The 10 Best Beginner Disc Golf Tips

January 04, 2023
The 10 Best Beginner Disc Golf Tips

Disc golf is incredibly fun, but it can also be a confusing and sometimes overwhelming game — especially for beginners. If you are struggling to improve your disc golf game or can’t seem to make the disc fly how you want, we’re here to help with our list of beginner disc golf tips. 

We love sharing our passion for this fast-growing sport, especially with new players. If you are a beginner disc golfer in need of some tips, we’ve put together this helpful guide on how to play disc golf for beginners. 

 

The 10 Best Beginner Disc Golf Tips

1. Find the Right Beginner Golf Discs 

If you are new to the sport of disc golf, you may be overwhelmed by the selection of discs on the market. Playing with the wrong golf disc can harm your progress. 

Trying to throw an intermediate disc or advanced disc as a beginner can make your throws harder than they need to be. Beginner golf discs are designed to be easier to control and more forgiving so you can boost your skills and improve your game as fast as possible. 

Wondering how to pick the right beginner golf disc? The best way to learn how to pick out your golf discs is by understanding the disc golf flight rating system. 

The disc flight rating system is a series of four numbers printed on the top of most discs that indicate how the golf disc should fly. These ratings refer to four categories: Speed, Glide, Turn, and Fade.  

  • Speed - Speed is the rate at which a disc can travel through the air. High-speed discs require more power to fly properly.
  • Glide - Glide describes the disc's ability to maintain loft during flight. Discs with more glide are best for new players.
  • Turn - High-speed turn is the tendency of a disc to "turn" to the right (for right-hand backhand throws) during the initial part of the flight and is dependent on the disc shape and the speed at which it's thrown.
  • Fade - Low-speed fade is the disc's tendency to hook left (for right-hand backhand throws) at the end of the flight.

To pick out the best beginner golf discs, follow these steps to find discs that will be the easiest for you to throw:

  • Choose a low-speed disc (1 to 6)
  • Choose a golf disc with high glide (numbers 3 to 7) 
  • Opt for a golf disc that is understandable (the more stable the disc, the more difficult it will be for a beginner to throw)
  • Choose a disc with around -2 turn
  • Choose a disc with a low fade (preferably 0 or 1)
  • For younger players, choose a disc around 150 grams. Beginners players should generally stick to a lighter disc with a weight of 170 grams or less. 

 

2. Learn the Basic Disc Golf Terms for Beginners

Still trying to understand beginner disc golf terms? 

Here’s a quick look at some common disc golf terms, equipment, and phrases:

  • The driver is a disc made to fly far and fast. It is the top choice when taking your initial throw from the tee pad. However, it is also common for players to throw putters and mid-ranges off of the tee pad. Ultimately, it comes down to what you are most comfortable with as a player. 
  • A mid-range disc is commonly used for approaches or shorter shots. Midrange discs offer more control than drivers but slower speeds. 
  • The putter is typically used for final throws that are close to the basket. Putters can also be used for throws off the tee pad and for approach shots. Putters have rounded edges that focus on accuracy instead of speed. Although they do not fly as far, their shape gives them the straightest flight path. 
  • Stable discs typically fly straight when they are released flat.
  • Understable discs tend to turn right (for right-hand backhand throws) when released flat.
  • Overstable discs tend to fade left (for right-hand backhand throws) when released flat.
  • Par – The number of throws a disc golfer is expected to need to finish a hole 
  • An ace is a hole-in-one (getting the disc from the tee to the basket in one throw) 
  • A birdie is when a player finishes a hole one below par  
  • Eagle – Completing a hole two under par 
  • An albatross (double eagle) is finishing a hole three under par.
  • An approach shot or upshot refers to a shot that will get the disc close enough to the basket for a putt
  • The basket is the device that catches the disc.
  • Spin out or bounce back refers to a disc that hits the pole in the centre of the basket with so much force that the disc bounces back out of the basket.
  • Tapping Out – Getting the golf disc in the basket to finish the hole 
  • Lie is the spot a disc lands and comes to rest. A mini marker can be used to mark the lie or the disc can be left in place
  • Mulligan – A second chance on a shot
  • Nose – The disc’s front edge
  • OB (Out of Bounds) – An area that falls outside the playing area. If a golf disc lands out of bounds, it results in an extra stroke (also known as a penalty stroke). 
  • A putt is a short throw attempting to get the disc in the basket 
  • RHBH – Short for ‘right-handed backhand’ throw
  • Rim – The disc’s outer portion 
  • The tee pad is the designated spot for a player to take the first throw toward the basket. 
  • The X-Step is the series of steps a player takes before throwing their disc to help put the body in the ideal position for maximum throwing distance. 

 

3. Learn Disc Golf Technique 

To become a better disc golfer, it is important to learn some of the basic disc golf techniques. These basic movements and disc golf tips can help you build speed, increase your accuracy, improve the control of your throws, and develop a solid foundation. 

