Does anyone have any good pointers for approaching and/or other short shots. This is my biggest problem area. I line up from anywhere outside of about 100 feet and I am lucky if my approach leaves me with an easy putt. The same goes for short shots down a fairway or through a gap. I don't know if I should be running up for these or if I should be bending my elbow or not, should I use hyzer or anhyzer or maybe I just psyche myself out. . . I am pretty much clueless right now. I can get a thumber pretty close on an open hole but that's about it. And sidearms don't work so great either. Any tips would really help me out a lot. :confused:

depending on how far outdise of 100 ft. like say up to almost 250ft, i would use a putter. or really any disc you can throw consistently straight. i wouldn't think you need a run up, just a good solid throw. don't let your mind get the best of you. the way i practice approaches is to go to the park, or any open field, and set my bag down, take all my approach discs (wizards) and take a walk. about 200 ft., and i try to land them all within 10-15 ft of my bag. i leave a towel or something where i was, and repeat from the bag, and continue to do so until my arm goes numb :)
practice is the key. just don't over think it, and psych yourself out. once you're comfortable with the disc and feel confident, you'll be able to park everything right under the basket, then the next step is the chain runs! :D

Before you can be confident in your approaches, you need to know the disc you are throwing. It doesn't really matter what disc you use for approaching, but I would suggest using your putter or a similar disc. Try to go with a disc that is neutral in flight.

Once you find a disc, practice with it. We all had to do it, and we all had crap approaches, just like you. You just have to stick with the disc and experiment until you find the throw that works best for you. You shouldn't need a run up for a 200' shot if your technique is sound.

For my approaches, I like to throw slow, nose-up anhysers and let the disc flex back. I'm very accurate with this from about 150' in. Any longer than that and I have to use a more direct throw.

You will learn what works best for you, but there is no secret to great approaches except for practice.

Another great way to learn approach shots is to play catch with a friend. Use a mid-range disc, start from a comfortable accurate distance for you and then move back as you become more accurate.
Even doing this with an Ulitmate style frisbee will help develop accuracy.
Try to throw gentle hyzers, anhyzers and dead straight shots.
You'll need 'em all!
:D

Great advice . . . good point that there is no substitute for practice.

I came from an ultimate background, so approaches have been the strongest part of my game since the beginning. The key is to learn where to aim. Don't aim for the basket. Instead, aim for a spot in front of it. Even if you come up a little short you'll still end up in a lot better spot than you would have it you actually aimed for the basket. I throw a slightly overstable putter sometimes on a bit of a hyzer and aim in front of and to the right of the pin and let the disc skid to a stop under the basket. I find that putters in higher grade plastic work really well for this since they tend to hyzer a little stronger at the end of their flight and skip a little more.

I agree with Blarg, but I'd say try to stay away from any type of dis you won't be using in competition. If you're *very* new to the sport, then an ultimate disc may make it easier for you to learn the physics of disc flight... but if you've been playing even a few days, then I'd say use your putter or a midrange disc.

I have been playing DG for about 3 years, and my favorite warmup technique is a nice game of catch. I almost always play better when I warm up this way since it warms up my throwing muscles while helping me "dial-in" my approach shots and long putts. Plus, it's fun :D.

Another benefit to using a game of catch for practice is that you can throw many more shots in the same amount of time since there's little-to-no time spent walking after discs. Play with an experienced player, and he can show you a few techniques you might not have considered.

Before you can be confident in your approaches, you need to know the disc you are throwing. It doesn't really matter



There is the key. Know your disc and shot. Have a soccer field handy (one without a billion pre-schoolers running around). Step back to the edge of the big circle and start shooting goals. (Extra credit - Try to make the goal without hitting the net.) Throw all your short discs. Throw all your shots. You will find one or two discs that work. Then go back to the mid field stripe. Better still...bring someone along (near your playing level) and start pitching for pennies (or nickels :) ) You might lose a buck or two, but you will improve your game.

Have a soccer field handy (one without a billion pre-schoolers running around). Step back to the edge of the big circle and start shooting goals.



Oh, without a billion pre-schoolers. Had me worried there for a second.

I guess I will just reiterate what everyone else has said with a slightly different spin... the key to me is to make sure that practicing stays fun and also is measurable. I often go out to my college course during the day (no one plays it then) and throw at an open basket from all over the place. I use 5 Wizards or so and maybe a midrange if I step back a good ways. An easy way to keep score is to subtract the number of times you don't get up and down from the number you do... or simply... get a 1 for getting in the basket in 2 and a -1 if you take 3 or more. This makes you work on those in between putts too. (Reverse the scores if you prefer to think about negative numbers on a course.) I have found this most beneficial to me because it gives me a very precise way of knowing if I am improving. I have thrown back and forth in fields but I quickly become disinterested and want to hit chains. Oh and by the way if you manage to actually hole out when practicing... thats at least 3 points. My main point is simple though... if you don't enjoy it and it seems monotonous you are less apt to stick with it.

