This post is the 3rd 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 spanning 3 categories, explain how each works, and specify the brain systems involved. The first post in the series covered Aiming, Focus, and Execution, and the second post was the first half of this one, on Skill Learning & Efficient Practice. Got it? Hahaha. OK, here we go!
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.
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.
Silent or No-Feedback Reps
What it is: Practice throwing without watching the results of your shot. Throwing into a net is a great way to put this tip into practice as the disc hits the net before before any results-oriented feedback can spring into your mind.
Even better is throwing into a net with a TECHDISC. By first judging the results of a throw based on how it felt you tap into the all important internal feedback system. TECHDISC will capture the data for each throw, so you can compare your “by feel” impressions to actual throw metrics within seconds, or after your session.
Why it works: This technique develops your internal feedback system and refines your “feel” for the throw, making you less reliant on external cues.
Brain system involved: This practice enhances the function of the somatosensory and kinesthetic areas of the brain, which are responsible for processing body sensations and movement awareness.
Combining TECHDISC with a net lets players focus on form first, and review metrics later.
Spacing Effect (Short, Frequent Sessions)
What it is: Opt for shorter practice sessions (15–20 minutes) but engage in them more often.
I tell clients all the time that quality is much more important than quantity. This post about putting improvement mentions early on that “getting in reps” may be good for physical conditioning, but not so much for thoughtfully working on form and technique.
By employing the spacing technique each session is shorter, making it easier to stay focused on more than “How many putts can I make?”
Why it works: Research shows that spaced repetition significantly improves long-term memory consolidation of learned skills.
Brain system involved: This effect is strongly linked to the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory formation, and its process of long-term potentiation, which strengthens synaptic connections.
Error Amplification Practice
What it is: Intentionally exaggerate your flaws during practice to better understand and learn how to correct them.
I use this technique sometimes during private lessons, but until now my employment of it has been limited to a lone scenario: A client is tasked with learning a specific new skill. For instance, backhand turnover/anyhyzer shots.
Causing a disc to turn against the direction of its natural spin requires a very specific combination of disc, hyzer/anhyzer angle, launch angle, and speed/spin ratio (TECHDISC calls the last one Advanced Ratio).
So they can discover the keys to understanding how the elements relate to each other, and which turnover shots are possible in a given situation and which are not, I may ask the client to exaggerate an element that is repeatedly an issue.
I will have them change the launch angle, for instance, to help them approach the equation from the other side. Too much launch angle and the disc will lose speed and spin too early in the flight and fade away from the target. Not enough will cause the disc to hit the ground way too early.
By exaggerating a change we accomplish two things: We prove that the necessary change is possible, and we present a different – and hopefully, for that client – more digestible challenge.
Why it works: By deliberately overdoing a mistake, you build heightened awareness of subtle motor details associated with that flaw, making it easier to identify and fix in real-time.
Brain system involved: This technique directly engages your sensory-motor feedback loop, enhancing your brain’s ability to process and respond to movement errors.
After-Throw Reflection (One-Word Coaching)
What it is: Immediately after each throw, label the rep with a single keyword, such as “smooth,” “late,” or “off-balance.”
I could have sworn I published a post related to this tip in the past, but it seems not. Or I just couldn’t find it! Maybe you can by searching the blog as I did (unsuccessfully). In a nutshell:
A common tip I give competitive clients that serves to both keep a player in the moment during rounds and leverage current experiences for future growth is to create a POST-throw routine where you give yourself 5-10 seconds immediately after your throw to observe and assess the results in a neutral, detached way (not just how the disc flew, but how your body felt during and after release).
Good, or not good? Why or why not? What change would make a positive difference, or what aspect of the throw was the key to success?
Believe it or not, when limited to quick impressions this really can be done in 5-10 seconds, and the benefits are twofold:
It provides a process to properly compartmentalize thoughts and emotions. Once a throw is done, unless it’s a made putt on your last hole, your full focus should quickly shift to the next shot; Assessment, Decision, and Execution. This routine allows for a specific and short window to think about the last throw before focusing on the next one.
