Hi,

I am pretty new to disc golf. I just started playing a few weeks ago. I can drive fairly well, around 300-350 feet, using sidearm. My backhand drives are not so long (but that's another story.)

I cannot seem to put very well. I purchased a Discraft Magnet, the hard kind, and while it seems to work well within a small range of 15-20 feet, I do not have a clue how I am supposed to throw it outside of that range.

Am I supposed to take a normal drive stance and go through the whole movement, hoping that when it goes flying hard it'll hit the chains directly? Or is there some way to do the forward-facing putting style and get more distance? I can't seem to throw it very far that way, though it's far more accurate for me.

Any help is appreciated... I need to work on my putting more than anything. I seem to have a natural knack for sidearm drives... though I'd also appreciate help with backhand driving technique, as I cannot throw it more than 200 feet or so that way :(

Three things to think about, for now...

1. focus on having the disc strike one link on the chains (speaking in bowling terms, hit the pocket)

2. when putting from afar, put more spin/snap on the disc

3. have good balanced footing before tossing the disc

Nebben:
For the best disc throwing advice I've ever seen go here:
http://www.discgolfreview.com/resources/articles/distancesecrets.shtml

Read everything, it will unlock the universe.
:D

The only thing Blarg forgot was Practice Practice Practice!
That site is the bomb though, good link Blarg. :D

I think the best way to improve your putting is to buy an Aviar Putter :D

pft... aviar.... get a real putter. teh Mojo.

Find a course....play weekly doubles...watch the pros...ask them for help...

the keys to generating power while facing fowards are generally a good weight shift and a clean spring of the fingers off of the disc (all fingers leaving at the same time). there are multiple ways to generate forward velocity on the disc, an underhanded pitch, linear extension of the elbow, or a small wrist snap, or combination of any of these.

i have a few putting articles on my website as well as video clips/breakdowns of about 5-6 players putting.

Id say get a Pro D Challenger but thats just me :D

Nebben...where are you? I can give you some help if you are close, or hook you up with someone in just about every part of the country...as long as it isn't Michigan. Those guys cannot putt! There is really no way to explain in words how to putt, but seeing it really helps put it in perspective.

The best putt comes out of your hand flat aiming dead center in the chains.

I have found a nice smooth weight shift is the best way to put from 20'+. There is no real secret other than practice. I got a ching basket for the backyard, and after 1000+ plus puts, I feel like I am starting to get it....

I have found a nice smooth weight shift is the best way to put from 20'+. There is no real secret other than practice. I got a ching basket for the backyard, and after 1000+ plus puts, I feel like I am starting to get it....



Hmmmmm...........I have problems putting on a Ching Basket.
Bounce outs and loose putts. Any suggestions on putting on these type of baskets , especially from 30 + feet ?

actually... not to step on any toes...

but i think there is kind of a "trick" to putting that involves feel and finger spring (regardless of style). i've worked with dozens of people on their putting games and generally get even the worst putters hitting 50% from 20-25' within 30 minutes and often see them hitting > 75% of those after 1 week. if you don't feel it, 1000+ putts is going to be mega frustrating. the key isn't so much practice, but practicing doing the right thing.

as for the ching baskets, i have no trouble with bounce outs/spits, etc. unless i run say, a very very hard putt from 5' away and hit the dead center of the pole. the only issue i have with them is that the top of the basket (compared to the basket part itself) is proportionately bigger than on a regular basket and on longer putts i like to "drop" them in. with my skillshot, i hit off the top about 30% of the time with online putts when putting outside 35'. i usually just shrug and say "that woulda been in on a normal basket." :P

The type of putter has nothing to do with the form...

Hmmmmm...........I have problems putting on a Ching Basket.
Bounce outs and loose putts. Any suggestions on putting on these type of baskets , especially from 30 + feet ?



I really haven't had a big problem with bounce outs, but I think that I can see where you are coming from. The basket isn't perfect, but it is VERY portable, and the price (gift from Vermont HOBY) was right. Like Blake said, just shrug off the near misses as things that would have gone in on a regulation basket.

