I’ve got a thing for weird putting styles.
- The turbo putt is a classic.
- The flip putt is (kind of) useful.
- The Bi-Moto putt is bat-crap crazy.
Even the rage putt has a time and place.
I’ve written about ALL of them.
Naturally, it was only a matter of time before this putting method was given some attention …
The basketball putt.
Rumor has it Calvin Heimburg is the inventor of this putt. And while I can’t confirm that’s true, one thing’s for certain: The man loves to bust it out. He usually uses it during light-hearted YouTube videos. But on occasion, it’s taken center stage during tournament play, too.
See for yourself:
Interested in doing the same?
Here’s how:
- Turn your putter upside-down.
- Place your thumb in the middle of the flight plate.
- Fan your fingers along the outside of the rim with solid pointer-finger contact.
- Rotate the disc to an angle of somewhere between 30 and 45 degrees for liftoff.
- Putt the disc as you would shoot a basketball with it rolling off your pointer finger.
* Note #1: When putting, feel free to stabilize the disc with your off-hand, as well.
The result is an up-and-down, dive-bomb-type putt.
Test. Tinker.
Then, sink her.
Still confused?
Here’s a quick, 30-second tutorial Vinny gave James Conrad during a practice round back in 2022. And wouldn’t you know it, Conrad straight-up connected with nothing but chain on his first attempt from 25 feet with the “basketball” putt. Clearly, Calvin knows how to teach this …
Listen to him.
* Note #2: Looking for more up-close angles? This YouTube clip might prove helpful.
As is the case with most of these wacky putting techniques, there’s not much of a need out on the course for the basketball putt. When there’s something in the way that prevents you from using your normal putt, and you’re randomly forced to bring your release point to head-height, the basketball putt shines brightest. Also, in my opinion, it’s WAY easier than a turbo putt.
That’s a plus.
So yes, the basketball putt is good to have in your bag of tricks, but it’s hardly going to be something you employ on an every-round basis. More than anything, it’s a fun parlor trick for league nights. It could very well impress a first-time disc golfer you’ve forced into 18 holes, too.
If you’re as big into NBA hoops as I am, the basketball putt’s cool to mess around with in the living room, as well. But with mini markers and a micro-sized basket that can catch them, of course. My kids get a kick out of this. My wife does not, however. Our walls feel the same.
Keep the basketball putt alive.
Heimburg’s doing his part.
It’s now time for you to do yours.
Have anything to add? Take to X to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
Editor’s Suggestions:
- Steer clear of the ‘chucker’ label in disc golf
- UDisc Live is dead (and why you won’t mourn for long)
- One change the DGPT should make to every feature card
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