Resolving Injuries During The Offseason - How Can You Heal?

If you’re young and spry it’s probably a safe bet that you’re not getting hurt too terribly often on the disc golf course, unless you’re a full-time touring pro. The wear and tear that their bodies endure can be a lot, causing injuries among even the best in the game. Similarly, those of us who are older, not as physically fit, or have other pre-existing health concerns might end up with any range of issues as a result of playing.

Now that the offseason is upon us - at least for those who believe there is an actual disc golf offseason - it can be an ideal time to rest up and let our bodies heal. Rather than just sitting on the couch for the next three months, how can you actually take advantage of this break and get your body back on track?

Partner With A Professional

All too often we let a nagging ache in our bodies go untreated, and before long, these pains can transform into full-fledged issues. Sometimes people opt for going to physical therapy, yet there’s also another option to consider. For minor injuries that won’t seem to go away, why not partner with Disc Golf Strong and get the healing you need from someone who understands the trials our bodies go through during each and every round?

We’re not in any way discounting the therapy that could be provided to you by a local clinic, but if you’re seriously committed to your game, it makes sense to work with someone who knows how to meet your specific bodily needs.

Get Into Gear

While it’s not always the case, many times we sustain injuries during disc golf season because we’re not setting foot on the course in prime condition. Obviously, you don’t have to be fit whatsoever to play, but if you’re competing regularly enough to the point where you do get hurt, then it’s a wise idea to put time into exercising off the course.

Spending the next three months getting into shape isn’t just an investment in your overall health but it will help you to start the 2020 season in the best way possible. For some players, losing weight and simultaneously building strength can help with their stamina and even their form.

Taking It Easy

Everyone’s body is different, and we are in no way trying to dispense medical advice as only you know what will be the best way to approach an injury. Depending on what’s going on, you could benefit from resting, compression garments, alternating hot and cold packs on the affected area, and more. Just like there’s no right way to play the game we all love, there’s not a one size fits all way to heal from a disc golf injury.

If you’re curious to know how some of the DD Team handles their injuries, check out our latest video here. Feel free to drop us a comment below and let us know what you’ve found to be the most successful when it comes to healing during the offseason.

Battling Burnout Toward The End Of The Season

It’s been a hot-button topic in recent years, as more and more studies are conducted around workplace dissatisfaction. While a number of issues could be at play, one of the main reasons that people tend to hate their jobs comes from burnout - that feeling that you’re just spinning your wheels, not getting anywhere, and knowing that you’ve done too much with too little progress to show for it. This condition can make a major impact on your career, but what about when you experience burnout around the things you love to do in your free time?

Many of us may not want to admit it, but despite how much we love the sport of disc golf, burnout happens here too. When an activity that you love and participate in, oftentimes to reduce stress and boost your mood, actually ends up being the source of burnout, is there anything that you can do?

Take A Break

Even disc golf’s top-level professionals have sat out a tournament or two in their career in order to regroup and spend some time recharging their batteries away from the course. If you’re heavily involved in your local disc golf community and find that you’re enjoying it less and less, it might be time to take a step back. Ask for help from others if you’re responsible for specific tasks within a club, or simply take a weekend off to put your feet up instead of throwing a few rounds.

Change Your Scenery

One of the reasons that nearly any activity can lead to burnout is that it becomes too routine and doesn’t provide any sort of challenge or excitement. If you’re guilty of visiting the same two or three courses over and over again and you’ve stuck to a pretty regular routine, try changing things up a bit.

Drive a little farther and explore the new 18-hole layout that you’ve never played before, or try challenging yourself with a putter only round. Instead of playing a full game, spend some time doing fieldwork or dialing in your putt around a practice basket - anything that will break up the schedule you’ve dug yourself into.

Adjust Your Attitude

We all have a passion for disc golf, but sometimes that can translate into taking the sport, and ourselves, a little too seriously. Instead of getting down on yourself for not playing well or treating disc golf as your full-time job, assuming it’s not, infuse some fun into your next round. After all, didn’t we just see a well-known player competing with just six discs in a shopping bag?

Rather than stepping away from disc golf permanently or even taking a longer than necessary hiatus, think about the ways in which you would approach burnout at your workplace and apply it to the sport. Whether you need something new to excite you, extra help with specific tasks, or simply should take the time to reassess your feelings, there’s nothing wrong with some reflection around our hobbies.

Have you ever experienced disc golf burnout? What steps did you take to refresh your love of the sport? Share with us below!

Weather Woes - How To Successfully Navigate A New Season

As the years go by it seems that the disc golf offseason is becoming shorter and shorter. While some players don’t necessarily observe this several month time period and instead prefer to play all year long, winter weather does hinder others from getting much time out on the course. With the 2019 season in full swing, we’ve already seen multiple reports on social media of some of the top touring pros reacting to such a major temperature change during their time in Arizona compared to colder days back home.

You don’t have to be on tour to encounter these issues however, as Mother Nature has seemed to have a mind of her own as of late. So how exactly should you transition from cold and snowy days to ones full of sunshine? Let’s cover some of the basics.

Put It On, Take It Off

Those who live in colder areas of the nation are no strangers to layering up before playing a round of disc golf. Even though our bodies do naturally warm up as our day goes on, there’s a good chance that you’ll still be left wearing just as much clothing as when you started. However, as the season gradually transitions into spring, planning ahead will be more and more vital.

Make sure to include enough layers in your outfit so that you’ll both be warm enough should it not reach the highs you were expecting or in the event things do heat up, you’ll be able to take off a jacket or pair of thermal pants in order to be a bit more comfortable. There’s nothing worse than playing when you’re too hot or too cold, even if it’s just for some casual fun.

