Jack Tupp

Support Disc Golf Innovation: Preorder Idio’s V2 Footwear

November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by frisbeebrain, posted in DaLearning Curve, DeLaBlahg, disc golf, disc golf gifts, disc golf product reviews, frisbee golf, Jack Tupp, product reviews

What’s up, disc golf people! Today you have the opportunity to directly influence the future of our gear. I’m talking about shoes; about Idio Sports and their mission of pushing the boundaries of what disc golf footwear can be (thanks, Craig Kitchens!)

I’d like you to consider pre-ordering the next generation of their specialized footwear, the Syncrasy V2 and the Brawler V2 (Hi-Top) right now. Here’s why:

Idio is the only company making shoes truly from the ground up for our sport. And right now, they need the kind of community, grassroots support that the disc golf world has always been known for as they recently suffered factory theft and tariffs cut into their funding.

This isn’t an outside brand trying to buy your loyalty by paying Paul McBeth big bucks to endorse a generic “athletic shoe”. (By the way, don’t succumb to that age-old form of marketing favored by companies that can’t win on the merits of their products!)

Idio is a company that launched in 2020 and fought through the pandemic; a company that has listened to disc golfers and improved its products 3 times since then. I should know, as I’ve been reviewing them since the beginning.

By participating in Idio’s pre-order, you accomplish two crucial things: you lock in a pair of game-changing shoes, and you invest in a company that truly deserves our backing.

Ok, enough about the cause. Let’s talk about the shoes!

A person demonstrating a dynamic pose while playing disc golf, wearing colorful shoes designed for the sport, with an enthusiastic expression and surrounded by onlookers. — *Ohn Scoggins. 2025 FPO World Champion and Idio Ambassador*

Invest in the Bleeding Edge

I know firsthand the hurdles Idio faces as a “bleeding edge” innovator. Back in 2010, when School of Disc Golf was launching tailored, in-person instruction, we had no predecessors to imitate or follow in the niche field of disc golf instruction. Idio is doing the same thing with disc golf footwear.

Numerous companies have marketed shoes to disc golfers in the past. Idio designs and builds them.

They are tackling complex engineering problems that major outside brands would never touch. For instance, Idio figured out how to separate the mold—a technique usually used for cosmetic color changes (a “color dam”)—to implement a dual-hardness rubber compound in the outsole. This means the material in the front of the shoe (including the toe cap) is a harder compound than the back of the shoe. Why? Because while you pivot on the heel (the power plant zone), you use the front of the shoe to slow your speed, and all that spin and torque gets transferred into the front lugs. This targeted hardening ensures the shoe wears more evenly and gives you more lifespan. That is specialized performance functionality that only a company run from disc golf, for disc golf would implement.

Infographic detailing key features of shoes designed for disc golf performance, including waterproofing, drag-on toe design, power plant functionality, lightweight construction, X flex zone, and low drop.

The V2 Generation: Syncrasy V2 (EVO) and Brawler V2

Idio has taken their flagship product and the highly requested Hi-Top model and improved them across the board, focusing on durability, waterproofing, and style. By supporting this pre-order initiative (especially for the highly requested Brawler), you’re guaranteeing the success of these key product lines.

The Idio Syncrasy V2 (EVO)

The Syncrasy EVO is the newest model of Idio’s flagship product. They’ve really cleared the hurdle of making the shoe look fantastic, calling them “absolutely sweet” looking. But the performance is still king:

• Dig Toe Protection: The V2 features a completely overbuilt curl around the toe (the Dig Toe, or prominent Dragon toe cap). This feature means you won’t have to toss shoes just because the material wore through in one tiny place.

• Solid Foundation: The outsole is molded from one piece and cups upwards, creating a solid foundation.

• Proven Performance: Customers already rave about the traction and quality of waterproofing in the Syncrasy line.

Black disc golf shoe labeled Syncrasy V2 with waterproof feature and orange sole.

The Idio Brawler V2 (Syncrasy Hi-Top)

The Brawler V2 (code name “Syncrasy Hi-Top”) has been the most requested item of Idio since their start. It is designed to be the ultra-supportive, go anywhere, play any condition shoe. I was honestly surprised that I’d like high-tops disc golf, but after nearly a year and probably 100 rounds in mine, they are my disc golf shoe now!

• Adapt-A-Brace Compression Collar: This feature, which is patent pending, is a brace for the ankle that provides nice compression. It uses unique cutouts on the back to allow the ankle to flex naturally (fore and aft), while still providing very good support when flexing side-to-side.

• Ultimate Protection: The Brawler is made with the new, more breathable Sympatex waterproof liner. This membrane works using a physicochemical principle, utilizing water-attracting (hydrophilic) molecular chains to absorb moisture and emit it outward by evaporation. I tested them repeatedly—walking and standing in puddles—and they remained completely waterproof. The high-top collar also provides an unexpected benefit: keeping out dirt, rocks, little sticks, and thorns.

• Reinforced Construction: The Brawler is a duty-driven shoe featuring thicker, more reinforced TPU welding, which provides increased protection and waterproofing from the elements.

Black and gray disc golf shoe featuring a high-top design, labeled 'Brawler', with waterproof construction and a unique ankle support feature.

