I’m about to blow your mother-freaking mind with some knowledge …
It’s almost IMPOSSIBLE to foot fault when jump-putting.
Seriously, that’s a real thing – science and stuff.
With “foot faults” seemingly at the forefront of all impassioned debates within disc golf, I think it’s time to take a step back and identify the real culprit in all of this madness: the step putt.
When step-putting, the object is to keep one foot on the ground behind a mini-marker, while the other leaves the ground and advances forward, bringing the golfer (and his putter) closer to the basket – an easier putt is the end goal. The problem, however, is that pesky front foot …
It often touches grass (illegal) before the disc leaves the hand – here’s what that looks like:
People have got to stop being afraid of calling foot faults. Or get officials to cover majors. The US AM DGC was won by this after seven holes… and the putt on 18 was the same thing. @GreenSplatter @FoundationDG pic.twitter.com/6T32dJJRgI
— ChrisC_DG (@ChrisC_dg) June 13, 2022
That’s the step putt – let’s now examine the jump putt.
When jump-putting, the object is the same as that of a step putt: to get closer to the basket. The means by which that’s accomplished, however, is different – there’s a jump, as opposed to a step.
Getting closer is nice, but forward momentum is the TRUE value of a jump putt.
With jump putts, the alleged foot fault usually comes in one of two ways:
- Infraction No. 1 – The golfer releases the disc with both feet off the ground.
- Infraction No. 2 – The golfer releases the disc after landing in front of a mini.
Fact: The above almost NEVER happens.
Let’s do a little experiment …
I don’t care how good you are at jump-putting – grab your practice basket and head out to the backyard. Or, if you don’t have a basket, drive to your local course with a stack of putters.
Now, from a straddled stance, perform a jump putt from just outside the circle.
* Note: You can stagger your stance – it’s harder, and you might inadvertently step putt, though.
Only, instead of legally jump-putting, I want you to intentionally release the disc with both feet off the ground. After you do that, foot fault again, but this time, wait until one (or both) of your feet touch down. You can exaggerate these foot faults; you can make ‘em “close,” if you like …
I couldn’t care less.
Either way, you’ll discover the following: It doesn’t work – it feels crazy-awkward. If you’re a jump-putter, when you foot fault, you don’t need anybody to call you on it – you can EASILY tell for yourself that you’ve made a mistake. There’s no such thing as an 80-foot jump putt that splashes chains, yet foot faults at the same time – the legs are needed to generate power …
If they’re not on the ground, you’re not getting any of it.
Danny Lindahl agrees – the correct timestamp’s been accounted for:
Jump-putting is about push-off. Inherently, the advantage comes from having your feet ON the ground at the time a disc leaves your hand – that’s the whole point. Conversely, with the step putt, the back foot can push off, while the “stepping” foot still touches the ground …
That’s a foot fault.
If you’re overly concerned about foot faults at the highest level, pepper the PDGA’s office with letters about banning step putts – NOT jump putts. One is a pressing issue; the other isn’t.
End of rant.
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