The weakest part of my game is by far my approach shots. My drives are much more accurate and as a result I feel more comfortable throwing everything with a little x-step. The main problem when I don't x-step is that I grip lock it and it ends up far to the right. Is it worth it for me to learn to shoot these shots standing still or continue with steping?

I'll use a mini x-step a lot of times when I'm throwing short approach shots (shots outside of what I can putt to, but inside what I use a power grip for...~100-200' for me). I find that it does help with my timing and I'm more accurate.

The weakest part of my game is by far my approach shots. My drives are much more accurate and as a result I feel more comfortable throwing everything with a little x-step. The main problem when I don't x-step is that I grip lock it and it ends up far to the right. Is it worth it for me to learn to shoot these shots standing still or continue with steping?



In my opinion it is worth learning to throw these standing still. The less variables you have in your shot the more consistent and accurate you will become. I stand still on pretty much ever shot that I throw inside 250ft. Either that or I take one step. By one step I mean I keep my left foot planted and step to my min with my right foot. It all depends on the type of shot but if I were you I would learn to throw these standing still. This has helped my game tremendously. If you watch Dave Feldburg and Avery Jenkins and alot of other top pros. When those guys throw upshots within about 200-250 they mostly just stand and deliver with a little weight shift. It gives you a stable constant base and allows you to execute the shot alot easier then if you used a run up.

Some guys like to use some sort of run up on every shot they throw. It works for some people I just think in the long run learning to throw from a standstill will help you. It will also help you when you get into situations or on courses where you cant run up to make your shot. If you learn to throw all your approaches from a stand still then you wont have a proble when you get in a situation where the only choice you have is to stand and deliver.

Just my 2 cents

i agree with bigDGpumpkin.

i find a lot of the time there's no space for a run up, or the ground leading into it is irregular... in these situations (which i run into often at my course) i find a stand still throw a big advantage. i think it's easier to control distance, too.

if you're grip locking it... i wonder what you're doing wrong. when i grip lock things sometimes it's because i'm using too much arm and upper body and not enough hip turn. on stand still shots i find it's crucial to use the right amount of hips to determine how much power will result. also important, and related, is how wide your stance is... i'm always wide enough to shift my weight the appropriate amount for how much power i need. on closer shots (within 150' or so) i don't use a lot of reach back, i use my hips and finesse it with my arm which is only slightly cocked.

experiment till you get the right formula of motion.

Loosen up your grip, or use the fan grip or something similar. Not sure if this is right, but it works for me. The only time I use full grip strength is drives.

I've recently found success in standing with my back somewhat towards the basket on 'stand-n-deliver' type shots (see Ron Russell putting form). It sort of mimicks the finishing movement of the x-step. I started doing this after similar grip lock results that you are experiencing. Now my long approaches are flying low and straight ... with surprising power.

I like to take a "big step" with my front foot. Kinda like a baseball player swwinging a bat. This allows for a nice blend between standing and a run-up.

Some advice is just plain good, and bears to be repeated.


In my opinion it is worth learning to throw these standing still. The less variables you have in your shot the more consistent and accurate you will become. I stand still on pretty much ever shot that I throw inside 250ft. Either that or I take one step. By one step I mean I keep my left foot planted and step to my min with my right foot. It all depends on the type of shot but if I were you I would learn to throw these standing still. This has helped my game tremendously. If you watch Dave Feldburg and Avery Jenkins and alot of other top pros. When those guys throw upshots within about 200-250 they mostly just stand and deliver with a little weight shift. It gives you a stable constant base and allows you to execute the shot alot easier then if you used a run up.

Some guys like to use some sort of run up on every shot they throw. It works for some people I just think in the long run learning to throw from a standstill will help you. It will also help you when you get into situations or on courses where you cant run up to make your shot. If you learn to throw all your approaches from a stand still then you wont have a proble when you get in a situation where the only choice you have is to stand and deliver.

Just my 2 cents

cool.. I picked this shot up from a guy a couple of weeks ago. He used it several times to get out of trouble on difficult lies. Is there a name for this? I've been calling it a reverse-straddle long approach but that's a mouthful :p It is suprisingly natural and powerful. I find myself looking for this shot on anything over 150"

Rats!! I meant to quote this:


I've recently found success in standing with my back somewhat towards the basket on 'stand-n-deliver' type shots (see Ron Russell putting form). It sort of mimicks the finishing movement of the x-step. I started doing this after similar grip lock results that you are experiencing. Now my long approaches are flying low and straight ... with surprising power.

I picked this shot up from a guy a couple of weeks ago. He used it several times to get out of trouble on difficult lies.

This is my primary shot out of bad lies (and I have plenty of them). I never understand why people use the opposite stance (right foot on marker, right arm throwing) instead of swapping thier feet and getting another couple of inches of reach. Perhaps I am just used to throwing with this style from Ultimate.

cool.. I picked this shot up from a guy a couple of weeks ago. He used it several times to get out of trouble on difficult lies. Is there a name for this? I've been calling it a reverse-straddle long approach but that's a mouthful :p It is suprisingly natural and powerful. I find myself looking for this shot on anything over 150"



I'm also wondering if there is a name for this shot :confused: I threw a couple more discs in this fashion at my buddies house tonight ... just can't believe the results /msgboard/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

You could always call it the "Danny S, Captain America, Ron Russel esque, West Virginia Taco Open reverse approach. :D

Or maybe thats too much to say.

I use a smaller X-Step whenever I can - my whole philosphy is that I want to be as repetitive as I can.

Of course, I practice stand still shots as much as I can cuz you just can't run up on every shot!

You could always call it the "Danny S, Captain America, Ron Russel esque, West Virginia Taco Open reverse approach. :D

Or maybe thats too much to say.



I think I will just go with the 'Captain America' shot ... thanks Sean! :cool:

Whatever works for your style !!!!

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The weakest part of my game is by far my approach shots. My drives are much more accurate and as a result I feel more comfortable throwing everything with a little x-step. The main problem when I don't x-step is that I grip lock it and it ends up far to the right. Is it worth it for me to learn to shoot these shots standing still or continue with steping?


A quick way to fix your grip lock w/out x-stepping is to lean forward by bending at the waste. One reason you're grip locking is that you don't lean over as much standing as when you x-step. Bending forward will help you release the disc more cleanly and should feel less like you're rotating around, and give you more of a forward-backward rocking motion. This will help you let go of the disc at the right time.