Here are some of the top techniques on how to play disc golf for beginners:

  • Warm up with some dynamic stretches - Before a round, warm up with dynamic stretches such as arm circles, butt kicks, lunges, and high knees to activate your muscles. 
  • Try to keep the disc flat and low - Swooping the arm low as you release the disc causes the disc to go upward, stall out, and angle back toward the ground without gaining much distance. Focus on keeping the disc the same height and level to the ground through your entire throwing motion and release. 
  • A run-up is your choice - If you watch a professional disc golfer, you’ll almost certainly see that player take a run-up before their X-step. However, a run-up may not come naturally to you. It is completely fine to slowly walk up to your throw or stand still as you throw. As you become a more advanced disc golfer and get comfortable with your throw, you can always add in a run-up. 
  • Use the right grip - You want to grip the golf disc comfortably and firmly but not overly tight. If you hold a disc too loosely, it may cause you to release it too early. Holding the disc too tight or for too long can cause it to fly in the wrong direction. 
  • Use your hips -  When you throw, focus on rotating your hips to add speed and power to your throws. 
  • Keep it simple - Limit unnecessary body movements and prioritise accuracy and control instead of distance. 
  • Keep low in your stance -  As you move through your X-step, keep your knees bent to lower your stance. This will help improve your range of motion and increase your power when you throw. 
  • Lead with your elbow - After your hips rotate into your throw, your upper body will follow. Drive with your elbow and keep the golf disc close to your chest.
  • Follow through - After releasing the disc, allow your body to naturally follow through the motion. 

For more information on disc golf rules and techniques, check out the Official Rules of Disc Golf on the Professional Disc Golf Association’s website.

 

4. Keep Track of Your Golf Discs

Whether you are a beginner disc golf player or a seasoned pro, there’s a strong chance you’ll lose a disc at some point. 

Follow these tips to help keep track of your golf discs: 

  • Write your name and phone number on each of your discs
  • Take pictures of your discs so you have photographs to post on local disc golf groups or lost and found pages
  • Add flight details to the back of your discs so you always have a little cheat sheet to reference 

 

 

5. Train Off the Course

One of the best beginner disc golf tips is taking part in training off the course. If you want to become good at disc golf, you have to treat yourself like an athlete.

Along with regular disc golf rounds, set up an exercise routine to follow off the course. It’s also important to focus on adequate hydration and proper, balanced nutrition.

 

6. Watch Professional Disc Golf 

Watching professional disc golf on YouTube can be a fun and helpful way to learn more about the game. Some great disc golf channels on YouTube to check out include: 

You can also watch the pros in person at disc golf tournaments. Find a list of upcoming disc golf events on The Professional Disc Golf Association’s website. 

 

7. Find a Player to Mentor You

Along with watching the pros, try finding a seasoned player to mentor you. Connecting with a disc golfer who is better than you is a great way to improve your skills, perfect your techniques, avoid mistakes, and learn strategy. 

 

8. Find Other Disc Golfers to Connect With

How do you find a disc golf mentor? The best way is to ask a player to join you for a practice round. Overall, the disc golf community is extremely supportive. It’s a wonderful sport for all playing abilities and ages. 

Even if you feel intimidated by advanced players, don’t be afraid to network with other disc golfers and chat with other players. It’s a great way to meet fellow disc golfers and you may even pick up some tips to help improve your game.

If you want to learn more about the disc golf Perth community and connect with other disc golfers, check out the Perth Disc Golf Club and the Mundaring Sporting club. With information on tournaments, league days, and local disc golf events, these organisations are a great way to meet other disc golfers in Perth.

The ADG (Australian Disc Golf) website and the Professional Disc Golf Association also provide a wealth of disc golf information.

 

9. Try to Practice Disc Golf Every Day

Practice is the most important part of improving at any sport. The more you work on your throws and technique, the more confident you’ll feel on the course. While you may not be able to head to a disc golf course every day, you can still get daily practice in. 

Even if it’s just for a few minutes a day, there are many facets of disc golf you can practice. The best part is that you don’t need a disc golf course to practice. You can work on your throwing motion, practice your run-up, go over the rules, and complete disc golf drills — all off the course. You can also find an open field to work on your throws.  

If you’re serious about disc golf and are looking to advance as quickly as possible, consider purchasing practice equipment. With your equipment, you can easily practice every day, even when you can’t make it to a local disc golf course. To practice disc golf off the course, we recommend a practice basket and golf discs.

 

10. Prepare Yourself with the Right Disc Golf Gear

Playing a round may take a few hours, so packing the right disc golf gear is essential. Here are some items to bring along to stay comfortable during a round of disc golf: 

  • A sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • A healthy snack like homemade trail mix or an energy bar
  • Waterproof, comfortable shoes
  • A microfiber towel to dry off your discs and keep them clean
  • Lightweight zip-up fleece or jacket for cooler days
  • A mini marker is a must-have on the course

Get Started with Disc Golf Warehouse

The right equipment is important if you want to improve your game and prevent unnecessary frustration on the course. If you’re still overwhelmed with all the golf disc types after reading our tips on how to play disc golf for beginners, we’ve made it easy to get started. 

Our beginner disc golf sets take away all the guesswork of picking out the best golf discs for your skill level. Our disc golf starter sets contain everything you need to get started and build your skills. 

Some disc golf starter sets may contain additional golf discs, but most beginner disc golf packs contain a putter, mid-range, and a driver. 

Here are our top recommendations for beginner disc golf starter sets: 

 

Want More Beginner Disc Golf Tips and Advice?

We hope these beginner disc golf tips help you improve your game and fall even more in love with the sport. 

The most important disc golf tip of all is having fun and not taking yourself too seriously on the course! As with any sport, you’ll have good days and bad days. Be patient with your progress and keep practising. Before you know it, new players might start coming to you for beginner disc golf tips!

We love the game of disc golf and we love our customers even more. Whether we’re helping players get the right equipment, providing info on Perth disc golf courses, or offering resources on local disc golf clubs, we enjoy spreading our enthusiasm and helping others get involved in the sport of disc golf. 

Contact us anytime for product advice, personalised equipment recommendations, or any other questions. We’re always happy to help! Our goal at Disc Golf Warehouse is to be your local disc golf supplier of the best equipment in Australia, as well as your go-to resource for disc golf tips.  

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