Assess Your Bag

We talk about one’s bag a lot, and for good reason - without the proper tools, there’s no way you’re going to execute the type of round you’re after. More experienced players, and particularly those who live in colder climates, are well-versed in knowing how discs fly in winter weather and are adequately prepared. Not only might you throw different molds depending on the condition of the course, but you’ll most certainly be using different plastics as the weather gets warmer.

Now is the ideal time to make these adjustments and start to phase out your discs that are intended for snowy conditions. If a trip to your local sporting goods store to purchase some newer items for springtime is required, so be it. As with any transitionary period, take time to look at all of your gear, including your shoes and bag, to see if you can go another season without having to purchase new items.

Some of you might still have to endure another few weeks of knee-high snow, and for that, we’re truly sorry. However, if you’re stuck inside and can’t get out to play, what better time to get ready for warmer days? It’ll happen before you know it and you won’t want to be caught unprepared. What things are most important to you when moving out of the offseason and into warmer weather? Let us know below!

A New Year And A New Mindset

It’s official - 2019 is upon us and many of us probably have our fair share of New Year’s resolutions that we’re trying to stick to. Whether it’s exercising more, eating better, or promising ourselves we’ll quit a nasty habit, there’s no better time than now to make some impactful changes in your life. You might be using an app or a wall calendar to track your progress and you’re ready to see your goals through to the end of the year and beyond.

Your disc golf game is no exception to this idea of resolutions, and while we can decide to buckle down and create practice routines more regularly or commit to spreading the sport in our hometown, it’s all too easy to get distracted. So how exactly can you create and stay on track with your disc golf goals this year? Here are a few ideas worth considering.

Accountability Matters

If you’ve ever tried to start a new workout routine or even a different diet, you may have been faced with the choice of whether to create a group that keeps each other accountable or not. The same idea can translate over to disc golf and can take many different forms. Perhaps you meet others regularly for practice putting after work or you Skype with friends to discuss the rounds you played each week - what’s important is that you commit to your goals because other people are counting on you.

Rather than creating a specified accountability group, some players have opted to use social media as a way to stick to their goals. Already this year we’ve seen new Instagram accounts being created just to highlight one’s improvement over the course of the year, and you could even create a Facebook athlete page that documents how you’ve carried out your 2019 resolutions.

Making A Difference

Beyond simply aiming to improve upon your own game, playing more tournaments, or promising to watch more live coverage over the course of the season, one of the best types of goals to create is one that focuses on growing the sport. Disc golf is huge compared to ten years ago, but it’s not going to continue to expand unless people like you make the effort.

You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money to #growthesport, but above all else your desire and commitment are crucial. Consider hosting a free clinic to introduce disc golf to your neighbors or contact local groups to see if a disc golf day would be an enriching activity that’s of interest. Volunteering to clean your area’s courses or even stepping up once tournaments get up and going to help relieve some stress off of a TD’s shoulders are also great ways to contribute.

We’ve only just begun this new year so it’s not too late to make some disc golf resolutions that are worth keeping. Whether it’s a small goal like simply getting to the course more regularly or you have your sights set high on raising your rating by a certain amount, let’s make 2019 the year that disc golf continues to reach people across the world.

Then Vs Now: How Technology Has Shaped Disc Golf As We Know It

Depending on your age, this article may mean different things to you. Players who read this and are still in high school only know about the world of live tournament broadcasting and being able to interact with your favorite players on social media while more experienced lovers of the game remember when tutorials on YouTube weren’t even a thing.

The ways in which technology has shaped us as a whole are pretty incredible, but even when you zoom in and look at disc golf specifically, the resources we have now have played a major role in the development of the sport. Don’t think so? Let’s look at just a few examples.

Better Event Promotion

Back in the 1970s, disc golf tournaments were advertised through paper flyers and word of mouth. That’s it - no social media channels to post on and no way to text all of your friends about the next big event. Back then, it was crucial for disc golf clubs to have impeccable communication not only within their own group but with neighboring associations as well.

Anyone who has run an event in recent years knows that the tools of online promotion, registration, and the dissemination of schedules are pretty easy compared to how it used to be. Not only can we offer tournaments with greater frequency, but we’re also able to more easily team up with sponsors to make sure they’re a success.

Changing Your Game

Imagine how good of a disc golfer you’d be in 2019 if there was no such thing as the internet. The discs you purchase would be solely based off of word of mouth opinions, and the ways in which you play would be strongly influenced by those around you. There’s something to be said for the simplicity of a time gone by, but how much better could pros back in the day have become if they would’ve had more tech?

Nowadays, a brand new disc golfer has almost too much information at their disposal. From a plethora of disc reviews to countless videos demonstrating various forms and techniques, anyone can pick up the sport easily and have a decent amount of success.

The Ultimate In Enjoyment

How did players learn about new courses in their area and beyond back before the internet days? You guessed it - word of mouth once again. Three hours away from you, lovers of the sport may have been working to install several new layouts and you’d never know unless you hopped in the car and went for a drive. Those interested in watching bigger events had to either visit the tournament in person or simply hear about it from friends.

With the implementation of tools like UDisc and additional course review websites, you can learn specifics about courses that are thousands of miles away. Let’s not overlook the importance of both live and post-produced tournament coverage as well, a feature that’s really helped to push the sport in front of more eyes than ever before.