Ok so my plan of attack is to head out to an empty field with my portable basket and repeatedly practice approach shots. I use a JK Aviar when I play but I only have 3 of them. I have about 8 other putters (Rhyno's, Dx Aviars, others) that I could also use but I'm not sure if that would mess me up or not.

This is really frustrating b/c I have been playing for almost 2 years and it seems like my approach game might be worse now than it has ever been. This is probably due to the fact that whenever I practice seem to focus on long drives or putting.

Nice tip about aiming short and to the right of the basket . . . I will try that out next time I practice.

play a round with putters only! you accomplish many things by doing this.You will learn to throw your putter better,improve your driving distance,learn more disc control by using the same disc for multiple shots,also you will get to practise your approach shots due to not being able to throw as far on your drive.... :D:D

I play with just a Wizard every once in a while... if you get good at it you can really put a friend in their spot by beating them with just a putter. Sorta like Tin Cup but a putter instead of a 7-iron.

Start with an Aviar or XD or Roc. Let's assume you're right handed. Start with your body positioned so that your right arm is aimed directly at the target. Now position your body and your EYE about 20 feet to the right of the basket. The disc will automatically fall left and curl in. If you look right at the basket, these shots always go left. So look to the right and let the disc work for you.

I don't like fluffy upshots so I usually aim for past the basket. Don't a lot of the times you feel like "wow, that basket was further than I originally thought!" If you aim for past it and not before it, you'll be closer. Try both and see which works for you.

That's for the hyzer right handed shot. For the straight on shots, I like a cobra. Most guys don't use Cobras but it's been my baby for many many years now. (18 years playing and one world title is my experience.) Also, the guys usually drive then putt, drive then putt. It's the gals who have the best upshots as we use them more than the men do. For the straight on shots, again, focus on past the basket but this time, instead of aiming your shoulder to the right, only put your EYE there. Keep your shoulder straight at the basket. It's important though to keep looking to the right.

I go to the park where there's 2 baskets about 150' apart and throw back and forth to each one. Saves time and keeps you moving. Go with a friend and play CTP for a nickel a shot to put that tournament pressure on and keep you focused. It's more fun with a friend too.

Those extra steps - usually we don't need a run up or even an extra step. But, depending on your size and height, you may just need a step, not an entire run up. For example, I'm only 5'2" so if I need to throw 150', I'd probably just take a small step. 175' requires a full on step. Over 200' requires at least 2 steps. So it depends on how strong your arm is. If you find them coming up short, take a step. If you find them going waaaaaaaaaaay long, no step is needed.

And finally, practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice just upshots for a month. You'll see HUGE improvement.

The same goes for short shots down a fairway or through a gap.



For straight on shots with trouble on both sides, I'd have to recommend a 150 Cobra, and no run up. It's a deadly straight on disc! Sometimes you have to sacrifice distance for dead on accuracy though which is why I say no run up.

Michelle ... thanks for those tips! A great post. :p

Michelle ... thanks for those tips! A great post. :p



You're very welcome! :D
Next lesson: "turbo push putt" for when you DO make it into that under 10' range ;)

Next lesson: "turbo push putt" for when you DO make it into that under 10' range



This has been a very helpful thread, since I'm finding that my game, rather than being : drive -> putt, is more like approach --> approach (--> approach) --> putt (--> putt) :D

Looking forward to that turbo push putt lesson, btw.

thanks.

A common problem I notice is people using waaaaay to much armspeed on their approaches.

Slow your arm down, use a shorter motion and focus more on spinning the disc towards the target.

Slowing your arm down on shorter shots cuts down on alot of variables and just makes everything look/feel smoother. Should also give you better controll of the disc.

My $0.02

Next lesson: "turbo push putt" for when you DO make it into that under 10' range



This has been a very helpful thread, since I'm finding that my game, rather than being : drive -> putt, is more like approach --> approach (--> approach) --> putt (--> putt) :D

Looking forward to that turbo push putt lesson, btw.

thanks.



Here it is (again, assuming you're right handed): Balance is one of the main keys here but what you do is turn your putter upside down so the edges are facing up. Center your thumb in the center of the disc and place your fingers on the outer edges. Stand on your right foot only. (Some like to stand on both feet, but for some reason, that doesn't work for me). Aim your eye at one particular link; better yet, the seam in that particular link. Next, at the same time you are "pushing" the disc towards that link seam, at the same time, "rotate" the disc as well. The key is to do them at the same time and with equal torque, if you will. In other words, don't push it harder than you spin it and don't spin it harder than you push it. You'll get the hang after awhile but like all the other shots, it takes practice. I like to practice it while I'm picking up the up shots I've just thrown at the basket. If you find yourself hitting too low and nubbin the basket, raise your eye to 2 links above where you were. If you're hitting too high, lower your eye 2 links below. Soon you'll know exactly which link to search out.

