| Disc-Golf Rules and Techniques |
From "Family Sports"
episode SPT-113 |
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Practically anyone can go out and toss a flying disc around, but to become an accomplished disc golfer, you need to practice diligently and to utilize focus, patience and mastery of some basic techniques. You'll also need to become familiar with the rules of play and scorekeeping. Once you've familiarized yourself with the different types of discs used throughout the game, the most fundamental technique is the proper grip. Begin by placing all four fingers under the lip of the disc (figure A). Grip the disc securely, so that it feels natural and comfortable in your hand (figure B). The position of the thumb on the top surface of the disc is important for proper control. Placing the thumb close to the edge of the disc causes early release, and may be desirable for long-distance throws. Placing the thumb in a more outstretched position, closer to the center, may offer somewhat less control. Practice throwing with your thumb in various positions on the disc -- paying close attention to the results you get with each individual throw. Eventually you'll master the proper balance for adjusting your throw for various situations. An alternative style of grip involves placing the outstretched index finger along the front edge of the disc (figure C). This grip may also help you refine control of the disc. For teeing off, first use your marker discs to mark the boundary line for the tee-pad (figure D). The imaginary line running between the two markers forms the boundary. Just as in darts or bowling, your foot must not cross the line when you throw to tee off. It is legal for your foot to cross the line after the disc has been released from your hand -- as the momentum from your throwing action carries you forward. Stepping over the line while the disc is still in your hand, however, is a foot penalty. One foot penalty is allowed to result in taking a shot over. A second foot penalty, however, adds a stroke to the player's score. So long as the line is not crossed, the stance or approach in teeing off is the player's preference. Some players prefer to remain stationary behind the line and simply throw from a standing position. This technique is preferred for beginners. The throw itself, and the follow-through, follows a movement similar to a backhand stroke in tennis (figure E). Other players, particularly more experienced ones, prefer the "run-up." This involves moving back, then running up to the line as an approach before throwing. The run-up provides more power and distance, but mastering it while still maintaining accuracy and control can be a challenge. There is no official limit on how far back a player can begin his or her approach on teeing off. Once all players have teed off, regular golf rules and scorekeeping apply. The player with the disc farthest from the hole is the first to take a second shot. Use marker discs to mark your lie (figure F) and establish the point from which you need to throw on each subsequent stroke. When throwing for subsequent shots, your foot must be planted within 12 inches of the spot where the last disc landed (marked by the marker disc). You may still use a run-up approach if you wish, but your foot must be planted within 12 inches of the marker when the disc is released. When your lie is in close proximity to the basket, switch to a putter disc. Stand with your shoulders squared toward the basket and toss the disc in. A completed putt is achieved when the disc is actually in the basket (figure G). In the event that a disc lands on the top part of the target (not in the basket), the putt is not considered complete. A final stroke will be added for actually dropping the disc into the basket. In the event that the disc gets trapped in the hanging chains, however, this is considered a finished putt. Each player keeps up with his or her own score, according to gentlemen's rules. Holes are assigned with par scores. The terms birdie, bogie and par carry the same meaning in disc golf that they do in regular golf.
RESOURCES :
discgolf.com
"Your link to disc golf on the Web."
Web site: www.discgolf.com
Professional Disc Golf Association
Web site: http://pdga.com
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