A Call to Action

Disc golfers, these V2 shoes represent huge value and specialized engineering built specifically for our athletic movements. Furthermore, Idio is a true disc golf pioneer that deserves our support. Being on the “bleeding edge” of innovation often refers to groundbreaking companies that pay a price for breaking new ground. Idio has put in the work. They’ve paid their dues. Let’s help them to keep pushing forward. After all, legitimate specialized footwear is a sign of a legitimate sport.

The Brawler and Syncrasy are currently available for pre-order. When you pre-order, you’re not just buying a great pair of shoes; you are helping an independent, highly innovative company continue to thrive and push the envelope for disc golf footwear. Give them a try—support the shoe brand that is truly from disc golf, for disc golf.

2025 Syncrasy Evo: The Best Shoe for Disc Golf Performance and Wear

August 12, 2025August 12, 2025 by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf gifts, disc golf product reviews, Jack Tupp

What’s up, disc golf people! Read on for a comprehensive review of the 2025 Syncrasy Evo, the newest model of Idio Shoes’ flagship product designed for disc golf.

Coming from a tech background, I am all too familiar with the term “Bleeding Edge,” which refers to an innovation that is entirely legit but suffers initially from being a true first-of-its-kind.

There’s leading edge, and then there’s bleeding edge. Get it?

Close-up view of the Idio Syncrasy Evo disc golf shoe showcasing the sleek design and dragon toe cap against a natural outdoor background.

In Idio’s case, they are tasked not only with marketing a disc golf shoe but also marketing the logic of owning a new piece of specialized equipment for the sport.

History, of course, repeats itself, and it’s amusing to think that at one time in the past this very discussion took place when baseball players started wearing gloves!

In the case of disc golf, we know specialized footwear isn’t required to play, just as baseball players in 1860 figured they didn’t need gloves. In their case, though, a few innovative players who were tired of bruised and broken bones began wearing makeshift protection. That evolved over the next 100 years into gloves that also helped players catch the ball, with different design types for different positions.

But it started with a desire to protect hands from injury, a very compelling proposition to players at the time.

So, in the case of Idio Sports and disc golf, what is the compelling reason for players to adopt this totally new thing?

Actually, there are two: performance, and durability. No other shoes (yet) are specifically designed to withstand the unique repetitive actions in disc golf, and no other shoes include features that enhance the performance of those same actions. The history of sports – disc golf included – is filled with stories about the impact of equipment advances. In those stories, the early adopters enjoy a clear advantage- at least for awhile.

On the performance side the shoes include numerous design features that sensibly address a specific physical action unique to disc golf, like the pivoting of feet on the teepad. You can read all the details below.

On the durability side Idio also included features like an overbuilt toe cap and outsole that target disc golf-specific wear that leads to premature shoe demise.

That, I think, is the benefit that will eventually compel everyday disc golfers to wear specialized footwear. Shoes designed to withstand the griding and dragging of driving will hold up better AND they will preserve your other favorite shoes that would otherwise be torn up.

Then, once players try them, the performance features will be noticeable and switching back will be like going from HD back to standard definition. Or playing baseball without a glove!

NEWSFLASH: The Idio Hightop is 25 Percent Off!
Go To Sale

Aesthetics That Turn Heads

I personally think it’s silly to choose footwear for a competitive sport based on looks. Give me five pairs of shoes to choose from, and my decision will be based on a number of things: support, value, comfort, suitability for disc golf, and yes, appearance. But how the shoe looks is the last consideration. (And which professional player endorses each shoe has absolutely no bearing.)

Nevertheless, if how your feet look on the course matters more to you, the Evos really are pretty sharp.

• Sweet Looking Design: Idio managed to turn a functional feature – the toe cap over molding – into a big part of the shoe’s visual appeal.

• Gumsole and Black Combination: This combo reminded me of a very popular model of old school Adidas.

• Crisp White Option: The white version is super sharp, and they clean up pretty easily.

• Overmold: The shoe features a beefy overmold that combines form and function, contributing to its sleek appearance.

Idio has truly the visual appeal of their shoes, moving from eye-catching in a curious to now a covetous way.

Engineered for the Course: Disc Golf Specific Features

Beyond their upgraded appearance, Syncrasy Evos are packed with thoughtful engineering tailored specifically for disc golf. It’s like, “Idio 15, All Other Shoe Brands Zero.”

• Dual-Zone Hardness: This is a groundbreaking feature! The shoe incorporates a dual-zone hardness in its sole.

◦ The front of the shoe (from the flex point forward, including the toe cap) uses a harder compound.

◦ The back of the shoe uses a softer compound.

◦ This is achieved using a technology called a “color dam,” typically used for cosmetic separation of colors in molds. Idio ingeniously repurposed this to blend two different compounds, creating a functional advantage unique to disc golf. Specialized footwear for disc golf!

• Prominent Drag-on Toe Cap: The material, shape, and thickness combine to strongly resist wear from gaining a foothold, so to speak.

• Robust Outsole and Tread: The outsole is impressively molded from one piece and cups upwards. The tread pattern is designed to hold up to the specific demands of pivoting on both the toe and heel during throws.

• X-Flex Zone & Power Plant Features: The design includes an “X-Flex Zone” and a “power plant feature in the heel area,” further showcasing the specific thought put into disc golf movements.

Close-up view of a person's feet wearing the 2025 Syncrasy Evo disc golf shoes alongside another person's footwear. — *Sharpest shoe under the table!*

• Waterproof Ripstop Material: The shoe features a ripstop waterproof material branded SympaTex. In testing, no moisture got into the shoe even walking through deep puddles, a requirement in many parts of the world.