When you think about it, the spirit behind disc golf has pretty much stayed the same over the last several decades, but the ways in which we engage with it are so different now. Is it better? Do these tools really help us? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

The Ultimate Tool For Any Disc Golf Player

People who are naturally inclined to play sports often pick up disc golf and never look back, learning about discs and mechanics as they go. Yet for others who are hesitant to try something new and feel overwhelmed with the amount of information that’s out there, the sport may seem too large to grasp.

If you’re introducing disc golf to a friend or family member and want a bit of help easing them into things, you may find that our resources page on the Dynamic Discs website can be a big help. Not only does it contain information that can teach a new player about a variety of disc golf elements, but more seasoned players may even learn something new! Let’s check out a few of the sections that are particularly helpful.

The Beginner’s Guide

A lot of this information may be familiar for those who have been playing disc golf for a while, but when you’re trying to explain the sport to someone who has never thrown a disc before, you may find some of this verbiage to come in handy.

Right off the bat, we dive into the different types of discs and how they may fly for newer players. Keep in mind that for us, discs are finely crafted tools that all perform various functions, but for a new player, it just looks like a frisbee. Having them understand the basics of distance drivers, fairway drivers, midranges, and putters will help in the early parts of their game.

Our Beginner’s Guide section also gives some detail as to what flight numbers really mean and how you can have a better understanding of what a disc will do for you based on that information. Finally, we review the types of plastic available and cover the options you have between the Dynamic Discs, Westside Discs, and Latitude 64 lines.

Our Disc Lines

Beyond just understanding the various types of discs and the plastics available to them, beginning players can really benefit from an explanation of what each mold may do for them. We spend time crafting descriptions for each of our discs so that people know what they’re buying - after all, how frustrating is it to blindly purchase a disc and then realize it’s not the one for you?

The distance drivers section includes everything in the Trilogy lineup, starting with speed 15 discs and moving down to speed 11 options. Discs are organized by stability for ease of understanding. Our fairway drivers are listed similarly and range from speed 10 to speed 6, while midranges and putters both feature discs designed for slower shots.

While we’ve intended our resource section to be a tool for all new and current players, it can be a lot of information all at once. If there’s a specific area that you want to brush up on or teach a new player, stick to that topic before making it a personal mission to memorize the entire section. Written information can be a valuable tool, but there’s also nothing like heading out to the course and throwing some plastic to see what truly works for you.

What Do You Do With Downtime?

Recently we talked about how to plan for the upcoming tour season, and while 2019 sounds incredibly far away, the reality is that we only have a few short months to go before January is upon us. Whether you’re going to hit the road for your first tour or you’re a seasoned veteran who’s out to do it yet again, the reality is that you can’t be playing disc golf 24/7.

What exactly should you be doing with your downtime? And if you’re a local player who loves to compete but isn’t traveling far, how can you maximize those periods in the season when there’s not a lot going on?

Sharpen Your Skills

The answer sounds obvious, but practice isn’t always the first thing that people jump for joy about. Those of us who are naturally competitive typically gravitate toward the chance to win, so playing in tournaments comes in as a priority. Even casual rounds between friends can bring that sense of adrenaline that many love, but if no one is around to play, it doesn’t mean your season has to be put on pause.

Whether you’re staying locally or you’re on tour and there’s a big break between events, head out to do some field work or smash out some putting practice at a local course. While it’s not as fun as playing a round, this effort toward bettering your game will certainly pay off during 2019.

Lend A Hand

Touring pros surely don’t have as much time on their hands as local players, so if you’re planning on a full-fledged excursion during 2019, this may not be as applicable. Yet for players who stay close to home and need something to fill their weekends with when there aren’t any local events, volunteering at your local course is a great way to go.

We all know this, but it’s easier said than done - disc golf is about so much more than just playing, and giving back to your community goes a long way. You don’t have to suddenly become the person who is planning every work party or fundraising like there’s no tomorrow, but instead of sitting on the couch during a lull in the season, get out there and lend a hand!

Plan A Mini-Vacation

Players at home and on the road can both benefit from a little spontaneous travel every now and again. If you’re on tour and have a week-long break and are too far from home to make it worthwhile, who can you visit that’s close by? What courses can you explore for the very first time?

Likewise, local players can plan a small road trip to get out of their usual routine and play at courses that they’ve only dreamed about. You don’t have to go far, but a little imagination helps. When you think about the 2019 season, how do you see yourself utilizing your downtime? Share with us the tips and tricks you’ve used in the past and what you see yourself accomplishing in 2019.

How To Run A Bag Tag Event In Your Area

If you follow DD on social media you might see that we host weekly bag tag challenges here in Emporia. For some seasoned players, it’s an idea that has been implemented at some point during their disc golf career, yet for others, it’s a newer concept that isn’t totally clear.

In an effort to encourage everyone to explore the benefits of a bag tag event in your hometown, we’ve put together a quick “how to” that outlines the purpose and logistics of these leagues. As always, you can put your own spin on things as you see fit.

The Basics

Bag tag events are great ways to bring together your local disc golf community in a fun and potentially competitive atmosphere. Whoever is organizing the event will need to purchase bag tags (more on that later) and is typically responsible for promotion on social media. In order for your bag tag challenges to be successful, you’ll need a reasonably good turnout, so be sure to hit up Facebook and use word of mouth liberally.

Each participating player will pay a set amount to receive their tag, and depending on how prestigious the league is, could range anywhere from $5 to over $100. Your tag will have a number on it and they are distributed sequentially on a first come first serve basis.

The specific logistics of a bag tag event can vary, but typically the organizer will set a recurring event at the same course each time. Anyone who wants to can show up and plays their round to the best of their ability. Once everyone is done, tags will be reissued based upon your performance so you may end up leaving with a higher or lower tag number than you started with.

