If you are just starting your disc golf journey, you are bound to make mistakes and have some struggles, and that’s perfectly okay. If we may, we want to help you out on that journey of yours.

Here are eight disc golf tips for beginners that you can implement in your next game to help you become a better disc golf player over time.

Don’t Start with a Driver

For beginners, we recommend working with putt and mid-ranger discs first. A driver-type disc aims to create longer-distance throws and cover distant flight paths. It requires more arm power, and if you choose to throw it at the beginning of your journey, it may fail to fly well and accomplish its purpose.

Instead, stick with putters and mid-ranger. They tend to have lower speed, meaning they are easier to throw correctly and help you familiarize yourself with how a disc flies, floats and turns. That is where you want to play as a beginner.

Stable or Understable Disc is Your Friend

A stable or understable disc is the best option for beginners. You can check our article on stable, understable, and overstable discs if you need clarification about these terms.

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Here is a quick way of deciding whether your disc is overstable, stable, or overstable. If you look at your disc, you can see that it has four numbers. You want to add the last two numbers on the right. If the number is positive, the disc is overstable. If it is negative, it is understable. If it is zero, it’s a stable disc.

The reason why you want a stable or understable disc is because they are easier to control. They are less likely to stray from their intended path and have the least amount of fade, or tendency to turn left, in the end.

Choose a Comfortable Grip for You

There are various types of grip in disc golf. There are power grips, fan grips, and more. You can learn about the different types of disc golf grips here.

Since you are new, try only a few different grips. Pick the one that is most comfortable for you.

You can do this during practice hours. Touch your discs and position your fingers in various grip styles until you find the right one. And then, stick with that grip for all your throws the next time you play.

Learn Backhand Throw

The one throw technique most friendly to a beginner is the backhand throw. We have created an article on how to do a backhand throw, which you can check here.

Because of its versatility, you should learn backhand throwing before doing any other throwing techniques. With a backhand throw, you can apply various shots using discs commonly available in the market.

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Focusing on one backhand throw creates an easier-to-get-into learning environment, which results in more consistent throws and less strain on the body than if you’d tried many throwing techniques too early. If you are just starting out, always start with a backhand throw.

Start Easy with The Numbers

When you are just starting, do not get too ambitious.

You may set a mental target to complete all the targets within the par in a disc golf course. That’s great, but is it realistic?

We are sorry to break it to you, but as a beginner, you will likely only be able to complete some holes within par.

So here is a better approach to start with.

If you are playing on an 18-hole course, the goal will be to reach par for only five or six holes out of 18. Pick your goal to be whichever one is the easiest. And, for each hole, set your own par instead of following the original par number.

You are not competing; you are just practicing and enjoying the early game, so you are free to set your number here.

Aim for Accuracy First

We know that excitement of wanting to get good as soon as possible. But as a beginner, when choosing to throw with power or accuracy, you want to choose accuracy.

Learn how to throw accurately to ensure your disc lands on the basket. That is the point of the game: to make sure the disc lands on the target.

After accuracy, the second thing to work on is your distance. Start working your distance with putters first. They are easy to throw and have predictable flight. Once you learn how to throw with a putter, you can learn to throw with a midranger next and increase your distance over time.

As you improve your distance throwing, your throwing power will gradually increase. Follow up the development of your throwing power with more practice and exercises. Build muscle strength, but do this after you get comfortable with your throw’s accuracy and distance aspects.

Go with a Flat Release

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There are a few release angles in disc golf. But, as a beginner, you should throw your disc with a flat angle. There are a few reasons you want to do this.

First, it gives you easier control over the disc’s flight path. You can easily predict your disc’s flight direction compared to other angles. Secondly, it gives you better distance, especially when you have yet to develop arm power and speed.

Visualize Your Shots

Before you throw your disc and make a shot, visualize the play in your mind. Within, you mentally prepare for the win. Manage your breathing and body posture, take your steps, and then release your shots.

The Most Important Tip: Have Fun!

Last but not least, make sure you are having fun. Fun is the most important thing to experience in disc golf.

All these tips would only work if you are enjoying yourself during a game. Relax and take it easy—one step at a time.

So, choose the right discs, learn the techniques, set a goal and enjoy your game!