Practice is the most important part of my game. I have a full time job and go to class at night so its hard to find time to play rounds at the course, but I never forget to practice. I always find 20 or 30 minutes to get out into the backyard or the field at school to putt or throw. Even thought its not a lot of time it still gives me the chance to work on things. I can practice a whole array shots and not just the same old shot I would get at the course. Don't forget to practice, it will pay off.
Disc selection is also an important step in moving forward with your game. It is so important to pick the proper discs for your bag because you don't want to be out on the course and not have what you need. The most important key in to not carry a million discs, I mean learn to make your disc do what you want. I don't carry very many discs but I do have a large
array of shots. I work with my discs a lot and learn to make then do what I want. This is important because you keep it simple. When you step to a tee you see the shot and know the single disc that will be the one instead of have to pick from many. Keep it simple!!!
I see a lot of new players trying stuff that they are not ready for. As a new player you need to let the game come to you and allow your mind and body to grow so that you can
become one of the best players in the world. If you want to be a good player in this game you need to practice! I don't mean playing your local course every day, but going to an open field and practicing different shots and going to your back yard and putting. Then you can take that practice to the course and be more confident with each shot that you throw.
The off season can mean many different things for many different people, but for me its a time to rejuvenate my mind and body. I like to let go of things, forget about last season, and enjoy my time away from the tour. Disc golf is a very demanding game physically, but more mentally. Your mind needs a break! I don't think about what disc to throw, what angle, nothing. The discs go into the closet and don't come out for awhile! You might be thinking this sounds crazy, but it necessary for me to stay sane and strong. Do yourself a favor even if it's for two weeks in the winter put the discs away and forget disc golf, it will make you want the game even more, and when you come back you're ready!
COURSES YOU SHOULD PLAY:
Course
Comments
Winthrop Gold Rock Hill, SC
The best disc golf venue!
Nasu Highlands Tochigi, Japan
The host of the best event in the world: Japan Open!!
De LaVeaga Santa Cruz, CA
My home course and simply my favorite place to have fun and play disc golf.
Milo Mciver State Park Estacada, OR
The home of the Beaver State Fling. One word... AMAZING!!
Poimena Hobart, Tasmania
The only permanent 18 hole disc golf course in Australia. Situated on a mountain in sleepy Tasmania, it is one of the most beautiful courses on the planet.
My go-to driver. I use Force for my long distance stable shots (over 400ft). As far as distance goes, the Force is between a Pred and a Nuke. While it is not as stable as my Predators, it goes much farther. While it doesn't go as far as my Nuke, I can throw it more accurately.
The Nuke has quickly become one of the farthest flying disc on the market, as well as in my bag. I use this disc for my long distance field shots where accuracy is not the most necessary. In an open shot this disc is perfect to add distance because it is so fast.
The Z Predator is the most stable disc in my line up of drivers because I continually replace it with a brand new one. I use it on all big power hyzer shots so it is necessary that it keeps the same stability so I can rely on what it will do every time.
Pulse is more of a utility disc because I only use it on occasion. I use it for my straight controlled drives. Its in between Surge and Force. It flies a long way but its less stable than the Force but more stable than the Surge. Has become a great sidearm disc for me too.
I bought this disc at the 1999 Amateur World Championships, where I won my first World title in the Juniors division. This XL is extremely beat up because it has been a staple in my bag since 1999. These days, I use this disc exclusively for rollers, backhand or sidearm.
Titanium Buzzz is perfect for straight midrange shots. The one thing I love about the Buzzz is how straight it flies brand-new and there no break-in time needed.
Drone is my main stable midrange disc. A similar disc to the Wasp in Z plastic, the Drone gives me the stability and reliability I am looking for. I would throw the Drone when I need a stable disc or it is windy for shots 250-300 feet.
This has been a great disc in my bag for years. It's great for any shot that I might need. My Hawk will get the most use on a shorter course for very, very accurate shots. I've learned to control this disc in any way that I want and have been very happy with the results that I get from it.
Z-Wasp is a recently new addition to my bag. In addition to my Drone, I use the Wasp for stable midrange shots up to 300-350 feet. I would throw the Wasp over the Drone if I wanted a bit more distance. I like the durability of the Z plastic and its predictability of being stable in the wind.
I use this disc as my main putter, and for a lot of short midrange shots. I carry two for putting and one for upshots or drives when needed. Very useful disc at slow speeds and you can even use it off the tee on those shorter holes.
This addition has added a more durable, more overstable putter to my bag. Its great for use off the tee and in short control situations. I would compare it to a Z-Challenger or Cryztal Z Challenger.