• Comfort and Fit: These shoes are noted to fit true to size and feel nice and snug when laced and tied properly. The toe area is roomy. They feel light yet rugged with no break-in time required. The-low-to-the-ground feeling may take some getting used to, but I learned that that is by design as well. The minimal-drop heel keeps players lower and in better contact with the teepad.

At $135, the 2025 Syncrasy Evo cost about $25 less than the waterproof Sauconys and Solomons I had been buying. Whether you play on concrete or rubber tee pads, this shoe is built to perform. Be an early adopter!

Ultimately, the decision to support Idio Sports rests with the disc golf community. But I want to do my part to make sure the community knows about them, so spread the word!

Close-up view of the 2025 Idio Syncrasy Evo shoe showcasing its waterproof feature and sleek design.

Just as there was a time that athletes played professional baseball without gloves, there was a time when track athletes didn’t run in spikes, and tennis players wore loafers, and . . . you get the point. Disc golf is a real sport, right? So try on a real disc golf shoe.

Please subscribe to our channel, @schoolofdiscgolf, on YouTube. Thanks!

disc golf teambuilding outdoor group activity

Tech Founders Hit the Fairway: A Pop-Up Disc Golf Teambuilding Success!

August 8, 2025August 8, 2025 by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf apps, disc golf book, disc golf courses, Jack Tupp, Teambuilding, techdisc

The School of Disc Golf recently hosted an unusual and exciting teambuilding event for a group of tech leaders from startup accelerator YCombinator. While we typically use our private venue in Santa Cruz, or an established disc golf course elsewhere in the Bay Area, this particular outing presented a unique set of circumstances that required us to pivot.

A group of participants engaged in a disc golf activity in a grassy area of Golden Gate Park, with a disc golf basket visible. The setting features several trees and onlookers in the background. — *The putting contest in Golden Gate Park revealed some true natural talent.*

Navigating the Grateful Dead and Golden Gate Park

YCombinator requested that the event take place in Golden Gate Park, which normally wouldn’t be an issue as the park has a great course. However, on the scheduled day, the usual course was closed due to a Grateful Dead festival. With such a big show also taking place in San Francisco all weekend, the park was buzzing.

To accommodate, we enlisted the help of Bill’s Flying Discs and set up a short, pop-up disc golf course in a less-populated section of Golden Gate Park, in the Panhandle. Despite the unpredictable circumstances, strong winds, and an increasing stream of “Deadheads”, the event was a resounding success.

The YCombinator Effect

A major reason for the event’s triumph was the exceptional group of participants: Founders with YCombinator. They all displayed the common traits found in tech entrepreneurs: a mix of curiosity, engagement, and charisma. All 13 individuals present truly embraced the experience. The video below shows several of them doing an excellent job mimicking the technique demonstrated moments before.

tech leaders embrace TECHDISC’s smart disc & App

A highlight for the group, particularly the engineers, was the integration of TECHDISC into the experience. They were highly engaged, asking great questions about disc flight. We even referred them to Chapter 11 of “The Disc Golf Revolution,” where Dr. John Hernlund, PhD explains that a flying disc has six degrees of freedom, significantly more than a sphere (ball), which only has two!

Participants then had their throws measured and mapped in the TECHDISC app, allowing them to see how different metrics acted as “knobs and levers” for controlling disc flight.

Even with a very tight schedule, the group’s enthusiasm was evident as they insisted on staying 10 minutes past their deadline. The competition had been switched from focusing on the fastest throw as measured by TECHDISC to the furthest throw, and they were quickly trying to adjust their technique to achieve flatter releases.

The event was a resounding success, proving that even with unexpected challenges, a great group and a passion for learning (and disc golf!) can make for an unforgettable teambuilding experience.

harness neuroscience to improve disc golf performance.

Effective Disc Golf Training: Neuroscience Tips Explained

July 8, 2025July 8, 2025 by frisbeebrain, posted in DGPT, disc golf, Disc Golf Pro Tour, Disc Golf Technique, Jack Tupp, The Science of Disc Golf

This post is the 2nd in a 4.5-part series applying widely accepted principles of neuroscience to disc golf training and execution. We will present 18 separate suggestions in total, explain why each works, and specify the brain systems involved. To read past posts go to The Blog. To get future posts, go to the blog and hit FOLLOW.

To realize your own full potential in disc golf, intelligent practice is as crucial as natural talent. “Getting reps in” in the field or with your stack of putters can’t be the only goal. We need to be more purpose-driven, and work as smart as we do hard.

Neuroscience offers a range of techniques that can make your practice sessions more effective, leading to faster skill acquisition and better retention. This section includes 10 total and therefore shall be broken into two posts (hence the “4.5 part series”)

My suggestion is to first try the ones that call out to you or address an issue that you know has proven particularly costly to your game. In other words don’t bother tackling them in order as they are not listed in any particular order.

This is one tip from the first installment of this series, boiled down to less than 60 seconds.

Mirror Neuron Training (Live Observation)

What it is: Watch players with excellent form in person, paying close attention to their movements, and then mimic them.

I’ve had clients who grasped a concept quickly after seeing me demonstrate. It probably helps that I am left-handed, so it’s a true mirror effect!

Why it works: This method taps into your mirror neurons, specialized brain cells that fire both when you perform an action and when you observe someone else performing the same action. This activation helps you to internalize proper technique simply by watching.

