains and pole to the back side. (like when breaking a board in karate) I have no idea why this would help or not, but just curious if anyone has done this or still does?

I would think if you are someone who hits the basket often, this might help you aim a little bit further in and get yout to throw just that little bit harder.

I don't currently do that but since I leave many of my long puts just short of the basket that might help me put a little more on the disc.

[Lewis]

I like to throw a second putt as well, and the good Lord knows I almost always make the ones that don't count. To me this indicates a psychological barrier. I usually throw bad drives when I'm tense, and I usually miss putts when I fail to focus. I try to find a way to stay relaxed and focused at the same time. Confidence is key, just as in ball golf, but it takes mental preparation (or the ability to fool yourself) to build it.

I also like to throw a second approach shot. Because I'm more willing to experiment with a throw that doesn't count, it sometimes opens my eyes to a new line on a familiar hole, or a new technique altogether. I haven't thrown a doubles round by myself, but if you've got an open course with nobody waiting behind you, why not? It's only going to give you more practice.

[Evil_Poizon]

Yes i do the same. I will play two rounds simultaniously. I think i helps alot. plus usually I will throw understable discs for one line and overstable line on the second disc just to see which line works better or even to try new lines. It help a great deal. I also think I will try to focus on a backside link wheni putt because i tend to hit the rim of the basket quite a bit. My putts suck. I think it;s cus im a forehand player and my backhand sucks cus i only use it for putting. but im gettin better at it. It's a struggle. lol 8^)>

[Donovan]

Interesting. Throwing a second shot also allows you to compensate for your first throw's mistakes (even if it is sub-conscience). I wonder if you threw your first shot mentally and then allowed you second shot to be for real, if this would not have the same effect? I would be willing to bet it does! ;)

[DannyM]

Another tip is if you are having issues with your short game, and you play a course that offers short tees, play a round from them. My friend and I play my home course on Sundays and we play a round from the long, then play the short. This has improved our short game tremendously. Also watching each other taught us some different looks at the basket, Lines that neither of us saw before.

[garublador]

Interesting. Throwing a second shot also allows you to compensate for your first throw's mistakes (even if it is sub-conscience). I wonder if you threw your first shot mentally and then allowed you second shot to be for real, if this would not have the same effect? I would be willing to bet it does! ;)Many times I pretend that my putt is my second putt. It does seem to help quite a bit.

[DR.M]

Yeah dude i know what you mean..........whenever i thorw a second shot it is always better so now i h=just say to myself that i already took a shot

[ERicJ]

Interesting. Throwing a second shot also allows you to compensate for your first throw's mistakes (even if it is sub-conscience). I wonder if you threw your first shot mentally and then allowed you second shot to be for real, if this would not have the same effect? I would be willing to bet it does! ;)
Usually if I throw a second putt it has a much higher success rate, probably as you said, because of compensating for the conditions or mistakes on the first one.

I briefly tried that trick of mentally missing the first putt and then pretending the real putt was a second throw. Didn't work for me. I also didn't like the idea of visualizing a missed putt. I'd rather stay positive and tell myself: "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it I'm gonna sink this putt!"

ERic

[Donovan]

Usually if I throw a second putt it has a much higher success rate, probably as you said, because of compensating for the conditions or mistakes on the first one.

I briefly tried that trick of mentally missing the first putt and then pretending the real putt was a second throw. Didn't work for me. I also didn't like the idea of visualizing a missed putt. I'd rather stay positive and tell myself: "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it I'm gonna sink this putt!"

ERic

LOL…Well, this is as true as it gets! Somewhere in a thread in this vast database I swore I wrote about seeing your shot in your head until you see it going just like you wanted and then step up and throw.

I am laughing, because after I posted this latest comment, I was sitting there thinking, I wonder if someone will read it as to throw after one visualization regardless how it went. WELL, I guess that happened. BAH, on me! If I find that original (obviously much better post) when I find it. :o

[Donovan]

Original Post (http://www.dgcoursereview.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2905&postcount=4) as mentioned in prior post.

