Infinite Discs

School of Disc Golf Crib Notes, Episode #2: Ignore Your Score!

February 12, 2025February 12, 2025 by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, Disc Golf Lessons, disc golf psychology, School of Disc Golf Crib Notes

A Key to Success in Disc Golf and Beyond

What’s up, Disc Golf People?!

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!

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DISCERE LUDERE MELIUS!

Jack Tupp’s curated collection of disc golf news, takes, tips, and stuff for the week of April 14th, 2024

April 19, 2024April 23, 2024 by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc reviews, FrisbeeGolf Friday

Hey there, it’s been a minute, but welcome back to FrisbeeGolf Friday!

Kristin Tattar, as usual, teed off in the final group in today’s DGPT event in Nashville. She isn’t in the lead after round 1, but that will probably change. Her events always have the feel of the fastest runner in a relay race who is behind when she is handed the baton and immediately begins steadily stalking the pack. A few moments of observation is enough to see the inevitability of it all.

I am a huge fan of Tattar because she focuses on playing disc golf at the highest level rather than the many ancillary opportunities that come with success on the course. Specifically, she is driven by the quest for lower scores rather than the need to constantly “produce content.”

*Kristin Tattar’s eyes are on the prize. Photo: DGPT.*

Our sport has a history of top players allowing these two elements to become imbalanced after achieving a level of success, along with others who use disc golf as a vehicle for their “platform” from the get-go. Brodie Smith leaps to mind as an example of the latter, but as I wrote back in 2020 to each their own. His sidekick Ezra actually came close to winning a week or two ago, so who says you can’t have it all, at least for a little while?

How cool is it, though, to watch an elite athlete practice their craft, dedicated to squeezing every drop from the massive reservoir of potential with which they were blessed?

Check out this recent interview of Tattar to see why I think she is unlikely to fall from her current level of play anytime soon. If her competitors want to see those steely eyes on the lead card less often they will need to come up to her. Barring injury, I see the Kristin Tattar disc golf machine continuing to roll along.

jack tupp disc photo

I love capturing disc golf in photos. This one of my pal A. seems to resemble a ball golf swing follow-through as he arcs his back to execute a technical turnover upshot using just the right mix of extra spin and angle.

jack tupp disc golf terminology

In case you missed it, my most recent instructional post explains “Arm Brain,” a term used here at School of Disc Golf. I made it up one day in a lesson as I was attempting to explain an athlete’s tendency to revert to old, flawed mechanics— and specifically what things trigger that mistake.

Most of my clients come to me using primarily their arms to throw, and we change that by focusing on improved timing, balance, and use of the largest muscles to supply most of the power. Arm Brain becomes a named adversary for us to resist and overcome by focusing on the action and effort rather than the intended result.

disc golf stuff report

I received a couple pretty exciting packages in the mail this week. First was a copy of the board game Birdie Pro! from Steve Dodge. I am lining up a good group of testers that will include disc golfers, board game junkies, and hopefully a non-disc golfer, if I can find one!

Expect a report on the experience soon.

Two days after receiving the box from New England, another arrived from thousands of miles away in the exact opposite direction— China. A new (to the U.S. market) company called X-Com sent me a selection of their lineup to try, in various plastic blends named for planetary bodies. Mars is premium and Earth is baseline, I believe, with more blends coming. I’m encouraged by the fact that their discs are quite affordable, and available in lighter weights, perfect for developing players. This starter set is a good example.

I’ll share some observations in a post soon, but you can already get your hands on ’em now at Infinite Discs. The molds seem to mostly be named for constellations and planets, but the stamp on this guy caught my eye. We’ll see how he flies!

In another recent post I shared pics of the new model of Idio Syncrasy disc golf shoes I’m testing right now. Yesterday’s round featured great weather, but the ground was still swollen with rainwater and it felt like walking on full sponges in many places. My feet remained completely dry again, which is great, but what I really noticed during this round was the traction and sure-footedness on a wild array of surfaces.

Wet teepads, wet, sloped rock, wet, turf . . . you get the idea. Like the first Idios I tried, these really do feel secure for the sport of disc golf. The difference is especially noticeable compared to a pair of shoes with worn outsoles, which was the case for me. If it’s that time for you, give these a try. They’re made for disc golf!

Watch for the second part of our series on getting the most out of TECHDISC coming soon. We’ll be sharing a couple client testimonials and exploring best practices using the smart disc and app with a net.

in the news

The Disc Golf Pro Tour is eagerly jumping through the necessary hoops to enable sports wagering on professional disc golf. Will this result in our stars being less accessible to the fans— or should it?

The inclusivity of disc golf is still a major selling point, in Missoula and elsewhere.

Amboy, Illinois, is finally getting a disc golf course. At Amboy!

And I’ll wrap up this edition of FrisbeeGolf Friday by saying thank you to Brooklyn O’Kafka, a 13-year old Canadian who will be promoting disc golf to her classmates along with free discs from sponsor Latitude64. Keep up the great work, Brooklyn!

Team Infinite 2024— Jack Tupp is in, and in good company

January 19, 2024January 19, 2024 by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf

The first year I represented Infinite Discs, things were quite different. The company had just come out with its first few Infinite-branded discs, no one had heard of COVID-19 yet, and the new Team Infinite was comprised of regional pros (mostly in and around the company’s Utah HQ) and disc golf community leaders. No touring pros.