Taking 5-10 seconds to observe and evaluate a throw with a neutral, curious, but NOT a self-critical mindset (this part is very important) is like jotting down notes to be reviewed later. You’ll be amazed at how fully you are able to recall each decision and throw in detail, when you have the time and emotional distance to put new insights to good use.
In only 10 seconds or less you’ll be forced to limit reflections to first impressions, and when done without self-criticism (Thinking “I suck!” is not helpful in any way) the insights can be quite powerful.
Why it works: This simple act of labeling helps to build awareness of what occurred during the throw and fosters corrective instincts for future attempts.
Brain system involved: This practice utilizes your executive function (for critical thinking and self-assessment) and working memory (for temporary storage and manipulation of information).
To get all School of Disc Golf blog posts in your inbox, go to the main blog page, enter your email, and hit FOLLOW.
Occasional Distraction-Free Practice
What it is: Set aside practice time where you eliminate all distractions like music, chatter, or media.
This is good advice for me personally, and probably most others with ADHD. Unless I make a point to NOT do it, I’m usually juggling multiple sensory inputs like music, a screen or two, and my Kindle. It wouldn’t seem strange to me to try to listen to a podcast while practice putting, but doing so obviously limits the amount of attention and focus available for putting practice.
Why it works: Practicing in a quiet environment sharpens your attention and significantly improves your internal focus on the task at hand.
Brain system involved: This technique trains your reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem that plays a key role in regulating attention, arousal, and sleep-wake cycles.
Next up in this 4.5-part series will be a collection of 4 tips and drills to assist with emotional regulation and mental recovery. If you’ve experienced anything during a round of disc golf that you later thought of as melting down or freezing up, all of them are worth trying.
To read the first two posts in this series, go to the blog and search “neuroscience,” or just click these links for the first one and the second.
Please subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram (@SchoolOfDiscGolf) to see accompanying videos, disc golf interviews, product reviews, and much more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I teach and coach all aspects of disc golf, and my favorite clients are the ones who will leave no stone unturned in their quest to reach their full disc golf potential. Although they all eagerly absorb and attempt to follow my instruction, part of leaving no stone unturned is a burning desire to know why, in addition to what.
Any type of scientific or mathematic corroboration that supports a theory I present or results I claim to see are treated like an unmistakable trail of breadcrumbs on the road to progress.
For example, when I started using TECHDISC to work with my clients.
It’s one thing to announce a breakthrough based on my observation, and quite another to show them that their RPM just jumped from 750 to 950 after a suggested tweak.
My clients trust me, but that doesn’t stop the hungry and inquisitive ones from seeking out, let’s say, confirming sources. This led Brett – perhaps the hungriest among them – to seek out more info on my teachings about the mental side of the game, the importance of eye contact, visualization, and other less talked-about aspects of competitive disc golf.
Brett put his faith in me, and he’s gotten great results. He’s very happy. But it was not quite enough for him to see that something worked; he wanted to know why, reasoning that a better understanding will result in better implementation.
I agree! That’s why I’m excited to share with you results of some research he did into disc golf and neuroscience, with the help of AI. I will also add my own corroborating thoughts, and link to past posts and videos where I introduced the same concepts, minus the neuroscience, over the past 18 years. Brett’s data was broken into four sections, so I am going to write 4 blog posts – starting with this one – covering each of the 18 nuggets he unearthed. Thanks Brett!
Part 1: Sharpening Your Aim, Focus, and Execution in Disc Golf
In disc golf, every throw counts, and the difference between success and failure on any given throw often comes down to mental preparation and execution. Drawing on neuroscience, here are four powerful techniques to enhance your aiming, focus, and overall shot execution.
Target Lock (Motor Priming)
What to do: Before putting, stare intently at a single chain link or a tiny spot on the pole itself. Then keep staring at that link until the disc is well out of your hand. Keeping your head stationary helps with this as well, like a camera on a tripod.
