Disc golf: How to (temporarily) turn your basket into a Marksman

Dynamic Discs’ Marksman basket is expensive.

For less basket, you’re paying more than you would for most quality, full-size setups.

Let me back up a bit, though …

If you don’t know what a Marksman basket is, click here to get a good look at one. Basically, it’s a more narrow version of the baskets you’ll face come tourney time. The point of this is for you to practice on something smaller to fine-tune your accuracy on the green. Then, when the putts actually matter, even your misses have a greater chance of catching on a bigger basket.

Also, a normal target will seem HUGE in comparison …

That’s an added bonus.

* Note #1: The term “Marksman” refers to Dynamic Discs’ version of a smaller basket.

* Note #2: Other brands make these baskets, but “Marksman” has become a universal term.

If you’re anything like me, money’s tight …

Springing for one practice basket is doable. But while the idea of a Marksman is great, the price point is nutty. Assuming you DO own a practice basket, however, there’s a solution …

Follow these steps:

• Step No. 1 – Grab your practice basket – dust it off, if need be.
• Step No. 2 – From the top, thread a string or rope through every third or fourth link.

• Step No. 3 – Tighten the loop until it’s somewhere near 12.5 inches in diameter.
• Step No. 4 – Tie a knot to keep the now-cinched chains properly in place.

Voilà.

If you were a Boy Scout back in the day, you might have a cinchable knot in your arsenal to make things more adjustable. And if not, a regular, idiot-proof knot will work. Should you go that route, however, I’d recommend using a more durable string or hemp twine. These are inexpensive options. Then, when done, you can simply cut them for a normal basket.

There is ANOTHER option, though it’s more expensive …

Initially, at least.

DGA’s Mach Shift basket is a three-in-one, transformer-like basket – buy one. One basket with many uses is a beautiful thing. And wouldn’t you know it, it’s cheaper than a D.D. Marksman.

But again, the jerry-rigged version will work just fine …

In time, both will lead to better putting.

One just happens to be easier on your wallet.

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

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