Hello everyone! I've asked a few questions on here before about increasing my distance, and I have effectively increased my reliable drive distance from approx. 280' to approx. 320'. So, as long as I keep getting good advice, I'm going to keep asking questions :)

This may seem really basic, but it's possible I missed some things having jumped into the game as quickly as I did. For maximum distance, how far off of the ground should the disc fly for a majority of it's flight? My best drives tend to be 10-12' in the air at their highest point, but I get the impression that the disc should fly 4-5' from the ground for maximum distance (no higher or only slightly higher than it was at release). Is this correct? I've been trying this, but I'm pretty bad at it right now, so I want to make sure it's worth the practice. I just read in the DG World News magazine that a 9-year-old threw 312', so I really won't be satisfied until I can throw 400'+ (unless it comes out later that the kid and Barry Bonds share a pusher).

Also, as a side question, how much difference can disc weight make to driving distance? I throw 171-174gm drivers right now, and I'm wondering how much (if any) distance it would add for me to get a few that were closer to 160. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

-Doug

When I throw for pure distance I would say my drives are 15-20ft in the air at the highest. That way the disc has enough time to come out of the turn that I put it in to get the maximum distance out of a disc. It REALLY REALLY tought to get a disc to fly 400+ when your only throwing it 4-5 ft off the ground.

As an MA45 division player 320ft reliable distance is fine, practice practice practice and you will eventually keep increasing your distance to your desired goals. Remember, people are actually awed at 400ft drives, and 500ft is top pro distance.

10-12ft off the ground is slightly high for high speed drivers like the Beast, Orc, Crush, Flash. I have witnessed, thrown, and read that 6-8ft is optimal height, but they must be thrown with incredible speed, 60-70mph.

Remember, some people do not know how high they throw, they say they throw 25ft, but in reality it is only 15ft. If they are throwing older molds such as the Eagle, then they would be throwing it higher to achieve the desired anhyzer turn and fade back with distance.

Lighter weight drivers tend to have more glide and will turn more, however they will be harder to control at faster speeds compared to the heavier weights. Pick your poison on that one.

Pimp throws overstable tsunamis (sp) for distance.

Yeah, it depends on the disc. I can throw Illusions and Spirits close to 400' as low as 5'-8' off the ground, where as its takes closer to 15' to do the same with a Sabre. It all depends on how fast the disc is, and how stable.

This may seem really basic, but it's possible I missed some things having jumped into the game as quickly as I did. For maximum distance, how far off of the ground should the disc fly for a majority of it's flight? My best drives tend to be 10-12' in the air at their highest point, but I get the impression that the disc should fly 4-5' from the ground for maximum distance (no higher or only slightly higher than it was at release). Is this correct? I've been trying this, but I'm pretty bad at it right now, so I want to make sure it's worth the practice. I just read in the DG World News magazine that a 9-year-old threw 312', so I really won't be satisfied until I can throw 400'+ (unless it comes out later that the kid and Barry Bonds share a pusher).



there's a few factors to consider. first off is distance technique vs. golf d. secondly is disc selection.

for golf d, the height you will throw with will depend a lot on your power level. the more power you have, the more lift you will get during the early part of the flight and the more easily you can keep a disc nose down up to and past the height apex. how early your disc reaches the apex will depend a lot upon what style of backhand you use as there are certain techniques that allow for greater height early on with a nose down flight while others must "climb" up.

as for what type of disc you use, i generall break drivers down into base generations (since the cyclone).
type 1: 1993-1997 (cyclone, x-clone, gazelle, cheetah, polaris ls, etc.)
type 2: 1998-2001 (xl, eagle, teebird, jls, valkyrie, reaper, xs, archangel, etc.)
type 3: 2002-present (wildcat, beast, talon, flash, crush, orc, starfire, illusion, orion, etc.).

each type gets progressively faster and requires more power and nose down to fly well. the earlier generation discs will require more height to carry as they don't penetrate as fast and since discs begin to fall after the apex, they require extra height to stay in the air long enough to complete their flight.

i believe a lot of people nowadays have skewed impressions on how high discs "should" fly based upon the current trends in driver development. there aren't a lot of players with the power to generate lift with many of these discs.

most discs of type 3 can hit the 350-380' range thrown with less than 10' of height. for type 2 350-380' takes more like 12-20' and type 1 it is more like 15-25'. to break 425', it takes less of a height increase for each later generation to carry that far.

my advice is to learn to throw both low and high lines and then choose the "best" one for a given situation. one thing you will find with throwing low is that very slight variations in height will yield very large variations in distance. for example, if you are trying to throw an orc 8' high and happen to get it 6' high, you are likely going to lose ~40-50' of D (the same works in reverse). however, if you are trying to throw a cyclone 25' high and happen to get it 23' high, you are more apt to lose like 10-15' of D.

i often use height to limit distance, especially when throwing midrange/putters for D. there are only a handful of players that can put a roc past 300' kept 10' high or lower and i would say there are probably more players that can throw rocs 400+ than players that can throw rocs 300+ at 10' high.

my follow up advice is to not let your idea of distance be pigeon-holed into a set height, but do know that most discs have a minimum height requirement needed to fly a "complete" flight (if the disc doesn't fade it still had more flight left in it + some potential skippage). if you trace back the roots of disc design since the original eagle/aero, most of the discs that came out in the 80's were long range drivers upon their release and the roots of our current throwing technique stem from that era or before.

i will touch on this a bit more at the end, but will get to your next question now.