Fast forward to 2024, and the team now includes 14 players who are either full-time tour players or names we know through the tour. James Proctor, who us NorCal players claim as our own, was all over Disc Golf Network coverage last year. Drew Gibson and Chandler Fry are characters of the game and recent DGPT event winners. This speaks to Infinite Disc’s success and growth, for sure, but I think it also reflects the growing appeal of not being tied down to throwing discs from one manufacturer.

Team Infinite also includes a carefully curated set of people who are first and foremost ambassadors of the sport, and I’m proud to once again be included in that group. I’ve won at least one PDGA event for several years in a row, so I like to think that has something to do with my inclusion as well. As the years go by, though, the weight of my goals in the sport are slowly shifting from mastering the craft and topping my competitors to simply helping others enjoy the game. To be recognized as an ambassador for the sport is an honor.

*Jack Tupp is a member of Team Infinite 2024*

In case you’re wondering, I throw a mega-mixed bag that includes way too many O-O-P (out of production) discs, but that’s another story. My bag also includes several Infinite molds. The Scarab is my primary putter, and the Tomb serves a specialty role in my bag, providing a stiffer option to my default soft Vibram Ridge for most approaches. I also love the Sphinx as it feels like a faster Roadrunner.

If I had to throw discs from one manufacturer, it would be a huge change and feel like a major constriction of my options. As a touring pro there would need to be significant compensation for that disruption and limitation. Kudos to Infinite Discs for letting their sponsored players throw whatever they feel helps them execute their shots— it actually makes sense for them, anyway.

As I wrap up my Team Infinite announcement and hail Infinite’s non-exclusive approach to sponsorship, allow me to also recognize a pioneer of this thinking (and other things in disc golf, like players creating their own disc companies). Steve Rico decided to throw a mixed bag back in THE 1990’s. At the time it meant going without a sponsor. Hopefully that kind of logical and independent decision making isn’t why this OG isn’t in the HOF.

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Disc golf driving: The lowdown on run-ups (and why you maybe shouldn’t use one yet)

January 8, 2021February 11, 2021 by frisbeebrain, posted in backhand, DaLearning Curve, DeLaveaga, disc golf, disc golf book, disc golf form, disc golf instruction, Disc Golf Technique, instruction

Nearly all disc golfers, from touring pros to those brand new to the game, use some type of run-up as part of their backhand drives. Most shouldn’t, though- at least not until they master the fundamental basics crucial to both power and consistency.

I see too many players who try to incorporate a throw into their run-up rather than the other way around. In other words, they seem to be approaching it as “How can I throw a disc while walking (or galloping)?” Crazy.

Why is this mistake so common? Because we tend to imitate what we see the majority of others do, for one thing. Add to that the way most teepads look like little runways, encouraging the player to start at the back, gain some momentum, and launch the disc near the front. Also, most new players crave more distance and it seems like getting a running start is a good way to get it.

The assumption is that the run-up is a crucial part of the drive, but in reality it is not. In fact, for players who don’t yet have a good grasp of proper weight transfer, timing, balance, and the use of larger muscles (rather than just their throwing arm), using a run-up hurts more than it helps. This is true in the short term as well as the long term.

Kesler Martin of Infinite Discs demonstrates proper weight transfer and timing on this drive during the 2019 Masters Cup. In the second frame his plant foot has just landed and he has kept his weight back, shoulders turned, and disc in the reach-back position, ready for the Big Boom.

Let’s talk short term first. You’re on the tee on a hole that requires a full-powered drive. Naturally you employ a run-up because that’s what any player would do when needing to achieve their max distance, right? Wrong. First of all, a perfectly executed backhand drive that includes a run-up adds 15 to 20 percent of distance compared to the same throw without the footwork. That’s the best case scenario.

Think of it as a math equation. That little bit of forward momentum you get by striding or even galloping into your throw adds slightly to the speed of the disc as it’s thrown- but ONLY if you’ve figured out how to keep your weight back even as your feet are taking steps forward. On top of that you need to time it perfectly so your launch occurs just after your plant foot hits the ground. If you’re off, even by a little, you won’t get the extra power (might even lose power) and your release point is apt to be off as well, causing the disc to fly in the wrong direction.

I see too many players who try to incorporate a throw into their run-up rather than the other way around.

As for the long-term damage of using a run-up off the tee (or in the fairway) before learning proper basics, it’s simple. Adding that extra layer of complication often means a player will never learn the basics. At the risk of being both trite and corny, you really do have to learn to walk before you can run. Or in this case, throw properly before you can walk or run (up).

I have one more thing for you to consider on this subject. The surest way to throw with accuracy is to keep things as simple as possible. Even a full-power standing drive requires the thrower to take their eyes off the target for a brief second. We accept this trade-off when necessary, but shouldn’t turn away from the target when it is not. A proper run-up using the x-step/scissor step footwork requires the thrower to turn away from the target and synchronize that footwork with the timing of the throw. If an upshot can be executed confidently with only your arm and without turning your head, that’s what you should do. Likewise, if you can drive a hole without a run-up, why add that unnecessary complication?