Before I sink my editorial teeth into this thing …
Let me make two things clear:
- You don’t have to have bad form.
- You don’t have to build a bag around it.
As I’m sure you’re well aware, combined with an empty soccer field, practice works. Also, building a disc golf bag is expensive. You’re best served doing it right the first time around.
That said, I’m both a husband and a father. And because I don’t suck at either, much like many reading this post, I’ve got a TON of responsibilities outside of hucking plastic in a nearby park. As tragic as it might seem, thanks to these “responsibilities,” I’d also consider myself a realist.
I know time for field work is scarce. The practice basket is doable, but only in 15- to 20-minute increments a few times a week. And when I do manage to carve out a couple of hours for disc golf, I’m rarely looking to fine-tune my X-step – I want to get 18 crisp holes under my belt.
So, with the above in mind, as blasphemous as it might sound …
Accepting defeat and building a bag around bad form?
It happens.
If this is you, and you crave new plastic, keep THIS Robbie C. tidbit in mind:
“Everyone has a natural tendency towards a certain style of release.”
There you have it.
Hyzer. Flat. Anhyzer.
That goes for the backhand. It goes for the forehand, as well. Take Hunter Thomas of Foundation Disc Golf, for example. If you’ve spent any time at all watching the retailer’s YouTube channel, you know he can’t help but release the disc on hyzer. To some degree, you do the same thing.
With your own flavor, of course.
As error-prone as it might be, knowing your natural throwing style (and angle) allows you to build a disc golf bag that complements it. Mask your weaknesses; accentuate your strengths.
And wouldn’t you know it …
Have more fun.
Just because the go-to advice for newbie disc golfers is understability in all situations doesn’t mean that’s the answer for everyone. On a backhand line, if you’re a hyzer guy through and through, you might need a few flippier discs in your bag. If you’re forever flat, follow the as-advertised flight numbers. And if you come over the top of most discs, get beefy.
The same logic applies to the forehand, though the traditional “dirty flick” comes out on anhyzer. Naturally, more overstable discs mask the common error. Not all of us can flick like Jeremy Koling. I’d argue, however, that just about all of us can flick a disc like Ohn Scoggins.
Her sidearm weapon of choice?
The Halo Destroyer.
Now it’s your turn …
Let’s say you’re looking for a max-distance driver – a true S-turn disc. Should your body prefer a hyzer release in all situations, bypass the ever-popular Star Destroyer – it’ll hyzer out. Heck, the Star Wraith might even do the same thing. Instead, it’s the flippier Star Shryke that’ll work best.
Sadly, it’s time for a reality check …
Doing things this way can only take you so far. Unsurprisingly, if you have hopes of pocketing a Tour Card one day, you’ll need to do things the right way. But if you’re more of a weekend warrior-type disc golfer, embrace the inevitable plateau – you’ll enjoy disc golf more.
And if all goes according to plan …
You might just trick a few random park-goers into thinking you know what you’re doing.
That’ll do.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
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