Also, as a side question, how much difference can disc weight make to driving distance? I throw 171-174gm drivers right now, and I'm wondering how much (if any) distance it would add for me to get a few that were closer to 160. Any ideas?



every distance record since 1995-present was set with discs that weighed less than or equal to 170g (x-clone, xl, xs, teebird, valk). lighter drivers = more distance potential. for maximizing golf D (controlled D) you will have to search for that best mix of carry and control. if you are throwing discs that are too overstable for your power level, then lighter will likely fly farther. at your power level, i would probably be searching for drivers in the mid-upper 160's (possibly lighter if you throw champ/z) for a mix of D and control.

getting back to the height subject... there's only a handful of players in the world that can throw 500+ golf d. most players use a distance throw or roller when going for 500+.

i've been lucky enough to see more than a dozen 550+ throws on flat land (many of which were official measurements) and with distance technique, height becomes a very different ballgame. most of these throws are more than 50' in the air (if you've seen them, you know that i'm not exaggerating). what you try to do with a disc will vary based upon how you decide to go about it (applicable golf d vs. d at any/all costs). most type 1/2 drivers will require substantially more height for max d than a type 3 driver.

what i can say for sure of, is that your 4-5' of height is not the target height for achieving good D in the long run.

My advice:

Listen to Blake.

And check out this thread for more ideas:
Distance Secrets (http://www.pdga.com/msgboard/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=Technique&Number=69738&fpart=1&PHPSESSID=)

When should the hips start to turn? Before or after the plant?

I just read in the DG World News magazine that a 9-year-old threw 312', so I really won't be satisfied until I can throw 400'+ (unless it comes out later that the kid and Barry Bonds share a pusher).




I've played golf with David Wiggins (the kid) and will tell you that his 312' (which I think his official record now is more like 340+') is throwing a distance shot, not a golf shot. Also remember that is a <font color="red">world record </font> for his age group. There aren't dozens of 9 year olds out there throwing that far. Even at 9 his form is better than most adult amateur golfers I have seen. He also has the energy level of a 9 year old. It's not a big deal for him to throw 50 or 100 drives in a row and not have his arm fall off. A good example would be the Renny Mules tournament earlier this year. After playing Rennaissance regulars and Rennaissance golds the whole tournament is looking for dinner, shower, and a few cold beverages. That is except for Li'l Dave. He's doing his best to try to convince someone to play another gold round with him.

You nailed it Rodney, that's lil Dave for ya. Always ready to play.

Remember Dave worked on his shot for about a year plus.

Dedication, Routine, Practice.

the x-step should prime the initial hip rotation as you start forward from the cross step. the direction your toes are pointing will also dictate how much hip rotation starts before the plant. so... i would say it sort of happens simultaneously with the hips priming due to footwork.

however... the upper body process that leads you to the extension shouldn't occur until after your plant/pivot foot hits the ground as an early start will cause over-extension and griplocks.

step length from the cross to plant/pivot as well as toe direction will dictate the timing of the prime.

Too bad we can't bottle that energy and sell it to guys our age. We could outsell Red Bull, Viagra, Xenedrene, and all the other "Fountain of Youth" products out there.

Okay, once again I'm amazed at how much great info and guidance I have received from the members of this board. It has helped my game soooo much since I started playing seriously at the beginning of this summer. Thanks in large part to the advice I have received from this board, my scores have dropped drastically and I recently shot what I believe is my first ever (and definitely my first official) 900+ rated round. I owe a lot of that to all of you who so freely offer good advice. A sincere thanks... hopefully someday I can offer the same type of help to others.

A sincere thanks... hopefully someday I can offer the same type of help to others.


That's why we do it, because others have helped us when we started and we're just returning the favor.

If you can't throw for distance, you can always do what other noodle arms do.

1. Play short tight courses and get good at putting.
2. Start telling everybody that distance is not important all that matters is your short game.
3. Start telling everybody that "drive for show putt for dough"
4. Design a course with no big holes and have the monster course pulled

What is considered a "noodle arm"???? under 300? under 400?

This is for Blake,

You mentioned earlier the different types of discs and at what height they should be thrown to reach their optimal distance. My question is this. Is that for a straight flat throw? Sweeping Hyzer? Or Sky Anhyzer?

For me, I typically throw distance drives with Beasts and Orcs, let go with a slight hyzer and let it flip up flat and make its slow natural right turn and eventually fade once it slows down. This is at a height about 8ft off the ground at max height. I throw this both for pure distance and golf and typically get between 430-450 and 400-425 respectably with each.

I now want to reach the next level with my Teebirds and Talons. I typically can throw these, using the same above mentioned form and height. Usually I can get these discs 360-380ft and have actually cranked a measured 425 with a talon riding a 8mph headwind.

Is there something I am missing such as a different release height or angle to start breaking 400 with the teebirds and talons on a consistent basis? Every month I have been playing for the past year, I have been able to increase my distance, I am just afraid of hitting a platue this soon. Because I know it is better to be able to throw the slowest disc possible for a shot to maintain better control.

Thanks.