(I’m reminded of flinching along with Rocky every time he punched Clubber Lang.)

Brain system involved: The premotor cortex and parietal lobe are key brain regions where mirror neurons are found and activated during this type of observational learning.

A collage of four images capturing different angles of disc golfers in action, showcasing their throwing motion during a game, with spectators watching in the background. — *If you don’t have any world class top pros handy, pick someone at your local course who throws with smooth balance and timing, whose discs carry further than you think they will based on the effort.*

Shadow Throwing Immediately After Observation

What it is: Right after watching a player, mimic their throwing motion without a disc.

Why it works: This immediate, disc-free repetition reinforces the movement patterns you just observed, helping to solidify them in your motor memory.

Eliezra Midtlyng, a young pro with elite power who burst onto the DGPT scene at age 16 a couple of years ago, has mentioned in interviews that she learned disc golf by watching it on YouTube during the Pandemic and then mimicking what she saw, before even buying her first disc!

Brain system involved: This practice engages your motor cortex (for executing the movement) and proprioceptive circuits (which give you a sense of your body’s position and movement).

Open-Loop Practice (Feel Over Outcome)

What it is: Practice throwing without tracking the results of each shot. Instead, focus entirely on your form and the physical “feel” of the throw.

Of all the tips listed in this series on neuroscience and disc golf performance, this one strikes closest to School of Disc Golf’s guiding philosophy of Disc Golf in a Vacuum. I believe we can and should extend this practice into our rounds. Take your satisfaction from how well you assess and execute each shot rather than the results as measured by score.

Learning by Feel has also been covered here, and the two concepts are definitely connected.

Why it works: By removing the pressure of outcome, you can strengthen your kinesthetic memory—your body’s ability to recall movements and positions—without becoming dependent on immediate success or failure. In competition, this tip can help proactively. If the moment gets too big, bring your focus back to what proper execution feels like.

Brain system involved: This technique primarily engages the sensorimotor cortex and the cerebellum, both critical for processing sensory information from movement and coordinating motor actions.

disc golf book, disc golf lessons — *To learn more about Disc Golf in a Vacuum, check out the book!* *Signed copies are available on our website.*

Variable Repetition (Contextual Interference)

What it is: During practice, frequently mix up various aspects of your throws, such as lies, distances, and even the discs you choose.

Disc golf is not like darts, or bowling, or (egad) cornhole. No shot (unless it’s a re-throw) is the same as the shot before. Fieldwork should always include some type of variety.

Why it works: This variability forces your brain to constantly adapt to new situations, which in turn builds real-world flexibility and problem-solving skills on the course. This seemingly minor type might be the difference between you seeing or not seeing the best option for that tricky lie in the woods.

Brain system involved: The prefrontal cortex (for planning and adaptation) and the cerebellum (for coordinating complex movements) are heavily engaged in this adaptive learning.

Interleaved Practice (Rotating Skills)

What it is: Instead of practicing one skill for a long block, rotate between different skills like putting, driving, and upshots in alternating sets. You can also alternate discs and shot types while throwing from one spot to another, taking the time to think through the adjustments for each disc, disc type, shot shape, and/or throw type.

Why it works: This approach disrupts “autopilot” mode, requiring your brain to constantly retrieve different motor programs. This leads to deeper neural encoding and better long-term retention of skills.

Brain system involved: This method primarily strengthens procedural learning pathways, which are responsible for learning and automating complex motor skills.

In part 2.5 of this 4.5-part series we will cover the rest of the section on Neuroscience-Based Skill Learning and Efficient Practice in Disc Golf. After that we will cover emotional learning and mental recovery, and then conclude the series with Motivation, Consistency, and Growth.

Be sure to hit the FOLLOW button on our blog so you don’t miss them when they drop, and also please Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see the same concepts explained on video.

Stay tuned for much more, and as always feel free to comment and ask questions!

disc golf latvia latitude64, disc golf test, disc golf lessons

Improve Your Disc Golf Scores: Take the SAGA Test Now

April 2, 2025April 2, 2025 by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf book, disc golf instruction, Disc Golf Lessons, Disc Golf Pro Tour, disc golf psychology, Jack Tupp

free for a limited time!

Are you looking to take your disc golf game to the next level? The School of Disc Golf is excited to announce a new tool designed to help you do just that: the SAGA Test!

Here at School of Disc Golf, we believe in our motto: Discere Ludere Melius – Latin for “Learn to Play Better”. That’s why disc golf author and instructor Jack “Tupp” Trageser developed the Self-Administered Gap Analysis (SAGA) test. This innovative tool is designed to help disc golfers of all skill levels pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses. By identifying both the easiest and most impactful opportunities for improvement, the SAGA test can help you see real progress on the course.

The SAGA test was initially created to quickly cover all bases when coaching Latvian FPO player Sintija Klezberga remotely as she prepared for her first DGPT Elite events. It proved to be enormously helpful in establishing a foundation for her training, and since then, other School of Disc Golf clients have benefitted from it as well. Now, we’re excited to open it up to the public!

Keep in mind that the test and process for analyzing results are both still in Beta mode.

So, how can the SAGA test help you play better disc golf? By answering a wide-ranging list of questions about all aspects of your competitive disc golf play using a simple 1-5 rating system, you’ll gain clarity on the areas you need to address.

It’s not rocket science, just a simple Google Form.

