Jump Putt Questions

[milow369]

I am thinking about incorporating a jump putt into my game but I've got some questions related to the rules. Would really like to hear from pros or advanced players who regularly use a jump putt in their game.

1) I assume that I can use a jump putt outside of 30'. Inside of 30' would be considered a "falling putt" and is a penalty - correct?. I also assume (because I've never seen anyone whip out a tape measure) that distances are estimated and can be challenged by a fellow player during a tournament. I don't ask because I want to try and work the system, I would just rather not commit a penalty. I really want to be confident in my understanding of the rules when it comes to this putt.

What is your rule of thumb for you when deciding whether to go ahead and green light on the jump putt in a tournament? i.e., do you make sure that you're out at least 40' so there's no question?, do you ask fellow players what they think before you take your shot?, etc.

2) Consider a scenario: My marker is at least 50' out from the basket. I want to try a jump putt. I assume that I take a couple steps back behind my mini, size up the shot, take the shot ensuring that my jump comes to rest behind my mini at the conclusion of the shot. I assume that if my jump goes past the mini it's a foot fault and a penalty - is that right? or, because it's outside of the 30' ring is it like a tee shot where as long as the disc crosses the front plane of the teebox before your feet it's clean?

3) I played with a rather impressive prodigy at a tournament last fall. This kid had one hell of a jump putt. On one hole I remember he took a shot at a basket. He was shooting downhill and I assume was out 30'+. I remember that it was close, but whatever, let's say he was 31' out. He takes this jump shot, flings the disc almost straight up into it's S turn. His momentum takes him forward and due to the downhill, he sort of runs down following after the shot. By the time the putt gently floats into the chains, he is less than 15' from the basket and running at it at a pretty good pace right at it - It was like some Tiger Woods thing. It was very impressive but I always wondered if it was legal. I assume that because he was outside of 30' and the disc got off clean with him trailing, this was perfectly legal.

Sorry for the book but I've been noodling the above for a while. Thanks for your comments. BTW - feel free to call out any of the above if I am not on the mark.

The main thing I am concerned about is when I can and can't legally use the jump putt and what I need to be concerned with prior to taking the shot - Thanks!

[tamahawk]

Ref Item 1):
As defined by the PDGA rules handbook:
Putt: Any throw from 10 meters (32.8ft) or less as
measured from the rear of the marker disc
to the base of the hole is considered a putt.

Ref Item 2):
Stepping past the marker disc is
permitted after the disc is released, except
when putting within 10 meters.

There is a pdf file of the rules on the PDGA website, here is a link:
http://www.pdga.com/documents/pdga-rules-of-play

I have found the jump putt to be very useful in the right situation, it would be a good addition to your game.

[33tango]

My local course painted a 10M circle around each basket for the last tourney they had. Don't know how prevalent that is.

[DiscJunkie]

I'm not very experienced as far as tourneys go, but some do the painted circle, some dont. It would be difficult to mandate the circle (you can't paint dirt), but it would be nice.

[Roc1Time]

First thing, its not 30 feet, its 32.8. That seems to be a big mistake that most people make and yes that 2 and half feet can make a big difference. But I do jump alot and what I have seen and done over time is if its close, get a decision from the group. If they say your out, then your good to go. Most of the time from what I have seen is if its close then well give it to you. Our new course we have in town has put in 8 bricks around each basket so all you have to do is look for a second. Hope this helps

[zenbot]

I think that it's always best to get a consensus before the shot. That way there's no argument after the fact.

[zenbot]

I always have my Fat Max Extreme tape measure just in case there is a dispute. You can measure things out and it's great for getting discs out of trees or the water.

How's that for product placement?

[Roc1Time]

Nice plug

[zenbot]

Originally Posted by Roc1time

Nice plug

They should send me Fat Max T-shirt, at least.

People would probably just think my name is Max. Maybe I should start losing this beer belly.

[A.Mutt]

so here's a related question ...

why have the courses measured out in feet but then have a putt defined with meters? Same deal with the resting above the playing surface rule being 2 meters. Why would a sport developed in America use the metric system and then not completly across the board?
I'm more curious than anything else ... with a meter being so close to a yard which we are all far more familiar with here in the States, why go metric?