You mentioned earlier the different types of discs and at what height they should be thrown to reach their optimal distance. My question is this. Is that for a straight flat throw? Sweeping Hyzer? Or Sky Anhyzer?




that was for shots that fly straightish. only a few discs will fly stable for more than 75% of their flight and still get a good amount of d. similarly, only a few discs get a substantial distance increase (more than 5%) by being turned over when it comes to golf d.

how much more height is necessary for a sky anhyzer depends a lot upon power. for lower powered players that need to release with more anhyzer angle in order to hold nose down through the apex and sweep across still turning/nose down, which eats up a decent amount of height as it descends. for higher powered players who can make a disc hold the angle through the apex without any trouble, they can get by with less height.



For me, I typically throw distance drives with Beasts and Orcs, let go with a slight hyzer and let it flip up flat and make its slow natural right turn and eventually fade once it slows down. This is at a height about 8ft off the ground at max height. I throw this both for pure distance and golf and typically get between 430-450 and 400-425 respectably with each.




the shots you are throwing are considered to be one of the more technical shots in the game in terms of consistent execution and margin for error. unless you are absolutely certain you can execute this with a very high level of consistency, it's not the most forgiving in the long run. keep in mind i classify both the beast and orc as type 3 drivers.



I now want to reach the next level with my Teebirds and Talons. I typically can throw these, using the same above mentioned form and height. Usually I can get these discs 360-380ft and have actually cranked a measured 425 with a talon riding a 8mph headwind.



from the sound of it you haven't been throwing the line to truly utilize the teebird. the dx teebird currently has the 2nd longest official throw at 806', but it takes a lot more height to make it work. the beast is not substantially longer than the teebird in general, but the beast is substantially longer on an 8' high line drive.

disc technology has hit a point where the distance differential between the newest driver and drivers from 10 years ago is probaby biger than the distance difference between 10 year old drivers and current midranges.



Is there something I am missing such as a different release height or angle to start breaking 400 with the teebirds and talons on a consistent basis? Every month I have been playing for the past year, I have been able to increase my distance, I am just afraid of hitting a platue this soon. Because I know it is better to be able to throw the slowest disc possible for a shot to maintain better control.



well, i think the first thing for you is to probably know that what you are doing with your discs, most people cannot do. if you can throw 450' 8' high, you can throw 500+ if you can make the disc work on the correct line. if you can throw 500+, i wouldn't worry too much about plateauing as there are only a few players who can throw that consistently.

you have likely plateaued with the teebird on how far it will fly on that height and will need to explore different lines for more d with it. something that will probably help you a lot to learn the lines to throw slower drivers would be to try and max out with your midrange/putters. based on your numbers, most people who can throw that far can also throw rocs 350-375' or farther and aviars 300-350' or farther (this isn't really possible on an 8' high throw).

Thanks Blake,

Now if it ever stops raining, I am going to get out and practice.

Once again, awesome info, but after reading it for the third time I realize that I don't know the difference between a "distance shot" and a "golf shot"... I throw everything the same way. If there is a completely wide open hole, is there something I could be doing differently to maximize distance?

I don't think i've ever really thrown just for distance. I don't carry any highspeed drivers and none that "turn" when thrown.
I carry 11x Teebirds for most drives and I also have a leapord for turnovers.
I've never gotten into drivers like Valks/Beasts/Orcs etc I guess because i never could control the turn on them whereas a Teebird doesn't really have much high speed turn(or at least for me).
I usually max in the 400 area and i'm fine with that. Just trying to get my putting down and i'll be a force to be reckoned with :).

-Scott Lewis

Once again, awesome info, but after reading it for the third time I realize that I don't know the difference between a "distance shot" and a "golf shot"... I throw everything the same way. If there is a completely wide open hole, is there something I could be doing differently to maximize distance?



golf shot = semi-straightish, semi-line-drivish, not-overly-highish shot that is applicable in many/most course situations.

distance shot = usually a big S-curve (distance anhyzer or big hyzer flip) without much to limit the line you can take in terms of height, how far you can make it work from side to side, etc.

the difference really becomes "maximizing distance" vs. "maximizing applicable distance."

To me, throwing a golf shot requires me to focus on the intended target and use more of my smaller muscles in my lower arm for guided control.

On a distance shot, which I never use for golf, I only use the muscles in my arm from the bicep down to hold onto the disc. I excentuate my hip and shoulder rotation and in essence use my arm as a whip to launch the disc. No regard is given to accuracy with exception to the direction of the wind. If a head wind, I will throw with a slight hyzer to compensate for the additional turnover a headwind can cause..

Maybe that will give another spin on Blakes explanation to help you out.

To me, throwing a golf shot requires me to focus on the intended target and use more of my smaller muscles in my lower arm for guided control.

On a distance shot, which I never use for golf, I only use the muscles in my arm from the bicep down to hold onto the disc. I excentuate my hip and shoulder rotation and in essence use my arm as a whip to launch the disc. No regard is given to accuracy with exception to the direction of the wind. If a head wind, I will throw with a slight hyzer to compensate for the additional turnover a headwind can cause..

Maybe that will give another spin on Blakes explanation to help you out.



Doing a 360 as well ?

Doing a 360 as well ?



