Novice

NOVICE TIPZ

So, you've decided to join us in the addictive sport of Disc Golf! You will find it to be an enjoyable experience and you'll meet some some very extraordinary folks. Disc golfers come from all walks of life, from District Attorneys to slackers! We all have one thing in common, we LOVE to throw flat plastic!
Now, let's get on with the basics....

PRACTICE, PRACTICE AND PRACTICE SOME MORE! Golf discs have a mind of their own, so it's up to you to learn how to control them.

Let's begin with the "NEVERS".
First, NEVER practice on a disc golf course. Always find an open field to learn your control. Make sure there are no picnics close by. We don't want to upset someones industrial size Pepsi!
Second, NEVER play catch with a golf disc. These are made to throw at baskets, not people. Discs react differently than Frisbees.
Last, NEVER get frustrated and give up. Take your time to learn how to throw. If you want instant gratification, try hospital food!

Now to the "ALWAYS"!

ALWAYS stretch and warm up before you play. Sore muscles and hyperextended elbows are no fun. Take at least 10-15 minutes to tell your body what yer fixin' to do!
ALWAYS start with a positive attitude. Your gonna make some bad shots so don't let it bother you.
ALWAYS set reasonable goals. Bogey golf is not that bad for beginners.
ALWAYS play by the rules. Beg, borrow, buy or steal a PDGA rule book. Carry it with you. Read it! It'll save embarrassment later on.

A balanced follow-thru is the key to a better game!
Pay attention to the Open/Pro players and don't be afraid to ask questions.

No need to carry more than 3 discs and a putter for your first few rounds. Learn how to throw what you have before you purchase any new stuff....and stay away from the" high tech" drivers for awhile. Start with mid-range plastic until you build confidence in your game. Beasts, Orcs and Valkyries are hard to control for novices and all they will do is piss you off! There's plenty of time for those as you progress.

Putting is the most important part of the game! Note the balance and posture in the above pics. (well..two of the three) These are good examples of putting techniques. These pros are at 30'-35' feet. As a novice, you should begin at 10' and work up to 30'. Practice in all conditions, windy, calm, rainy etc. With the wind, aim at the number plate.. Into the wind, aim at the bottom of the basket. In calm conditions , pick one link about 6" below number plate. Remember, what goes up must come down! If you throw low, you have no chance of making the putt. Concentrate on disc speed also. If you throw too high, you don't want a major fly-by! Try to stay within your putting comfort zone.

FIND YOUR COMFORT ZONE
When you feel your balance, release and foot work are acceptable to you, this is your comfort zone. Don't attempt to throw 100%. Stay around 80%. Practice within this zone until you can get the results you want. Work on accuracy. Don't worry about distance yet. That will come soon enough!

PUTTING TIPZ

DRIVING TIPZ

So, You wanna drive like Stokely? Forget it! Learn the basics first.
Once again, locate your open field. Start slowly. No more than 50% at first. Begin by throwing with lots of anhyzer. Observe how the disc reacts, Be aware of your balance and follow thru. Once you have reached your comfort zone, cock yer wrist and then snap it at release. (git yer forefinger off the leading edge) Now, move to 75%, turn your back to your target, keeping the anhyzer, snap your release and follow thru while maintaining balance. Repeat this until you see the results you're looking for. Remember, maintain your comfort zone, snap your release, follow thru and keep balanced. It will take lots of practice but you will LOVE THE RESULTS!

Grip your disc firmly. Tuck all four fingers under the rim. Stand flat-footed with your throwing shoulder toward your target and snap your release. When you see positive results, then try the 3 step approach..
When you grip firmly, you tend to release late so remember to aim a bit left of target. (righties)

Run-ups are a no-no at this point. Until you learn to control your drives, a run-up will take you off target and off balance.
In my opinion.."the less body movement, the better the accuracy!"

PRACTICE ...RESULTS WILL NOT COME OVERNIGHT!

APPROACH TIPZ

An approach is like a short drive or a long putt. Accuracy is of the utmost importance here. Approach is a touch shot! Use mid-range plastic or a putter. Pick a target around 100'- 250' and imagine a 35' ring surrounding it. The object is to place your disc inside the 35' ring.
Stand flat-footed and learn to float your disc into the ring. Being a novice, this will be one of your most difficult challenges. Until you become proficient in driving, you will find yourself approaching quite often.

TOMAHAWK SHOTS stay away, stay far, far away! I see way too many newbies throwing 'hawks. This type of shot is bad for your arm and is unneeded at this point in yer game! Most folks throw these 'cos they have no other shot in their game. Wait until you learn your basics before you attempt a 'hawk. It is a good trouble shot when done correctly but can agitate a rotator cuff when done incorrectly! Have Patience

Try approaching from different stances. Forehand, Backhand and Goofyfoot . Goofyfoot is when you point yer ass toward the target and throw backhand behind you! If you're stuck behind trees or Dads old Edsel, the goofy will come in mighty handy and you will impress folks with your style and grace! Start at 100' and move further out as you reach yer zone. Remember, practice on a field, not a course!

You don't need a tight grip on an approach. Like a putt, an approach shot is a feel shot. Balance and release are most important.

Practice your wrist snap at release. This is a very important aspect of learning to drive with consistancy, and approach with accuracy. With correct wrist snap technique, your drives and approaches will be strighter and longer with less effort.

you will always learn something if you play with a better player!

updated Sept. 11 2004