Feb 04 2005, 11:09 PM
Hi all! Just thought I�d put in my two cents worth on the subject of throwing techniques. I suspect throwing is as individualized as how much cr�me fraiche one likes on top of their macchiato but I think we can always learn a thing or two from other players and there�s nothing I think is more beneficial to me than the opportunity to study the form of the chaps I play with!
I strongly believe finishing position is everything and that you can try lots of different positions but it�s how you finish that really counts! To that end, I like to practice throwing while inside a gazebo my roommate made for our enjoyment for summer days in our backyard. I find that the tight quarters of the gazebo ingrain in my throws the propensity for a nice tight finishing position which as we all know is where the real distance comes in. I prefer what I term the �feline position� as I like to start my throws from a crouching position and then spring forward like a tigress to achieve maximum footage.
I like to work up different drills that I can perform at home that I feel will ultimately aid my accuracy needs out on the course. One of my favorite drills is to stand on one side of my great room and gently toss a disc into an empty pizza box held up by my roommate � this is a great drill for accuracy and can also really create a sense of bonding with your partner. Remember: Gently toss the disc as brute strength can be as much of a turnoff as overpowering aftershave. We also like to go for long walks along the beach as I believe the real power on those long drives comes from leg strength and those walks really build up both stamina and strength. Don�t get discouraged if you don�t make it any further than the first sand dune you happen upon�with more walks you�ll build up your willpower and that will be reflected in the quality of your game eventually. Even if the walks don't add distance, never miss an opportunity for a beautiful sunset...many are the times I have been out on a course on a late summer's eve and my partner and I will just stop what we're doing and take in the beauty of it all.
I hope this post didn�t come off as too showy or �know it all�: Certainly the group members here at the board have their own favorite methods for improving their game and they probably have better advice to impart than I do, but I guess my love of the sport drives me to always be seeking perfection in both myself and my play partners. I recall one such chap with whom I had a parting of the ways said I could be very hard on people. I didn�t think I was, but I recall in couples counseling we talked about how you have to really listen to what your partner is telling you and � whether you think they�re right or not � that is what your partner is feeling and you have to acknowledge that. I learned that lesson a little too late to save that relationship but if I were to happen upon that person again �whether it be during the middle of a match or even antiquing � I would give them a warm embrace and say: �Now I understand where you were coming from, and I acknowledge those feelings��
A final thought: There�s nothing I think is more helpful to me than either before a match or even post match, just curling up with a fresh bottle of water to hydrate myself and just take in the form of some of the chaps playing at my local course. That is where the real learning about good form comes! Even a bad player with good form has something to teach you. Try this sometime: Create a nice comfortable place for yourself, lay out a comfortable gingham sheet on a nice patch of grass and arm yourself with fresh water and perhaps a fruit salad and just enjoy the forms of the players�there are times I�ll do this and my mind will just drift away and I�ll even forget tee times!
Okay then, I�ll just open this up to the group now! Looking forward to hearing about your self-improvement methods and perhaps even some you have some helpful commentary on self-actualization techniques? I�ve used those when making particularly tricky souffl�s and found them to be very helpful! And don�t anyone try to get my special recipe for my cranberry and coconut souffl� � that is a secret I�ll take to my grave! Just kidding! I note the absence of a recipe exchange thread area here on the board: How many of my fellow disc golfers would like to see a recipe exchange area? Just include that in your throwing technique practice suggestions gang! A lovely weekend to all!
I strongly believe finishing position is everything and that you can try lots of different positions but it�s how you finish that really counts! To that end, I like to practice throwing while inside a gazebo my roommate made for our enjoyment for summer days in our backyard. I find that the tight quarters of the gazebo ingrain in my throws the propensity for a nice tight finishing position which as we all know is where the real distance comes in. I prefer what I term the �feline position� as I like to start my throws from a crouching position and then spring forward like a tigress to achieve maximum footage.
I like to work up different drills that I can perform at home that I feel will ultimately aid my accuracy needs out on the course. One of my favorite drills is to stand on one side of my great room and gently toss a disc into an empty pizza box held up by my roommate � this is a great drill for accuracy and can also really create a sense of bonding with your partner. Remember: Gently toss the disc as brute strength can be as much of a turnoff as overpowering aftershave. We also like to go for long walks along the beach as I believe the real power on those long drives comes from leg strength and those walks really build up both stamina and strength. Don�t get discouraged if you don�t make it any further than the first sand dune you happen upon�with more walks you�ll build up your willpower and that will be reflected in the quality of your game eventually. Even if the walks don't add distance, never miss an opportunity for a beautiful sunset...many are the times I have been out on a course on a late summer's eve and my partner and I will just stop what we're doing and take in the beauty of it all.
I hope this post didn�t come off as too showy or �know it all�: Certainly the group members here at the board have their own favorite methods for improving their game and they probably have better advice to impart than I do, but I guess my love of the sport drives me to always be seeking perfection in both myself and my play partners. I recall one such chap with whom I had a parting of the ways said I could be very hard on people. I didn�t think I was, but I recall in couples counseling we talked about how you have to really listen to what your partner is telling you and � whether you think they�re right or not � that is what your partner is feeling and you have to acknowledge that. I learned that lesson a little too late to save that relationship but if I were to happen upon that person again �whether it be during the middle of a match or even antiquing � I would give them a warm embrace and say: �Now I understand where you were coming from, and I acknowledge those feelings��
A final thought: There�s nothing I think is more helpful to me than either before a match or even post match, just curling up with a fresh bottle of water to hydrate myself and just take in the form of some of the chaps playing at my local course. That is where the real learning about good form comes! Even a bad player with good form has something to teach you. Try this sometime: Create a nice comfortable place for yourself, lay out a comfortable gingham sheet on a nice patch of grass and arm yourself with fresh water and perhaps a fruit salad and just enjoy the forms of the players�there are times I�ll do this and my mind will just drift away and I�ll even forget tee times!
Okay then, I�ll just open this up to the group now! Looking forward to hearing about your self-improvement methods and perhaps even some you have some helpful commentary on self-actualization techniques? I�ve used those when making particularly tricky souffl�s and found them to be very helpful! And don�t anyone try to get my special recipe for my cranberry and coconut souffl� � that is a secret I�ll take to my grave! Just kidding! I note the absence of a recipe exchange thread area here on the board: How many of my fellow disc golfers would like to see a recipe exchange area? Just include that in your throwing technique practice suggestions gang! A lovely weekend to all!