Where The Money Goes

People always want to know where their money goes, and rightfully so. Again, these details will be different at leagues throughout the country, but most groups tend to stick to a handful of funding scenarios.

You may find that some of the money you pay for your tag goes toward a big trophy for the winner at an end of year competition or there may be a huge ace pot available for anyone to hit. Some groups might focus on putting the cash back into the course because as we all know, upgrading 18 disc golf baskets can cost a pretty penny.

Getting Tags Made

Perhaps the one remaining question comes down to this: where do you actually buy bag tags for your league? We’re glad you asked because the set of custom services here at DD has everything you need to get started. From bag tags with your league’s logo to custom DyeMax discs that can be used as trophies, the options are endless.

The next time you find yourself wishing that you had the opportunity to play more disc golf, consider starting your own bag tag league with some friends. Who knows, maybe your event will be so popular that the number 1 tag becomes more precious than gold.

Our Guide To Playing Smart In The Summer Heat

Most disc golfers will argue that playing in the sunshine is better than any other weather, but the summer heat tends to bring some downsides along with it. Depending on where you live in the country, you may have to battle with intense humidity or temperatures that frequently top 100 degrees.

How can you cope with summer heat while still enjoying a ton of disc golf? We’ve compiled a quick guide to playing in warmer weather with tips that are straightforward and easy to follow.

Gear Up

A huge part of being able to play comfortably in warm weather is making sure you have the right tools. Naturally, you’ll break a sweat at some point during a round of 18 holes, so it’s important that you wear a short-sleeved shirt and shorts. Most people opt for a dri-fit style shirt that wicks away sweat and moisture and helps to keep you cool. Shorts that are comfortable and move with you are essential.

It’s not just our foreheads or underarms that sweat during a hot round of disc golf as even our palms can suffer from excess moisture. This wetness can seriously impact your ability to grip a disc, so we like to use birdie bags. Our own Sportsacks offer absorbead technology to keep your hands dry no matter what.

Drink Up!

Having enough water with you to last through an entire round is critical, especially if you’re playing in hot weather in the middle of the day. We don’t often realize it but our bodies can dehydrate incredibly quickly. However, our level of hydration can have an accumulation effect, so rather than simply waiting to drink up while you play, it’s helpful to start drinking more water in the days leading up to a tournament.

Sports drinks are often marketed as the best solution for hydration while you’re active, but ultimately water is your best bet for staying healthy without adding extra junk to your system. Try using an insulated water bottle to keep your water cool all round long.

Extra Advice

If you just have to get a round in but it’s looking like the weather is going to be super hot, try playing earlier in the day before things really heat up. Even if it’s in the 70’s in the early morning hours that’s certainly better than sweating in 100-degree weather. Playing later in the day can also be a smart idea, and often meshes well with people’s work schedules.

Snacks are a must no matter what the weather is like, but during the summer be sure to pack enough food even if you’re only headed to the course for a few hours. Grab your cooler, bring a full lunch to eat in between rounds, and keep yourself nourished so that you can battle the fatigue that the heat naturally brings.

Playing disc golf during the summertime can be amazing or difficult depending on how you prepare for a casual round or tournament play, and everyone will be affected differently by hot weather. What are some of your favorite ways to combat the heat? Let us know below.

Beat In Discs - What's The Big Deal?

There’s nothing like the feeling of a brand new disc in your hand. While we may not like to admit it, many of us carry a new piece of plastic around the house with us or hold it in one hand while driving. Somehow holding, and dare we say caressing, a new disc gives us a sense of joy like nothing else.

But as we use these precious discs on the course, they end up getting their fair share of dings, scrapes, and scuffs. Instead of becoming dismayed about tarnishing the perfect look of a new disc, seasoned players are thrilled to be able to “beat in” their discs. What exactly does this mean and why should you get excited about it?

Defining The Term

In the sport of disc golf, you hear people talk about a “beat in” disc as well as the activity of “beating in” a disc. Shouldn’t our discs be ready to fly straight out of the gate? Why does this extra step have to occur?

It’s not something you have to go out of your way to do unless you really want to, as your disc will naturally get “beat in” as you play. This means that every time your disc hits a tree, the chains, or lands on the ground, it’s getting more and more beat up. This will happen in varying time frames depending on the type of plastic you’re throwing, but with consistent use, nearly all discs will eventually reach this stage.

Why It Matters

As a disc becomes “beat in,” it will actually start to fly differently. While some new players might think this may not be beneficial, as it means you have to adjust your shots with the new flight of the disc, it actually provides a benefit to your game as a whole.

Pro players love their seasoned discs because they’ve learned exactly how it will fly and what lines they need to put them on to get the results they’re looking for. Depending on the type of discs you’re throwing, you may find that its flight pattern tends to be more overstable or understable, and soon enough it becomes a tool that you can rely on time and time again.

Eventually, after years of use, a disc can actually become too “beat in” and therefore doesn’t have the same place in your bag like it used to. These ultra seasoned discs can be used for other types of shots, or you can choose to retire the disc from your lineup. Ultimately that choice is yours, but there’s a good bet that you’ll get in countless rounds before your disc reaches this stage.

Avid disc golfers will often have multiple discs of the same mold in their bags that are at varying levels of wear, so as you move through each disc and progress it down the path of being “beat in,” you’ll always have something that’s not quite as seasoned to turn to. Newer players may get overwhelmed by this process, but once you have it dialed in, you’ll notice that there’s more to your game than just the plastic and mold you throw.