[TalbotTrojan]

I felt like bringing this thread back from the dead might be a good thing.

I do focus on a single chain when putting, but the biggest thing is really feeling the shot. I know it is going to be a good day when I can literally feel my disc and where it is going to go. So I will start by thinking about my shot and when I have made that decision I am going to spend as much time as I can feeling the shot before I throw it. No tips on how to do this what what the description of feeling really is, but you will know when it happens.

[FRIZZLE TOSSLER]

I felt like bringing this thread back from the dead might be a good thing.

I do focus on a single chain when putting, but the biggest thing is really feeling the shot. I know it is going to be a good day when I can literally feel my disc and where it is going to go. So I will start by thinking about my shot and when I have made that decision I am going to spend as much time as I can feeling the shot before I throw it. No tips on how to do this what what the description of feeling really is, but you will know when it happens.

Nice... it is definately a feeling... see your line... feel it (it's almost like a knowing... but not an overconfidence) It seems as if you have to get out off your head while you are doing the physical part. If I can successfully do this, I usually don't miss... maybe a spray out of the chains or metal for anything 100 feet in. As far as the drives go, same concept (aces are a magical thing.......)

[FRIZZLE TOSSLER]

Interesting. Throwing a second shot also allows you to compensate for your first throw's mistakes (even if it is sub-conscience). I wonder if you threw your first shot mentally and then allowed you second shot to be for real, if this would not have the same effect? I would be willing to bet it does! ;)

EXACTLY!!!! I think you let go of the fear of missing the shot b/c it doesn't "count". It is hard to remember that life is about the journey NOT the destination. To be or not to be..... that trully is THE question (of free will).

I do know that if I made "every shot" it might start to get boring after a while.....how long? I don't know.... I know that there is a homie in Ft. Worth who has been playing for so long and is so good that he I think maybe intentionally misses shots to keep it interesting. I love to play when it is windy, new courses, making up "safari holes", throwing new discs..... anything that is a new challenge.

[FRIZZLE TOSSLER]

I'm down with visualizing the object and flight path. I also imagine 1 or 2 invisible hoops suspended in the air at intermediate distances from my object/target. I intend the disc to fly thru the first hoop, gain elevation, scoot thru the second hoop, start a long glide, then slow...fade and drop. I throw a pretty flat anhyzer that comes out of my hand with a lot of spin...I just have to be mindful to not overpower the disc...cuz it will just fly right thru the fade point and keep going and going.


WOW! That is a real nice visualization technique. I gotta try that....It IS super hard to remember not to try to throw it too hard on those long drives and just poopin' trust yourself. It is all about timing and flow (once you've thrown enough......

[FRIZZLE TOSSLER]

I like to take my time and approach putting like Tiger Woods does, patiently. He will be about to hit the putt and then step back for another 10 seconds just to concentrate more. Taking my time has improved my putting to no end. Of course, I can't hit 80% of 50 footers. Not even in my backyard.

Patience is the key.......if you rush yourself you'll miss most of the time.... I know I miss if I throw unintentionally..... or feel like I'm "holding someone up"..... silly..... just imagine..... course rule #1 don't make people feel rushed..... aces for everyone!!! I've seen some amazing stuff like this in Austin @ SeaRight.... of course not ace after ace... once someone opens up the portal.... it's easier for the next person to find their own portal to the basket.

[FRIZZLE TOSSLER]

don't do that at all I can honestly say I can walk up to a fifty foot put without thinking twice shoot and make 8 out of 10 just look where the basket is and shoot to much thinking can mess with your head

too much thinking is definately detrimental..... no thought during the physical part of your shot..... trust the goodness in yourself..... postive feelings during your shot I've realized is very beneficial..... you might yank it (not hit your line) but it'll end up close if not hit a tree and go in. It is better to be lucky than to be "good"

[FRIZZLE TOSSLER]

Usually if I throw a second putt it has a much higher success rate, probably as you said, because of compensating for the conditions or mistakes on the first one.

