Tag: Disc Selection

Achieving distance in disc golf is a blend of choosing the right equipment, mastering the right techniques, and understanding disc dynamics. This guide is tailored for beginners eager to learn ‘how to throw far’ in disc golf. We’ll explore essential aspects of disc selection and review popular models like the Destroyer. The choice between overstable and understable distance drivers plays a significant role, especially for amateurs. Alongside selecting the right disc, mastering form and technique is crucial. We’ll cover key concepts like the power pocket, footwork, and the importance of a proper follow-through. Additionally, we’ll link to helpful video resources and clinics. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your understanding of disc golf distance, this guide will provide valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your game.

Choosing the Right Distance Driver

To improve your disc golf distance, selecting an appropriate distance driver is crucial. Overstable distance drivers like the Destroyer have the most distance potential for advanced players, as they offer superior glide and predictability, especially in windy conditions, but these discs can be more difficult to throw for beginners/amateurs and might not go very far at all. On the other hand understable and slower distance drivers, like the Innova Valkyrie, are more beginner-friendly, facilitating greater distances with less power. Just because a disc is slower doesn’t mean you won’t throw it farther!

Distance Driver Weight

If you’re trying to throw as far as you possibly can, consider trying lightweight discs! During distance competitions, professional disc golfers who would normally only throw max-weight 175 gram discs will shift to discs as low as 150 grams to achieve greater feats of distance! Consistency will lessen with lighter discs (which is why pros don’t typically use them during competition) but finding the weight sweet spot for you will help maximize your distance potential. Most companies have their own line of discs in a lightweight plastic blend, like Innova’s Blizzard, or Prodigy’s Air blend, and Marshall Street even has a section for their 200 lightest discs!

Form and Technique: Keys to Throwing Far

Mastering throwing form and technique is essential when learning how to throw far. These technique factors are good to know, but take time to learn. Consider these crucial elements of throwing form:

Power Pocket

This is the moment in your throwing motion where your arm creates two 90 degree angles in your shoulder and elbow, with the disc close to your body. The power pocket is critical for generating maximum torque and speed. It’s like a slingshot effect; the tighter and more controlled this angle, the more power you can unleash as you snap the disc out. Think of it as compressing energy before releasing it explosively. Thomas Gilbert expertly explains the power pocket in this video by Pulsea Disc Golf Academy:

Footwork – The X Step

The X step is a footwork pattern that helps in building momentum and aligning your body for a powerful throw. It involves a rhythm of steps that transitions your body weight from the back foot through to the front foot, culminating in a dynamic hip rotation. This movement not only adds power but also helps in timing your throw correctly. It’s essential to practice this step to get the flow and timing right. Here’s a great video by Dynamic Discs where Danny Lindahl goes over everything you need to know about a proper X step:

Reach Back and Follow-Through

Reach back refers to extending your throwing arm back in line with your target. This extension is crucial for aligning the disc’s path and setting up for a powerful pull-through. The follow-through, conversely, is about continuing the motion after releasing the disc. This ensures that you transfer all the built-up energy into the throw, reducing the risk of injury and improving accuracy. Proper follow-through involves rotating your hips and shoulders through the throw and allowing your arm to naturally decelerate. As a result, your throwing arm will end up swung behind you. Overthrow Disc Golf has a great video on a proper Follow-Through:

How to Throw Far – Visual Resources

YouTube is one of the best resources for learning how to play disc golf. There’s a myriad of free online clinics, form tutorials, and tons of other valuable information for any level of player. If you’d like to ease the learning curve, take advantage of the bountiful resources available!

Practical Tips to Increase Disc Golf Distance

To enhance your disc golf distance, consider these tips:

1. Consistent Practice: This builds timing and muscle memory.
2. Disc Exploration: Try different discs from marshallstreetdiscgolf.com to find your ideal match, but once you’ve found something you like, stick with it!
3. Timing Focus: Coordinate your body movements for synchronized releases.
4. Recording and Reviewing: Record videos of yourself throwing and analyze your throws to identify potential areas of improvement.

Advanced Techniques for Throwing Far

As your skills progress, you can experiment with different pivot styles (ball-of-foot vs. heel). The ball-of-foot pivot point is most popular. That being said, there are many successful professional golfers who prefer using their heel as the pivot point instead.

You may also find that upgrades in equipment may be necessary. As the spin and speed rates of your throw increase, your distance drivers may begin to fly differently than you’re used to. Sticking with discs and getting to know them well can give you an edge in consistency, but it’s important to be aware and notice when a disc isn’t serving your needs anymore, namely, when it’s starting to flip over too much.

Conclusion

Improving your disc golf distance requires dedication to learning and practice, therefore, by selecting the right discs, focusing on form, and using resources like marshallstreetdiscgolf.com and instructional videos, you’ll be well on your way to mastering how to throw far. Embrace the journey, and watch as your game reaches impressive new distances.