Share with us in the comments below what your process is for “beating in” a disc and how important you think it is to one’s overall game!

Learning From The Pros - Field Work With Eric Oakley

Field work can be an indispensable part of your disc golf game, allowing you to throw shots over and over again until you figure out what feels just right. It’s a great way to learn new discs as well and is generally recommended by most of the top pros out there.

But what exactly does field work look like for a professional disc golfer? We got a sneak peek at some of the things Eric Oakley works on when he has field time available during his busy schedule. Let’s take a look at three specific types of shots:

Hyzer-Flips

Most importantly, Eric notes that we have to trust that we’ve chosen the right kind of disc for this shot. By allowing our disc to be released on a true hyzer line, it gives our disc the chance to pop up and flip, therefore doing what it’s designed to do.

Check out the discs that he recommends for a hyzer-flip!

Skip Shots

An important tool in your game, a skip shot can help you to navigate a tricky situation. A key element in executing a great skip shot is ensuring you put enough spin on your disc, allowing the motion of your disc to work against the ground and create that skip you’re looking for.

Here’s what Eric focuses on when throwing a skip shot!

Anhyzers

Great for shaping shots and using the fairway to your advantage, an anhyzer can be tricky to master at first. Beginners will get more distance when throwing an anhyzer, and experienced players will rely on this type of shot for a variety of situations.

Get the lowdown on how you can best throw an anhyzer!

How Can You Achieve The Perfect Drive?

It’s a concept that’s discussed in all areas of life far beyond just disc golf. Obtaining perfection is a goal that many have, yet few actually achieve. Yet when it comes to our disc golf game, there seems to be an obsession with “the perfect shot.”

The question is asked often at pro clinics: “How can I throw the perfect drive?” The answer given is nearly always the same, in that it takes a great amount of practice and dedication before having the skill set to execute these seemingly unattainable shots. But rather than working ourselves to the bone to reach perfection, perhaps there’s a deeper lesson to be learned.

Working Hard For It

We’ll guarantee you one thing - Paige Pierce did not have perfect form three years after she played her first round of disc golf. It’s a safe bet that most of the sport’s top professionals didn’t reach the ability to throw a perfect drive until they’d logged countless hours on the course and on a practice field.

Even now at the highest levels of disc golf, few players would probably say they have perfected their game. However, whether you’re a casual player or you have your eye on reaching greater heights, there’s no reason that you can’t put the time and energy into trying to execute perfection. After all, without setting high goals, it’s harder to make progress.

What Is Perfection?

In addition to focusing on the mechanics of your drive and making sure you’re dialing in your body movements as best as you can, it might be beneficial to take a moment and think about what “the perfect drive” actually means to you. Although very few people gain the skill sets needed to throw perfectly, even then they don’t throw a perfect shot every single time.

Does your definition of perfection mean that you hit your line every time the disc leaves your hand? Is a perfect drive one that reaches 500 feet consistently? Or what about a perfect drive being defined as a shot that impresses anyone who is watching?

Since we all have different meanings behind the word perfect, it’s nearly impossible for a professional player to tell you the secret sauce behind a perfect drive. What’s perfect for them may not be ideal for you.

So, What Next?

Perhaps one of the best things we can do as disc golfers is remove the word “perfect” from our vocabularies. After all, the whole idea of playing this wonderful sport is based around your own personal improvement and always doing your best, rather than hitting some vague goal of what “a perfect drive” might be.

We’d love to know your take on how to achieve perfection, whether it’s with our driving or our putting skills, or even our mental game. Given enough time, energy, and dedication is perfection attainable? Are we hindering ourselves as athletes by aiming for perfection which is rarely achieved and means something different for everyone? Tell us what “the perfect drive” means to you and how you’d go about accomplishing it in the comments below.

Disc Series: Midrange Discs For Newer Players

If you’re just joining us on this blog series, we’ve been reviewing the best discs for newer players. Our last post focused on the fairway drivers that will give you speed and consistency when you have slower arm speed or not a ton of power. Now we’re focusing on the midrange options available to players who need a disc they can rely on for upshots and shorter holes.

Honing in your midrange game is essential to shaving strokes off your score - even if you throw an errant tee shot and aren’t great at putting, a developed upshot can help correct your mistake and put you right under the basket for a drop-in. Here’s a look at some of the best discs for your bag.

Westside Harp

If this disc ever went out of production there would be rioting in the streets, it’s just that popular! Crafted to be a very reliable midrange, it stands up to wind with ease and will make you look like a pro no matter what your skill level.

As if you needed more convincing, the Westside Harp is a favorite of 2x World Champion Ricky Wysocki. We’ve even created a special edition Burst version that allows you to use the same tools that the pros use for success.

Latitude 64 Compass

Are you looking for a super straight midrange that you can depend on time and time again? The Compass by Latitude 64 will quickly become your go-to approach disc based on the way it flies and how it feels. Designed to comfortably fit in nearly anyone’s hand, it allows you to grip it in a natural way.

Whether you’re looking to throw a hyzer, anhyzer, or a straight line directly at the basket, the Compass will fly exactly how you want. Shorter holes may even inspire you to throw this disc off the tee box for increased accuracy.

Dynamic Discs EMAC Truth

A favorite of both professional and casual players alike, the EMAC Truth by DD has a depth unlike any other midrange out there. We like to think that this piece of plastic reminds you of what disc golf is all about - watching your disc soar through the air in perfect flight. Ask any pro out there what midrange they’d count on when the stakes are high, and they’ll tell you the Truth.