I briefly tried that trick of mentally missing the first putt and then pretending the real putt was a second throw. Didn't work for me. I also didn't like the idea of visualizing a missed putt. I'd rather stay positive and tell myself: "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it I'm gonna sink this putt!"

ERic

I really like your quote 'bro. Definately keep it positive. Trying to mentally miss... seems like that would be counterproductive.... that mind body connection will be a little off.... but there is always the next shot... plus it is training your musles the wrong technique (ie. muscle memory)

[BrotherDave]

I really like your quote 'bro. Definately keep it positive. Trying to mentally miss... seems like that would be counterproductive.... that mind body connection will be a little off.... but there is always the next shot... plus it is training your musles the wrong technique (ie. muscle memory)

Are you Matthew McConaughey?

[jace]

don't do that at all I can honestly say I can walk up to a fifty foot put without thinking twice shoot and make 8 out of 10 just look where the basket is and shoot to much thinking can mess with your head

yep - me too. when i'm sleeping! 80% at 50'? you're obviously on the top of the earnings list this year and previous years. that's insane :eek:

[lewisville150]

I am a very aggressive putter. I never focus on just a link - I focus on the pole in the middle. I try to throw all putts on a straight line - no hyzer or anhyzer. I also use the same stance and throwing motion regardless of distance. I can be pretty deadly out to 30 feet. After that, well, let's stay I am still working on distance.

[TalbotTrojan]

I am a very aggressive putter. I never focus on just a link - I focus on the pole in the middle. I try to throw all putts on a straight line - no hyzer or anhyzer. I also use the same stance and throwing motion regardless of distance. I can be pretty deadly out to 30 feet. After that, well, let's stay I am still working on distance.

I'm wondering if you have ever had a tree directly in your path when you are putting before? I had to develop several different styles of putting as well as hyzer and anhyzer putts otherwise there is no way I would be shooting as well on some of the courses that I play. For anyone who knows the Old Spider Hole at Oak Grove in Pasadena, CA you will know what I am talking about.

Also, that pole in the center is very big and goes all the way from the ground to the top of the basket. Focusing on a single chain is a smaller target that will also help with distance as well as accuracy. Not to mention you can probably miss your target by a much larger amount and still make the shot. Sorry to shoot down your rationale, I know it works for some people.

[_.-Dut-._]

Dont throw for the basket. Instead find the first gap you need to hit and throw the shot that gives you the greatest success at getting thru that gap. Just by hitting your first gap throughout the course you are going to be well on your way to playing par golf.

[Lewis]

Focusing on a single chain is a smaller target that will also help with distance as well as accuracy. Not to mention you can probably miss your target by a much larger amount and still make the shot. Sorry to shoot down your rationale, I know it works for some people.

I've been trying the "focus on a single chain link" putting strategy for a while now, but it hasn't been working like I hoped. Focusing on the center of the pole seems to be a more "comfortable" target for me somehow. I'm not sure why. :confused:

[zenbot]

What helps me is while I'm walking up to my disc I think back to one of my "great putts". It reminds me that I can be a great putter. The little confidence boost helps.

[cc0049]

Couple of thoughts:
Climo says to try to aim for the left side of your disc to hit the right side of the pole. That works for me...and of course you aim for a certain portion of the pole...for me about 2/3 of the way up the chains. I try to keep my putter on a flat line directly at the basket whenever I am able to, so Climo's approach is the one that I have adopted...for now.
When I have to throw a hyzer or an anhyzer putt, I always visualize the path I want my disc to take and I don't watch the basket as I am putting.
No matter what strategy you use, the keys to putting are FOCUS and CONFIDENCE. Both come with patient practice.