Balance - if you feel yourself wobble back and forth, try either standing on two feet OR I like to put a 2nd putter in my left hand so I feel evened out. Other times I just keep my bag on my left shoulder and use it as a counter balance. Lots of pros will cringe when they read that - keeping the bag on the shoulder, but it's crucial to counter balance. Plus, we're only talking 5'-15' here max anyway. Also, with enough practice, you'll be able to easily know when you step up to your disc whether you should straddle or turbo push putt. The fun part is, it freaks people out! The gals will say, "Oh my gawd, Michelle, please stop doing that!" And I'll say, "but it's working for me isn't it? so why would I want to fix what's not broken?" Basically, I copied it from Hubie Hughes back in AZ in the late 80's. He used to do it from farther away, but my cahunas are not that big. /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Bottom line is, I couldn't make a straddle putt inside 15' to save my arse. Then I changed to this and in 1999 when I won my worlds title, not a single one of these putts popped out or was too high or too low, not a single one ~~ for an entire week!!! It's fun to amaze your friends with, but more importantly, it solved the problem of "I can't hit crap inside 15'"!!!

I hope it helps! Let me know how it's going for you. If it's not working after you try it for a bit, let's chat some more and see what we need to fix. But again, my own personal technique is the one-legged stance and a disc or my bag on the left side of my body.

Turbo Push putt?? Thats the craziest thing I've ever heard of . . . I think I'll try it. Couldn't hurt.

Your approach tips are kick-[*****] too. I'll def use them when I hit the practice field.

Thanks.

Aim for a patch on the ground about 15' short and to the right of the basket, like at the 5:00 position. Throw the disc into the ground at that spot. (RHBH)

I often look for a differently shaded patch of grass or something on the ground about in that position and aim for it. This is especially helpful in very windy conditions when it's better to lay-up than run at the basket.

Good turbo tips there.

Also remember to use your fingers to spin only. Never use them to apply pressure, because your disc will wobble. Think of putting using your arm and wrist only. Use your fingers only to support the disc.

The Turbo is really hard to explain. Get someone to demonstrate, if you can.

I hope it helps! Let me know how it's going for you. If it's not working after you try it for a bit, let's chat some more and see what we need to fix. But again, my own personal technique is the one-legged stance and a disc or my bag on the left side of my body.



Great, I am going out to play 9 holes tommorrow, and I will use this advice and report back. In the past I have tried to Turbo putt (because sometimes a normal putt hurts my back), but I really didn't know what I was doing, and it would often slice right, or hit the chains hard and bounce out.

My 2 cents: I find approach shots to work best when throwing 'w/o' aiming...that is, throwing with 'feel'. Aiming introduces too many variables/thoughts; whereas throwing the disc under the basket (with 'as little a thought process going on') increases my accuracy. This obviously takes practice, confidence & trust. Soft Rhynos...!

This is the same approach I take to playiing pool/billiards. If I'm aiming, I'm often in trouble... If I know/feel the ball is going in, it will...usually! /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

This is the same approach I take to playiing pool/billiards. If I'm aiming, I'm often in trouble... If I know/feel the ball is going in, it will...usually! /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif



I agree with the billiards part of it... I used to play very competitive nine ball and during my best games I didn't have a single conscious thought. I hope to someday be able to have that Zen feeling on the DG course, but my abilities at pool came only after years of dedicated practice so my day will have to wait.

My 2 cents: I find approach shots to work best when throwing 'w/o' aiming...that is, throwing with 'feel'. Aiming introduces too many variables/thoughts; whereas throwing the disc under the basket (with 'as little a thought process going on') increases my accuracy. This obviously takes practice, confidence & trust. Soft Rhynos...!

This is the same approach I take to playiing pool/billiards. If I'm aiming, I'm often in trouble... If I know/feel the ball is going in, it will...usually! /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif



I agree 100% but it's hard to explain that gut feeling to a newcomer. That's something that just comes with experience, practice and time. However, we have to put our eye's focus somewhere and I too pick a rock or a leaf, a piece of paper, dog poop, a piece of off colored-grass, whatever to aim my eye at.

For those of you who say to aim in front of the basket, can you please explain that?

My reasoning for looking past the basket is to avoid fluffy upshots. Plus, it's easier to take off length than add to it when throwing. Personally, if I aim "short" of the basket, I somehow wind up with a 35 footer instead of that head banger. AND, I usually wind up hitting the pole if I aim past it instead of in front of it.

For those of you who say to aim in front of the basket, can you please explain that?




When I aim for an object and hit my mark, the disc is at about chest height. I don't aim at a spot on the ground where the disc will end up. I'm assuming it's from all those years of ultimate and playing catch. In the case of catch or ultimate, a strong shot that's chest high is much better than a shot that ends up at the person's feet. So, if I aim at the basket and miss, I'll end up blowing by it. Putting is a different story. I'm assuming that an approach shot is outside of the range of being able to throw a putt, even if it isn't a putt that's intended to go in.