Not a pro player? That’s ok, as the Truth is easy to throw no matter your skill level. Add it to your bag and get to know this EMAC version as your scores drop lower than ever. Used by Paige Pierce, you can throw your own version commemorating her 100th PDGA win.

Midrange discs are essential for anyone’s disc golf game, whether you’ve just started playing or are a seasoned professional. Which discs do you rely on when you need to throw a shot that requires an immense amount of accuracy? Let us know what your favorite midrange is in the comments below!

Disc Overload - What Do You Do With Too Much Plastic?

Some might argue that there’s no such thing as too much plastic, but there does get to be a point in every disc golfer’s lifetime where you just have more discs than you know what to do with. Whether it’s an issue of storage space or your significant other telling you that you’ve become a hoarder, you might find that you need a solution for all of your stuff.

What options do you have? According to a recent poll we conducted in the Disc Golf Answer Man Facebook page, there are a number of ways to handle disc overload. Let’s explore some of the more popular solutions:

• Keep them: If you just can’t part with any of your plastic, keeping them is a logical conclusion. But where? Those who are limited on space or just have too many discs to manage can take advantage of our plastic storage bins that hold up to 40 discs depending on the type. They stack easily and are great for traveling too, so you’ll always have your beloved plastic within arm's reach.
• Give them away: Players who have more backups than one individual will ever need may consider simply giving away some of their discs. Newer players really appreciate when a friend or even a total stranger wants to give them a few discs as it spreads the love of the sport to others. What a great way to show how awesome and supportive the disc golf community really is!
• Trade them in: Whether you visit a store that sells discs or you simply meet up with your friends for a round, why not trade your surplus plastic for something you’ll actually throw? There’s a good chance that over the years you’ve collected discs from players packs that you’ll just never use, so perhaps someone else will and you can get your hands on a mold you really like.
• Sell them: If your significant other doesn’t understand your obsession with disc golf, this might be their number one choice. In all honesty, if you just have so many discs that you don’t know what to do with them, selling some might be a good option. Try visiting a local sports store to see if they have a buying program or post your discs online for a wider reach.
• Hang them: Many players we know have a sort of disc golf shrine, where their ace discs, as well as special stamps, end up on the wall instead of in their bag. This option might be nice if you have a lot of discs that really mean something to you on a personal level, and of course, if you have enough wall space.

What do you do when you have a disc overload situation? Are one of the five above options your default, or do you have another creative idea? Share with us in the comments below how you handle having too much plastic - that is if you think there’s ever such a thing.

It's Almost Summer - How Do Your Disc Golf Habits Change?

Depending on what part of the US you live in, you may have been experiencing nice weather for months already, or nature may just now be showing you the first signs of sunshine. Either way, now that daylight savings time has happened and the first day of summer is only moments away, it’s often considered prime disc golf time for most.

But what exactly does that look like? It certainly varies depending on your specific lifestyle, and factors like your job, living situation, relationship status, and more can affect how often you are able to get out and play a round. Let’s look at some of the ways you can get creative and change up your disc golf habits.

Take Advantage Of Warmer Mornings

Die-hard disc golf lovers will often wake up early and put in some time around a basket before heading off to work. Unfortunately, when this happens during colder months, it requires bundling up in tons of layers and freezing your face off while you attempt to sink putts. Some of us are fortunate enough to have a basement or garage to use, but that limits the ability to practice upshots and drives.

Now that the weather is heating up it means that mornings aren’t nearly as chilly. You could get up with the sun and, depending on what time you have to be at work, comfortably practice your game. If it’s a weekend or a day off, these warmer temperatures mean you can hit the course that much sooner in the day and may allow you to squeeze in an extra round before calling it good.

Let There Be Light

This is an obvious one, but daylight savings time has a huge effect on a disc golfer’s life. In most places in the nation, you can gain an extra 3+ hours of sunlight when you compare the dead of winter to the middle of summer, and that means a lot of extra golf each day. Get off work at 5? Head home for dinner then take the family out to the course for a fun and casual round.

Speaking of kids, with school almost out you’re given a great opportunity to keep your little ones active and engaged during the summer. Play catch with a putter in your backyard, take them with you to your local weekly, or even let them caddy for you during a tournament if they’re old enough. Without having to worry about nightly homework and perhaps giving a little more leeway to the idea of bedtime, you can fully immerse your children in the sport that you love.

Fairweather disc golfers rejoice! Summer is almost here and it’s time to dust off your bags, shine up your discs, and put on your favorite DD gear. For those of you who have been playing all year long, at least you don’t have to put up with snow and rain for the next few months. How do your disc golf habits change during summer? Let us know in the comments below.

Are you someone trying to break above that 900/925 rating threshold?

If you are someone trying to break above that 900/925 rating threshold, you are the primary audience for this article. Guessing there are more players in this category than those who can bomb w/ratings near 1000. Huge key point first: You must know one’s arm strength before you can recommend (or seek recommendations for) discs for specific throws, otherwise such article may not help you. About my arm strength: At 56 years old, my average long drive (no wind) is around 340 feet, mid-range 270 feet, and putters up to 230 feet. If your arm strength is anywhere near mine (+ or – 40 feet), and you’re hovering just below that 900 rating, please read on…

Wanted to personally share which four (4) discs I have found most helpful to my game, in hopes that it will help anyone else, discs which helped me stay above that 925 rating and keep it going; my MVD's (Most Valuable Discs). I’d suggest giving these discs their chance to help improve your personal game:

Latitude 64 Havoc or Air Havoc – Yes, I can pump my Air King & Destiny about 340 feet. But for me, the Havoc (a little shorter at 320 feet) provides more accuracy (i.e. slightly more stable than my Air King) and a dependable flight that will not easily flip on me, and it can withstand a moderate headwind. The shape of its edge feels perfect for my hand. Consistency & accuracy is much more important than the extra 20 feet I might achieve by throwing hard as I can with the highest speed disc. The Havoc is the driver that lands me in the fairway the most often of any disc I possess. I save strokes by purposely strategizing for the safer drive to set up the approach.