But the SAGA test is more than just self-reflection. We encourage you to share the link with your playing buddies and ask them to complete the questionnaire about you. Their answers, especially the surprising ones, can reveal potential blind spots in your game that you might be overlooking. As we say, “If you give yourself a 4 on one question and your friends all give you 2’s and 1’s, that there is a red flag, my friend”.

Once you complete the test, your results will be e-mailed to you automatically, but to get a comparison of your self-assessment to your friends’ feedback — the potentially more impactful info — you’ll need to contact us and request it. We’re not that automated yet.

Ready to embrace the School of Disc Golf motto and learn to play better? Click here to complete the School of Disc Golf SAGA test and share the link with your friends!

The Ultimate Hi-Top Disc Golf Shoes: Idio Brawlers Explained

February 24, 2025February 24, 2025 by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf gifts, disc golf product reviews, Jack Tupp, product review, product reviews

After testing Idio’s new hi-top disc golf shoes for nearly a year, I can say I love them and recommend them. The video below explains exactly why.

As noted in the video below, I was pleasantly surprised by the Idio Syncrasy Brawler. Not because of the quality or waterproofness, as I expected as much based on my experience testing previous models, and I was right. The Brawlers remained completely waterproof even after exposure to rain and deep puddles. Nothing is wearing quickly or coming apart in the least.

The surprises I am referring to both stem from my preconceived notion that hi-top disc golf shoes would be heavier, and stiff, like hiking boots. I found them to be lighter than expected and responsive on both tee pads and uneven terrain.

The other surprise is more like a bonus, as it is the one benefit missing from the hi-top’s marketing material. But I noticed it and don’t mind sharing.

The high-top collar is comfortable but still very form-fitting, so it effectively keeps out not only water, but also dirt, rocks, sticks, and thorns that can get into low-top shoes and cause distractions and delays.

Please check out our review on YouTube and subscribe to the channel, @schoolofdiscgolf

Durability is another key thing to report as the shoes held up well after nearly a year due to harder composite materials.

Listed below are some key technical details:

Key Features and Technologies

Adapt-A-Brace: The Adapt-A-Brace compression collar provides ankle support without restricting movement. It features special cutouts in the back for flexibility. The laces go all the way to the top for a secure fit.

Waterproof Sympatex Liner: The Brawler utilizes a Sympatex waterproof liner, offering breathability and sustainability. This liner works through a physicochemical principle, transporting water vapor molecules to the outside via hydrophilic molecular chains. The membrane’s molecular structure swells with increasing humidity, dynamically adjusting the space for water vapor transport.

Improved Durability: Idio Sports has addressed wear issues in the front of the shoe by hardening the material and re-engineering the lugs. This enhancement ensures the shoe remains effective for disc golf.

Dig Toe: An overbuilt curl around the toe protects against wear and tear, eliminating the need for frequent repairs.

Lace Pocket: The shoe includes a stash pocket for the laces, keeping them out of the way.

Sustainability

The Sympatex membrane is recyclable, contributing to sustainable outdoor clothing production. Sympatex aims to close the loop by producing recyclable membranes.

Final Thoughts

The Idio Syncrasy Brawler is a top-tier disc golf shoe that should develop a loyal following. A reasonable portion of disc golfers would prefer a hi-top design for various sensible reasons: The terrain where they play, the extra ankle support they provide, and wet and cold conditions. With their comfort, durability, and waterproofing on top of a handful of very real disc golf-specific design elements, the Idio Brawler should be a hit with competitive and recreational players alike.

Introducing School of Disc Golf Crib Notes

January 28, 2025January 28, 2025 by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf book, disc golf instruction, Disc Golf Lessons, disc golf psychology, Disc Golf Technique, frisbee golf, Jack Tupp, School of Disc Golf Crib Notes

Quick video tips to help you pass the test out there on the disc golf course

At School of Disc Golf, our mission is to help you learn to play better disc golf— Discere Ludere Melius, baby!

We’re excited to introduce a brand-new video series: School of Disc Golf Crib Notes! These short, actionable videos will be available on YouTube, Instagram, and right here on our blog. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, these tips are designed to deliver new information that translates to lower scores in your disc golf game.

Why Crib notes?

The initial idea for these short video tips, or crib notes, came from our client sessions. We wanted to create short videos that reinforced key concepts and demonstrated drills covered during lessons. The response has been overwhelmingly positive! Students and alumni told us how helpful these videos were for reviewing techniques and staying motivated to practice. Now, we’re sharing them with the entire School of Disc Golf community— that means you!

Each video focuses on one specific tip or drill, breaking it down into key steps and understandable concepts without too much jargon. To maximize their impact, every video will be accompanied by a blog post, providing extra detail and context. You’ll not only see the technique in action but also understand why it works and how to apply it to your game. This post is the first of many, and we can’t wait to delve into all the nooks and crannies that account for strokes saved or lost.

Watch the First episode of disc golf Crib notes

This tip focuses on a method for improving confidence and commitment during disc golf throws by compartmentalizing mental processes.

The core idea is to split the thinking and execution of a shot into two distinct phases by imagining yourself as two different partners, each with their specific role.

Partner Number 1 is responsible for all the planning and decision-making: assessing risk, planning the shot, and selecting the disc. Once this is done, it’s Number 2’s turn.

