Hi, Just started and looking for some pointers

[loki993]

Hi everyone, I just got on here and Im looking forward to participating. I didn't see an intro board or thread, maybe I missed it. I do have some basic technique questions. I've done some reading and watched some videos.

First off my discs, I probably didn't make the best choice for 2 first drivers, but I guess I got a little caught up in the looks of them. Me and the GF went to the shop and got a couple, shes played a little before, me never. We actually had a midrange hornet someone gave us. I picked up an Elite Z Reaper and a Latitude 64 Halo. Both max distance both overstable. both probably bad for someone that's never thrown a disc before. I knew that but I wanted to try them.

So when I throw them with limited technique what I get are big sky shots that stall and go hard left. I get decent distance out of them, but if they straightened out it would be a lot better. I think I tried to put some anhyzer on it once but it flattened out on me and rolled anyway, but who knows if I actually got anhyzer on it in the first place, probably not. Its not they they're bad shots, I think if I at least got them to flatten out a bit they would improve quite a bit, its just right now I'm leaving a lot of distance out there.

My biggest thing is the release, its all over the place, I know in not actually supposed to "let go" of the disc, but that easier said then done.

Whats the best way to get a consistent release? Also from some videos and pics I've seen, I'm not sure do I want to keep my wrist locked and straight through the shot or leave it loose which I would think would generate more whip, but then a consistent release would be nearly impossible.

I was also throwing on an arc around my body and it seems the way it's done is to pull straight across your body, which makes a lot of sense.

Basically what I'm trying to get down are the absolute basic fundamentals.

Im also going to try and get a hold of a Valkarie as I think id have and easier time with that and a decent midrange too, even though I do throw that hornet pretty good.


I do have a few more questions, but that's a lot already lol.

 

[Johnny Depth]

Hey, man.

You should try a Leopard/Roc/Aviar combo for a while. Practice form with those and put the high speed discs on the shelf for a while.

 

[loki993]

Hey, man.

You should try a Leopard/Roc/Aviar combo for a while. Practice form with those and put the high speed discs on the shelf for a while.

A Leopard, hmm ok? I was already thinking about getting a Roc or maybe an Archangel as that's one that recommended on the Innova site, but I see a lot or Rocs around and that says something. so probably leaning towards the Roc. The GF actually bought a Star Avair at the shop we were at and I tried it It wasn't bad, only short shots though.

Yeah the Halo and Reaper are definitely getting put up for a bit, I agree with you there.

 

[Johnny Depth]

A lot of people on here will advise you to get a slower speed driver such as the leopard. Some will even say to only use a putter and midrange for a while so your form can progress.

 

[stan_84]

you will have better luck getting straight shots with your power and snap with an understable slower disc like a buzzz ss or a leo, a leo is about as fast as you wanna go right now this chart will help you out on your way http://www.marshallstreetdiscgolf.com/media/flightguide.html yea... buzzz or roc cant go wrong with either... i prefer the buzzz and since you have a hornet thats your overstable mid i would get a stable and understable mid and most importantly have fun.

I would personnally say to a newer player who needs and wants new plastic and a disc that wont turn and burn on you to go with a speed 3-7 stable to understable those would prob be your fav. discs to throw right now

 

[Phenn]

Welcome Loki!

First off here's a couple helpful threads for starts:

1. "Noobie" Thread--read through for answers to a lot of beginner questions.

2. Technique Thread--lots of links to excellent helps across the web for technique.

To answer your specific questions:

1. Yes, the drivers you picked are a little much for beginners. (Shoot, they're a little much for noodle-arms like me, too.) I have a few recommendations when it comes to driver choice.

First, stick to 7-speed or slower drivers. Some on the forums will recommend you not throw drivers at all when you start. Where this can be helpful, I would caution against it. Driver require a different height and nose orientation to fly, and you won't learn it unless you throw them.

As far as recommendations:

• 
  Lat 64 Gold Line River--170 or lower. This is a great driver that is kind to slower arms but is still useful when you build up power. If you're finding it too understable and want more of an "S-curve," a lighter, flatter Opto Line would be good, too.

• 
  Innova Star TL--165-170. This is a straighter disc that will help you get used to throwing straight-no-turn-some-fade shots. It's both a shot and disc that you'll find useful when playing different lines. The TL is not as forgiving of Off-Axis Torque as some, but that is helpful to work the kinks out of your drive.

