Disc Golf is a popular sport enjoyed by people of all ages. When you think of disc golf, you might just think of it as the same sport as golf, where clubs and golf balls are involved. However, the reality is far different.
Disc golf or frisbee golf is more of a combination of the traditional golf and frisbee and it is a much more fun activity than regular golf. The game serves as a fantastic recreational activity for many and is a great way to spend your weekends with your friends and family.
While golf discs certainly resemble frisbees they actually fly quite differently than normal frisbees. Thus, knowing the proper throwing technique can be immensely helpful in scoring well in the game. Want to learn how to throw a disc golf? Read our guide to find out!
The Rules of Disc Golf
The rules of disc golf are quite like traditional golf, but instead of using clubs to throw the ball into the hole, the game requires disc golfers throwing the golf discs into an elevated basket.
In order to win the game, the disc golfer must throw the golf disc into the basket with the least number of throws possible from the tee pad i.e., the starting point. Starting from the tee pad and finishing at the basket, where the disc is thrown, marks one ‘hole’.
One round has 9-18 holes depending on how much longer you want to play. The person with the least number of throws is the winner.
Things to take care of when throwing
Disc golf is a very simple game with very simple rules. All you need to do is follow the course’s holes. Wherever your disc lands on your first shot, that point is called the “lie”. For your next shot you need to stand behind the lie or make sure one of your feet lies in the imaginary rectangle and throw. The fewer the attempts made to throw the disc in the basket, the higher the chances of the player winning.
It’s also best to follow course etiquette and ensure everyone around you is safe while you’re throwing the disc. Make sure you’re not moving around too much either so other players don’t end up accidentally hitting you. Make sure you don’t litter the area and be a responsible human being.
Official rules of the game have been published by the professional disc golf association. You might want to give it a read prior to playing the game. Once you are familiar with all the rules, it’s up to you how you want to adapt them into your game. However, you’re not required to follow each rule when playing with your family or friends. Pick any rules and make it fun and worthwhile.
What kind of disc do you need and why?
As a beginner you might get all hyped up and end up spending a lot of money on a lot of discs at the same time not knowing which ones to get. And trust me on this, these discs get costly! The smart thing to do would be to borrow discs from your friends/family or anyone that you know that plays disc golf.
This will help you save money and give you an idea on how well you play using different types of discs. But if you do need to get discs of your own then I’d advise to get just three. You’ll need a:-
- fairway driver (for long shots)
- midrange (for mid length shots)
- a putter (for putting)
These three are enough to practice as a beginner. Practice all kinds of shots with the driver and midrange and eventually move on to playing with the putter for better practice.
How should you throw the disc?
Now let’s get to the important part. First and foremost, you need to learn how to throw the ball. Of course, internet guides and articles will help you learn the basics but the most important of all things is to get out on the ground and practise!
Aim to practice as much as you can without feeling disappointed.
There are a few throwing techniques but the most common one is the backhand throw. Here are a few steps you must follow if you want to perfect your throw.
- Find the most comfortable way to place the disc in the palm of your hands between the thumb and your index finger.
- Hold the golf disc flat (for a straight shot) and grip it tightly. Make sure it doesn’t slip out of your hands as soon as you throw it.
- Position your feet at 90 degrees to the target. Loosen up a bit to make swift movements easier and bend your knees and hips a little lower to generate power and provide full range of motion.
- Point the disc directly at the target.
- Pull back with the disc against your upper body at an imaginary straight line drawn straight to the target.
- Pull the disc through that same imaginary line. Rotating the hips slightly along with the movement of your arm. Elbow should go from straight to making a 90-degree angle to the target.
- Snap your wrist and let go off the disc with your throwing arm as swiftly as possible.
- Follow the same steps till your disc gets into the basket.
Why should you play disc golf?
The one thing we love about this game is that it offers all the challenges of traditional golf without being pricey or requiring fancy clubs. The only thing that costs money are the discs and yet even that is worth it. Other than that, it’s a great way to stay fit and the best way to spend time with your kids, partners and even your pets if they love fetching your discs. Perfecting the throwing motion is the only way you can excel at playing the sport and that requires a whole lot of strategy- which people love experimenting with.
