Have you ever heard of disc golf? It’s a lot like regular golf, but instead of hitting a ball into a hole, you throw a disc into a unique basket. And it’s catching on all around the world! In this article, we’ll talk about how this fun and simple game is played, why people love it so much, and how it’s grown from a small-time activity into a sport that people everywhere enjoy.
Disc golf is more than just tossing a frisbie around. It’s a real sport that involves skill, thinking, and a love for being outside. We’ll look at frisbee golf from all angles, sharing all the details.
Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, this article will give you a deeper understanding of disc golf. So, join us as we explore the world of disc golf.
Should we say disc golf or frisbee golf?
Before diving into disc golf, did you know that frisbee was a trademark? In 1958, the toy company Wham-O registered a trademark application called “Frisbee.”
People say disc and frisbee golf, but for legal reasons, the sport cannot be marketed as frisbee golf in the U.S., where most players are. However, the expression is still very popular in the rest of the world.
Here is some more information about the trademark situation in the U.S
How to grip and throw the disc properly?
Mastering the art of disc golf involves understanding the interplay between grip, technique, and body mechanics. Each step in the process of throwing a disc carries its unique significance and contributes to the power and accuracy of your throw.
Gripping a disc golf
Power grip, fan grip, two-finger grip… there are different types of grips for other throws and situations depending on whether you need more power or accuracy, but here are some of the most common:
- Power Grip: This grip is often used for maximum distance and drive throws. Wrap all four fingers around the disc’s rim with your fingertips pressing against the inside edge. Your thumb is placed on top, opposite your index and middle fingers. Your grip should be firm but not overly tight.
- Fan Grip: This grip offers more control and is commonly used for shorter throws or approach shots. This grip provides less power but more control than the power grip. Spread your fingers out along the bottom of the disc in a fan-like pattern. Your index finger may be slightly curled under the rim, and your thumb is on top.
- Modified Fan Grip: This combines power and fan grip. This grip is a middle ground providing both control and distance. Your pinky and ring fingers are tucked against the rim (similar to the power grip), while your index and middle fingers are spread out in a fan pattern.
- Two-finger Grip or Sidearm Grip: This grip is used for throws for the forehand (or sidearm). Your thumb presses down on the top of the disc. The index finger is along the rim’s bottom, and the middle finger is against the inside edge. The remaining fingers can be folded against the rim or spread out on the bottom of the disc.
Gripping a disc golf disc is very personal; what works for some may not. It’s about finding a comfortable grip that offers you the right balance between control and power. Practicing different grips and throwing techniques is recommended to find what works best for you.
Throwing the frisbee properly
Once your grip is secured, your stance and footwork come into play. Stand sideways, facing your target if you’re executing a backhand throw. Engaging in a footwork pattern known as the X-Step can help gain the necessary momentum. This pattern starts by stepping forward with your back foot, followed by your lead foot stepping forward and across. Next, move your back foot behind your lead foot, and finally, step forward with your lead foot again. The result is a footwork pattern resembling a backward “X.”
As your feet move through the X-Step, reach back with the disc, fully extending your arm. The synchronization of your reach back with your footwork is essential; the furthest point of your reach back should coincide with your back foot crossing behind.
The next phase is the pull-through. Once you’ve reached back, pull the disc across your chest, ensuring your elbow stays up and the disc remains flat. This stage of the throw is vital as it generates the most power – think of it as akin to pulling a lawnmower cord or cracking a whip.
Your hand should open as you move from the pull-through to the release, letting the disc rip out. It’s essential to note that you should not be consciously opening your hand to release the disc. Instead, allow the speed of your throw to force the disc out of your hand. Aim for a consistent release point with each throw to develop a reliable, repeatable throw.
The final step is the follow-through. Failure to follow through can lead to potential injuries and negatively impact the accuracy of your throw. After the disc has left your hand, your body should continue to rotate.
How to choose the right disc?
Here are a couple of reputable disc golf brands which can provide you the right disc to start playing or to bring your game to the next level: Innova Disc Golf, Discraft, Dynamic Discs, Latitude 64, Prodigy Disc, Westside Discs, MVP Disc Sports.
The selection of the right disc for disc golf is a crucial aspect that can notably influence your performance in the game. This selection process is guided by considering various factors, including your skill level, throwing speed, the type of disc, its stability, and more.
Firstly, your skill level and the speed you throw play a significant role in determining the right disc for you. If you’re a beginner or a player with a slower throwing speed, starting with lighter discs and those with lower speed ratings is generally recommended. These discs are typically easier to control, offering a more forgiving learning curve.