Not yet, but I have realized the benefit upon seeing the technique and reading about it. Unfortunately to witness me trying the 360 at this point is as graceful as watching a frog in a blender. :confused:

Just to confuse things even further...
A new friend of mine has just started playing disc golf. His technique seems to break nearly all of the rules for learning to throw long distance. He holds the disc with two fingers (thumb and forefinger). He throws with a one step run-up. His stroke is a backhand downward to upward half circle similar to a backhand in tennis. He releases the disc with a lot of hyzer.
He has been playing for less than six months and already throws 350+ feet and just hit 3 aces at my local in an eight day period.
Oh, by the way, he's 57.
:eek:

[I think he's onto something]

a few questions regading the break down of how far one can throw various types of discs (blake): Throwing right backhanded, I can throw just about any of the type three drivers 450-550 particularly orcs, crushes, flicks, i can throw the more overstable midranges(wasp, mrv, roc) 350-420,
but i cannot throw a putter, and ive been through most of the "driving" putters (aviars, xd, challenger) more then putting distance, 40-100 ft.
I do tend to throw "projectile" style x-tra long drives, but my midrange is very controlled; straight,hyzer, annie doesn't matter.
my biggest problems is when i'm faced with 230 ft holes where i have to "putt" midranges, forcing odd S's or hammering over trees to keep my throws under control. I feel that barring severe wind my game would be much improved if i could move down to controlled putter drives, but all i've been able to work out are hard an-hyzer that turn into rollers, and tail skating shots that loft too much to be useful. While i will occasionally get a decent shot out of this, I'm so inconsistent that it's not really an option for competative play.

What would you suggest?

I don't think I have ever said this to anyone else, but you seem to have the same problem I did when I first started out. Usually I tell everyone who is having problems with distance, to throw with a distance grip and release. That is, to throw with your fingers into the rim and let the disc rip off your fingers. That is opposed to throwing between the pad of your thumb and your fingers for approaches and putts. What it amounts to is matching your grip strength to the shot length. You might try your putting grip for approaches, or take all but your index and pinkie off the rim. This way the disc can escape more easily and you can take a more normal swing without having the disc go too far.

so you say you can throw a driver 500+ and a midrange 400+ but can't throw a putter over 100??? I find that VERY hard to believe...

Putters can be thrown 200 + by most anyone.
He's pulling your leg. :D

I threw a BALL GOLF putter over 200 feet once.

i can throw a putter over 200, i cannot throw a putter over 200 with any sort of consistancy or skill, nor can i control the shot. i have seen many players who can throw a putter with speed and accuarcy in the manner of a driver: flat level with fade or S or annie, this is what i need help with. everytime i throw putters for distance my shot is almost completely unpredictable. Does this clarify things?

methodless:

i have to say that you are treading on ground that i've never been distancwise... and so i can't really say except dave's advice is most likely right. a grip that is more conducive to sliding vs. ripping sounds like it may be the way to go. you can take it to the extreme and see how far you can throw when you let go of the disc on the throw instead of having any rip.

another thing you can try (although it's not really overly useful unless nothing else has worked) is to manipulate the nose angle a bit on putter throws... by throwing with less nose or flat or even slightly nose up and seeing what happens. something i've seen some big-armed throwers do on occasion on shorter holes is to overthrow the holes but throw very nose up and let it stall out and come back a bit. also keep in mind it'll be really tough to projectile throw a putter... getting more air under it should help a lot too.

Dave, you have 1998 posts. If you go over 2000 you win a new computer

You buying Morgan? :) Can I specify?

I win!! :cool:

Methodless,
I don't have quite the distance but ran into the same problem. One of the best solutions I've come up with recently is a Champion Rhyno. I know buying a new disc shouldn't be the solution to all problems, but looking at the discs you throw this might be the "driving" putter for you. They're fairly over stable especially for a putter. At distances of around 200-250 you can pretty much just let it rip on a straight or hyzer line and it will get out there. it'll need a little more height than drivers but if you get used to it theyre really consistent and accurate. Although I'll warn you that I could be slightly bias as I've been putting with rhynos for 5 years.

I have almost the opposite problem that you do. I can throw my Putters 300-350 and my Mids 350-380 and I can only get my drivers out to 425-450 when Im throwing golf shots. It doesnt really make scence that I can only throw my drivers 70 feet further then my midranges. I would think that I would get atleast 100 to 150 ft more from my drivers but that doesnt seem to be the case. Dont get me wrong im not complaining about anything I just think I should be able to throw my drivers further then I can. The only time I really use a Driver anymore is when I need the stablility or its windy or Im throwing a roller.

To help you throw your putters I would suggest using a FAN grip. I used to shank my putters ALL OVER THE PLACE when I used the power grip and since I have switched to the fan grip on my putter I have gained alot more accuracy and still retained my distance.

Hopefully that will help you out.

I have almost the opposite problem that you do. I can throw my Putters 300-350 and my Mids 350-380 and I can only get my drivers out to 425-450 when Im throwing golf shots. It doesnt really make scence that I can only throw my drivers 70 feet further then my midranges. I would think that I would get atleast 100 to 150 ft more from my drivers but that doesnt seem to be the case. Dont get me wrong im not complaining about anything I just think I should be able to throw my drivers further then I can. The only time I really use a Driver anymore is when I need the stablility or its windy or Im throwing a roller.

