Disc golf, often dubbed as “frisbee golf,” combines the precision of golf with the fun of throwing discs. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newbie, there’s always room for improvement. Here are some tips to help you become a better disc golfer.

PERFECT YOUR GRIP

A successful grip in disc golf is all about finding the sweet spot between comfort and control. It should feel natural – firm, yet relaxed.

The way you hold your disc affects your throw significantly. The placement of your fingers along the rim and underside of the disc can drastically change the disc’s stability and power. Similarly, the thumb’s positioning, provides balance and counter-pressure.

Here are a few common grips:

• Power Grip: Ideal for distance throws, with all fingers tucked under the rim.
  
  
• Fan Grip: Great for control, with fingers spread out under the disc.
  
  
• Modified Fan Grip: A blend of power and control, with fingers more relaxed than the power grip.

Experiment with different grips to find what works best for you.

FOCUS ON FOOTWORK

Correct footwork sets up a balanced and powerful position allowing you to have an accurate throw. If you are off balance and have a poor centre of gravity a consistent and accurate throw will be very difficult to achieve.

• X-Step:  The purposed of an x-step is to force the toes to carry the weight, and set up a good weight shift and generate momentum.

To do this, you've got to keep your feet sideways. Take your left foot (if you're right-handed) cross it behind your right leg making an X. Then, move your right foot about a shoulder width away from your left. That's the X-step.

The design is that when you cross your legs and reach back with the disc, you close your hips. When you uncross your legs you open them back up. Stay light, quick and smooth on your feet and make sure you get your weight over your front foot when you plant and start your throw. The direction of your feet will lead your hips, your hips will turn your torso, your torso will turn your shoulders, and your shoulders will lead your arm. This rotation will make your pull through faster and more powerful.

• Weight Transfer: Ensure your weight shifts from your back foot to your front foot during the throw. Use that energy to drive your hips and move up your body into the shot to add power and control.

Practice makes perfect. Footwork is the first thing to work on if you are serious about your game. It will also help prevent injury.

WORK ON YOUR RELEASE

Your release point and follow-through greatly impact the flight of the disc.

• Release Angle: Adjusting the angle of release (hyzer, anhyzer, or flat) helps navigate different shot shapes.
  
  
• Follow-Through: A strong follow-through ensures you maintain balance and maximize distance.
  
  
  

UNDERSTAND DISC TYPES

Discs vary in speed, glide, turn, and fade. Understanding these characteristics helps you choose the right disc for each shot.

• Drivers: Distance Drivers are best for long-distance throws where speed rather than control is the goal.  Individual models are designed to perform in various conditions and situations, such as cutting through wind, or traveling to the left or right down the fairway. With more experience you will learn what weight and plastic is ideal for your skill level.
  
  Fairway drivers give a bit more added control and consistency to your long-distance throw. If you are a beginner, this is the type of driver to start with.
  
  
• Midranges: Mid-range discs are versatile and easier to control than drivers and provide accuracy for mid-range shots, approaches and short drives.
  
  
• Putters: Putt and Approach discs are designed specifically for putting and making short controlled upshots, and short drives.

If this is your first time playing, we would suggest the Innova Disc Golf Starter Set. This 3-disc set includes a driver, mid-range and a putt & approach disc giving you a disc for every shot. [LINK to: https://www.ramakkos.com/innova-disc-golf-starter-set.html ]

LEARN COURSE MANAGEMENT

(Photo Supplied by Innova)

Strategy is as important as skill. It is about thinking ahead so you get to throw the discs and angles you throw best as often as you can.  The key to this process is being honest with yourself and knowing your game.

• Shot Selection: Play to your strengths and choose the safest shot rather than the riskiest.
  
  
• Reading the Course: Pay attention to wind, elevation, and obstacles. Adjust your throws accordingly.
  
  
  

WHERE TO PLAY IN NORTHERN ONTARIO

(Photo Credit: Udisc.com)

The recognized best courses would be:

1. Birch Point Park in Thunder Bay
2. Algonquin Disc Golf in South River
3. Lions Club of Sudbury Disc Gold in Sudbury
4. Pointe des Chenes in Sault Ste Marie.

“Although Mountainview Disc Golf Course on St. Josephs Islands doesn’t show up on rankings, it is a challenging, short, well-treed course that definitely makes you swear a bit before playing the last hole downhill. It is absolutely satisfying for long throwers.”

Joining a disc golf community can provide support, motivation and opportunities for friendly competition.  Local disc golf clubs often host events and league play.  Online forums enable you to engage with other golfers for tips, advice, and camaraderie.

BEST FOOTWEAR AND APPAREL TO WEAR

Comfort. As long as you have a comfortable supportive pair of shoes to navigate tricker terrain, you will be good. There are specialty shoes that competitive players wear but not mandatory.

Lightweight, non-restrictive clothing is ideal. When performing different types of shots that you may be faced with, you need to be able to twist and contort your body to get around obstacles. You also do not want to wear anything that would hinder your throw or get caught on trees and branches. Comfort is key.

We suggest a long sleeve lightweight UPF rated shirt, such as the Columbia shirts with Omni-shade technology.

THE NUMBER ONE TIP FROM OUR TEAM, HERE, AT RAMAKKO'S

“Have Fun, expect that you will not be very good at the start. Try to use putters and midrange discs as these tend to fly a lot easier and straighter than the fancy distance drivers and fairway drivers.

Don't be over-confident on the speed of the discs, lower speed discs are easier to get the desired flight paths but don't go as far. It is great for developing good form. With form comes distance and you will be able to throw higher speed discs in no time.

The other tip would be to talk to local players when you are out there. My experience is that everyone is more than happy to provide tips and pointers if you just ask.” - Brent

By incorporating these tips into your practice routine, you’ll not only enhance your skills but also deepen your appreciation for the sport. Remember, consistency and perseverance (and patience) are key to becoming a better disc golfer.

Happy throwing!