If you’re new to disc golf a common question you’ll ask yourself or others is: How to get more distance in disc golf. This is normal because although you might be throwing with all your strength the disc is still not going nearly as far as more experienced players, even though they aren’t using as much strength.
Naturally, those players who are lacking distance in their drives want to improve it and get a full flight in as low throws as possible. It’s always frustrating to watch players throw disc after disc accurately and get more distance out of their drivers while some of us are still falling short or hitting the trees next to the tee off spot.
For all the beginners out there who want to get more distance on their throws we put together the ultimate guide.
Step 1: Choose the Right Disc
All of the tips given to beginners and intermediate level players focus on form and technique. However, the first and foremost thing that needs your attention is the disc selection. When you are choosing a disc, you need to consider if your disc is overstable, understable or stable. What is the weight range? Is it wide rimmed? and what are the flight ratings?
In order to cover maximum distance, you need to find a disc golf long driver that matches your release velocity and arm power. For beginner level disc golfers with a slower arm speed, less stable drivers and fairway drivers are better suited than the midrange and overstable distance drivers. Develop your overall form and technique with mid-range discs and putters and then work your way up to fairway drivers and then ultimately to the distance drivers.
To achieve the best distance you need to practice a lot! Other factors that should be considered include arm speed, glide and wind and the disc ratings. For a beginner disc golf player, a disc with less speed and more glide and fade is recommended. Spend some time looking for the correct disc that can help you cover long distances consistently.
The Different Types of Discs for Beginners
When we talk of choosing the right type of disc, we are talking about trying as many discs as possible. The perfect disc at beginner level is the one that matches your arm power, velocity and can provide you perfect glide. Therefore, as a beginner you need to find a disc that is:
· Slower
· Less stable, and;
· Light in weight
After observing a lot of beginners play on course, we have come to the conclusion that many new players fail to achieve the distance not because they lack in skill or form, but because they choose the wrong type of disc for their skill level. An overstable disc with high-speed ratings thrown by a beginner (with not much arm strength) will fade away too quickly compromising on distance. Here are some tips to help you pass from the beginner level to the next.
· For increased distance, beginners should look for slower discs, from stable to understable. If you must use an overstable disc, the less overstable the better.
· Your arm strength and throw power will increase with practice, until then stick with lighter, understable and stable drivers.
· If you want to cover more distance with accuracy, control drivers are better than distance drivers.
Step 2: Develop Proper Grip and Stance
Your grip and stance are two basic components of disc golf that you need to master when you are learning how to get more distance in disc golf.
Grip
Grip is how to hold the disc with proper form, not too loose nor too tight, your disc needs to sit in your hand in the most natural way. There are different types of grips for different types of shots, and in order to master it you need to practice and create your own style.
How to Get the Perfect Grip
Learn how to get a perfect grip on your disc by following these steps.
· A perfect grip on the disc is when your grip is tight but not knuckles tight. Wrap your fingers around the contours of the disc in a firm hold. Your wrist and arm should not be very tight and tense. Keep them relaxed so that the disc doesn’t lose momentum.
· A loose grip means that the disc will slip out of your hand leading to ineffective shots. You should, therefore, practice to have a good grip so that your release is on point and you get the maximum momentum on the disc.
· Always clean the disc before throwing as a dirty, wet or slippery disc will impact your grip and release.
· For backhand drives use a powergrip, all fingers gripping the rim of the disc.
· For forehand/sidearm drives and approach shots use the regular “finger gun” grip.
Stance
In order to throw from lie, you need to take a stance. Stance means positioning your body to make the throw. Stance is an important component of disc golf which will determine the type of throw you are attempting. Whether you stand still for putts or use a running start for momentum in an effort to gain more distance for those longer shots, the point of release is where your stance matters the most. Keeping a balanced posture at the point of release is essential to a quality throw.
How to Achieve the Quality Throw
Here is how you can achieve the quality throw with a perfect stance.
· First step is to gain a balanced stance. In order to achieve a balanced stance, ensure that your feet are spaced properly apart, generally about shoulder width apart. The lower you are to the ground, the more balanced you become. Therefore, simply bend slightly at your knees in a shallow crouch.
· A straddling stance is ideal for backhand throws. In this stance keep your feet parallel and facing forward, begin with the disc (if you are right handed) to your left side, moving it forward and releasing when your arm is fully extended.
· Side Straddle stance is the same as the straddle stance but with a small difference. In this stance the toes of your feet will form a line to the target. This stance is preferred where aim is important.
· Foot-forward stance is another popular stance. It does not offer the same balance as the straddle, however, it is ideal for short putts
Step 3: Use Proper Throwing Technique
If you want to learn how to get more distance in disc golf, then one of the main factors is to refine your overall throwing technique. A perfect technique is one in which you throw precise shots, have flawless form and very little unnecessary movements and motions that are going to directly affect extension, speed and power of the throw.
How Proper Technique Can Add Distance to Throws
If you want to add distance to your drive, you need to focus solely on the throwing motion itself. Here is how proper technique will help you perform disc golf long distance drives.
· Focus on the athletic movement. Your athletic movement combines proper stance alignment, posture, and balance.
· Using a straight linear reachback with full extension of arm and elbow, bring the arm through the midsection close to the body driving the elbow and accelerating on one straight line through to the release.
· When you make the throw, use the power of your entire body and not just your arm. In order to utilize your whole-body power while making the throw, shift your body weight while placing your legs firmly. Regular practice of your technique advances you to more controlled speed and power drives later on in the game.