Partner Number 2 is solely focused on the mechanics of executing the shot. They do not question the instructions, think about the possible outcome, or consider the broader context of the throw; they exist only to execute the plan in the present moment.

Once Number 2 completes their follow-through, the player transforms back into Number 1, and the cycle continues.

In short, the episode advises the use of a mental routine that separates planning from execution in order to promote focus and improve performance. By creating this mental separation, players can avoid the dangerous “blurring of lines” between planning and executing, a common problem in disc golf. This compartmentalization technique improves mental clarity and focus, leading to more confident and committed throws.

Stay Connected

We’d love for you to join us on this exciting new adventure! Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram.

By subscribing and following, you’ll never miss a Crib Note—or any of the other great content we’re creating to help you master the art and science of disc golf.

Thank you for being part of the School of Disc Golf community. We can’t wait to hear how these Quick Tips impact your game! Leave a comment below or on YouTube to let us know what topics you’d like us to cover next.

Open Letter to The Indypendent re: Disc Golf in New York City and Elsewhere

November 13, 2024November 13, 2024 by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf book, disc golf clubs, disc golf courses, frisbee golf, Jack Tupp, Pinto Lake

To the editors of The Indypendent:

You recently published an opinion piece titled “Disc Golf Drama: Highland Park Users Dismayed at Being Overrun by Outsiders Flinging Dangerous Metal Projectiles.” Those who read it (past tense or present) deserve the opportunity to also read this.

*High school students in Monterey, CA playing disc golf and learning applied physics at a STEM summer camp.*

I am not writing to rebut the author’s valid safety concerns that exist whenever disc golf is placed in a multi-use public park, nor complain about your factually incorrect and inflammatory headline. The sport’s “Projectiles,” while plastic and not metal as the headline states, are indeed potentially dangerous, in the same way as baseballs, footballs, basketballs, and even softballs. You don’t want to be struck by any of them, especially as a non-participant. Park officials and the NYCDGA are likely already discussing remedies.

The bulk of author Sophie Golnick’s story after that identifies something else to be of even greater concern— gentrification. As she is an Associate Professor of Social and Cultural Analysis at NYU and lives near the park in question, perhaps she couldn’t resist commenting publicly on the issue (and taking the position expected of her). Her “analysis,” however, lacks finesse and ignores facts.

*A screen capture from the Indypendent story in question. Somewhat amusingly, the author admits that she herself is white and from elsewhere.*

When you learn the truth about disc golf, her closing line — “I am not partial to the view that cities should be preserved in amber, but changes to the existing fabric . . .” — is revealed as a classic NIMBY line in sheep’s clothing.

The story has one large pull quote early on (see screenshot), and it sets the tone for everything that follows. She writes: “The disc golf players are overwhelmingly white, male, and from elsewhere.” A subhead further down reads “When the Colonizers Arrive.”

*Jack Tupp and professional disc golfer Aviel Gomez pose with students of a recent CSUMB STEAM camp in Monterey, CA.*

Sometimes absurdity must be called out as irresponsible, and that is what I am taking the time to do today.

To be clear: Efforts to introduce residents of New York City to the sport of disc golf are not part of an insidious plot to displace people from homes and businesses, one park district at a time. Quite the opposite.

Disc golf as a sport gives far, far more than it takes. It is golf, elevated above and beyond all the negatives normally associated with the word ‘golf’. Terms like exclusive and exclusionary, environmentally irresponsible, cost prohibitive, and insular are alien in the world of disc golf. What remains are the time in nature, the exercise, the camaraderie, the personal challenge, and the mental gymnastics. The blend of joy and anguish singular to golf.

*Disc golf is a game for all ages and growing rapidly among seniors seeking affordable forms of recreation.*

The cost/benefit breakdown is so compelling, in fact, and its courses so adaptable to available terrain and maintenance-free, that while disc golf is now embraced nearly everywhere it is presented, disc golf-related non-profits focus on areas where free and low cost wellness options can have the greatest impact.

New York City is a bit of an outlier for the Paul McBeth Foundation, the mission of which is to “develop and introduce sustainable disc golf experiences in underserved locations with limited or no access to the sport.” More typical locations are in Mexico, Colombia, Uraguay, Uganda, Kenya, and Bulgaria. Those places are ideal because, for many there, funds for any kind of leisure activity are nonexistent. Like futbol, very little is required to play the game at the most basic level. The population density of NYC offers the opportunity to reach a more diverse population in the U.S., which is also important, and the appeal of free or nearly so seems to be just as relevant to students, families, and many seniors in New York City.

Getting back to that pull quote. The White-Elsewhere-Males alluded to were likely there responding to a call from the parks department to come play the course and provide feedback. Undoubtedly they shared details about the sport with anyone who asked, and a few who didn’t.

An impressive percentage of those who play disc golf eagerly recruit others to the sport without hesitation precisely because it is supremely accessible and available to everyone. They have discovered a wonderful thing and feel obligated to share it. Sounds corny, but it’s true. They’re hoping you and your neighbors (especially those with kids) at least give it a try.

Over the summer I had the opportunity to work with the Helen Rucker Center for Black Excellence on the CSU campus in Monterey, CA. I and others shared disc golf as part of a STEAM summer camp for local teens. Last week I did the same with a group of 50 neuroscientists from a Bay Area biotech company.

