A putt refers to a throw within 10 meters or less of a basket. Since players cannot advance until they’ve finished their par, knowing how to throw a putter is imperative to gain progress in the game. To throw a correct putter, you must know the rules of putting. Only then can you save yourself from penalties and possibly, win the game.
In this article, I’ve summed up some of the best disc golf putting tips. Following the steps will help you ace your putting game.
Steps to Putt a Disc Golf
- Grip:
The first step you need to know is how to grip the disc . The most standard way to grip the disc is placing your four fingers underneath the disc while your thumb on top of it .Although there is forehand and backhand grips which are both equally important but if you are starting out, backhand grip should be your go-to especially for putting in the disc golf from a close distance.
You should grip your disc tighter when going for power shots to cover longer distance and looser if you are aiming more for accuracy and shorter distance.For accuracy and shorter distance many professional may also use “the fan grip” in which you place three fingers underneath the disc , you index finger along the rim and your thumb on top .
- Stance:
A good put requires a good stance. You want to start with placing your dominant foot ahead as the front and the weak foot at the back. Offset your back foot parallel to your body so it is pointing to the side away from you body.You need to stand a bit sideways which would allow you to swing your hip to put more leverage and momentum in your throw.
After you have gotten into the correct foot position, lean your body a bit forwards over your toes , this helps again bring more power and accuracy in your throws giving you the best chance to putt in the basket.
- Weight shift:
Shifting your weight is the most important aspect especially regarding adding power to your shot. This is what gives you the edge to throw farther than most people.first you want to put all your weight into the heels of your front foot almost leaving your toes in the air. Then you proceed to shift your weight forward from the heels of the front foot to the toes bending your knees.
As you shift weight forwards it’s pivotal to remember you have to use your back foot to push yourself forward lifting the back foot off the ground and putting all your weight on the front toes. This major shift of weight starting from driving your back foot off the ground into the toes is the major reason for your power throws allowing you to put from much more distance.
- Arm swing :
Arm swing is one of the last steps while putting the disc and it usually makes or breaks your throw. You begin with winding up the disc towards your body as you stand sideways.you pull your disc towards your body right across your chest.
As you shift your weight forward and swing your hip, simultaneously you bring the disc forward with the rotation from your shoulder and hips. As you bring the disc forward your arm gets straighter and at the point of release your arm must be aligned with the direction you are aiming for .
- Wrist and fingers :
Your wrist and fingers are the last decider for your throw and they are the deciding factor which determine the spin and the direction your disc will fly .Once your arm gets straighten out and is line with the basket , you use the flick of the wrist to add spin on to your disc to add accuracy and distance to your throw.
Use the swing of your finger to release the disc aiming at the putt and once the disc release open up your palm to prevent adding any more spin or throwing off the aim to another direction .
If you follow these steps and make sure you are fluid with your movements performing it simultaneously , effortlessly shifting through the form nothing can get in the way of your disc and the putt.
Types of Putt
• Spin putt:
Players tend to use many styles but spin putt is the most preferred choice of many professionals. In a spin putt you add spin on the disc by swinging your fingers along. With the spin air has less effect on the disc and goes much faster .It also gives a gliding effect to the disc allowing it to have longer flight duration.
• Push putt:
It’s basically the simplest style to putt. You basically just throw the disc into the basket. This works best in small distances where air can’t alter the course of the disc. You have to be careful about adjusting the arc depending on the distance. Aim higher for a longer distance so it lands in the basket safely as it descends .
• Jump putt:
It’s as simple as the name suggests, you jump forward while throwing the disc with your normal style. This is one of the harder styles to master comparatively. In this you basically launch yourself up and forward with both feet to add more power to your throw so you can putt the disc even in a far away basket .
The Bottom Line
Learning how to putt is a simple affair. We all are used to throwing stuff in a desired direction like throwing trash in the can. You just need to practice using proper form and in a matter of days you will be playing disc golf quite easily.
The best way to learn would be to actually learn through people you see playing in the parks near you, just use what you learn today and apply it with the help of experienced disc golfers. It’s a game anyone can play as it can be played anywhere with no lavish investment. Just pick up a disc and you are now a disc golfer.