Also, if you don't have easy access to Lat 64, a Pro-line Leopard would function in a very similar way. Consider driving with putters, too--not only will you appreciate having the flexibility in ranges that putters give, driving with putters will also help teach good form, accuracy, height control, lines, etc.

2. The big sky hyzer shots are a combination of a few things, but most likely nose-angle related. If you're used to throwing frisbees, your tendency will be to pull through low-to-high which will pop the disc into the air nose up. (If you can see the decal on the disc when it's flying, it's nose up). Working on straight pull-throughs (always on the same level through the whole motion), and working on keeping the disc oriented down will help. Consult the above link for guides to grip and disc orientation.

Compensating for this by throwing anhyzer is a temporary solution, but you won't develop good form and you'll struggle to throw accurate, straight shots later.

3. Yes--the straight-pull-through-across-the-chest-like-starting-a lawnmower is key. Whipping it around the body is natural, so you'll have to focus on the straight pull through. To this end, work on the throw from a stand still. Build it up as you go through. The Dan Beto right-pec drill video explains this well (it's in the thread with the links).

The absolute best way to get advice on throwing is to post a video of your throws. That'll give the guys something to look at to identify different aspects. Also, do a lot of reading and then go practice. It's a process--you'll get one thing down and then realize you have another problem popping up. As soon as you get that one solved you'll realize the first thing is becoming an issue again. You'll feel like you're not getting anywhere, but that's where the real progress happens.

Hope this helps!

 

[prerube]

Hey, man.

You should try a Leopard/Roc/Aviar combo for a while. Practice form with those and put the high speed discs on the shelf for a while.

Loki, first bit of advice. Taking advice from guys who have been playing for 2 months ^*cough^ may not be the safest bet

luckily this is reguritated information, so it is not terrible advice.

as far as your form. Read posts by Garublador and Sidewinder22. You seem to be willing to do the research so very soon you will be the one giving advice to "The dominator"

 

[bbutch]

Welcome to the site man!

I'd say first thing u want to do is put the Halo up for sure. Find a lower speed driver to learn with and work your way up, fairway drivers should be at the top of ur list. I made ur same mistake, the first disc I bought was a nuke (they had just been released, and the guy at the DG shop said it'd be a good starter disc lol blasphemy!) Putter only rounds do help but can be discouraging this early in your game, so Id say start by mixing in some holes you only throw a putter or midrange on. Field work is always a good way to practice without the stress of an actual goal. (other than just improve)

Number 1 thing to remember is to have fun! There are always people here who will be more than happy to give their opinions (not always a good thing lol) and most will try to be as helpful as possible.

Here's a good vid on bh form, there are obviously a lot more out there. Best tip any one can give you to improve is just practice, practice, practice, the more you play the better you'll get. Enjoy!!

 

[Johnny Depth]

Prerube is the only person I like receiving advice from.

 

[412Disc]

welcome

 

[loki993]

you will have better luck getting straight shots with your power and snap with an understable slower disc like a buzzz ss or a leo, a leo is about as fast as you wanna go right now this chart will help you out on your way http://www.marshallstreetdiscgolf.com/media/flightguide.html yea... buzzz or roc cant go wrong with either... i prefer the buzzz and since you have a hornet thats your overstable mid i would get a stable and understable mid and most importantly have fun.

I would personnally say to a newer player who needs and wants new plastic and a disc that wont turn and burn on you to go with a speed 3-7 stable to understable those would prob be your fav. discs to throw right now

Thanks, oh I'm having fun even with the bad shots, it was my first time lol. Ill definitely take a look at that chart.

Welcome Loki!

First off here's a couple helpful threads for starts:

1. "Noobie" Thread--read through for answers to a lot of beginner questions.

2. Technique Thread--lots of links to excellent helps across the web for technique.

To answer your specific questions:

1. Yes, the drivers you picked are a little much for beginners. (Shoot, they're a little much for noodle-arms like me, too.) I have a few recommendations when it comes to driver choice.

First, stick to 7-speed or slower drivers. Some on the forums will recommend you not throw drivers at all when you start. Where this can be helpful, I would caution against it. Driver require a different height and nose orientation to fly, and you won't learn it unless you throw them.