As for the 1000+ putts, it can be frustrating, but I just made a simple game out of it by placing my other discs every 5' from the basket and practicing out to 40'.

"If it's not fun, why do it?" - Ben & Jerry

Happy Birthday to me,
Happy Birthday to me,
gonna get a Carolina Bag,
Happy Birthday to me.

as for the putter vs. putting style... i did some thinking about it and actually, i think the putter does have a little to do with putting form when people are developing their style.

someone who learns to putt with a rattler vs. say, a classic roc are probably going to have very contrasting styles/methods, even if the form is somewhat similar. people who begin with putters that have a lot of float are more likely to develop a finesse type of a putt vs. someone who putts with a fast putter without a lot of glide. some putters drop very quickly (rhyno, tank, etc.) and people learning with these are more likely to develop an aggressive line drive putt. my own putting form is very dependent upon a stiff putter since soft putters tend to bend during my putting stroke and skew the release (while i can still putt adequately with a soft putter, my make percentage is about 20% higher with a super stiff putter).

although, it could also be said that baskets can have as much of an impact on this as well. one of my "home courses" had 8-chain mach I's and most of the people who developed their game in that area tended to have very finesse type loft putts. similarly, people whose home course has cones is likely to have more of a straight line drive putt. i'm guessing that if i had learned to putt on a skillshot i probably would take a much flatter line than i do now (slight up and down arc) due to bouncing off the top

Boy can I relate to this. I can throw 450, but can't make 50% from 25 most of the time. My putting is almost always atrocious. I have an Innova Sport, but I don't putt on it nearly enough. I can feel if when I putt correctly and it will usually go in when I do, but I have a very very hard time executing consistently and so every other putt usually is really ugly and shanked left/right or up/down. I've tried all sorts of different putting styles, but nothing seems to help my consistency :( Unfortunately this really hurts my game and I ofter turn a would be bird into a 4(or worse). I know I could shave a lot of stokes if I could learn to putt. It's very frustrating, but I try and just not worry about it too much and hope it will come around. Good luck with your putting. We all need it.And as always "Drive for show, putt for dough".

Don't know if I can help much, but here goes anyways....
Nebben, I copied a stance from Dave Greenwell many years ago (he putts differently, now, but I think it's because of an injury) and I still use it today. He's a righty, and he would putt off his right foot, with his left foot behind him, directly in line with the basket. (The basket & two feet in line.) He would use his left foot as a counterbalance when he pushed his putt toward the basket. I have used this stance with much success, and I have been complimented on my consistency. When I began practicing this stance, I imagined a weight balancing on my head when I putt, much like the old book-balancing trick they teach you as a kid to improve posture. I would wait until the "weight" was balanced (no motion at all), concentrate on a chain link, then push the putt straight at the link, away from my body. Keep both feet steady until you putt, then let that left foot go where it wants to as you release. This "push" putt is an entirely different motion than a normal approach shot. I use it from about 40 feet in. Balance is essential.
What you need to do is purchase a putter that feels good in your hand. It's a lot like a musical instrument. You won't play well with it unless it feels good the first time you pick it up. Try to get a couple more copies of this putter, and go out once or twice a week to practice only putting. This is the most important part of the game, but so few really spend extra time practicing it. Putt about 150-300 times (depending on how much time you spend chasing stray putters). This practice can be monotonous, and it's not as fun as playing a round. But when you've practiced putting one night, then you play a round the next night and start canning them, it's all worth it. When you play a round, you only get to practice the putt a minimum of 18 times. If you've practiced putting a dozen dozen times, it's amazing how quickly that repetition comes back in the next round. When playing, and you're ready to putt, imagine four or five putts from your putting practice going in first, then release the real one. They will start going in.
Sorry to be so long winded, but I'm adding this for some of the other people who have posted here as well. I don't know how serious you are about your game, but golf is an intensely mental game. You can practice mental techniques as well. Many links and publications exist on this website for help with the mental (and physical) game. Books, columns, discussion threads, and videos exist out there for help with mental training. A personal favorite is a book called Mental Toughness Training For Sports by Dr. James Loehr. Good stuff.
I really want you to get better. Progress comes in spurts, and some of the long lulls can be frustrating. Stick with it. I, personally, welcome any and all new competition, as it will only make my game better to play against an improved player.
Hope to see you out there somewhere, someday.

