Disc Golf 101: Let the disc do the work

This was a “lightbulb” realization for me.

The sad part is that it took years for me to connect the dots.

If only ONE reader makes it happen sooner, this post will have been worth it.

And yes, I know – this seems like obvious advice:

“Let the disc do the work.”

So obvious, in fact, you might’ve received (or shared) similar counsel during tee-ball practice. À la Mark McGwire, as opposed to attempting to manually crush the ball into orbit, focus on getting the fat part of the bat on the ball. Without exerting much effort, it’ll soar.

You’re not a five-year-old athlete, but the SAME advice applies to disc golfers of all ages. Stop working harder; start working smarter. Let the disc do much of your game’s heavy-lifting.

Taken to an extreme, this is one-angle disc golf. Or, in other words, throwing hyzer-flips up and down courses to achieve all flight paths. And wouldn’t you know it, the hyzer-flip is versatile enough, that – as long as you’ve accumulated the right tools for the job – it can totally work.

Click here to learn more about the method.

For most disc golfers, though, this means NOT trying to (over) manipulate the disc.

Here are a few of the more common culprits:

• You attempt to throw everything full power.
• You flex overstable discs to achieve most lines.
• Thrown on anny, your frisbees frequently hyzer out.
• Every disc in your bag flies the same – straight with fade.

Be honest with yourself …

Do you regularly check any of the above boxes?

Naturally, forehand or backhand, adjust your throw to account for what’s needed. As the archer, it’s you that’s responsible for shoddy play – not the arrow. But if you feel like you’re forcing the disc to do what you want all the time, reassess your disc-selection process – it might need work.

Let the disc do what it’s been designed to do. Besides, there’s a good chance it’s more consistent than whatever form you’re currently working with. As a result, expect fewer highlight throw-ins for your social media followers, but don’t be surprised when you start shaving off excess strokes.

This is a trade-off you’ll make every time.

You’ve heard (and repeated) this:

“Slow is smooth, and smooth is far.”

Start saying this:

“Slow is smooth, and smooth is smart.”

The right disc helps you look the part.

Choose it. Throw it. Let it work.

Problem solved.

Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

Editor’s Suggestions:

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