The same applies to all throws. If you have trouble gauging how far an upshot is and how hard to throw, try keeping your eyes locked on the whole time, if possible. Same with drives. Your eyes should be on the target except for the fraction of a second it takes to get your torso loaded for the throw, and even then they should be straining to reconnect with the target.
In this seven-part sequence of Paul McBeth driving, you’ll see that on in image 4 do his eyes leave the target, and even then they are as close as his neck will allow.
Why it works: This technique effectively primes your motor cortex, preparing your body for the precise movement required. It helps to subconsciously align your body towards your intended target. You can definitely notice this during a putt, where your eye contact will sometimes cause a steering or power adjustment at the very last millisecond.
I’ve been talking about this one a lot lately, so having bigger words to sound more convincing should speed things up. It seems I did involve science in this post back in 2023, but I’d since forgotten all the details!
Brain system involved: This process engages the visual-motor loop and the premotor cortex, which is crucial for planning and executing voluntary movements.
Breath Control (4–6 Breathing)
What to do: Prior to making key throws, practice a specific breathing pattern: inhale for 4 seconds, then exhale for 6 seconds. Or inhale for six, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. Try both!
When we say “key throws,” we really mean high pressure throws, and this exercise is proven to help when the moment threatens to be too big for us. We may not know we’re tightening up until it’s too late, so think of this as a worthwhile, quick, and simple preventative measure. Use your own competitive history as a guide, like the guy who takes a pill to prevent heartburn before he eats three chili dogs with extra onions. He lived and learned, and can we.
I touched on this subject, sort of, back in 2016, in this post about dealing with pressure putts. I didn’t mention the breathing technique or any other physiological solution, but my technique of removing all context and thinking of only the physical action likely produces a similar calming effect. But this breathing technique is certainly easier to implement.
Why it works: This controlled breathing technique is designed to activate your Vagus nerve, which plays a significant role in regulating internal organ functions. This activation helps to lower your heart rate and, in turn, stabilize your mechanics for a smoother throw.
In other words, it can help you get out of your own way and putt the same with the match on the line as you do in your back yard.
Brain system involved: The effectiveness of this method lies in its ability to influence the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” functions, promoting a calm state.
Time Dilation via Intentional Slowdown
What to do: Consciously slow down your movements both immediately before (but mind that 30-second rule) and after taking your shots.
Have you ever reflected after a disastrous hole that things seemed to move at a faster speed as they unraveled, or said to someone “I don’t know what I was thinking!”
If it helps you slow down, do like Happy Gilmour and go to your Happy Place.
Why it works: By deliberately slowing your pace, you create an opportunity for your brain to engage more deeply in decision-making. This prevents rushed or reactive movements.
Brain system involved: This technique leverages the prefrontal cortex’s ability to override limbic reactivity. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for executive functions like planning and decision-making, while the limbic system is associated with emotional responses.
I’m pretty sure this is what I was thinking when I posted Mind Control in Disc Golf back in 2021. I didn’t know prefrontal cortex trumps limbic reactivity back then, but from experience I knew we have the ability to anticipate and prepare for emotional spikes
Visualization + Execution (Mental Rehearsal)
What to do: Before physically throwing, vividly picture your entire throw in your mind with as much detail as possible.
This can work using your normal viewpoint (through your own eyes), and also by viewing yourself from an outside-the-body perspective. For instance, I currently first visualize the path want the disc to take, then visualize my body displaying the appropriate mix of balance, power, and timing during the throw, complete with the full follow-through.
I found one blog post from back in 2009 with visualization in the title, and it gives a short first-person (me) account of how powerful this technique can be. Here’s another personal testimony: My biggest margin of victory in a PDGA event (7 strokes, 10 strokes? I forget) was in 1998 at the San Francisco Safari. I used deep visualization on every throw, and I’ve never been so mentally spent after a round.
Why it works: Mental rehearsal is incredibly powerful because it activates the very same neural pathways in your brain that would be used during the actual physical action. This helps to pre-program your body for success.
