Disc golf: 3 tips for consistent approaches from 200 feet

This has been said before …

And on this blog, in one way or another:

“The best way to make putts is to not have to putt.”

If you can get within the bullseye off the tee, not only will UDisc be impressed, but so will your cardmates. One or two minutes later, you’ll be dropping in the disc you just threw for birdie.

This isn’t the Disc Golf Network, though …

For most amateur disc golfers, it’s not uncommon to park a few shots every round. But it’s not an every-hole kind of thing, either. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance the bulk of your tap-ins are the result of getting up-and-down from somewhere between 100 and 200 feet.

In fact, screw bullseye hits: Forehand or backhand, if you can at least get within your comfort zone 70% of the time on your short-range approaches, you’ll shave BIG strokes off your game.

It’s as simple as that.

Here are three idiot-proof ways to make it happen:

1. Keep your wrist above your elbow

This isn’t how most shots occur …

When driving the disc for distance or throwing aggressively, more often than not, the wrist and elbow are either level or the elbow is higher, even if just slightly. Of course, the exception to this is throwing anything on an anhyzer line. Another exception is the short, touchy putter approach.

Starting with your wrist above the elbow makes it easier to throw floaty, nose-up approaches. With no need for speed, these are the kinds of shots that land softly – they hit and stick. Better yet, you don’t have to do much adjusting to make it happen: Your elevated wrist takes care of it.

This concept was first introduced to me at a clinic Paul Ulibarri put on …

Here’s the time-stamped YouTube video of said clinic:

Listen to Paul.

He knows what he’s doing.

2. Opt for hyzer angles

Power hyzer. Power hyzer. Power hyzer.

It almost feels like the Las Vegas Challenge, right?

There’s a reason the Pro Tour leans on the angle like mad …

It’s consistent.

Easy to replicate, hyzers allow for the biggest margin of error, as they greatly reduce the importance of distance control. Put as much oomph as you like into it, and the hyzer angle will gobble it up en route to the basket. It works at Wildhorse; it works from 200 feet out, as well.

Forehand or backhand, when there’s little between you and the basket or a clear-cut hyzer line is obvious, go with the hyzer. You’re not James Conrad, kiddo – don’t go straight at it.

3. Forget throw-ins

We just went over this …

You’re NOT James Conrad.

Don’t get me wrong: Miracle birdies are awesome. And depending on the situation, going for ‘em from relatively far away might be on the menu – but they’re rare. The strokes you’ll inadvertently add to your round going for them could be mitigated by simply laying up.

Put it close. Tap it in. Onto the next hole.

It works for Nate Sexton …

Why not you?

* Note: Softer, moderately overstable putters make for great “workhorse” approach discs.

Obviously, no matter how solid your approach game gets, continue to work on your putting. The more you can annoy the neighbors with the sound of your backyard practice basket, the better.

But nerves hit WAY different come tourney time …

Stop putting. Start parking.

Quality approaches ensure it happens.

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

Editor’s Suggestions:

• How to clean dirty (and stinky) golf discs
• Disc golf: Why bottom-stamped discs are best
• How to remove stench from your disc golf bag

Real quick, if you happen to buy something through a link in this article, there’s a chance we’ll get a small share of the sale. It’s how we keep the lights on. To learn more, click here.