Thanks everyone for the help. I will try out some different things and see how it helps. Appreciate it!

I'd be willing to bet that you are 'throwing' your putters rather than actually 'putting.'
Take it easy. Lob it in if you're inside 40 feet.

I find myself following the same logic really-- I stand at roughly a 45 degree angle and lob it with a little spin at a slight hyzer (or sometimes flat, as situations dictate) up until about 40 feet. I start pulling the putt through further than that until at some point I'm standing roughly in line with the basket and doing a true throw with the putter (probably somewhere over 100 feet).

Of course, I'm not a great putter, but I am consistently bad ;)

but i think there is kind of a "trick" to putting that involves feel and finger spring (regardless of style). i've worked with dozens of people on their putting games and generally get even the worst putters hitting 50% from 20-25' within 30 minutes and often see them hitting > 75% of those after 1 week. if you don't feel it, 1000+ putts is going to be mega frustrating. the key isn't so much practice, but practicing doing the right thing.




I experienced finding this "trick" recently, too and it instantly raised my putting percent outside of 15'. For me, it seems to be that I was afraid to use my wrist too much and that made my throws very inconsistant. Once I allowed myself to use a little wrist snap it all came together.

I'd be willing to bet that you are 'throwing' your putters rather than actually 'putting.'
Take it easy. Lob it in if you're inside 40 feet.



Thanks for takin a stab at it, but this is not my problem I have been making sure that I "putt" from at least 75' and in and not throw like an approach shot. This has helped me out a little with major over or under throwing, but unfortunately hasn't helped me out too much with my accuracy. Just in the last week or 2 I think I have found that spring that is mentioned in the last few posts, and have been hitting a lot of basket(mostly chastity belt). It's not consistent yet, but at least I'm getting more metal.

This practice can be monotonous, and it's not as fun as playing a round. But when you've practiced putting one night, then you play a round the next night and start canning them, it's all worth it.



Amen!

I was never a good putter, but my fiance got me a basket, I settled on a style I liked, I bought five of the same putters, I stuck with it and practiced every day for two weeks and then played a round where my friend and I were blown away by my consistency and accuracy. I am now much more confident outside of 20' and am even starting to hit 40-50 footers. (maybe 25% from that far out)
Its a lot of work, but a round with twenty putts instead of 36 feel so **** good..... :D

The best way to learn how to putt right is to watch good putters. Go to your course and watch how the good putters putt. Ask them for tips and ask them to demonstrate stuff. A picture is worth a hundred words and a demonstration is worth a hundred pictures, so just go watch.

Once you get a good idea of how to putt and are comfortable with your putter, Then you can make a putting style for yourself. Experiment with things. Do you get the most consistancy with a wide stance or a narrow stance? An open grip or a power grip. A turnover, straight, or hyser line? Don't assume that because you nailed one 40' putt with a style means its the best one for you. The distance WILL come so worry about consistancy.

As far as putters go, it doesn't really make a huge differance what you use. Pretty much ANY disc will fly the same for the first 30' (don't putt with a speed demon). The Discraft Magnet is one of the more popular putters. If you want to try something a little different, you could try a challenger, aviar, or Wizard. Those three are the most popular putters right now. Just use whatever is most comfortable, because consistancy wins tournaments...not distance.

Race car drivers say that races are 5 percent car, 95 percent driver. Take the same approach on your disc golf game!!

I don't like to practice. Is there any way I can become a great putter without practicing?

I also am trying to lose weight but I don't want to diet or exercise.

Morgan, there are pills on the market for people who want to lose weight without dieting or excercising. You could always try bulemia or anorexia if those pills fail.
As far as pharms that will help with putting, the only ones I've had any luck with are either illegal or grow in cow turds.

another thing to remember when putting is to pay attention to the wind speed and direction. those factors make a major difference in how you throw your disc.