 Dynamic Discs EMac Truth – Extremely versatile & solid mid-range that, again, provides one of the most consistent flight paths (i.e. I know exactly how it will fly). It will not flip on me but I can certainly manipulate it to achieve that “S” shot when needed, and it will fight moderate headwinds. Unpredictability is rarely an issue. I love the grip too, and I would have to admit I’ve thrown way fewer bad shots with the EMac Truth compared to my other mid-ranges.

Westside Discs Tursas – What a straight mid-range disc and boy can it hold an anhyzer line well. On wooded courses with tight lines, this disc is pure gold. Nobody needs to hit a Home Run on every shot while playing difficult holes, so use the Tursas to keep your disc in play and thus improve your overall score in the end. If you’ve never tried this disc, you are in for a pleasant surprise.

Dynamic Discs Warden – Putting practice is a must, keep several Wardens in your stash, and practice more! Never seen as much consistency when thrown hard (or softly) and putting on my intended line. In sticking with this disc, and learning it, my putting has improved significantly over the last few years. Love its surface texture, and overall I’m highly satisfied w/ the results.

Again, this article is primarily for those who are trying to break into the 900’s and perhaps a bit higher. And as for my all-time #1 tip for breaking & staying above that 900 barrier? Practice the short game at least 2/3rds of your total practice time. Just do it. Although many people can drive a greater distance than I do, it has been the short game that allows me to still shoot the better score. Now get out there, Be Dynamic, and make a difference in your game!

Dave Muntean

Sandbagging - The Hot Button Topic You Can't Not Talk About

For some of you, just seeing that word “sandbagger” makes your blood boil. It’s a term thrown around disc golf communities across the country, and while some use it lovingly to harass their friends, others flat out slur it at players and use it to tear down the camaraderie and structure the sport entails.

Instead of using the “s-word” let’s focus on what it means to play in a division that’s not right for you and how the PDGA guidelines can often confuse players when they view their actual performance. If you’re not sure what division to play in, we devoted an entire blog to it a while back. Today, we’re going to look at the effects of what happens when things go wrong.

The PDGA Guidelines

Let’s have a quick refresher about some of the criteria when it comes to playing in tournaments. We’re not focusing on age limits or gender here, just ratings and experience levels:

• Advanced: Ratings equal to or above 935. “Tournament experienced players who have played disc golf for several years, and developed consistency. Throw 300-450 feet, make 5-7/10 putts from 25-30 feet, have different shots in their arsenal.”
• Intermediate: Ratings below 935. “Developing players who have played 2-3 years with improved consistency and accuracy. Throw 250-350 feet, make 5-7/10 putts from 20 feet.”
• Recreational: Ratings below 900. “For players who have played 1-2 years and are gaining consistency and experience. Throw 200-300 feet, make 4-6/10 putts from 20 feet, learning different shots.”
• Novice: Ratings below 850. “For beginning and casual players who are learning basic Frisbee® and disc golf skills. Throw 175-250 feet, make 3-5/10 putts from 20 feet, can throw backhand with some accuracy.”

Here lies the issue when we talk about sandbagging (sorry, we said it): if you’re a new player who rightfully belongs in the novice division and someone who is rated 840 also plays on your card, there’s going to be a problem. It’s not playing favorites or being rigid, it’s flat-out logic.

Why A Bad Rap?

Let’s examine this situation a little further. The 840 rated player is technically signed up in the correct division. However, you don’t get to be rated that high if you can only throw 175 feet and aren’t very good at 20-foot putts. In this instance, some players might take one look at your rating, call you a sandbagger, and talk crap about you behind your back when you smoke the rest of the novice competition.

Not only does this 840 rated player receive a lot of grief, but they also have the potential to hurt themselves and their competitors. If you’re a true novice player and you see this guy show up in your division, your heart might sink and you’ll kiss the thought of a win goodbye long before you throw your first shot.

We hear time and time again that playing with those who are better than you can help improve your game. You learn by watching, but there’s also something funny about disc golf where you tend to learn through osmosis too. The 840 rated player would probably stand a better chance to be challenged during tournament play if he competed in the intermediate division, but the PDGA guidelines tell a different story.

This confusion is what leads to sandbagging even being a concern in the sport, as those who take a hard stance on the PDGA descriptions will shun those who seem to be playing in a lower division than they should.

We’re sure that we’ve sparked a healthy debate on our hands, so let us know in the comments below - is sandbagging a concern for you and your friends? How do you feel about people who play in what seems like the wrong division, and is it wrong according to the PDGA, the TD, or you?

Watch As Danny Lindahl Breaks Down The Form Of Top Players

Many of you might recognize Danny from the disc golf videos he's been producing on YouTube, and he's once again bestowed upon us a gift of content that's valuable for nearly every player out there. In two separate videos, he analyzes and breaks down the form of both Eric Oakley and Paige Pierce. Here's what he had to say!

Watch Eric's form here!

Danny, like most, couldn't talk about Eric's form without commenting on how unique it is. Despite being unconventional, it's proven to work well for him time and time again. When you get down to it, the mechanics of his throw are spot on, allowing him to get tons of distance. Eric is able to get maximum reach back with his arm placement and has his timing down perfectly to execute the hop in his step.

