Putting Skills

How to Putt

Putting is a skill that takes a lot of practice to be able to do well and consistently.

There are a few really simple principles that if you follow will help you to develop good habits from the word go.

One of these is to always image you are shaking hands with the basket when you follow through. This is probably the best tip you will ever hear.
 

There is no specific technique for putting - you will see many different styles accross the world of disc golf.

It is a very personal thing and you need to find a technique that feels comfortable and most importantly is dependable.

Once you have technique stick with and practice it hundreds and thousands of times, It will become like a well oiled machine.

Although there are many styles all of the best putters generally share many of the following;

Routine

Like in ball golf, snooker, darts, free throw shooting in basketball, many players will have a set routine before they throw.

• The way you approach the marker
• How you position your feet
• The number of practice swings you take
• A word, phrase or thought you have in your head before you throw.

This routine you should do exactly as you do in practice - it wants to be fairly short and simple so if you are disturbed, you can start again and not feel rushed with the 30 second rule.

It is a fine balance between keeping dynamic, not getting to static and focussing 100% on the putt.

Balance

All good putting strokes focus on a good balanced base

Weight Transfer

Especially when a bit further away from the target, driving your weight into the shot will help emmensely as you are not having to throw too hard.

Long Smooth Stroke

In the action of throwing a long smooth stroke will be more accurate than a short snappy throw.

Rhythm

This will help to stay smooth and balanced.

Visualisation

You should be only seeing the disc flying on the exact path you want into the heart of the chains.  you should know it's in before your throw!

Thought Process

Never pocess negative thoughts about missing, fearing a 10ft return or rolling away or remembering you haven't holed anything yet today, will all add unwanted pressure and you need to try to put them from your mind
so;
Positive, calm, focussed and confident will see them raining in!

Practice

Now practice, practice, practice! read about chris's preparation for the final showdown of 2008 - becoming BDGA Amateur champion here.