Both groups had a great time, and I know from experience that multiple individuals will play again soon. None of them will be shut out due the cost, or being made to feel unwelcome (unless they run into Ms. Golnick in Highland Park), or any other reason other than not having a course near enough. If they get hooked, they might even push their own local leaders to install a course. That is essentially how the sport has grown so steadily for the past 4 decades: A grassroots network unlike any other.

More than 10 years ago local disc golfers in Watsonville, CA installed a course in a community largely populated by Hispanic agriculture workers. They raised funds for the equipment and spent hundreds of hours clearing brush and hauling trash.

It took a little time, but the mix of people playing the course now looks like the community itself. Two young Hispanic players from the area who discovered disc golf there now play the sport professionally. One of them volunteered at the Helen Rucker Center event I just mentioned, teaching other teens disc golf.

Go ahead and raise the alarm if the disc golf course straddling Brooklyn and Queens endangers other park users or signage is insufficient. But complaining about a small area of your park being set aside for disc golf (between two larger areas already set aside only for softball), well that is just weak and transparently selfish, and frankly lazy for a supposed expert on social and cultural analysis.

To go further and insinuate that disc golf courses are some kind of Trojan horse designed to help outsiders breach the walls of “your” community? Well, that’s just absurd.

Arm Brain: A Unique School of Disc Golf Term:

April 12, 2024April 12, 2024 by frisbeebrain, posted in backhand, DeLaBlahg, disc golf, disc golf book, disc golf driving, disc golf instruction, Disc Golf Lessons, Jack Tupp

This post is one of a series that explains terminology unique to — or at least originated by — School of Disc Golf. Each term in the series was created by me, many spontaneously during a private lesson as I searched for a new way to explain something to a client.

Think Different

For the first one in the series, I picked a biggie. Those who are familiar with Three Paths to Better Disc Golf know one of those paths involves having a predetermined philosophical approach to the game. Broad concepts a player can use to guide smaller decisions and lead to their best chance to score well.

When I wrote that book I was thinking mainly of strategic concepts, but with thousands more hours of hands-on disc golf instruction under my belt since then, I realize it applies to technique and mechanics as well. Perhaps more so.

“Arm Brain” is a term I use to describe an incorrect mechanical approach most people instinctively take to backhand driving in disc golf. In the same way that early science before Copernicus thought the earth was the center of the universe, most players treat their arm as the core of their drive.

It isn’t, of course. I use other terms in my lessons, like Nucleus, Center Pole Position. Asymmetric Timing, and 180-to-Zero to explain the difference between throwing with the entire body vs. throwing with arm only— why the literal throwing arm plays a relatively minor role in determining whether a player has a figurative Big Arm.

How arm brain came to be

One day during a 1-on-1 lesson, I noticed how my client was successfully achieving the timing and balance we wanted during drills, throwing with the right muscles from the right position, and achieving the results I promised would come. However, a trend developed where after a good throw he would often follow it up with one that were complete mis-throws.

*The author with a client in Santa Cruz, CA.*

After the pattern became clear, I asked him to describe his thoughts as he set up for the next throw after an especially successful effort. Each time, he described watching the good drive fly, feeling excited about the accomplishment, and wanting to see if he could throw the next drive even further.

Since Sports Psychology 101 is based on “Focus on what you’re trying to do, not what you’re wanting to accomplish” I figured his thoughts had triggered the muscle memory from thousands of Frisbee throws. To explain my thoughts, I mused that he had allowed Arm Brain to enter the realm, kind of like saying Beatlejuice one too many times.

The teaching point was this: It is always a good idea to focus on what’s right in front of you in sports, especially when you’re working on developing a new skill. Thinking about the new mechanics in particular helps prevent “Arm Brain” from jumping in and saying “I can do that!” when you think only of intended results.

Arm Brain can also rear his head at much later stages, as well, in times of mental and physical fatigue or wandering focus. Good driving form takes some work, and if you’re not focused on executing that work Arm Brain can jump in and say “Let me handle this one. It’ll be easier.”

predetermining factors of arm brain

Since that lesson when I made up the term, I broadened the use to describe a related group of reasons why some people have a hard time learning the unique mechanics that are key to throwing as far and accurately as one’s peers Here’s a quick run-down of those reasons:

Familiarity with tossing a Frisbee- Think of the stance you assume to play catch with a Frisbee. Your brain is likely very familiar with that stance and the action that follows, and comfortable with its ability to execute that action
The “Big Arm” label- This popular misnomer only reinforces the other reasons
Proximity to the hand- The hand is important because it holds the disc, right? Therefore focus should be on the thing connected to the hand— or so goes the logic.
Eyes on target- The same power-sapping position that is comfortable and familiar for a Frisbee toss is also the posture that provides a clear view of the target with both eyes before throwing— something that isn’t possible at the beginning of a proper full-power drive.

*Frisbee tossing involves the hand, wrist, and arm. Driving in disc golf starts with the body’s largest muscles.*

how to outsmart and outwit arm brain

You gotta know he’s lurking. You gotta know how to spot him. And you gotta know how to deflect and defeat him.

If you had to work to learn proper driving technique (or are still in the process) vs. it coming naturally right away (and sometimes even then), Arm Brain is lurking. Don’t doubt it.

If you catch yourself thinking about wants and needs rather than mechanics as you set up for shots, and your throws start to lack their normal explosiveness and carry, Arm Brain has likely infiltrated your camp. The best way to banish him is to purposefully focus on elements of your mechanics that most starkly contrast a Frisbee throw, things I focus on in sessions with my clients.