How to Throw Disc Golf Disc Using X-Step Technique
While playing x-step technique, players engage all the powerful muscles of their body and transfer the optimal force into the disc. This technique is performed in four steps.
1. Put your left foot forward,
2. Then move your right foot forward and place it across the front of the left foot.
3. With your left foot behind the right foot, create an X shape with your legs.
4. Reach with your right foot out in front as far as you can, and once you are locked and loaded throw the disc as hard as you can.
In order to achieve distance with x-step technique you need to practice your stance rigorously. The muscle memory developed over a regular period of time will help you unleash the power of your body.
One simple way to analyze your personal form and technique is by recording the videos of your practice and field day and watching them in slow motion. This will help you detect and correct all of the nonessential movements and irregularities that might be taking away your distance. Another great way is to watch how the top professionals do it, either on video or in person at a local event.
Step 4: Improve Your Physical Fitness
While continuous practice of x-step will help strengthen your lower body muscles, for a throw that covers long distance drives you need to be physically fit. A perfect throw is made when your whole body works in unison. Your head, arms, shoulders and chest need to be positioned correctly throughout your throwing motion, how your feet are planted, hip action, and core stability will collectively determine the quality of the game.
Some of the exercises that can help increase core stability are planks, rotational plank, Swiss ball plank etc. Performing x-step and other throwing techniques is a function that demands a strong lower body. For hip and core stability and strong lower body include kneeling reverse half chop, lying hip rotations, squatting internal rotations, and piriformis stretch in your workout routine. Other workouts that can help build upper body strength include plank walk, monkey crawl, diagonal plate raise and rotational med ball throw.
Step 5: Practice with Field Work
The concept of field work in disc golf is simple and precise; it is not haphazard disc throwing. Instead it is the development of a productive pattern that will help you improve technique, drive and your overall game.
What is Disc Golf Field Work?
Disc golf field work is practicing disc golf driving technique, throwing, shot-shaping, distance, power and overall technique with your discs in a large, open field.
Where Can You Practice Disc Golf Field Work?
Even though it is called field work, it doesn’t always have to be in a large open field. You can start your practice routine on a particular open hole on your favorite course and then slowly expand your field.
How Can You Setup an Effective Field Work Routine
An effective field work routine can not only help you improve your form, but it’s an excellent way of advancing your technique, building stamina and acquiring your own style in disc golf. Here are some tips on getting you started.
· Start with doing field work a few times a week. You can split your practice and field work time by 40:60 or 50:50 ratio where half the time is devoted to general practice (putting, solo disc practice etc) and the other half is dedicated to field work.
· Warm up exercises such as stretching should be the beginning of your field work routine.
· Set a goal, and start every field work day to achieve what you have in mind. For example; on day one you want to achieve 50 anhyzer, whereas, day 2 is for achieving 50 throws each covering more distance than the previous. For better results, record your progress as you move forward.
· Work on your technique and accuracy. Practice your accuracy in the woods as well as on course. For better accuracy select a target and tackle it heads on.
· Dedicate field work day to improve power and distance. Use landmarks to improve disc golf long drives.
Step 6: Learn from Other Disc Golfers
The best way of improving your game is to study how pros are playing their game. This can be achieved in two ways. First, you connect with the local disc golfer community and learn from all the experienced disc golfers. Second, watch the videos and analyze the game of all pro disc golfers. This is a very helpful way of studying the game as you can pause and analyze shots in more detail. You can make notes on body language, throwing techniques and can compare the technique of one player with another.
How to Connect with a Disc Golf Community
Find a local disc golf community by:
· Search for local disc golf clubs (college, university, community etc)
· Visit local disc golf courses
· Get in touch with that friend, colleague, family member or neighbor who is into disc golf. They will help you connect with a bigger community.
· Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has updated lists of all disc golf tournaments you can always check for the tournaments happening in your area.
Step 7: Play in Tournaments and Events
An awesome fact about professional disc golf tournaments is that they are built for all levels of players. Yes, even a beginner can participate in a professional disc golf tournament. Participating in a tournament will polish your skills by allowing you to participate in a healthy competition and by observing how other disc golfers play. It will also help you connect with more disc golfers and be a part of the disc golfers’ community.
How Can I Participate in a Professional Disc Golf Tournament
The simple way of participating in a professional disc golf tournament is by signing up at a local disc golf club and on PDGA events. There are different divisions such as beginners/intermediate or pro level tournaments, men/women and mixed tournaments, choose your division and sign up for the tournament.
Like any other sport, you can achieve excellence in disc golf only with consistent practice and dedication. Make sure that you create a routine allotting separate time slots to practicing the sport and field work day. Instead of focusing on how to get more distance in disc golf, focus on how you can improve your overall game. While the idea of covering the longest distance in one go is definitely exciting, however, it will be of no use if you keep hitting trees and other obstacles with your disc. Therefore, while practicing the game your emphasis should be on accuracy as much as it is on distance.
Disc golf requires that the player must be fit with a strong core. For a better game it is essential that you have the stamina and muscle strength. Make sure that when you are on your field day or on course practicing general techniques, perseverance is the key. You can always learn more tricks and techniques by building on the work of pro disc golf players. Connect with the local community and with associations that arrange professional disc golf tournaments. Start at the beginner’s division and move your way up to the intermediate and then pro level game. We wish you best of luck!
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