I'll call an approach shot any shot that's thrown to land to give me a "gimme" putt. I'm not aiming to make it in the basket. If I throw an approach shot and aim at the basket (from outside of my range of throwing a putt) then I'll miss the basket and end up landing 20' past the basket and the disc will skid after that. If I aim in front of and a little to the right of the basket the disc will still land 20' in front of the basket and skid to being anywhere from right at the pin to 20' in front of the basket (no skid). That means that my best realistic shot that I can get from aiming at the basket (I'm assuming I'm outside of my realistic make range) is as good as my worst possible shot from aiming in front of the basket. The occasional fluffy upshot that I'll get from aiming in front of the basket still leaves me in the same place as my average shot from aiming at the basket.

In other words, when I aim at the basket I have a putt that's outside my extreme comfort range 80% of the time, but have a very, very small chance (it hasn't happened yet) of hitting the chains. When I aim in front of the basket I have a good 90% chance of the disc ending up in my extreme comfort range for putting.

Thanks, Garu... interesting. The approach shot I'm talking about is always intended to end up as a head banger shot -- the idea being that I don't want to putt.

But speaking of blowing by - a tip for the beginners, especially the men: All the guys want to drive far and then putt. But usually, in the beginning, they're left anywhere from 40'-60'... and of course they "go for it." Now they've missed (b/c they're still new and 40'-60' is not consistently in their range) and are now looking at a 35' footer from the other side. NOW the pressure is on to save the par.. and they're a bit stressed. (I think this game is like ball golf - 10% muscle memory and 90% mental ability/agility). So, if you want to play stress free golf, lay those 40'-60' up and let your opponents go for it while you simply lay it up. You wind up with a very easy three and can sit back on your chair and watch them struggle to save par. And many times they don't. Statistically, those odds of making every 40-60 footer you go for -- not on your side. When all is said and done, you have lots of easy 3's and they have more 4's than they care for and are muttering under their breath "I shouldn't have gone for that one, and the other one, and the other one...." It doesn't make for spectacular golf, but the score card will make you :Da very happy camper!! (Remember: that free advice was for the beginners.)

A common problem I notice is people using waaaaay to much armspeed on their approaches.

Slow your arm down, use a shorter motion and focus more on spinning the disc towards the target.

Slowing your arm down on shorter shots cuts down on alot of variables and just makes everything look/feel smoother. Should also give you better controll of the disc.

My $0.02



Had to quote myself, but my friend and I played today, we took video clips of eachother teeing-off with my cybershot- I noticed STILL on some of my short range drives 200' (approaches if you will) it looks like I'm about to throw 400ft because of my armspeed..

Old habits die hard

For those of you who say to aim in front of the basket, can you please explain that?



To account for the crash action (hop, skip, jump) once the disc strikes the ground. The variable is the skip-ability of the ground; lush and green in the spring compared to hard and burned in the summer. Obviously more crash action in the summer.

True that especially in high wind conditions getting slammed down to soon and coming up short is more likely, but the target for the layup shot is closer than the basket thus making the shot easier. ... Sounds good in theory anyway. :)

I am in agreement with your strategy but also suggest using the jump putt in the 40 to 60 foot range. Done correctly it gives you a chance to make the putt and the misses usually end up about 10 to 15 feet out, not quite a gimmie but hopefully a high percentage shot.

Also when deciding to go for or lay up on a shot consider this (paraphrased) aphorism:

"If you are an Am lay up others will go for it and fail, if you are a pro, go for it, others will, and some will make it."

I always use a hyzer approach when possible. This makes the shot way more predictable. Its always going to finish left (RHBH). Use a disc that will not get a lot of skip action when it hits the ground. Putters in DX or D plastic are usually the best bet. If the disc comes in at a sharp enough hyzer, it wont skip that much anyway. I need to reiterate that there is no substitue for practice. You would be amazed how one hour of practicing 120'-200' upshots, to your bag or a basket, in a field will help your game.

I use Wizards for approaches and I use a bit of Annie on them so that they just are starting to turn back left at the basket... I have found that they seem to almost stall out right at the end of the flight if I throw it right and if I miss the basket I am usually at most 20 feet away (that's from 100 feet out). Has anyone else gotten their wizards to stall at the right time or am I just one lucky SOB?

I agree, hyzer approaches (when applicable/available) for dependable layups.

Hyzer a Demon G5i for longer approaches with a skip...soft Proline Rhyno for collapsing hyzer approaches.

The anhyzer approach is very useful as well...though wind and overglide variables make it trickier, IMHO.

For those of you who say to aim in front of the basket, can you please explain that?