Morgan just REACH for the basket and drop it in. ;)

Morgan, there are pills on the market for people who want to lose weight without dieting or excercising. You could always try bulemia or anorexia if those pills fail.
As far as pharms that will help with putting, the only ones I've had any luck with are either illegal or grow in cow turds.

another thing to remember when putting is to pay attention to the wind speed and direction. those factors make a major difference in how you throw your disc.



Wind speed & direction are important when you're growing stuff in cow turds. :cool:

This practice can be monotonous, and it's not as fun as playing a round. But when you've practiced putting one night, then you play a round the next night and start canning them, it's all worth it.



Amen!

I was never a good putter, but my fiance got me a basket, I settled on a style I liked, I bought five of the same putters, I stuck with it and practiced every day for two weeks and then played a round where my friend and I were blown away by my consistency and accuracy. I am now much more confident outside of 20' and am even starting to hit 40-50 footers. (maybe 25% from that far out)
Its a lot of work, but a round with twenty putts instead of 36 feel so **** good..... :D



Yeah, I got a basket and practiced after work in the parts department. Putting between rows of large pieces of sheet metal really helped with the focus. I have eight copies of a 1985 vintage DGA putter, with the gouge marks to prove it. I practice from 20, 30, & 40 feet. I'm happy to make 75% at 20, 50% at 30, and 25% at 40.

Just one more thing to add to all this good advice:

Once you've gotten the hang of putting, don't stop practicing. A few months ago, I spent some real quality time with my Ching basket. It paid off. I started sinking everything.

So I stopped practicing. I spent my evening sessions learning to throw my midrange discs over 300 feet, and my Skillshot stayed in its case for weeks at a time.

Well, my power backhand has gotten a hundred times better since then, but my putting has taken a steady plunge into the toilet.

The moral of the story is, you can't win. Or maybe, even after you learn to putt well, you still need to work at maintaining it.

I hear ya. My putting is the [*****] end of the suck stick; I have a terrible habit of using the Flop instead of throwing at the chains themselves. The results are usually an easy second... but surely I can throw that heavy (174) bastage right at it? But when I do aim at it? Bottom of the pole. Every time.

I need some major help with putting.



Don't we all my friend, don't we all?

My best advice is to think you lost something very precious to you right before you start a round. During the '03 Am World Putting Championship, I thought I'd lost my wedding ring in the grass. I was so concerned with where that ring might be, I stepped up and won. My mind was not jumbled with stance and release and finger-position and what-not, so I putted pure and true and just wanted to make the putts so I could resume looking for my wedding ring. I'm tempted to lose something before every round now. :cool:
p.s.- I found it later at the hotel, and putted like dookey the rest of the Worlds, which could mean it's a cursed anti-putting ring. Nah, I've putted well with it on since...kinda.

I've found that I have trouble keeping my mind empty. As soon as I think to myself, "don't think about anything." I start thinking about everything at once. While this might be good if I was trying to come up with a grand unified theory, it ain't so good when I try to putt. So, I found if I just made sure I was standing tall and squared up to the basket and then threw right at the chains, my percentage went up. I'll probably putt like crap in the morning with that technique, and then have something totally different that works by the end of the day, but that's the way it is.

Some things that have helped me (when I practiced):
- Come up with a set routine for every putt. When you practice putts, use this routine (just don't fire 10 off at the basket in a quick fashion). My routine is to place the marker, wipe the disc, take a stance, shake my arms/hand, look down, look at the link I want to hit on the basket (with a "I know I'll make this" attitude), perform a few practice motions and release.
- Solidify your mental game. Think of hitting that 1 link in the chain, regardless of what has happened during that hole / round. Make yourself believe that you'll hit the putt before you release the disc.
- Come up with a putting motion that will always result in a 2 putt if you miss. I've seen people crank their putts at the basket, only to be left with a 30ft. come-back shot. I float my putts (which leaves the disc within 4-5ft on a miss). Perhaps if I was 100% at 30ft. I would use the other strategy.
- I try to put a very small amount of spins on my putts and use the weight shift of my body to propel the disc through the air. I get 50-60ft. of distance with this method (before I have to jump putt or use an approach shot)
- Practice is crucial. I use _all_ my discs (for 30ft. and closer) to practice my release. At longer distances the flight of the disc (and float) will vary from a disc to disc so use your putter.