Brain system involved: Key brain regions involved in this process are the motor cortex (responsible for planning, control, and execution of voluntary movements) and the cerebellum (which plays a role in motor control, coordination, and precision).
Give these tips some thought, and let me know if they help. Part 2 in this series will focus on Skill Learning and Efficient Practice.
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!
DGPT player Sintija Klezberga took the SAGA test and learned that she was losing strokes by using a run-up when it wasn’t needed, among other things.
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.
Shown here are a few sample questions from the SAGA test, which covers all aspects of competitive disc golf including decision-making, throwing ability, and emotional control
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.
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.
Image captured from Idio’s website.
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.
Are you ready to take your pursuit of better disc golf to the next level? Yeah?
Keep reading!
This post provides additional information to pair with TechDisc Talk Episode #1, the 8-minute video below in which we explain how the mindblowing TechDisc platform changes your game by revolutionizing your understanding of your throws.
After working directly with dozens of clients using a TECHDISC, I don’t hesitate to recommend the product and platform to everyone, with one caveat: It isn’t like Invisalign, magically correcting your over-right (Get it? Over-right/overbite?) by being under your pillow while you sleep. The disc itself can’t help you at all, in fact. But you can’t use The Platform without it.
The TECHDISC Launch Monitor Pro measures speed, spin rate, angles, and much more!
If you’re not yet familiar, TechDisc is a hardware/software platform that includes a disc with sensors in the center of a disc that measure the forces and angles during a throw. The data is transmitted to a web app that determines the throw type and calculates six throw metrics and a simulated flight.
The Six Key Metrics: Unlocking the Secrets of Disc Flight
TechDisc tracks six crucial metrics that together with the simulated disc flight numbers mathematically describe a throw: Speed, Spin, Nose Angle, Hyzer Angle, Launch Angle, and Wobble. Understanding these metrics is essential for training and improving your disc golf game. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
Speed: Measured in MPH or KMH, speed indicates how fast the disc moves through the air. Generally, more speed equates to more distance, assuming identical throws. However, higher speed can also make a disc fly more understable.
Spin: Tracked in TechDisc as rotations-per-minute, spin helps the disc remain straighter by resisting turn and fade, potentially increasing distance. Higher spin stabilization creates a more stable flight.
Nose Angle: Also known as “Angle of Attack,” nose angle measures the back-to-front pitch of the disc relative to the oncoming air. A positive nose angle (nose-up) increases lift and drag, causing the disc to travel high and drop quickly. An ideal nose angle for flat distance throws is around -2° to -3°8.
Launch Angle: Launch angle is the angle of the disc’s flight compared to the ground. Ideal launch angles depend on the nose angle and speed of the disc. For instance, for a 60 MPH throw, an 8° to 10° launch angle combined with a -3° to -5° nose angle is optimal for distance. I’ll keep that in mind the next time I throw 60!
Hyzer Angle: Hyzer angle refers to the side-to-side angle of the disc from the thrower’s perspective. It’s the main metric that controls the right and left movement of the disc in flight. Maximum distance throws usually have a slight Anhyzer angle for most of the flight, fading to Hyzer towards the end.
Wobble: Wobble refers to the Off-Axis Torque applied to a disc during a throw. It introduces turbulence, inducing drag and creating a more chaotic, unpredictable flight. Wobble often correlates with low spin rate or low Advance Ratio. Consider how a spinning top’s wobble increases as its spin rate decreases.
The Advance Ratio
Advance Ratio is a calculated (spin times disc radius over speed) TechDisc metric that shows the relationship between spin and speed for a given throw and is a good measure of optimal spin rate. An Advance Ratio of 50% is a good target for a backhand throw, and 30% is a good target for a forehand throw. The body mechanics involved in proper backhand form create more spin than forehand throws, on average.