One of my favorite mantras to banish Arm Brain is “Aim with the Body, Throw with the Body,” another unique School of Disc Golf term phrase. Maybe we’ll cover that one next!

School of Disc Golf: now featuring the power of TECHDISC

October 16, 2023October 16, 2023 by frisbeebrain, posted in backhand, disc golf, disc golf driving, disc golf form, disc golf instruction, Disc Golf Lessons, disc golf product reviews, frisbee golf, Jack Tupp, product reviews

Hello there, this is Jack Tupp, Owner and lead instructor at School of Disc Golf.

Part of my 2023 disc golf summer was spent familiarizing myself with an amazing piece of technology called TECHDISC. I’ve already used it with several clients and have now fully incorporated it into both types of lessons we offer; in-person and virtual.

Here is a brief summary of what TECHDISC is and what it does:

TECHDISC is the name of the company, as well as the company’s flagship (and only) product
The product, which sells for $299, is a piece of hardware; a small rubberized puck that is precisely and permanently attached to a disc at their factory. Customers can choose the disc type and weight.
The puck contains sensors that track the disc’s speed, spin rate, launch rate, hyzer angle, and wobble rate upon release
The data collected by the puck is transmitted via Bluetooth to the user’s phone, tablet, or laptop, where it is displayed numerically and graphically and also stored securely in the user’s account on TECHDISC servers
The software platform also enables users to label and sort throws to gain additional insights
So far, TECHDISC has been so popular they’ve gone through several cycles of preorders. In other words, they can’t make ’em fast enough!

I’m working on a more comprehensive review of TECHDISC to be posted soon, but after extensive use of the tool and platform over the last few months these are my impressions of how TECHDISC can be used to improve one’s disc golf game— and how we’ll be using it at School of Disc Golf moving forward.

techdisc in school of disc golf private lessons

Using TECHDISC with clients hasn’t changed what I teach in lessons, nor has it altered how I teach. At least not very much. But it has supercharged both in two ways I noticed right away.

A big part of my private lessons — especially with newer players — is explaining how to generate arm speed and spin, and how to control the direction and trajectory of the disc. In other words, how to throw further and “straighter.” Before TECHDISC, my methods produced consistent results, but quite often success is delayed, at least for a time, by the fact that adopting proper technique can feel strange.

I would explain mechanical changes and drills to a client, and together we’d assess their throws using my eyes and experience and the client’s feel. But trusting that new feel can take time. Having the quantification and scientific measurement of TECHDISC, however, is powerfully different. It provides an irrefutable level of confirmation — positive or negative — to both student and teacher. Numbers don’t lie, as they say.

Speaking of numbers, the other instant win using TECHDISC with new disc golfers involves explaining the differences between discs, flight numbers, and how to select the correct disc for each circumstance— and why that answer changes depending on a wide range of factors. TECHDISC includes a flight simulator that allows us to see how tweaking throw characteristics (and also disc characteristics) changes the flight of a disc.

*The Flight Simulator lets users adjust both disc and throw characteristics, then use the 3D Throw Viewer to see how each change affects the flight of the disc.*

Having a hands-on tool that lets someone change disc and throw numbers to create hyzer flip and forced flex shot lines that end up in the same place communicates important info in a much more memorable way.

using techdisc IN virtual lessons

We have developed an excellent methodology over the years to serve those who can’t make it to Santa Cruz, but as with everything else, communicating via Zoom and email and texts is a little less effective than being in the same location.

The most important thing for me in using it as a training tool is that it accurately reflects adjustments a client makes over the course of our work together. It does.

The concrete metrics of TECHDISC permit no message distortion— they are what they are. Clients know exactly where they stand in terms of speed and spin, and they gain a proper understanding of less intuitive factors like nose angle, hyzer angle, and launch angle. As an instructor, knowing the exact numbers for each throw I see on a video call makes an even bigger difference than when using it with an in-person client. I may misinterpret something I see, especially when it’s on a screen and the angle is bad, but I can trust the numbers.

I’ll go into more detail soon in a full review, but I’ve used my TECHDISC enough by now to know it is consistent from throw to throw. The most important thing for me in using it as a training tool is that it accurately reflects adjustments a client makes over the course of our work together. It does. When my clients own their own TECHDISC, they can share their throw data between sessions, and I can trust that data. It provides scientific data that confirms when they do X, the results are Y. Over time, even more patterns and trends will emerge, especially if they take full advantage of the tagging feature.

*TECHDISC automatically sorts throws by type and release angle, and lets you manually label and sort in numerous other ways.*

using techdisc on your own

You can of course use a TECHDISC on your own. At the very least you’ll have the coolest disc golf gadget around, one-upping the rangefinder crowd. If you expect the ability to capture and slice and dice all that data to translate into lower scores, though, that will largely depend on your ability to figure things out on your own. If you’ve had success in the past watching YouTube videos and implementing changes, and you understand technical disc golf terminology, TECHDISC should provide you with all the benefits described above.

If, however, you’re on the other end of the spectrum (many of my current clients tell me they found my website after trying and failing to watch videos and develop on their own), please remember that TECHDISC is a measurement tool combined with good database tools. It won’t tell you how to change those numbers. But, hey, that’s what me and my fellow disc golf instructors are for, right?

Contact us if you’d like to schedule a TECHDISC-powered lesson or have a question, or book online directly to reserve a date and time right now.