To help you throw your putters I would suggest using a FAN grip. I used to shank my putters ALL OVER THE PLACE when I used the power grip and since I have switched to the fan grip on my putter I have gained alot more accuracy and still retained my distance.

Hopefully that will help you out.


Millz, I have the same issue with drivers vs midranges. My drivers only go 60' further for golf shots (with the exception of flex shots). I'm pretty sure it is because midranges glide some much better than drivers.

Fan grip is a good suggestion. When I throw my putters far, I use a power grip and just don't grip very hard, I was having problems with shanks and flutter when I threw putters with my normal bone-crunching power grip. I tried fan grip for a while and couldn't get it past 280. Now I am getting out to 320'-340' with fair accuracy just by softening my grip considerably.

Try everything, use what works!

Millz, I have the same issue with drivers vs midranges. My drivers only go 60' further for golf shots (with the exception of flex shots). I'm pretty sure it is because midranges glide some much better than drivers.


Its kind of frustrating but kind of sweet at the same time. I mean We can throw out BUZZZs ( or Rocs if you like those **** things ) further then 90 percent of people can throw a DRIVER so its not like its hurting us. I barely EVERY throw a driver anymore unless like i said I NEED the stability or its really windy out. I just throw my assortment of 8 BUZZZs and a Wasp for most of my drives :D I actually LIKE throwing my mids better. I think they are alot more accurate then my drivers. Oh well. Maybe one day ill be able to throw drivers like Feldburgh and Brinster and Schweb and Hatfield but untill then ill just stick with my BUZZZs :D

Its kind of frustrating but kind of sweet at the same time. I mean We can throw out BUZZZs ( or Rocs if you like those **** things ) further then 90 percent of people can throw a DRIVER so its not like its hurting us. I barely EVERY throw a driver anymore unless like i said I NEED the stability or its really windy out. I just throw my assortment of 8 BUZZZs and a Wasp for most of my drives :D I actually LIKE throwing my mids better. I think they are alot more accurate then my drivers. Oh well. Maybe one day ill be able to throw drivers like Feldburgh and Brinster and Schweb and Hatfield but untill then ill just stick with my BUZZZs :D


A lot of the courses I play require weird angles and a lot of spike hyzers, so I still throw predators a lot. I have rediscovered the beauty of the Teebird, it is such an accurate driver and has great glide. But yes, I use my x-wasps and comets on most everything now.

All I know is that our drives don't skip 60' away from the holes. It is funny to watch other ppl throw their drivers and watch them land within 20' of the basket then skip 60 feet away.

All I know is that our drives don't skip 60' away from the holes. It is funny to watch other ppl throw their drivers and watch them land within 20' of the basket then skip 60 feet away.



You here the infamous. **** thats a nice shot. Then the thrower says DONT SKIP DONT SKIP DONT SKIP as his shot goes from being parked to being an UPSHOT all in a matter of 2 seconds and a skip. I just pull out the BUZZZ and fire straight at it and say NESTLE because if I get any skip or anything its usually a flat slide right into PARK CITY :D

I LOVE my BUZZZs :D:D:D

You throw a wasp for drives? What kind of distance do you get out of it? I use the wasp to limit my distance to 250-260'... literally that precise... I just crank it and it goes within 10' EVERY time... which is nice for consistancies sake, but I'm curious to know what type of distance you get out of it...

You throw a wasp for drives? What kind of distance do you get out of it? I use the wasp to limit my distance to 250-260'... literally that precise... I just crank it and it goes within 10' EVERY time... which is nice for consistancies sake, but I'm curious to know what type of distance you get out of it...



Up to 380' with fair accuracy.

Up to 380' with fair accuracy.



Me too :D

If I have a really overstable Wasp sometimes I can S them out over 400 but not with much accuracy :D Im only accurate to about 380 and I like to throw my BUZZZs more then my Wasp :D

I don't really care for the Z-wasp too well. I am more of an X-Wasp/Comet midrange kinda guy.

I don't really care for the Z-wasp too well. I am more of an X-Wasp/Comet midrange kinda guy.



Never really liked the Comet. Too slow too flippy and too domey for me. I throw 8 BUZZZs 1 X, 3 Zs, 4 Ds and 1 Z Wasp :D

What !!!!!! Z Comet !!!!!!! :eek:

I throw 8 BUZZZs 1 X, 3 Zs, 4 Ds and 1 Z Wasp :D



Way too many Buzzzes...I carry 8 discs TOTAL for practice or tourney's.

How much of a Buzzz do you need ? :eek:

At least he uses the safe way to get a buzzz

Hmmmm..........how's that ?

thanks to dave, blake and holeslaw. we just got a new tight 9 hole so i spent the last 2 days trying a variety of grips shot and a few discs. the putter grip driving mixed with a little more air seems to have done the trick with my challenger, it almost feels like loft putting with power . . . also the bulldog is quite the disc . . . anyway this thread helped me set a new course record on our new 9 hole. so thanx again. I'll be playing with Darrell Nodland this weekend and if he can't point out a few ways to rein in effectively on my short game, ill b back on the boards.

On a second note. Wasps and buzzz's everyday any hole. I completely agree.

