Disc golf: Where can you legally place your foot behind a lie?

If you’re a seasoned disc golfer, skip this post: It’ll be little more than a snoozefest. But if you’re new to the sport or are looking to familiarize yourself more with the rules, keep reading …

You might learn something.

Today, I’m talking lies.

And more specifically, where you can legally put your foot when accounting for them. Off the tee or from a drop zone, assuming your disc comes to rest either inbounds or within a hazard area, your lie is a 30 cm x 20 cm rectangle behind the edge of the disc farthest from the basket. To help put those dimensions in perspective, a sheet of computer paper is roughly the same size.

Should you choose to use a mini, place it in front of the edge of the disc closest to the basket. Yet again, from there, your lie is a 30 cm x 20 cm rectangle directly behind the mini marker.

PDGA rules stipulate players must have a “supporting point” in contact with this area. More often than not, this’ll be your foot. It could, however, be a knee or hand, so do keep that in mind.

* Note #1: For more details about foot faults and throwing from OB territory, click here.

This might not seem like a big deal, but that’s TWO possible lies for each throw …

Remember:

• Lie No. 1 – From behind the original disc you threw.
• Lie No. 2 – From behind the mini marker you’ve used.

That’s an eight-inch difference.

But there’s more …

Whether it be from a standstill or a run-up, here’s what IS legal …

Without crossing the front-edge of the designated area, as long as your foot (or knee or hand or whatever) comes into contact with the 30 cm x 20 cm lie, you’re in the clear – all is kosher.

It should be noted, of course, that stepping past the front-edge of a lie or not contacting a lie with any part of your foot (or contact point) will result in a foot fault or illegal stance. Furthermore, from a straddled stance, BOTH feet must be behind the (extended) front edge of your lie.

Do you see how getting creative with your lie could prove helpful in a tight spot?

You’ve got room to maneuver.

The more you know, the easier the game gets …

Know your lie.

Then, work within it to your benefit.

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

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