Utilizing TechDisc for Improvement
Understanding these metrics on a basic level is all that’s required at first. After that, TechDisc will deepen that understanding so you can ask and answer the right questions about your own game. The real power of TechDisc lies in its ability to help you translate this knowledge into tangible improvements on the course. Here’s how:
Identify areas for improvement: By analyzing your TechDisc data, you can pinpoint specific areas where your technique is lacking. For example, if you consistently have low spin rates, you can focus on drills to emphasize snap, like our Asynchronous Drill.
Experiment with different techniques: The TechDisc platform allows you to experiment with different throwing techniques and see how they affect your metrics. This can help you optimize your form for maximum distance and accuracy, and test new theories on how to throw flatter/faster/further.
Track your progress: Since the platform stores all your data, it also allows you to track your progress over time. This provides valuable feedback and motivation to keep you on track.
use both the Techdisc App and Website
The smart disc can connect via Bluetooth to the TechDisc app and an account logged into techdisc.com on a web browser, with captured data stored on the same servers. Both ways of capturing throws and accessing the data have their uses. The app offers portability and several bells and whistles, while the browser interface is device-neutral and houses the Flight Simulator.
The Flight Simulator
TechDisc offers a free Flight Simulator for anyone to use. With it, users can:
Create virtual disc profiles with flight numbers and weight, then simulate throws to see how they behave
Modify metrics (speed, spin, hyzer angle, etc.) to understand their impact on flight
Get concrete, actionable answers to questions like “How close am I to throwing 300 feet?” and “What changes are easiest to make or most impactful?”
As a disc golf instructor and writer, I’m probably more excited about TechDisc than most because it opens up an entirely new avenue for explaining and understanding disc flight.
Understanding disc flight, in and of itself, is half of the equation to achieving longer, straighter throws. Throwing mechanics account for the other half. This means that potentially half of your possible improvement right now can be achieved without getting any better. Only smarter!
Expect more posts that get into specific TechDisc features and uses, and please subscribe to our fledgling YouTube channel to see more of our rough and ready content!
If you’re ready to experience the difference that having a private disc golf coach can make, book your first lesson or sign up for remote coaching today!
We’ve got another episode of the School of Disc Golf Crib Notes vlog series, where we share simple (sometimes easy, sometimes not) tips that can make a big difference in your disc golf game. Today’s topic is all about a radical concept that just might deliver your next Big Moment: Ignoring the score.
Have you ever felt the pressure mounting as you get closer to finishing a round with a personal best score? Maybe it’s beating your older brother for the first time after years of trying. Or the flip side, where early-round mistakes or bad breaks make you uber-aware of exactly how many birdies you need to get back to par.
These common experiences can be a major distraction, bad enough to turn some players off to competitive play for good.
Here’s the thing: when you start thinking about your overall score, you’re setting yourself up for potential failure. The mind must be fully focused on the task and nothing else. This isn’t just for disc golf. In all sports, or even in situations where precise execution is critical — like a bomb-defusing specialist, as an extreme example — focusing on the task at hand and not the potential outcome, is paramount. You can’t do that while also thinking about the ramifications of failure, or even what’s for lunch. And worst of all, you cannot do it while also thinking about the SCORE!
If you don’t want your round to blow up in your face, that is. Ha. Haha.
Moving on . . .
The core object of golf is to score the lowest you can on each individual hole. Tracking the total score over a certain number of holes is merely a construct created so we humans could scratch our competitive itch.
Therefore, except for rare exceptions, ignore the score!
This might seem counter-intuitive, but disc golf is no different than other endeavors in this regard. Think of a tightrope walker focusing on their next step, not the potential fall. Or a surgeon concentrating on the procedure, rather than the potential consequences. When it comes to performance, the mind needs to be singularly focused.
So, how do you train yourself to ignore the score? Just like you can teach your body to throw further, you can teach your mind not to dwell on your total score. It takes time and effort to change a habit.
I remember the day I became determined to accomplish this feat. At first, I noticed that I was thinking about the wrong thing only after the disc left my hand. The next step had me noticing this just before the disc left my hand, too late to stop the throw. After that, there was a stage where I realized in plenty of time that I was thinking about the wrong things but couldn’t stop myself from throwing anyway.