To account for the crash action (hop, skip, jump) once the disc strikes the ground. The variable is the skip-ability of the ground; lush and green in the spring compared to hard and burned in the summer. Obviously more crash action in the summer.

True that especially in high wind conditions getting slammed down to soon and coming up short is more likely, but the target for the layup shot is closer than the basket thus making the shot easier. ... Sounds good in theory anyway. :)



OIC. I account for that crash action as well and a lot of times the disc will curl in and make a BINK sound as it hits the pole. :D

The one thing we all agree on though is to NOT look DIRECTLY AT the basket but rather to the side - right if you're a rightie and left if you're a leftie. ;)

Has anyone else gotten their wizards to stall at the right time or am I just one lucky SOB?



I use this stall shot with my wizards alllll the time.. just seems more predictable than a hyzer approach for some reason... ? Don't reccomend using it on windy days since it's a slow-nose-up shot lol

Same hear. Ive been practicing that ALOT (specially from 60 or more feet). Ive been hitting just a wee bit low and hitting the front of the basket alot. Ive found that just aiming AT a link wasnt enough for me. One day while putting, I was doing my whole "be" the disk montra: just picturing the disc putting along on its intended flight path to the link. Then I imagined that i was the disk and what it would look like if you could look out from the disc's leading edge as it flew. Yeah im wierd, so what. What i realized is that the disc would have liked to keep going on obeying physics and follow its intended path to the earth if it werent for those peskey chains and pole in its way. Then i tried it and realized that for best resuIts, the COMPLETE path of the disc should be mapped out (invisioned). Now I picture my disc as a superheated chunk of Shmegma shaped just like my Wizard. I plan a flight path that will cross the basket's center pole so that the pole will be severed and the entire top half of the basket falls on the ground, smoking.

MDF: Mental Disc Followthrough. Try it, it worked for me! Ive also noticed that it helps me to better spot bad blowbyes ahead of time that could potentially skid under some low hanging bushes or get in some other shule next to the basket if i missed on a particular approach path. Oh, one more thing, even when you miss, make sure to stay focused in the disc and the full path to the ground. And when you make it, take note of EXACTLY where your disc hit the target. If it wouldn't have severed the pole EXACTLY where you planned, then its not a shmegma.

Now I picture my disc as a superheated chunk of Shmegma shaped just like my Wizard.
...
If it wouldn't have severed the pole EXACTLY where you planned, then its not a shmegma.



Dude, do you know what shmegma is?
If so, then you're sick. If not, then I would use a different word if I were you.

Has anyone else gotten their wizards to stall at the right time or am I just one lucky SOB?



I use this stall shot with my wizards alllll the time.. just seems more predictable than a hyzer approach for some reason... ? Don't reccomend using it on windy days since it's a slow-nose-up shot lol



If I'm not mistaken it's called an air bounce. It's used a lot in catch and ultimate because of how it just floats down to the intended spot. It might be one of the reasons it's so hard for someone who's used to throwing a disc for catch to get used to throwing nose down. Once you figure out how much power will get you a given distance you can get really accurate with it because it doesn't skid or skip much when it lands. In essence, you're aiming for a 20' diameter circle around the hole rather than a spot in front of the hole so it's a lot easier to hit your mark.

I like that kind of a shot for when there's something in front of the basket that I need to get over or when there's a reason I don't want the disc to skid (big hill or something). I perfer the hyzer-in-and-skid approach for most shots because it seems to work better in a variety of wind conditions for me, it works well with overstable putters and it's more similar to most other golf throws (I need to work on muscle memory).

I hope it helps! Let me know how it's going for you. If it's not working after you try it for a bit, let's chat some more and see what we need to fix. But again, my own personal technique is the one-legged stance and a disc or my bag on the left side of my body.



Thanks for the tips, I found this technique to be very helpful. Before I had been trying to turbo putt like throwing a baseball, and I think I was putting too much into it. The way you describe works very well for me within 5 - 12 feet, though I was more error prone from any further, and when putting down hill.

I hope it helps! Let me know how it's going for you. If it's not working after you try it for a bit, let's chat some more and see what we need to fix. But again, my own personal technique is the one-legged stance and a disc or my bag on the left side of my body.



Thanks for the tips, I found this technique to be very helpful. Before I had been trying to turbo putt like throwing a baseball, and I think I was putting too much into it. The way you describe works very well for me within 5 - 12 feet, though I was more error prone from any further, and when putting down hill.



Oh GOOD! I'm so glad it works for you too! :D I too have seen people try to baseball throw it and it just pops right out. Then I've seen others who don't spin it, just push it and it winds up hitting the nubs. It's a combo of spinning and pushing with same "speed" if you will and simultaneously.

Yeah, the downhill one is tougher than the uphill one. That's why I try to set myself up for the uphill rather than the downhill shot. But it sure is fun!! ;)

By the way, it's 'smegma,' not 'shmegma.'