As far as recommendations:

• 
  Lat 64 Gold Line River--170 or lower. This is a great driver that is kind to slower arms but is still useful when you build up power. If you're finding it too understable and want more of an "S-curve," a lighter, flatter Opto Line would be good, too.

• 
  Innova Star TL--165-170. This is a straighter disc that will help you get used to throwing straight-no-turn-some-fade shots. It's both a shot and disc that you'll find useful when playing different lines. The TL is not as forgiving of Off-Axis Torque as some, but that is helpful to work the kinks out of your drive.

Also, if you don't have easy access to Lat 64, a Pro-line Leopard would function in a very similar way. Consider driving with putters, too--not only will you appreciate having the flexibility in ranges that putters give, driving with putters will also help teach good form, accuracy, height control, lines, etc.

2. The big sky hyzer shots are a combination of a few things, but most likely nose-angle related. If you're used to throwing frisbees, your tendency will be to pull through low-to-high which will pop the disc into the air nose up. (If you can see the decal on the disc when it's flying, it's nose up). Working on straight pull-throughs (always on the same level through the whole motion), and working on keeping the disc oriented down will help. Consult the above link for guides to grip and disc orientation.

Compensating for this by throwing anhyzer is a temporary solution, but you won't develop good form and you'll struggle to throw accurate, straight shots later.

3. Yes--the straight-pull-through-across-the-chest-like-starting-a lawnmower is key. Whipping it around the body is natural, so you'll have to focus on the straight pull through. To this end, work on the throw from a stand still. Build it up as you go through. The Dan Beto right-pec drill video explains this well (it's in the thread with the links).

The absolute best way to get advice on throwing is to post a video of your throws. That'll give the guys something to look at to identify different aspects. Also, do a lot of reading and then go practice. It's a process--you'll get one thing down and then realize you have another problem popping up. As soon as you get that one solved you'll realize the first thing is becoming an issue again. You'll feel like you're not getting anywhere, but that's where the real progress happens.

Hope this helps!

Yeah, I know I'm coming from low to high on my throw and probably going nose up too. I found those vids today and Ill try the straight through and I'm sure that will tone that down a good bit. I'm also nearly sure I'm trying to overpower my throws because I know I need to be fast with the disc I have..even though there is no way right now I'm fast enough.

The anhyzer throw was really just an experiment to see if I could get the disc to straighten out a bit and just really to see what it would do, it didn't work. It was never really a solution to try and fix the flight permanently. I also tried a couple thumbers just to see and actually they didn't too all that bad. In fact one was turning over really nicely until it hit that tree lol.

I will take a look at those discs, I like the Lat 64 I have so a River may be good. Its hard to beat the prices of the DX plastic though. When I buy I'm probably buying online and maybe used right now, just to keep cost down. My local shop does have Latitude 64 though and Play it again sports has a decent selection of discraft and innovas. I was a bit disappointed with their prices though, I think they have mostly new discs honestly.

The shop where I got them said I could probably trade them in for something else if I absolutely didn't like them, but honestly Id almost just assume keep them. The Reaper and the Halo were both "used" there. The Reaper you can tell its been used a little bit, but the Halo looked brand new.

I may swing my there and see if hes got anything in the used box, though the prices were only a buck or 2 less then his new.

I may post a vid eventually but right now I just wanted to make sure I had the bare essentials down first.

I mean fixing my high to low throw, keeping the disc level and not rolling the disc back into my arm, which I tried as well, will probably improve a lot of things off the bat.

 

[loki993]

Cant edit or I would have just added it

Welcome to the site man!

I'd say first thing u want to do is put the Halo up for sure. Find a lower speed driver to learn with and work your way up, fairway drivers should be at the top of ur list. I made ur same mistake, the first disc I bought was a nuke (they had just been released, and the guy at the DG shop said it'd be a good starter disc lol blasphemy!) Putter only rounds do help but can be discouraging this early in your game, so Id say start by mixing in some holes you only throw a putter or midrange on. Field work is always a good way to practice without the stress of an actual goal. (other than just improve)

Number 1 thing to remember is to have fun! There are always people here who will be more than happy to give their opinions (not always a good thing lol) and most will try to be as helpful as possible.