Finally, finally, I reached the point where I was not only better at thinking about the right things at the start of my routine; I was also better at identifying distracting thoughts and replacing them with the right ones. Sometimes a reset is required.
Just so you know, this is not like riding a bike— learn once and you’re good. Controlling these types of thoughts is like weight training. Slack off and you get weaker. I know this first-hand.
The mind needs to be fully focused on the task at hand, and nothing else.
Episode #001 of Crib Notes explains one of several methods I’ve used to help clients past the broader obstacle of thinking about anything but mechanics when it comes time to execute the shot. You can watch the short vid, but here’s the crux: When it comes to the ongoing cycle of assessment, planning, and execution during a round, divide yourself into two halves.
Player 1 does all the assessing and planning, while Player 2 focuses solely on execution, free from any second guesses or fear. But knowing the score does NEITHER OF THEM any good. Knowing the score easily leads to Player 2 tightening up; that much should be obvious by now.
The knowledge is just as dangerous to Player 1. They might make risky, pressing decisions based on the context of that moment in the round rather than characteristics of the hole, current weather conditions, and a carefully considered game plan. This reasoning even extends to not knowing the number of throws during a hole. How does knowing whether you’re lying 2 or 3 help you decide between the narrow gap straight or the wider opening 60 degrees left of the target? How can it help you execute the shot?
You can try our Player 1/Player 2 routine, or come up with one of your own. It’s just relatable packaging for the age-old challenge of being present and not tense in the moments that matter most. This will allow your mind to focus on your mechanics, which leads to better results.
There are exceptions to the policy, of course. If you’re playing an event that uses the match-play format, you need to know the score. If it’s down to the last hole or two and circumstances might dictate a different play than normal, you might want to know the score. Then again, like my buddy Assaf when he won his first PDGA event, you might stick with the “Ignorance is Bliss” mantra to the end.
However you choose to employ it, having the developed ability to “Ignore the Score” will help you to stay present, focus on each shot, and allow your training to shine through. It will prevent you from sabotaging a great round because you are too worried about getting a new personal best!
Ready to Get Better at Disc Golf, One Shiny Nugget at a Time?
Check out the ongoing School of Disc Golf Crib Notes video series on YouTube, and be sure to follow us on YouTube and Instagram for more great disc golf tips and inspiration!
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.
The holiday season is here, with it our curated gift guide. Find the perfect gift for the disc golfer in your life—or introduce someone new to the sport! From BIG gifts to stocking stuffers, we’ve got you covered with options for every skill level and budget.
TECHDISC measures speed, spin rate, angles, and much more!
Most products and experiences come with first-hand reviews, and our breakdown addresses a number of gift recipient categories. Plus, when you shop here you’re supporting our goal to help as many people as possible discover disc golf. So thanks from us, and them!
Whatever you do, don’t buy discs as a gift for disc golfers. We are very particular about our discs! Opening up our guide are some big ticket items and extravagant gestures.
BIG Gifts for Disc Golf Enthusiasts
Fully Immersive Disc Golf Simulator
Shop Now Let them experience disc golf like never before with a fully immersive simulator. Perfect for practicing during the off-season or hosting indoor competitions, this top-tier gift is a dream come true for any serious disc golfer.
X-Step Pro Turf Teepad
Shop Now Bring the feel of a professional course to your backyard or local practice area. This durable, high-quality turf teepad makes a great upgrade for any player serious about refining their form. When we built our course at Chaminade, we wanted the best teepad material for safety and durability. Turf is it, baby!
Disc Golf Group Event
Shop Now Imagine including a private disc golf event on a private course as part of a special birthday or engagement/wedding gathering. You can even include custom discs printed with your choice of image to use and keep.
Family Disc Golf Lesson
Shop Now Share the joy of learning and playing disc golf as a family! Tailored to all ages and skill levels, this private lesson offers a unique and memorable experience for everyone.