One thing that Danny notes is that pulling your disc higher up through your neck like Eric does might result in a loss of power for some, but that's obviously not the case here. Also, pay attention to your footwork and make sure you're lining up your feet correctly based on the shot you're throwing.

Check out Paige's drive here!

Paige does a lot of things right with her form, which pays off with maximum distance and earning her multiple World Championships. Danny notes that she has a great way of utilizing her whole body to create a ton of power based off of rotation alone. If you take a look at her reach back, you'll see that her shoulders are both pointed completely away from her target. Paige holds on to her disc as long as possible to create the most leverage and get max distance.

Be careful to really pay attention to how you shift your weight when you throw. While Paige tends to keep some of her weight on her back foot when releasing, you might find you can throw farther when you fully transfer your weight to your front foot.

We love being able to break down the pro's form with Danny, as it helps amateur and professional players alike get a better understanding of the mechanics of the game.

Course Etiquette - How Much Do You Think About It?

It’s a common consensus in the disc golf community that any fellow golfer you meet, no matter how or where, is generally a cool human being. Maybe you don’t have the same taste in music and perhaps you throw different brands of plastic, but overall, you have mutual respect for one another.

While this is typically true when individuals interact with each other, what often doesn’t carry the same weight is how we treat the courses we play on. Yes, most of us will do what we can to leave a disc golf course in the same condition as when we arrived, and an exceptional few volunteer long hours to improve and beautify the land we play on.

Yet sadly some disc golfers don’t have quite the understanding of course etiquette that perhaps they should, so let’s review some of the more well-known rules that players of our sport hold dear to their hearts.

The Basics

It doesn’t matter if you’re playing in a public park, on private land, or in a secluded area away from most - any disc golf course you play on should show no trace that you were even there. Things like disposing of trash properly are a given, and those who go the extra mile sometimes bring trash bags with them and help clean up the mess left by others as they play.

Most disc golf players carry a Sharpie in their bag, but that doesn’t mean you have to use it during a casual round to deface property. All too often you’ll see a bench at each tee box that has “disc charger” written on it with an outline of someone’s disc. There’s nothing more discouraging than having a deep respect for the game and seeing this out on a course.

The same idea goes for drawing on tee signs and baskets. We know it’s exciting to get an ace, but all too often baskets are scribbled and written on with names and PDGA numbers when it, in fact, detracts from the course’s natural beauty.

Your Effect On The Course

Sometimes we don’t quite realize the impact we can have on our local disc golf course. Even smaller actions like trampling through the rough will, over time, change the nature and layout of each hole. While that’s a small example that happens after years of wear and tear, other players tend to take matters into their own hands in a more serious way.

If you’ve ever seen someone breaking branches or in some cases literally cutting down trees with a handsaw, then you’ve been privy to some of the worst course etiquette imaginable. Unless you are tasked with maintaining a course or are helping out with a work party, there is no reason to alter a hole just because you don’t like the trees in the way.

Etiquette Helps To #GrowTheSport

At the end of the day, there’s something to be said for the disc golf karma that’s in all of our lives. As long as we’re respectful and good to the courses we play on, the game keeps on giving back to us in countless ways. If you see someone exhibiting poor course etiquette, do you call them out? Let us know how you’d handle it in the comments below!

How Will You Change Your Game In 2018?

If you’re the kind of person who actually sticks to their New Year’s resolutions, there’s a good chance you’ve been planning yours out for months. For others, it may tend to be a more last minute type of thought process, where you quickly scan the events of your life over the previous 12 months and figure out what you would’ve liked to have been different.

Either way you go, 2018 is here and it offers a nice starting point to commit yourself to something new with your disc golf game. Whether your resolution is one that’s focused on more practice or a mental matter, there are ways you can help yourself to see success with your new commitment.

Shoot For The Stars… Or Not

One common mistake that we all tend to make when setting goals for our disc golf game is to place super high expectations on ourselves, creating an undue amount of pressure and subsequent disappointment if things don’t work out. Instead of aiming to raise your rating by 150 points or to hit an ace a month, why not set out clear and measurable steps?

For example, let’s say you do want to raise your rating by a significant amount in 2018. It might help to think about the smaller actions that will contribute to your goal. You could sit down with a calendar and commit to playing 10 more events than last year, as well as playing two more practice rounds per week than you used to.

By laying the foundational building blocks to reach your goal, instead of just a hope and a wish that you’ll perform better, you set yourself up for success.

Be Realistic

After your careful planning, you might be really jazzed about this year’s resolution, far more excited than any other year even. However, one of the most important aspects of setting a goal for yourself is to be gentle and understanding if you don’t reach it. Setbacks may happen along the way and it’s all part of the process.

Let’s say you do play in more events this year than last, but your first few tournaments don’t result in round ratings that help you to achieve your goal. Some might get frustrated, throw their resolution out the window, and tell themselves it was a silly idea to begin with.

Yet with the proper mindset and attitude, you’ll realize that even if you may not have performed as well as you’d like, you still have the rest of the year to work hard and get where you want to be.

What’s Your Goal?

Ultimately, setting a disc golf New Year’s resolution comes down to discipline and desire. If you want it badly enough, you’ll figure out a way to make it happen. And in all honesty, if you have so much passion for a specific outcome, you probably aren’t waiting until January 1st to put it into action.

What’s your resolution for 2018 and your disc golf game? Share with us how you’d like to personally improve in the comments below.