So how's that Bulldog working out for you ?

the bulldog has that big fat lip and so i actually get a "power" grip (i have really big hands) it flys as a drone does for mid-range, but as a putter, i've been rather successful using it for "go for" 230-250, as well as shorter quick fades for tight pin placements. Very rarely did i get any wobble with quite a bit of snap, and never had the "blowby" shots like i did with the rhyno

Methodless, wizard is a great driving putter too, fyi, much more stable than an aviar.

I've been throwing the pro-D buzz I won for a ctp at a local tourney really well (for me). It seems a little more understable than a roc to me. I'd bet it is and the wasp is a little more overstable than a roc?

I've been told that when you're not throwing drivers much farther than putters and midranges, chances are its a nose down issue. But I'm driving more like 300 with putters 330 with midranges and 360 with drivers. I'm sure if you can drive 450 that you're not going to have much of a nose down problem. Just makes sense cause drivers are more nose down sensitive than midranges and putters.

Interesting. Big hands and the rim depth changes from person to person and from disc to disc.

Experiment some more. I sometimes have dificulty with the shallow rim drivers.

in my opinion: The d-buzz is much less stable then both kc rocks and CE rocks (thanks to john for letting me throw his)
the z-buzz gets a little closer
the crystal buzz is comparable to a slightly played kc roc.
the x wasp is comparable to a kc roc (i feel there are speed differences)
the z wasp seems to throw more overstable then kc or CE rocs.
i feel that the wasps hold their stability longer then the roc counter parts, but that buzzz's die after 2 or 3 shanked trees throw
thats my 2 cents anyway.

Not that it matters much , but how heavy are all these discs ?
160 + , 170 + or max weight ?

i tend to throw max weight for midranges, with lighter copies for annie, max weight putters, max for orc and starfire and crush, a 171 flick for into the wind and any 450 plus hyzers, and my farthest flying disc is a 165 flick, sitting somewhere around 560-80 thrown for distance not a golf throw by any means

thanks to dave, blake and holeslaw. we just got a new tight 9 hole so i spent the last 2 days trying a variety of grips shot and a few discs. the putter grip driving mixed with a little more air seems to have done the trick with my challenger, it almost feels like loft putting with power . . . also the bulldog is quite the disc . . . anyway this thread helped me set a new course record on our new 9 hole. so thanx again. I'll be playing with Darrell Nodland this weekend and if he can't point out a few ways to rein in effectively on my short game, ill b back on the boards.




grats, keep me updated.

Methodless,

Maybe this will help you, I have similar problems.

First try overstable Putters, CT Challenger or Crystal Challenger. I can get those 300ft, but something like an aviar only 250ft.

But what I try to do in most instances is to back down on a really understable midrange for those shots. I have a beat up domey Z-Buzzz. That thing makes a hard right turn when I throw it full speed, but when I back it down to 50%, it is an effective approach disc. It will also help you lighten your bag. I went down from 25 to 20 discs just by weeding out some approach discs.

I have found the "problem" of throwing drivers barely farther then midranges fairly common amongst top advanced players and lower level pros. I think it has to do with a control issue. Throwing a mid range barely over 400ft is pretty much the max distance anyone can really get out of them (exception for the occasional monster thrower), but even at the level of play these players are at, they can still control the mids better then the drivers. Once the control of the high speed drivers is mastered, these players will be able to reach closer to the max distance the top pros throw.

But of course, don't complain that you throw too far. I learned that local rec players don't like overhearing that you have to throw mid ranges on holes they take 2-3 shots to reach.

Also, try practicing on short "pitch-n-putt" courses with holes no longer then 300ft. This will force you to work on that short game, which has been my nemesis lately. Or just take only putters and play a few rounds on your home course, that will also work.

I went down from 25 to 20 discs just by weeding out some approach discs.



Holy crap, you carry 20 discs with you! Man that must suck.

I went down from 25 to 20 discs just by weeding out some approach discs.



Holy crap, you carry 20 discs with you! Man that must suck.



Gee Ryan, If I suck and I can beat you, then what does that say about you?

:eek: :eek: :eek:Well I smoked both of you so technically you both must suck :eek: :eek: :eek:

Well I know that about myself.

If we could change our screen names here it would change to 4throundblowup

Because now I can putt, but somehow I get the shanks the final round. That is why I have not moved up yet.

BTW,

We will have another shot at the distance contest that we did not do in BG, when you come down here for the Am Championships in Aug. Same wager $5, five throws each, winner take all.

Sounds good to me :D

I went down from 25 to 20 discs just by weeding out some approach discs.



Holy crap, you carry 20 discs with you! Man that must suck.



Gee Ryan, If I suck and I can beat you, then what does that say about you?


Read my quote again, I said "Man that must suck", not "Man you must suck".

I remember when I used to carry 16-18 discs and how it wasn't fun carrying around a huge bag that weighed so much. And when I started to carry less discs how much I loved it. Now I carry 6-8 and I love my bag setup.

Oh and Kris, What's your rating again?

Oh and Kris, What's your rating again?



My rating says I can sandbag in MA2!

But I don't, because I have scruples, I am shooting 20-30 points above my rating.

Sorry about the misread on you prior post.

Methodless,

First try overstable Putters, CT Challenger or Crystal Challenger. I can get those 300ft, but something like an aviar only 250ft.




you should be able to throw an Aviar as far as a Challenger, try kc for more stability

Sorry about the misread on you prior post.