Gifts for Disc Golf Beginners
Disc Golf Gift Bundles
Shop Now Everything a beginner needs to get started! These curated bundles include essential discs and accessories to jumpstart their disc golf journey. A perfect introduction to the sport.
Private Disc Golf Lessons
Shop Now Give the gift of personalized coaching! Private lessons tailored to skill level and goals make an excellent introduction to disc golf for newcomers.
Author-Signed Disc Golf Books
Shop Now A thoughtful gift for both players and book lovers, these signed copies add a personal touch to any holiday gift exchange.
Gifts for Die Hard Disc Golfers
TECHDISC Smart Disc Golf Disc
Shop Now Upgrade their game with the TECHDISC smart disc, offering real-time data tracking to help players improve their form and performance. I use this personally as well as with clients on a nearly daily basis, and it can be a game changer. For two years now it has been the hands-down coolest disc golf gadget.
16×10 Visionary x DGPT Pro Disc Golf Net
Shop Now Perfect for at-home practice, this robust net is ideal for honing skills during the off-season or perfecting accuracy year-round. It’s also a great warm-up net for tourneys with tee times.
10×10 Visionary x DGPT Pro Disc Golf Net
Shop Now Compact and durable, this 10×10 practice net is still plenty big; a versatile addition to any die-hard disc golfer’s toolkit. I have an 8X8 from Visionary and it is lightweight, stable, and breaks down and goes up fast. Even better, the catching hole is placed for disc golf, not golf or baseball.
Hi-Top Disc Golf Shoes
Shop Now Engineered for maximum support and traction, these hi-top shoes are perfect for navigating even the toughest disc golf courses. As one of the advance testers I’ve been playing with these for six months now and I can attest to their comfort and support. Plus the lace stash is cool!
Disc Golf Shoes
Shop Now Designed with disc golfers in mind, these shoes combine durability, comfort, and grip to help players perform at their best. I’ve used these off and on since the first version came out several years ago, and they deliver on promises both general (water resistance and lightness) and disc golf specific.
bushnell Disc Golf Rangefinder
Shop Now Help them dial in their distance with pinpoint accuracy. This rangefinder is a must-have for players looking to improve their strategy and performance in all ways possible.
I play mostly on wooded courses, and when I visit a wide open course distances can be tough to judge. The Bushnell disc golf rangefinder solves that problem whether I’m in the U.S.(feet) or the rest of the disc golfing world (meters).
Author-Signed Disc Golf Books
Shop Now A thoughtful gift for both players and book lovers, these signed copies add a personal touch to any holiday gift exchange. I signed these as they are ordered, and am happy to include a custom inscription. Just ask!
School of Disc Golf owner Jack Tupp has written two acclaimed books on disc golf.
Stocking Stuffers for Disc Golfers
Idio Disc Golf Apparel and Accessories
Shop Now From hats to socks and 9 different t-shirt designs, Idio’s range of accessories offers something for every player. Perfect for adding a little flair to their gear collection.
disc golf in comfort and style
icemule coolers
Shop Now IceMule offers a wide range of styles, all built to handle the rigors that typical disc golf courses routinely dish out.
CEP Compression sportswear
Shop Now If you know a disc golfer who loves to play but is limited by a nagging injury, the right piece of compression wear may make a big difference. So, if you want ’em out of the house a little more often, this could be just the ticket!
ace pickleball
Shop Now If you ARE a disc golfer whose partner wants you to join them in exploring pickleball, resist the urge to get them discs! Instead, play the long game and get ’em some paddles and balls or whatever. They’ll be grateful, finally try disc golf, and Bam! They’re hooked.
Wrap It Up with a Gift Card!
Need one last thing, or something in e-gift format? A gift card to our shop or any of our partners above will show you cared enough to seek out and find a very special gift related to their number one passion (besides you).
Subscribe to our blog to receive the popular FrisbeeGolf Friday! newsletter, instructional posts, and more, right in your inbox.