Here's a good vid on bh form, there are obviously a lot more out there. Best tip any one can give you to improve is just practice, practice, practice, the more you play the better you'll get. Enjoy!!

Trust me the nuke was looking pretty nice too lol, things like "max distance" and "superfast" draw me in lol. Oh well, no big deal, they will be there for when I need them and hey they do a hell of a job going around trees lol. That video was perfect by the way, I think It basically answered all my fundamental questions.

This does seem like a game I could be absolutely terrible at though and still have a good time doing it. though I am extremely competitive as well and that will eventually take over and make me want to improve. Hopefully someday Ill be good enough for league play and tournaments, but one step at a time. Im just having a good time going out and throwing it around right now.

welcome

Thanks

 

[Uncle Dougie]

Welcome! I'm going to list some things that have helped my in my two years of frolfing that might help:


- Grip. Find a grip that you're most comfortable with. There are all kinds. Personally, I like the Climo grip. It works.


- Straight pull through. Make sure you're pulling through straight and slightly away from the body but keeping the disc close to chest while pulling through. I use to get in the habit of pulling from around my body and windmilling my shots.


- focus your attention to your left of your body. What I mean by this is continue to keep looking the to the left until your left arm takes or forces you to turn your head to your target (following through).


- pivot on your heel


- the disc leaving your hand should be the last thing to happen.


Hope this helps.

 

[loki993]

Welcome! I'm going to list some things that have helped my in my two years of frolfing that might help:


- Grip. Find a grip that you're most comfortable with. There are all kinds. Personally, I like the Climo grip. It works.


- Straight pull through. Make sure you're pulling through straight and slightly away from the body but keeping the disc close to chest while pulling through. I use to get in the habit of pulling from around my body and windmilling my shots.


- focus your attention to your left of your body. What I mean by this is continue to keep looking the to the left until your left arm takes or forces you to turn your head to your target (following through).


- pivot on your heel


- the disc leaving your hand should be the last thing to happen.


Hope this helps.

It does thanks. Yeah I experimented with a few different grips yesterday and I think I settled on basically a power grip without even knowing it lol. I will probably experiment a little more though.


Look like I just picked up a river too, too good a deal and in great shape. Im still going to try and hunt down a Roc and a Leopard probably though. DXs shouldn't be too hard on the wallet.

 

[loki993]

Best Roc for a noob? Just the regular DX? There are lots lol

 

[Chef Fini]

Id say dx roc for sure. You will probably want max weight though or close to it. So 175g to 180g. If you can find a flat top dx roc those are great too but a bit more pricey. Id hold off on the KC rocs til you get a real good feel for the mold.

 

[foo_g]

The basics are the hardest parts of this game to learn, IMO.
Once you get them down, playing and improving is 100 times more fun.
Things start to click and you understand the direction that everyone is trying to give you.

 

[Smigles]

Trust me the nuke was looking pretty nice too lol, things like "max distance" and "superfast" draw me in lol.

Fun thing about the speed of the disc : it's not describing how fast they can go. All discs leave the hand at the same speed. Superfast discs mean that you have to be able to throw them super fast ( which means with clean technique ), or they will not fly as intendet. Instead of "superfast" it should actualy say "requires super technique", but that would sell less discs...

 

[deBebbler]

I agree with the Roc/Putter combo for awhile. If you learn how to throw a Roc well (i.e. learning how to release at different angles to achieve different flight lines), your ability to step up and throw drivers well will be increased ten-fold.

If you start trying out a bunch of different drivers now, it is very likely that you will pass over GREAT discs because you have poor form, and cannot throw them well, but think that they are "bad discs".

Keep in mind that many long time (I don't necessarily mean Pro) players will toss a Roc off the tee for shots under 350'....and park it.

You don't need warp speed drivers to throw well. For new players, most likely the exact opposite is true.

Also, the more you throw your putter now, the better you will be in the long run.

Have fun!

P.S. stick with the DX Roc

 

[loki993]

Id say dx roc for sure. You will probably want max weight though or close to it. So 175g to 180g. If you can find a flat top dx roc those are great too but a bit more pricey. Id hold off on the KC rocs til you get a real good feel for the mold.

max weight really? I would have assumed lighter would be better in the beginning