Tip of the day archive
9/16/2021 - Use rhymes to improve putting mechanics... huh?!
Before putting, try thinking "pull back slow and let it go". A rhyming phrase like this does two things: (other than getting stuck in your head all day... and night)
1. It reminds you to control the timing on your pull back. Many players struggle with poor/inconsistent timing because they're so focused on hitting the putt that they forget to reach back using a consistent rhythm. With an inconsistent reach back, the rest of your putt can fall apart, like Humpty Dumpty in a mosh pit.
2. It reminds you to let go of the putt at the right time, avoiding the dreaded late release which can cause your putt to wobble and/or miss to the right. When the putt leaves your hand, you should feel a slight "snap", and the putt (ideally) will travel smoothly and beautifully (smootifully®) toward the basket. If not, you're probably releasing it too early or too late. "Let it go. Let it go. Can't hold it back anymore." - Elsa
1. It reminds you to control the timing on your pull back. Many players struggle with poor/inconsistent timing because they're so focused on hitting the putt that they forget to reach back using a consistent rhythm. With an inconsistent reach back, the rest of your putt can fall apart, like Humpty Dumpty in a mosh pit.
2. It reminds you to let go of the putt at the right time, avoiding the dreaded late release which can cause your putt to wobble and/or miss to the right. When the putt leaves your hand, you should feel a slight "snap", and the putt (ideally) will travel smoothly and beautifully (smootifully®) toward the basket. If not, you're probably releasing it too early or too late. "Let it go. Let it go. Can't hold it back anymore." - Elsa
9/15/2021 - To throw farther, stop trying to throw farther.
You’ve thrown baseballs, and footballs, and eggs at your rude neighbor’s house while they were sleeping, but throwing a disc requires a different mindset. When throwing, don’t think of the throw as a “throw”. Huh-what?!
Listen, I’m big on throwing mechanics, but for now, let’s toss that topic out the window. The next time you tee off, don’t try to “throw it”, try to “spin it”. Chances are, you are already throwing the disc hard, but are you spinning it hard? Ever seen a child’s eyes light up when an adult spins a toy top that stays up forever? There is disc golf wisdom hidden in a spinning top. (See photo of child's eyes lighting up as tops are spinning that I didn't find on Google Images). Let’s do a nerd explanation on this. You’ve probably heard of release velocity. This is basically how fast the disc is propelling forward away from you and be easily measured with a radar gun. Top pros average between 65-80 miles per hour on their release velocity (backhand side). But there’s another factor at play which allows the disc to stay in the air for longer. I’m talking about hiring a caddie who can secretly remote control your disc with an industrial grade, radio controlled… Oh wait, no I’m not. I’m talking about spin rate. How many RPMs (revolutions per minute) do you average on your backhand or forehand throws? Very few people know the answer and don’t even realize that spin rate can dramatically affect the smooth, beauty (smeauty®) of their throw. Measuring spin rate can be tricky and requires marking your disc and a high-speed camera, but it can be done. For now, try spinning it and email me with your results. [email protected] |