The sport of disc golf places a great deal of importance on the driving of the disc off the tee pad. With obstacles and challenges built into each hole, the execution of driving for distance and accuracy can make a significant impact on your score. With practice on the different aspects of disc golf drive techniques you can see improvements that will keep your disc on your intended line to the target and reaching distances that you may not have thought yourself capable of in the past.
Disc golf is all about your drive; driving refers to the speed and technique by which the disc is thrown which consequently is what will determine the outcome or the distance traveled by the disc. It’s not necessarily the force applied but rather the technique that is utilized; in other words, more brains less brawn. Disc golf driving involves different aspects and we will be examining eight of such aspects which are: Disc selection; grip; run-up; windup; extension; release; snap, and follow through. So, let’s take a look at each one.
Disc selection
This is the first and probably the most important part when it comes to getting ready to play this sport because if you get it wrong, you’re likely to be frustrated in playing the game which will cause you to lose interest quickly.
There are different types of discs available suited to various purposes and situations. Some of them include distance drivers which are meant to provide users with the maximum distance possible as well as control; another type is the mid-range disc meant to give players accuracy and control with their shots. There’s also fairway drivers which can be said to be an advanced form of the distance drivers as they also provide maximum distance along with better accuracy and control of shots; another is the putt and approach disc meant for putting and making short controlled upshots.
Based on this, it is then recommended that you determine your level of skill and expertise in order to determine the kind of disc to go for. There are three levels of expertise and they have suitable discs under different trade names and they are: the beginner, the intermediate and advanced. Where as a recommended driving disc for a beginner would be a slower speed driver like the Valkyrie with a weight of between 165g and 172g. An intermediate level player will generally be able to drive up to 400 feet, and may benefit from a heavier disc between 168 grams and 175 grams. Advanced players can have drives that exceed the 400 foot mark and may benefit with highest speed discs like the Innova Destroyer disc and a weight closer to 175 grams.
Grip
This is the next most important thing when it comes to making the throw as it involves the position of your forefinger on the disc. It is determines the level of power that you’re able to apply to your throw. The forefinger can either rest along the outside rim of the disc which is known as the control grip or it can rest under the rim of the disc and this is known as power grip. The power grip gives more thrust to the throws and will greatly increase your distance.
The control grip is more suited for up shots and very short drives while the power grip is preferred for long distance drives; however, as you master the grip more and familiarize yourself with the power grip, it can also be used to make the up shots and the short drives. The idea is to hold the disc tightly, and not in such a way that you’re tensed up but in such a way that the muscles in your arms are relaxed.
Run-up
This is the part where you gather momentum to throw the disc and it is commonly referred to as the 3-step run-up because it actually involves you taking three steps before making the throw. It’s basically about being in control of the way your weight is distributed so that there can be room to pull back the disc appropriately in order to maximize the disc speed.
So the first step is to be taken with your right leg (if you are right-handed and the opposite leg if you are left-handed); you are to step out with your right foot towards the basket at an angle of 45o while moving your weight onto that right foot. At the same time you should start lifting the disc to your chest level.
The next step will be taken by your left foot beyond your right foot to be followed by a turn in such a way that the left foot points behind you in an opposite direction to the basket resulting in a spinning of your shoulders and consequently shifting your weight onto your left foot. At this point, your back is turned to the basket.
Then comes the third step and it is the right foot again albeit with some level of acceleration; you then allow your momentum to shift your weight towards the basket. As you take these three steps, you’re spinning thus allowing the disc to move through to your chest level; so, as you take the final step combined with your acceleration, you shift your weight again to the right and then you release the disc.
Windup
This has to do with your motion during the release of the disc and it’s quite important because it determines the accuracy and longevity of your strike. This means that getting your windup right will result in your disc traveling longer distances while also hitting the desired target in mind.
In order for this to be done, it is recommended that the movement involved in the throw should be done in a controlled motion as that will help to improve your consistency and effectiveness as a player.
It’s really necessary to get this part down and mastered as it will bring about an overall improvement in the driving technique of an individual.
Extension
This has to do with your arm as a player. How well is it extended when you throw? Apart from the fact that full arm extension increases distance of drive as well as providing more power and control to the throws, it also helps to prevent possible strain on the muscles in the arm.
It’s common to see some players decide not to fully extend their arms during their drives under the impression that this will increase the distance of their drive. Well, they could not be more wrong because a full extension of your arm on completing a throw is what actually increases the distance that the disc will travel based on your driving form.
So, it is recommended that your arm is always fully extended whenever you make your throws.
Release
Just like every plan, goal or action is time-bound and there’s a specific time for execution which will most likely bring about the right results, the same applies to disc golf driving. There is a point at which the release of the disc will result in it traveling towards the intended target rather than away from it. It is recommended that the point of release should be where the throwing motion is at its peak- the point where your arm, wrist and fingers are extended (but not fully extended). This is because if the release of the disc is made before reaching this peak point or made afterwards, then the disc will drift away from you and consequently be far off from the intended target.
Snap
So, now you’re playing and it’s time to make the release of which you have familiarized yourself with the point at which the disc should ‘set free’ and allowed to fly but even in that moment, that split second, there is another important aspect that needs to be taken into consideration and that is the snap.
We all know that it does not take long for something to snap as it usually happens within a few seconds; now, that few seconds just before you release the disc is quite crucial. It involves the wrist and it can lead to the generation of a significantly large amount of thrust and speed that will really give your drive that desired extra distance.
It should be noted that this is a technique that has to be developed overtime especially timing it perfectly with the point of release so that effective results can be generated.
Follow through
This literally means seeing an action through and ensuring that it served the purpose for which it was embarked on in the first place. So also in disc gold driving, it’s important that you follow through with your swing.
The funny thing is, a lot of disc golfers will have done all the necessary hard work but then they leave out the most important thing at the end: follow through. This is because failing to follow through might mean your shot failing to get to the desired target or even completely drifting away from you.
Safety is also a consideration for following through, as not following through and abruptly stopping can lead to injury. All you need to do is continue with your throwing motion after release.