On the other hand, if you’re an advanced player or possess a faster throwing speed, you may opt for heavier, faster discs that align with your skills.
The type of disc you choose is another crucial determinant. There are three primary types of disc golf discs: putters, mid-range discs, and drivers. Putters are best suited for short distances and provide the most accessible control, making them a staple in every player’s arsenal. Mid-range discs offer versatility, apt for various situations on the course. Meanwhile, drivers are engineered for maximum distance but require more skill to control accurately.
The stability of a disc, frequently referred to as its “flight rating,” is an essential characteristic to consider. Discs can be understandable, stable, or overstable, influencing their flight path. An understandable disc typically veers to the right when thrown backhand, a regular disc tends to fly straight with little turn, and an overstable disc is prone to curve to the left. For beginners, understandable discs are often the easiest to throw.
Another consideration is the type of plastic from which the disc is made. Discs are available in various plastic types, each offering distinct characteristics. While some provide better grip, others promise superior durability. Certain types might also be more appropriate depending on the weather conditions.
Finally, the overall feel of the disc in your hand is an integral aspect. The disc’s size, weight, and texture should be comfortable and suit your preference.
Remember, there’s no one “best” disc for everyone. What’s great for one person might not work well for someone else. So, try out many different discs to determine which suits your throw and the course you’re playing. You might like other discs as you get more experienced, so try new ones to find your perfect match.
What do disc golf courses look like?
If you are looking for a disc golf course, go check out the following websites and apps, where you will find tons of information to plan your next game :
Disc golf courses can significantly vary in design, layout, and difficulty, much like traditional golf courses. They can be located in many environments, including city parks, wooded areas, open fields, or hillsides. The layout-related vocabulary is very similar to traditional golf.
Each hole starts with a tee area, the designated place from where the first throw is made. This can be a marked area or a more defined concrete or rubber pad. The size and quality of the tees can vary based on the course.
The fairway is the path from the tee to the target (the basket). Fairways can be open, semi-wooded, or heavily wooded and flat, uphill, or downhill. They may include out-of-bounds areas, water hazards, and other obstacles such as bunkers.
A basket, also known as a disc golf target, consists of a metal basket with chains hanging above it that help catch and drop the disc into the basket. In regular golf, the basket represents the green, the flag, and the hole. The goal of each hole is to throw the disc into the basket.
A typical disc golf course has 9 or 18 holes, but some courses may have more or fewer. Each hole is designed with a specific par, indicating the number of throws a player needs to get their disc from the tee into the basket.
Most courses have signs indicating the hole number, the par, the distance to the basket, and the preferred path of the disc, often with a map of the hole layout.
In addition to these essential components, disc golf courses can also feature benches, trash cans, and other amenities. Each course’s design is unique, bringing different challenges and requiring different skills. This variety is one of the aspects that makes disc golf so exciting and enjoyable.
What are the main rules of disc golf?
Here are the most common rules you need to know to play disc golf and respect the course etiquette:
| Rule | Description |
| Tee Throws | Each hole begins with a tee throw. Players must throw from behind the designated tee area. |
| Lie | The spot where the previous throw landed, marked by a mini disc or the thrown disc’s leading edge. The next throw is taken from behind this spot. |
| Order of Play | The player with the lowest score on the previous hole throws first on the next hole. After the first throw, the player whose disc is farthest from the hole throws first. |
| Fairway Throws | It must be made with the foot closest to the hole on the lie. The other foot must be no closer to the hole than the foot on this lie. |
| Mandatory | A mandatory (or mando) is a designated route that a disc must follow. If your disc does not pass the mandatory correctly, there’s typically a penalty. |
| Completion of Hole | A disc that rests in the disc golf basket or chains constitutes the successful completion of that hole. |
| Out of Bounds | If a disc lands out of bounds, a penalty is incurred, and the next throw is taken from a designated spot or where the disc went out of bounds. |
| Throwing Order | The player whose disc is farthest from the hole always throws first. |
| Unplayable Lie | If a disc lands in a place deemed unplayable (in a tree, for example), it’s relocated to the nearest point of relief with a one-stroke penalty. |
| Interference | Players should not stand or walk in a way that interferes with another player’s vision or throwing motion. If a thrown disc is intentionally deflected or stopped by a person or animal, the throw is considered interference and is replayed with no penalty. |
| Courtesy | Players should only throw once other players are out of range. Shouting or creating distractions during another player’s throw is not allowed. |
| Scoring | The player with the fewest throws wins. A penalty throw is added for infractions, like out-of-bounds or missed mandatories. |
For more information on the official rules of disc golf, your best source will be the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) website
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