Disc golf: 3 signs you might be a ‘noodle arm’

To possess a “noodle arm” is to be a weak thrower of the disc.

Though there’s no hard-and-fast rule on this, the “noodle arm” name is most often associated with amateur disc golfers who can’t huck a distance driver more than 300 feet. But while a sizable chunk of the disc golfers reading this article can’t toss a Destroyer the length of an American football field, few would admit to the title — it’s seen as a label of lameness.

Not entirely sure if you fit the bill?

Put the tape measure away …

This’ll help:

1. Every disc has one of two flight patterns

If you’re a card-carrying noodle-armer, virtually every disc in your bag flies the same …

Well, not EXACTLY the same — there are two options:

• Flight No. 1 – The disc is prime, USDA-certified beef.
• Flight No. 2 – The disc is stable, but still finishes heavily.

Putters, midranges, fairway drivers and distance drivers — there’s no escaping the monotony of what your discs’ flight paths produce. So much so, in fact, dazed and confused, greenhorn disc golfers can often be found aimlessly asking, “Where can I pick up a left-handed disc?”

Thankfully, there are discs that do what you’re looking for, but …

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2. You’re a slave to marketing messages

Therein lies the problem.

The Force, Raider and Cloudbreaker are all great discs. And even for the most wet of noodles amongst us, they can serve a niche purpose — think longer Firebird, for example. That purpose, however, in spite of what Paul McBeth and Ricky Wysocki might bomb, ISN’T mega-distance.

Unless outspokenly geared towards newer players with slower, more developing arm speeds, don’t pay any mind to what Jim Kenner, Jeremy Rusco, Dave Dunipace and Jussi Meresmaa have to say about the “latest and greatest” in groundbreaking (and easy) distance technology.

You’re NOT Eagle McMahon or Simon Lizotte …

Don’t build your bag like you are.

* Quick Tip: Watch more FPO “In the Bag” videos — the ladies shred.

3. Distance is an obsession

And I mean it …

You’re consumed.

The ProPull, form videos, online forums, YouTube tutorials, in-person, pro-led clinics and the occasional bout of black magic — NOTHING is off the table to help you off the tee. Heck, you might even crack a book on the subject, such is your level of distance-induced desperation.

I’ve got bad news, though …

With zero effort, this and this can help, but there’s no “quick-fix” for 400 feet …

Sucks to suck.

Embrace the pasta

Here’s the thing about rocking the “noodle arm” nickname …

It’s not a death sentence — you can STILL win tournaments.

Build a bag around your strengths; dissect courses with ‘em in mind.

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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• Gripe No. 6: The ‘all-blue’ disc golf bag

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