Either way, I wouldn't include it in any discussion here.

michellewade:

Just a thought-- Lose the turbo putt. NOBODY good uses it.
It's a bad idea.
Get a hold of some of the World's videos and see how many of the greatest players in the world use the turbo putt.
The number will be ZERO!

Sorry for yelling.

If I'm wrong, it's not by much.
:D

michellewade:

Just a thought-- Lose the turbo putt. NOBODY good uses it.
It's a bad idea.
Get a hold of some of the World's videos and see how many of the greatest players in the world use the turbo putt.
The number will be ZERO!

Sorry for yelling.

If I'm wrong, it's not by much.
:D



I agree, I guess I could see in some instances when it would be useful, but I've never used it, so I deem it useless.

If your focus is to work hard at getting a turbo-putt down, I would say re-direct your focus to become a good "regular"/straddle putter

I just made the word up as i was typing the post. I was thinking of smooth, firm magma. It sounded funny to me so i went with it. Any similarity to a foul word is purely coincidental. If anyone was offended, they offend to easily.

DISCustingly yours,
Roc

I do recall a 80ft Turbo in the "coolshots" video,by I think Dave Greenwell, but that wasnt a Worlds.Awesome shot though

Just wanted to thank everyone for the approach tips. I played in a tourney this weekend and the advice worked very well.

Michelle - I didn't use the turbo putt in the event but I have been practicing just haven't gotten it down yet.

michellewade:

Just a thought-- Lose the turbo putt. NOBODY good uses it.
It's a bad idea.
Get a hold of some of the World's videos and see how many of the greatest players in the world use the turbo putt.
The number will be ZERO!

Sorry for yelling.

If I'm wrong, it's not by much.
:D



Well unless Michelle is telling a fib, she claims to have won a world title. And the last time I checked that made someone a pretty darn good player. Putting is a feel thing and if it goes in the basket... how can you call it bad? The ugliest putt that goes in still counts more than the prettiest one that only hits metal.

michellewade:

Just a thought-- Lose the turbo putt. NOBODY good uses it.
It's a bad idea.
Get a hold of some of the World's videos and see how many of the greatest players in the world use the turbo putt.
The number will be ZERO!

Sorry for yelling.

If I'm wrong, it's not by much.
:D



Well unless Michelle is telling a fib, she claims to have won a world title. And the last time I checked that made someone a pretty darn good player. Putting is a feel thing and if it goes in the basket... how can you call it bad? The ugliest putt that goes in still counts more than the prettiest one that only hits metal.



First off, if I quit doing that putt, then I go back to bogeying holes by missing 10' putts. No thanks. I'll keep on doing what WORKS FOR ME. I only share it with the peeps as I've seen many ams miss 10 footers and I'm just trying to be helpful. But since your game is so perfect, why even come here looking for tips??? and FREE ones at that!

"Nobody good uses it." Well, I have video of Scott Stokely, David Greenwell, Elaine King, and others using it. So you're saying they're no good?? In fact, after that week at worlds when I won, Juliana Korver (you've heard of her, right? She's good, right?) approached me and asked me to show her how it's done. But she's not any good, right???

So yes, you are wrong. I have videos dating back to 1987 which show the top pros using it. How far back do yours go?

And yes, I do have a worlds title. 1999 Rochester NY as a masters player. I went into the final 9 with a 3 stroke lead and wound up winning by 5. That's 2 missed putts for a tie and 3 for a loss. But that did NOT happen. I made all the putts I needed to, both long and very short. And won by 5. :D

So nice try, Captain Bringdown, but it didn't work ;)

Here's the proof: http://www.disclife.com/pdga_prochamps.shtml

(1999 Rochester, NY - won by 5 strokes)

Yup she's good /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Michelle, I hope you didn't take my post as inferring that you were lying... was only using that tone to not yell at someone who didn't research who he was insulting. Like I said before... if it worked I would throw behind the back, upside down, and blindfolded. I say hooray for you for being strong enough to take the flack of having to hear the laughs about your putting style (until the first putt falls that is). :cool:

Michelle, I hope you didn't take my post as inferring that you were lying... was only using that tone to not yell at someone who didn't research who he was insulting. Like I said before... if it worked I would throw behind the back, upside down, and blindfolded. I say hooray for you for being strong enough to take the flack of having to hear the laughs about your putting style (until the first putt falls that is). :cool:



No offense taken - on your side. :D

Actually, Brad Hammond is on video from '03 worlds where he put his hand over his eyes to cover them and made the last putt. It went in and was quite entertaining. I like being different :D

The reactions I've gotten over the years are quite fun too. "OH MY GOD, STOP THAT!" It freaks the gals right out!