No problem, just gave me more ammo ;)

all i try and do on approach shots is have a smooth thrown with good follow through. sometimes i throw an old roc really light if the i think im going to have throw over 80% with an aviar.

For me, I typically throw distance drives with Beasts and Orcs, let go with a slight hyzer and let it flip up flat and make its slow natural right turn and eventually fade once it slows down. This is at a height about 8ft off the ground at max height. I throw this both for pure distance and golf and typically get between 430-450 and 400-425 respectably with each.




the shots you are throwing are considered to be one of the more technical shots in the game in terms of consistent execution and margin for error. unless you are absolutely certain you can execute this with a very high level of consistency, it's not the most forgiving in the long run. keep in mind i classify both the beast and orc as type 3 drivers.



I now want to reach the next level with my Teebirds and Talons. I typically can throw these, using the same above mentioned form and height. Usually I can get these discs 360-380ft and have actually cranked a measured 425 with a talon riding a 8mph headwind.



from the sound of it you haven't been throwing the line to truly utilize the teebird. the dx teebird currently has the 2nd longest official throw at 806', but it takes a lot more height to make it work. the beast is not substantially longer than the teebird in general, but the beast is substantially longer on an 8' high line drive.



Is there something I am missing such as a different release height or angle to start breaking 400 with the teebirds and talons on a consistent basis? Every month I have been playing for the past year, I have been able to increase my distance, I am just afraid of hitting a platue this soon. Because I know it is better to be able to throw the slowest disc possible for a shot to maintain better control.



well, i think the first thing for you is to probably know that what you are doing with your discs, most people cannot do. if you can throw 450' 8' high, you can throw 500+ if you can make the disc work on the correct line. if you can throw 500+, i wouldn't worry too much about plateauing as there are only a few players who can throw that consistently.

you have likely plateaued with the teebird on how far it will fly on that height and will need to explore different lines for more d with it. something that will probably help you a lot to learn the lines to throw slower drivers would be to try and max out with your midrange/putters. based on your numbers, most people who can throw that far can also throw rocs 350-375' or farther and aviars 300-350' or farther (this isn't really possible on an 8' high throw).

[/QUOTE]

Thanks Blake,

I tried throwing my TL about 12-15ft off the ground (my Teebirds are put up for the month as I am not playing any tournaments lately) and I have been able to throw them 390-410ft fairly consistently. I imagine that once I get my Teebirds out I will be able throw them harder since they are more stable then the TL's, and get up to that 425ft distance. I tried the same line and height with my Orcs, but there are trees at that route from 400-450ft along the fairway so I am limited on my experiments with those on my home course.

But now being able to throw those TL's that far, I have been able to lighten my practice bag to only a TL, XL, and 3 Rocs!

Thanks a bunch.

I tried throwing my TL about 12-15ft off the ground


Throw it higher than that! Try getting it up to 25-30ft. You will get more distance after you figure out the angles.

Yeah but at that height, I being an amateur, tend to push the nose up too much and the disc just stalls out and ends around 350. Not to specatular, that is usually followed by a comment like "stupid nose-up throwing umbdai assai , learn to throw it right oronmai " said to myself.

Yeah but at that height, I being an amateur, tend to push the nose up too much and the disc just stalls out and ends around 350. Not to specatular, that is usually followed by a comment like "stupid nose-up throwing umbdai assai , learn to throw it right oronmai " said to myself.



Gotta learn somehow, might as well learn from practicing!

it sounds like you are trying to throw either:

a) too high too close to the teepad. remember, when we say 30' high, generally that means "it peaks at 30'" and the disc flies upwards, peaks, then back downwards.

b) flat? it's going to be a lot easier to get early nose down height throwing hyzer or anhyzer

Ok, allow the super-rookie to take it back to the basics here... grip.

When I throw, my thumb is on top of the disc and all four of my other fingers are underneath. I've started reducing the number of fingers touching the bottom to reduce spin, but a lot of times I can't tell the difference. Is this the correct grip?

http://www.discgolfreview.com/resources/articles/gripittoripit.shtml

That is an awesome article... thank you! Now I know what I'm going to go do on my lunch break :) (I've got a course 10 min. away from where I work)

This is a great article!! Wow! So many things I have not focused on! Thanks so much for sharing that Blake! I can't wait to apply it to my game!

I do have a question though... the picture that shows "Correct disc orientation" for getting the nose down... is that the angle the disc should be at relative to the ground when it comes out of your hand? I've been releasing it parallel to the ground, but in the picture it looks like it should be slightly angled down.. am I understanding it correctly?

the disc orientation i talk about is more about two things:

1) transferring the power from the elbow extension onto the plane the disc will fly on.

2) keepin the nose of the disc down on launch.

i try not to think about it in terms of relation to the ground, but more in relation to its launch trajectory.

I think the picture you are looking at is not "correct disc orientation for getting nose down" but "correct disc orientation for getting maximum rip force".

"The key to disc orientation is to have the disc on a plane parallel to the forearm. Maximum rip force requires disc to remain parallel during the extension of the elbow and as the disc leaves the hand."