[Geoffro]

When putting, I like to pick a particular link in the chains and aim at hitting the middle of the disc on that link...no matter how far away the putt is. ;)

I do this, too, and it really seems to help. I would only add that you should be picking a link of chain about halfway up the chain assembly, and off center - to the same side as your throwing hand if you put backhand (if you are a rhbh putter, your disc will be spinning clockwise, and should hit the assembly on the right side, allowing the disc to wrap itself into rather than out of the chains).

[sonny]

Couple of thoughts:
Climo says to try to aim for the left side of your disc to hit the right side of the pole. That works for me...and of course you aim for a certain portion of the pole...for me about 2/3 of the way up the chains. I try to keep my putter on a flat line directly at the basket whenever I am able to, so Climo's approach is the one that I have adopted...for now.
When I have to throw a hyzer or an anhyzer putt, I always visualize the path I want my disc to take and I don't watch the basket as I am putting.
No matter what strategy you use, the keys to putting are FOCUS and CONFIDENCE. Both come with patient practice.
I've never heard that Climo tip before and it sounds like excellent advice. So is your advice on patient practice.

There is no question in my mind that building a solid putting game is task #1 in improving your game and the fastest way to shave strokes off your scores. Confidence is so critical in this game and few things will shake that confidence worse than missing a 12' putt. You know you shouldn't miss those! And why did you miss? I submit it's because you didn't practice enough. I used to be one of you guys who complain about how you're a lousy putter. It does not have to be like that. You CAN learn to putt well. Put in the time practicing those putts and keep up the practice regularly. With a regular, efficient practice routine, you can be hitting 90% of your putts inside 25 feet in about six weeks or so. Once a 25' putt doesn't scare you, I think you'll be surprised how much more confident you will feel. You know those 70' upshots you bounce off the bottom of the pole? You'll start hitting those into the chains when you know in your heart a 30' come back shot wouldn't be a problem.

Don't be afraid to play a round or two every month using just your putter. If you've never done this, you really should. Being able to play a good round with only a putter is a sure-fire test for your form. And I don't know of a better way to improve really long putts.

[cc0049]

Don't be afraid to play a round or two every month using just your putter. If you've never done this, you really should. Being able to play a good round with only a putter is a sure-fire test for your form. And I don't know of a better way to improve really long putts.

That is quality advice as well. I've been playing for 6 years now and only recently have I been using my putter more for driving off the tee. I have become a believer in the idea of using the slowest disc possible for a particular hole. An errant putter is much more forgiving than an errant driver. Also, putters are so much more controllable.

[Tarazarr]

Now I have a specific putting motion I go through before my putts (same as a free throw in B-Ball) but before I found my stroke/technique, i used to walk up to my putter and pick it up imagining that I had just missed the putt and it was now my second attempt from the same spot (you know how you can always make that putt the second time right after you missed it the first time?) I did this to stop "over-thinking" the putt and to stop hearing the voice in my head saying "don't screw this up".

It worked for me until I found my putting stroke and technique. I tried style after style and it took me a year to figure out a technique that just felt right - my putting is getting much much better now that I've found my style.

[TalbotTrojan]

I think there is something to be said for being comfortable with the discs you are throwing. I recently threw my two favorite discs into a pond during tournament play, where I could not go back and try and find the discs. A dive by the guys at the course didn't turn my discs up. Then I went and got sick for about five days and coming back has been horrendous. I am not comfortable with any disc in my bag and resorted to throwing some of my discs at trees today, not as part of my round. Everything is flying lower than normal. I am starting to iorn things out, but there are so many times that I have walked up to a shot the past couple of days and said gosh I wish I had that disc that is in the water. At the same time, playing with these discs now is helping me gain some comfort with them so there is that side of it too.

As for something to help you improve your game, I am still convinced that the more different kinds of shots that you know how to throw the better.

I am certain that the more you just get out and play, even if just throwing your discs for a little bit the better you will do.

As much as it might suck, go out and play on the most blustery days that you can. If you can putt well in the wind, think how easy it will be when there isn't any.