Hope this helps...

Okay, go ahead...I'll wait.

Lalalalala

Y'all done yet?

I knew that it would take a few moments for the uproarious laughter at the thought of me, of all people, posting on a putting help thread to die down. Now, if you guys are composed, I'll continue.

Its no secret that my putting has plagued me since I began to play this game. I am a head case, and that makes it worse, but I've done just about everything wrong you can do when it comes to putting the little round plastic thingy in the metal thingy with the chains on it.

I won't get into too many specifics, since that would just lead to more smack, and because there is some outstanding advice already on this thread.

I would like to add just one thing.

Straddle! I'm a better putter now than I've ever been, although I still have a long way to go, but this stance has lowered my scores. When I miss, I don't fly by as badly, making comebacks easier to nail, and when I need to straddle to get a putt around something, I don't feel out of sorts since this is my normal putt anyway.

Straddle.

And read the good advice that's already here.

Okay, y'all can stop laughing now.

So married women do have power with the ring

Oh, Mark....We weren't laughing at you posting.


We were just expecting you to be asking for advice :cool:

Wait, I was laughing at Mark. Been doing so for the last 3 days. :)

And to add to the thread....
Keep focused on the target, regardless of how long you take to release. Don't take your eye off your target. I've reduced my number of short putts (front of basket misses) by cutting out the constant disc check/target check/disc check/target check I was doing.

And for longer putts, hyzer. :)

And for longer putts, hyzer. :)



Or learn to jump putt!I make more 35' putts than I do 25' putts! No joke!

Straddle! I'm a better putter now than I've ever been, although I still have a long way to go, but this stance has lowered my scores. When I miss, I don't fly by as badly, making comebacks easier to nail, and when I need to straddle to get a putt around something, I don't feel out of sorts since this is my normal putt anyway.

Straddle.




I agree. I switched to straddle putting after worlds, and wow. I've only been playing for a little over a year and a half, so I don't need to undo much, but wow.
I'm still missing just about as many as I did (Improving daily though) but I'm missing good. If that exists. What I mean is, I'm always on line. Once I master the timing of release, look out. When I miss, its always number plate, or basket. I'm always on line.

do you jump putt from 35' ? seems a short distance for a jump putt.

Wait, I was laughing at Mark. Been doing so for the last 3 days. :)



Its okay Tony. No sweat.














I've been laughing at you a lot longer than that. :D

The real question should be...who doesn't need help putting?

Barry and Ken :D

"It's not that Barry and Ken can putt great it is that they are always under the basket."----Cris Heeren

That could get him in trouble.
:D:D
I agree just because better players are usually better putters doesn't mean they all are. For instance I can't putt worth a lick in larger tournaments WHY; I wish I knew. /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

do you jump putt from 35' ? seems a short distance for a jump putt.



Not when they all go in! Hell, I jump right at 30'.

Not when they all go in! Hell, I jump right at 30'.



falling putt! :P
10m = 32.5'

I have a quick question about my putting stroke. I'm a good putter and I just keep getting more solid and consistent. However, I take a step back with my back foot during my putting stroke for added weight shift. This, however, is awful when I have a stance on a hill, so I have to straddle putt there, even if it's an open putt. IS there anything wrong with that if I'm confident in my straddling or is there another added benefit to a stroke without a step back?

Not when they all go in! Hell, I jump right at 30'.



falling putt! :P
10m = 32.5'



OK, I guess I'll hold off for 33'! But, in my defence, if its close, I ask my group if I'm cool. If I think I am, and they say no, I do have a 35' measureing tape in my bag, although I've only used it once!

OK, I guess I'll hold off for 33'! But, in my defence, if its close, I ask my group if I'm cool. If I think I am, and they say no, I do have a 35' measureing tape in my bag, although I've only used it once!



Just being curious, when you did have to use the measuring tape, were you right or were they?