Imagine a line going from your elbow through the center of your wrist. You want the disc to be on the same plane as that line. That is what the pic is showing.

i tend to throw max weight for midranges, with lighter copies for annie, max weight putters, max for orc and starfire and crush, a 171 flick for into the wind and any 450 plus hyzers, and my farthest flying disc is a 165 flick, sitting somewhere around 560-80 thrown for distance not a golf throw by any means



I smell message board distance on that one...anything over 500 is accomplished by very few...let alon 560-580...most people don't really have a good judgement on how far they throw...I suspect you would be surprised if you went and threw on a marked field.

I smell message board distance on that one...anything over 500 is accomplished by very few...let alon 560-580...most people don't really have a good judgement on how far they throw...I suspect you would be surprised if you went and threw on a marked field.



Yeah, our longest hole is marked 520ft in the short placement. Upon measuring it with a wheel AND tape, we got it between 413 and 411ft. (I just call it 412 :D). After playing a practice round with a fellow advanced guy, he mentioned that since we can both break "500"ft on our drives we should move up. It took me a considerable time to tell him that the tee sign was wrong and my max D was only 450 (a considerable and impressive distance). The only way I proved it too him about the actual distance was throwing a Wasp 60ft shy of the short basket and saying "I cannot throw a Wasp 460ft!"

Now he has a better perspective on his distance. Which is equal still to my distance. And still no one but local pros will take us up on a distance contest.

BTW, does anyone have GOOD advice on learning the 360 degree run up? I am really akward with it. And the latest article in a DG pub. did not help too much, just confused me more.

BTW, does anyone have GOOD advice on learning the 360 degree run up? I am really akward with it. And the latest article in a DG pub. did not help too much, just confused me more.


I have some home video of Christian Voight throwing 360s a couple years ago in the desert. I will see if it isn't too big to put on a server somewhere. But if you really want to learn how to throw it, I can have some video shot of me and send it to you :)

I can throw 700 feet with a max weight Predator!

I have some home video .... I will see if it isn't too big to put on a server somewhere.


YouSendIt (http://www.yousendit.com/) is what you're looking for.

I have some home video .... I will see if it isn't too big to put on a server somewhere.


YouSendIt (http://www.yousendit.com/) is what you're looking for.


Sweet, thanks Mark.

Kris, what's your email address.

Not to be rude or anything, but:
1)darrel nodland ( our local pro) is a geologist and has GPS'ed the distance on all our holes.
2) I've only been playing for about 3 years, but im not stupid, in have a wheeled distance finder, and my friend who works on a survey crew GPS'd our "field", I know how far i can throw.
3) i should re-iterate, distance throw, not golf shot, 450 is about how far i can throw a golf shot.
4) in a tournement, on a Properly disatanced course, on a 605 ft open field to treeline hole, i was called on a falling putt when a official was present, tape measure was used and i was 35 ft 6 in from the hole. thats 570.

If your ever up in the North Dakota area PM me and we can go to a field. Oh and if you can bring someone who can 360 i would love to learn that technique. (this is not a petulant post, so please dont take it that way. I am simply trying to let you know i took proper measurements)

the 360 is very similar to the X step. It is more important to learn the rhythm than the foot position. Both are done to get the plant foot in position relative to the hips and shoulders. Both are three step shots with any number of momentum steps before, (including none). The rhythm for both for a right handed thrower is: Right foot, (jump), then left, right. In other words, a four count with three steps and one jump. Right one, jump two, left three, right four. The shoulders are wound back with the left foot coming down. The jump off the first right for an X step is a glide forward jump. The jump off the first right for 360 is a spin forward jump. After either the glide jump or spin jump, the left foot is in approximately the same position relative to the next plant step.

Copied and pasted into a word file....

Thanks Dave!

Not to be rude or anything, but:
1)darrel nodland ( our local pro) is a geologist and has GPS'ed the distance on all our holes.
2) I've only been playing for about 3 years, but im not stupid, in have a wheeled distance finder, and my friend who works on a survey crew GPS'd our "field", I know how far i can throw.
3) i should re-iterate, distance throw, not golf shot, 450 is about how far i can throw a golf shot.
4) in a tournement, on a Properly disatanced course, on a 605 ft open field to treeline hole, i was called on a falling putt when a official was present, tape measure was used and i was 35 ft 6 in from the hole. thats 570.

If your ever up in the North Dakota area PM me and we can go to a field. Oh and if you can bring someone who can 360 i would love to learn that technique. (this is not a petulant post, so please dont take it that way. I am simply trying to let you know i took proper measurements)



Its all good...it just sounded fishy...but if you say its so, I am in no position to question. Thats really impressive!! I hope someday I can get them out that far. I'm content with my distance (400'ish golf shot, 450'+ raw distance) but would obviously love to be putting on a 600' hole!

Okay, this will not seem like a big deal to most of you, but I finally deuced my nemesis-basket at my home course. I've gotten to the point where I can hit 320' about 95% of the time and I find myself overthrowing holes that I couldn't even reach a few weeks ago.

The nemesis basket is 333' and pretty much wide open. I've used it as my distance marker for all this experimentation. I've thrown past it several times, but always way off to the left or right, so I've been wanting to deuce the basket as a way of judging that I could throw approx. 333' with accuracy... not just pure D.

Thanks again for all of the info! I'm seeing progress every day! Now I'm going to try to deuce it from the long tee... (385')

Congrads man, it is all about goals and steps. Keep up the good work.