My own form, admittedly, is not perfect. Anybody I play with on a regular basis will testify to this. But, I can throw over 350 feet and will endeavor to describe the proper form to you.

Many people have undertaken the project of writing instructions and descriptions on this subject. Most of them have done a very good job. The problem with written instructions for this is that good driving form is easier to learn by watching somebody do it and then trying it yourself, not by reading about it. After you read this article, you need to go to your course and watch other players who you know to be better than you. 90% of the "pro" players that I know will be very happy to let you tag along with them for a round of golf every now and then, especially if you tell them that you are working on your form and would appreciate their advice and critique while watching you drive. These people have spent many, many hours working on their form and are eager to subject you to their wisdom. There is also a good video on disc golf basics, "How to Play Disc Golf" by John Houck, which does show instruction on driving, among other things (I have this video, and it really is good). You can get this video by mail order through IFO, who happens to be one of our advertisers in this issue. See their ad to get in touch with them.

I'm reminded of a current commercial about ball golf which features Tiger Woods. He starts off by saying how simple golf really is, and says all there is to driving a golf ball is teeing it up, and swinging through nice and smooth. And, oh, by the way, don't forget to have you left arm straight. And, oh, by the way, don't forget to lift your left heel. And, oh, by the way, don't forget to keep your head down. He then proceeds to give you about a hundred little things to think of during the 2 seconds of swinging a club. Disc golf is the same. Spend some time learning the right way to do it, so it will become second nature to you and you do not have to think about it. You will have enough to worry about when you are trying to aim between the two trees you want to fly between that are 350 feet away.

There are several aspects to a good drive: 1) grip, 2) run up, 3) arm speed, 4) pull back & pull through. All of these need to work together in a coordinated, smooth, and rhythmic manner which will produce powerful and accurate drives. One thing to keep in mind, when I first started trying to learn good form (10 years ago), I was playing everyday. It took me 3 months to get comfortable with the technique, and another 3 to become semi-accurate with it. If you are willing to dedicate yourself to it (it may take less time for you, as some would say I am uncoordinated) your scores will start to dive well under par.

All descriptions given are assuming a right handed person throwing with their right hand, in a back hand motion (not side arm). Lefties just reverse the ideas, you backwards, wrong-handed, upside-down writing people.

One: Grip

You need to be using the "power grip." The power grip has the forefinger under the rim of the disc. If your forefinger rests along the outside rim of the disc, that is called a "control grip." Having your finger out there will rob at least 20% power from your throw when you release it. It is ok to use the control grip on up shots or very short drives, but once you get used to the power grip, you will prefer to use it on all shots (some even putt with it, but not me).

You should grip the disc tightly when you drive. Not so tight that you distract yourself, but tight enough that the muscles in your hand and forearm are flexed well.

Two: Run-Up

This is the part where you need to be coordinated, smooth, and somewhat rhythmic. Some players even take a running start before going into the classic run-up. I don't do this, nor do I recommend it, because I get out of control when I try it. For some people, though, it does help them get a rhythm. When I am feeling particularly out of rhythm, or unsure of a drive, I will bounce on the balls of my feet or shuffle my feet a little bit to get my rhythm before I start my run-up.

I have heard the proper run-up called a 3-step run-up, or X-step run-up, or Scissor-step run-up. They all refer to the same steps.

The 3-step run-up is really all about proper weight distribution and leverage to generate more momentum and power, and allowing for a proper pull back of the disc to maximize disc speed upon release. Being in control and balanced will also give you accuracy.

Start at the back of the tee pad. Whether you stand toward the middle, or right, or left will depend upon which way you want the disc to fly. You will learn this with experience. If you stand on the bottom right side, and make your run up across the tee pad and finish on the top left of the tee pad, it is a little easier to turn the disc over. Likewise, if you start at the bottom left, and make your run up across the tee pad and finish