Actually, his post was not "insulting" per se. I look at like this: The gals are out throwing and some guys walk across our fairway. We yell out "FORE" and they motion to "go ahead as you won't hit us." Then we make them dance as our discs go right past them and they have to dodge the disc. THAT'S really fun - and that's the spirit in which I take his post. ;) He's just ignorant of the facts, that's all. No harm, no foul. But thanks for your post. It'd be really hard for someone to fib about a world title, that's for sure. :D

Actually, Brad Hammond is on video from '03 worlds where he put his hand over his eyes to cover them and made the last putt. It went in and was quite entertaining. I like being different

The reactions I've gotten over the years are quite fun too. "OH MY GOD, STOP THAT!" It freaks the gals right out!



I like that attitude. Though it sounds like you are actually a really good player, I pretty much suck. So lacking the ability to impress anyone with my skills, and routinely slowing down the game by double bogeying every hole, I can at least amuse and confuse people with an unusual way of doing things. It works out best when those things work, though :D

I wouldn't put any fib past some people... I have known people who claimed to be the worlds best at almost everything. I saw your website so I know you aren't lying, but just saying that I know people who would claim to be the King of England if it thought that women would like it. I can easily tell you have far more skill than I and I personally think the guy just didn't like taking lessons from a lady. Personally I could care less what the player has "down there" if they can lower my scores, because last time I checked there was no gender question on a scorecard. If you ever get out to the St Louis area maybe you could give me a free lesson. ;)

Disc golf chicks RULE!!!! Maybe we can start a putting thread where you can go into more detail about your style. Dont sweat the haters.

Disc golf chicks RULE!!!!


AMEN

I tried turbo putting a few holes last night and I can see why you would like it for short putts. Once you get the motion down it's very easy to get a very predictable putt out of it. The arm motion doesnn't seem to allow for a lot of variance. I didn't really have to think about aiming. As long as I got the motion right the disc flew straight forward. With my normal putt I have to worry about the disc angle but that doesn't seem to be an issue with the turbo putt. It's hard to throw it any way but flat.

I did have trouble outside of 10'-15' or so, though. I had a hard time getting the spin required to get the disc to fly far enough without shooting it off in some random direction because of how I pushed it with my fingers. It's definately worth having that shot at my disposal, though. Some course designers seem to think it's funny to put the baskets near all kinds of plants and stuff so being able to throw over them could come in handy.

I second that garublador. I have played some holes where I had to shoot through a small hole from only a few steps away. I sometimes actually throw the disc like a basketball. Put my thumb under the center and fingers on the edge. Then snap forward like shooting a free throw. Its not needed for 90% of putts, but if you ever need to get over a bush it is nice. Plus if you miss the disc almost always stops immediately for when that tight spot you are in is matched by one just beyond the hole. I can't throw it much more than 10 - 15 feet but it has saved me before.

Actually, Brad Hammond is on video from '03 worlds where he put his hand over his eyes to cover them and made the last putt. It went in and was quite entertaining. I like being different

The reactions I've gotten over the years are quite fun too. "OH MY GOD, STOP THAT!" It freaks the gals right out!



I like that attitude. Though it sounds like you are actually a really good player, I pretty much suck. So lacking the ability to impress anyone with my skills, and routinely slowing down the game by double bogeying every hole, I can at least amuse and confuse people with an unusual way of doing things. It works out best when those things work, though :D



Sounds like you have a good attitude too! I didn't win anything at all my first 2 years of playing and I played every darn weekend. It does take time and patience but hang in there! Sounds like you're having fun along the journey which is the key "MOST FUN WINS"!! :D

I wouldn't put any fib past some people... I have known people who claimed to be the worlds best at almost everything. I saw your website so I know you aren't lying, but just saying that I know people who would claim to be the King of England if it thought that women would like it. I can easily tell you have far more skill than I and I personally think the guy just didn't like taking lessons from a lady. Personally I could care less what the player has "down there" if they can lower my scores, because last time I checked there was no gender question on a scorecard. If you ever get out to the St Louis area maybe you could give me a free lesson. ;)



Darn, I was just in St. Louis last month! Spent a weekend driving through actually heading down to So Ill. I would have loved to have stopped along the way to shoot a round at a new course with a new face! Maybe Thanksgiving??? I may be headed that way again in November. :D

Yes, there are folks here in LA who claim to be movie directors, producers, etc. I'm so glad I'm not "in the biz."

I did have trouble outside of 10'-15' or so, though. I had a hard time getting the spin required to get the disc to fly far enough without shooting it off in some random direction because of how I pushed it with my fingers.