OK, I guess I'll hold off for 33'! But, in my defence, if its close, I ask my group if I'm cool. If I think I am, and they say no, I do have a 35' measureing tape in my bag, although I've only used it once!



Just being curious, when you did have to use the measuring tape, were you right or were they?



I asked if I was out enough, b/c I thought I was but I wanted to be sure. One guy in my group said it was close but I could have, and the other two said definatly not. SO, I busted out the tape and it turns out it was like 34' or so. I was right, and I nailed the putt! The rest of the round they were hesitant to let me jump, but knew I'd measure if they were gonna be *****!

As long as its legal hop, jump, skip whatever to get it in the dang chains. As far as ***** on the course, I only have a few friends that play and they are all that way. Just gotta stick to what you know to be true and make putts (which is where I begin to fail).

What happens if you land inside 10 meters? :p :p :p

What happens if you land inside 10 meters?



As long as you release before you leave the ground and your lie was outside 10 meters it doesnt matter where you land. If you can land 10 feet from the pole from 10 meters as long as you released before you left the ground its legal :D

I'm a little confused here... If you have to release the disc before jumping, what is the advantage to jumping?
I guess I don't quite know what a 'jump putt' is.
I also thought you had to release the disc before you came down from the jump?
:confused:

I'm a little confused here... If you have to release the disc before jumping, what is the advantage to jumping?
I guess I don't quite know what a 'jump putt' is.
I also thought you had to release the disc before you came down from the jump?
:confused:



It allows me to use more effort/strength b/c I don't have to worry about showing balance...I can step forward. Others might explain it better!

Blarg, the "jump" part of a jump putt is ideally just a follow through. The idea is to generate more power with ones legs, causing one to "jump" after releasing the putt. The reality is that the release and the "jump" often happen so close together that it is nearly impossible to tell if the putt was legal.

Blarg, the "jump" part of a jump putt is ideally just a follow through. The idea is to generate more power with ones legs, causing one to "jump" after releasing the putt. The reality is that the release and the "jump" often happen so close together that it is nearly impossible to tell if the putt was legal.



Personally, I can tell you mine are legal. Just for fun, we taped me jump putting about 25 times in different spots and distances, and never did I "fall" before release.

Dude. try thinking of it like this
Pick A Link on the chains,
stand with feet about shoulder length,
rock back and fourth aiming the disc,
Remeber puttin is more of a push then a Throw, snap it, but don't take your eye off the link.
Hear the ching and walk up and get your disc back

Dude. try thinking of it like this
Pick A Link on the chains,
stand with feet about shoulder length,
rock back and fourth aiming the disc,
Remeber puttin is more of a push then a Throw, snap it, but don't take your eye off the link.
Hear the ching and walk up and get your disc back



You forgot the last step...
Wave to all of your fans.

You really should try the jump putt, it is surprising how gently you can putt and get it to the basket, the best part and the reason I am now using it on most of my putts from 35 to 60 feet is that the misses generally fall closer to the basket than with most "normal" putts.

Sharky:

Hey, thanks for the clarification. I will try it today if I can get away from the computer! :D

yeah sharky, the nice soft landing and flight of a jump putt seems to make my constant misses less damaging than hyzer or anhyzer putts/approaches. The more I throw, surprisingly a few start dropping. The feeling of sinking a 50 footer is rather sweet. :D

yeah sharky, the nice soft landing and flight of a jump putt seems to make my constant misses less damaging than hyzer or anhyzer putts/approaches. The more I throw, surprisingly a few start dropping. The feeling of sinking a 50 footer is rather sweet. :D



I totally agree. Within weeks of jumpinmg, I was hitting 2-3 30'-50' putts a round. AND, as said, misses stay makeable.

I just wanted to thank everyone on this thread for talking about jump putting. I started trying it the other day and I hit the basket twice from like 50 feet and was ****** they didn't go in and not thrilled to just hit the basket... I now have the confidence I can make putts within 50 or so feet once in a while and not just hoping to lay it up. :D

Good work homie :cool:glad I could help a fellow playa. stay up homie :mad:

Yeah, welcome aboard the train to success!