That's the exact same problem I have with my turbo putts. There's a couple good threads on the subject, which I have linked to below with some good advice, and some good amusing stories as well. Sounds like people can make them up to 100 ft!!
Turbo Putts (http://www.pdga.com/msgboard/showflat.php?Board=Throwing%20Techniques&Number=66746&Searchpage=3&Main=66746&Search=true&)

Turbo Putting (http://www.pdga.com/msgboard/showflat.php?Board=Throwing%20Techniques&Number=66267&Searchpage=3&Main=66229&Search=true& )

I tried turbo putting a few holes last night and I can see why you would like it for short putts. Once you get the motion down it's very easy to get a very predictable putt out of it. The arm motion doesnn't seem to allow for a lot of variance. I didn't really have to think about aiming. As long as I got the motion right the disc flew straight forward. With my normal putt I have to worry about the disc angle but that doesn't seem to be an issue with the turbo putt. It's hard to throw it any way but flat.

I did have trouble outside of 10'-15' or so, though. I had a hard time getting the spin required to get the disc to fly far enough without shooting it off in some random direction because of how I pushed it with my fingers. It's definately worth having that shot at my disposal, though. Some course designers seem to think it's funny to put the baskets near all kinds of plants and stuff so being able to throw over them could come in handy.



Yes, it IS a very predictable putt! Maybe that's why I like it. No thinking involved. However, I would only execute it inside 10' and no more. More than that - it seems to have a mind of its own. But it works wonders for under 10' for sure! If you're stuck behind a bush, it's beautiful to spin it over the top and it naturally drops all by itself. FUN!! And yes, little arm motion is needed, not like throwing a baseball at all. In fact, now that I really break it down (sitting here at my desk looking rather foolish), I don't put my throwing hand out of eye sight. If you can't see your hand, it's back too far. It requires so little effort too!

I'm so glad it worked for you!!!! woo hoo!! :D

Disc golf chicks RULE!!!!


AMEN



YES we do! :D;) :D

I actually live in IL, Michelle. Where in So. IL were you headed? If you end up coming down in November let me know and I would love to play a round or 2 with you. The area has a couple of nice courses that are worth playing.

That's so cool! Carbondale/Marion area. It seemed to be out in the middle of nowhere but very beautiful area with lots of trees and ponds. How far are you from there?

You got a PM Michelle.

Yes, it IS a very predictable putt! Maybe that's why I like it. No thinking involved. However, I would only execute it inside 10' and no more. More than that - it seems to have a mind of its own. ... And yes, little arm motion is needed, not like throwing a baseball at all. In fact, now that I really break it down (sitting here at my desk looking rather foolish), I don't put my throwing hand out of eye sight. If you can't see your hand, it's back too far.




Thanks again for your turbo putt advice. I went to play a few holes this weekend, and decided to warm up by putting on the practice basket. I started with some conventional putting, but soon got bored and decided to work on turbos. After 5 or 6 horrible failures, I thought back on your advice, and I remembered to keep my hand visible. I also changed my grip, bending the middle and ring fingers at the first knuckle to support the disc, and splaying my index and pinky fingers as wide as comfortable around the discs rim. The results were amazing. I made 100% of my putts up to 20 feet (maybe even further, but I don't want to succumb to "message board D") from that point on. Uphill, downhill, standing on a log, right-handed, left-handed; this is an amazing tool that I will use whenever possible. Not too mention that it takes almost no effort and just jumps out of your hand into the basket.

Another nice side effect was that I got a lot of props from players walking by for the quirky, but effective, style. Which was a nice contrast to my pathetic performace on the actual course trying to learn how to throw my new Comet.

I'm wondering why this new grip was so effective for me? One theory I have is that since I have rather long fingers, it was awkward trying to balance the disc just on my thumb (imagine tring to turbo putt a mini-disc). Using the original grip I wasn't able to focus on the spin and release because I was preoccupied with keeping the disc balanced...

I also changed my grip, bending the middle and ring fingers at the first knuckle to support the disc, and splaying my index and pinky fingers as wide as comfortable around the discs rim. The results were amazing. I made 100% of my putts up to 20 feet (maybe even further, but I don't want to succumb to "message board D") from that point on.



I'm sooooo happy to read this! Isn't it an amazing thing!! I spose I should have mentioned bending the fingers as I didn't think anyone would try it with full finger extension. Actually, I bend all four fingers, not just the middle ones. But if only bending the middle ones works, then by all means, use it! And yes, the reaction from others is just as fun. Breaks up the same ol' same ol' thing to do. I'm glad you had fun with it as well! :D And if you're up to 20' with it, WOW! Amazing!!!! :eek:

well, i got some grip ideas from this site (http://www.julianakorver.com/Grips/putting.htm), and originally used the second to last grip (four fingers on rim), because I have a little tendinitis in my forefinger, so i was worried that the next grip (two fingers on rim) would irritate it. needless to say, there was no irritation.

i don't think i'll try to push beyond 20 feet. if i do, it seems like i may have to start winding up, or throwing it more like a baseball putting more shoulder into it. so i'll stick with a push putt for longer distances. thanks again.

Ah, yes, Juliana's site - she has great tips too! I noticed though she holds her disc with the edges down whereas I like my edges UP for better grip and no slip.

You're very welcome!!! ;) :D:D